Your trip to Agawa Canyon is changing, eh?
Bonjour from the North — three cities, one corridor, and the stories that don't make it south of Barrie. You know, we talk a lot about the big stuff up here: the jobs at Algoma Steel, the traffic on the International Bridge, the way we wait for winter to finally break. But sometimes, it's the little things, the threads woven into the fabric of our lives, that really catch your eye. This week, it’s about the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, and how a big piece of its operation is picking up and moving.
The Agawa Canyon Tour Train, our pride and joy, especially when the leaves turn fiery red and orange, is relocating its station. Watco, the company running the show, is moving the departure point because their lease at the old station is running out. This train is more than just a ride; it’s a connection to the wilderness, a showcase of the boreal forest, and a massive draw for tourists who come from everywhere to see the Agawa Canyon. It's a signature Sault experience, and for many of us, a family tradition. My mémère used to take us when we were kids, and that ride through the Agawa Canyon, past the mighty St. Marys Rapids, it’s something you never forget.
### What This Means for Sault Ste. Marie
* **New Departure Point:** The new station will be at 99 Huron Street, right near the waterfront, giving passengers more time to enjoy the Agawa Canyon Park itself. This is good news, more time to explore, more time to breathe that fresh Northern air. * **No Change to the Ride:** Watco is clear: the actual train experience, the journey through the Agawa Canyon, that's not changing. The views, the waterfalls, the sheer scale of it all – that remains untouched. * **Economic Impact:** The Agawa Canyon Tour Train is a huge economic driver for the Sault. It brings people right into our downtown, they eat in our restaurants, they stay in our hotels, they buy souvenirs. Keeping this iconic tour strong is vital for our local businesses, especially those along Bay Street and Queen Street.
This isn't just about a train station moving; it’s about adapting, keeping a beloved tradition alive, and making sure one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets continues to thrive. For us in the Sault, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train is a symbol of our connection to the land, a reminder of the wild beauty that surrounds us. It's proof that you don't need to go south of Barrie to find something truly spectacular.
Marc-André Desjardins, MiTL Sports Desk, Sault Ste. Marie.
My buddies on the morning show are always talking about stuff like this – you gotta check them out at mornings.live.