Stays in Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie sits on the St. Marys River across from its Michigan twin, anchored by the shipping locks and the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. Winters bring real cold and snow, summers bring the river and Lake Superior within reach.
Sault Ste. Marie stays cluster around three fixed points: the riverfront strip near the Canal National Historic Site and the International Bridge, the Great Northern Road corridor out toward the airport, and the Trans-Canada Highway motels heading north toward Searchmont. Where a traveller books depends on what pulls them here: the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and the boardwalk favour the downtown and waterfront addresses, the casino and airport traffic favour the highway strip, and anyone heading to Hiawatha Highlands or Searchmont Ski Resort for snow does better booking north of the river. The city runs cold and snow-heavy from December through March and warm through July and August, and hotel amenities split along that line: indoor pools matter most in winter, patios and the riverfront in summer.
Sault Ste. Marie in numbers
4.5Cozy 2BDR Oasis in Ontario's Best Adventure Town
Pet-Friendly · 6 reviews
4.4Ambassador Motel
Spa & Wellness · 133 reviews
4.4Microtel Inn & Suites Sault Ste. Marie
Ski-in/Ski-out · 614 reviews
4.4Trunk Road Motel
Downtown · 468 reviews
4.3Holiday Motel
Family-Friendly · 800 reviews
4.2Northlander Motel
Pet-Friendly · 261 reviews
4.2Quattro Hotel & Conf Centre, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Spa & Wellness · 604 reviews
4.2Super 8 by Wyndham Sault Ste Marie On
Ski-in/Ski-out · 572 reviews
4.2Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Sault Ste. Marie
Spa & Wellness · 171 reviews
4.2Glenview Cottages
Ski-in/Ski-out · 394 reviews
4.1Pine Grove Motel
Pet-Friendly · 162 reviews
4.1Holiday Inn Express - Sault Ste. Marie by IHG
Spa & Wellness · 493 reviews
4.1Sleep Inn
Spa & Wellness · 548 reviews
4.1Delta Hotels by Marriott Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront
Ski-in/Ski-out · 324 reviews
4.0Comfort Inn Sault Ste Marie ON
Pet-Friendly · 211 reviews
4.0Wardens Quarters: 2 Bedroom Apt
Pet-Friendly · 1 reviews
4.0Quality Inn & Suites Bay Front
Spa & Wellness · 1227 reviews
3.8The Water Tower Inn - BW Premier Collection
Spa & Wellness · 379 reviews
3.8Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sault Ste. Marie ON
Spa & Wellness · 822 reviews
3.7Motel 6 Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Pet-Friendly · 716 reviews
3.7Super Nights Inn
Downtown · 259 reviews
3.7NORTHERN MOTEL
Adults-Only · 421 reviews
3.6Adams Motel
Family-Friendly · 71 reviewsWhat to expect
- Waterfront hotels cluster near the Sault Ste. Marie Canal locks and the boardwalk, walking distance to the casino and the Bushplane Heritage Centre
- Great Northern Road strip near the airport suits early departures and groups needing multiple rooms
- Budget motels line the Trans-Canada Highway heading toward Searchmont Ski Resort, about 34 km north
- Hiawatha Highlands offers groomed cross-country trails a few minutes from the Highway 17 cabins and cottages
- Winter (December to March) favours properties with an indoor pool or sauna over a seasonal outdoor one
- The International Bridge to Michigan sits a short drive from most downtown and highway addresses
Local tips
- Book the waterfront strip near the Canal locks if the Agawa Canyon Tour Train or the boardwalk casino is the plan, it is a walk rather than a drive from there.
- Choose a Great Northern Road hotel for an early flight out of Sault Ste. Marie Airport, most sit 18 to 22 minutes from the terminal.
- Confirm an indoor pool specifically for a December to March stay, the seasonal outdoor pools at some cottages close for winter.
- Head north on Highway 17 toward the cabins and motels if Searchmont Ski Resort or Hiawatha Highlands is the reason for the trip.
- Ask about the exact distance to the airport before booking a highway motel, quoted times range from 18 to 30 minutes depending on the block.
- Bring proof of vaccination and check the pet fee in advance if travelling with a dog, several budget motels charge it per night rather than per stay.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
What neighbourhoods are best for staying in Sault Ste. Marie?
The waterfront strip near the Canal locks and boardwalk suits travellers focused on downtown attractions, while the Great Northern Road corridor near the airport suits early flights, and the Trans-Canada Highway heading north suits anyone driving to Searchmont Ski Resort or Hiawatha Highlands.
What is the best time of year to visit Sault Ste. Marie?
September and October bring the Agawa Canyon Tour Train's fall colour season and the busiest hotel demand, while July and August offer warm river weather; December through March is ski and snowmobile season, with cold enough temperatures that an indoor pool matters more than a patio.
How far are Sault Ste. Marie hotels from the airport?
Sault Ste. Marie Airport sits roughly 18 to 30 minutes from most hotels depending on the neighbourhood, with the Great Northern Road corridor generally closest and the Highway 17 motels toward Searchmont furthest.
Are there hotels near the Sault Ste. Marie casino?
Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie sits on the waterfront and several downtown and highway hotels list it within a five to ten minute drive or walk, including properties directly on the boardwalk strip near the Canal locks.
What types of accommodation does Sault Ste. Marie offer?
The city runs from chain hotels with indoor pools along Great Northern Road and the waterfront, to independent motels along the Trans-Canada Highway, to cottages and cabins north of town near Hiawatha Highlands for a more rustic base.
Is Sault Ste. Marie a good base for Searchmont Ski Resort?
Searchmont sits about 34 km north of the city, close enough for a day trip from any Sault Ste. Marie hotel, though nobody in the city itself is truly slopeside; travellers wanting to walk to lifts should book at the resort directly.