Agawa Canyon Train Tour 26

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach towards Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Canada's second largest steel producing city and third largest city in Northern Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie is a port city located on St. Mary's River, which acts as a natural border between Canada and the United States. Before checking into our hotel in Allen Park, Michigan for the night, we are treated to a delicious dinner at The Spaghetti Warehouse Restaurant in Toledo, Ohio, a family-friendly American Italian restaurant.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for the Canadian and U.S.A. border, so have your PASSPORTS ready! Once across the border it is a short ride to the Canadian Bush Plane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Located on the north bank of the St. Mary's River, the Canadian Bush Plane Heritage Centre is dedicated to preserving the history of bush flying and forest protection in Canada. You can stand inside the massive fuselage of a Canadair Aerial Tanker (water bomber, in layman's terms), climb an actual fire tower and take a seat in a flight simulator on your guided tour of the Centre. In the original 1948 era hangar you can view a wide-ranging collection of bush planes on display, all the while learning about the history of bush flying and forest protection in Canada. The Centre's volunteer members who actively acquire, restore, preserve, and display floatplanes, bush planes, water bombers and forest firefighting equipment along with other aviation and forestry-related artifacts in order to celebrate the achievements of Canada's aviation and forest fire fighting pioneers. After checking into the Quality Inn & Suites, our home for the next two nights, relax and refresh in your comfortable and spacious room. Later enjoy dinner on your own at a local restaurant located within easy walking distance of the hotel. Also, be sure to bring your bathing suit and take advantage of the indoor swimming pool at our hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast we greet the day by joining our Conductor and Crew on board the Algoma Central Railroad for the Agawa Canyon Train Tour. We set out to explore the beauty and history of Agawa Canyon on this one-day wilderness excursion that will transport us 114 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes, and rivers and through the awesome granite rock formations and vast mixed forests of the Canadian Shield. As the train winds through the wilderness, narration is provided, and we learn the history of the Ojibwe people, fur traders and pioneers who first explored the area. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the journey continues as the train descends to the floor of Agawa Canyon. You will have the opportunity to disembark the train in the canyon to relax or explore the canyon park before we return to Sault Ste. Marie. On board, you will find restrooms on each coach, comfortable interchangeable seating, and a box lunch is included. After returning to our hotel, dinner is on your own. Our accommodations are conveniently located downtown and is within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

Day 4

After breakfast we depart for the Canadian and U.S.A. border, so have your PASSPORTS ready! Once across the border it is a short ride to the Soo Locks Boat Tours in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This morning, we will climb aboard our tour vessel for an exciting sightseeing tour through the famous Soo Locks, the world's largest locking system. The legendary Soo Locks are a group of mighty Locks that have provided safe passage and a vital shipping connection within the Great Lakes for nearly 160 years. We will get a glimpse of maritime history at the Soo Locks, where freighters, barges, tugboats, and more traverse the 21-foot drop between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Inside the Soo Locks our boat will ride the water as it is raised 21' straight up, to the level of Lake Superior. Our round-trip boat excursion includes lockage through both the giant U.S. Locks and historic Canadian Lock. A live narration explains everything you see, including the history and operation of the Locks. Our boat brings us close to all the sights and points of interest along the shorelines of the twin border cities. A box lunch will be included on your boat cruise. After our cruise settle back, relax and enjoy the scenery on our drive to the unique town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, an enchanting town with a rich Bavarian influence and gingerbread-style architecture. After checking into the Bavarian Inn Lodge, a downtown hotel located on the banks of the Cass River for the night, we are treated to a delicious dinner, followed by entertainment at the hotel.

Day 5

After breakfast we climb aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, an authentic paddle wheel riverboat, for a historical narrated sightseeing cruise. Following our cruise, explore the town's European-influence shops and bakeries. This afternoon we will visit the world's largest Christmas store, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland before we depart for our overnight accommodations in Findlay, Ohio. After checking into the Drury Inn & Suites for the night, you will have time to unwind and freshen up before enjoying the Manager's Reception with free hot food & cold beverages, including beer, wine, and mixed drinks before retiring to your room for a good night's sleep.

Day 6

After breakfast we depart for home taking with us extraordinary memories of bush flying and forest protection in Canada; an amazing scenic wilderness train excursion; a cruise through the massive Soo Locks; the natural beauty of the regional landscapes we traveled through; and a newfound appreciation for America's German and Bavarian heritage and old-fashioned traditions.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner