Agawa Canyon Train Tour 27

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel comfortably aboard our deluxe motor coach as we journey toward Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Known as Canada's second-largest steel-producing city and the third-largest city in Northern Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie is a vibrant port city situated along the St. Mary's River, which forms a natural border between Canada and the United States. This evening, we arrive in Oregon, Ohio, for an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn. Dinner is included with a variety of dining options conveniently located within easy walking distance of the hotel, including both popular fast-food restaurants and full-service dining establishments.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for the Canadian-U.S. border, so please have your PASSPORTS ready! Once across, it is a short drive to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, located along the north bank of the St. Mary's River. Dedicated to preserving the rich history of bush flying and forest protection in Canada, the Centre offers a fascinating and interactive experience. During our guided tour, step inside the massive fuselage of a Canadair aerial tanker (commonly known as a water bomber), climb an authentic fire tower, and even try your hand at a flight simulator. Inside the original 1948-era hangar, you will explore an impressive collection of bush planes while learning about the vital role aviation has played in protecting Canada's vast wilderness. The Centre's dedicated volunteers continue to acquire, restore, and preserve floatplanes, water bombers, and forestry-related artifacts, honoring the legacy of Canada's aviation and forest firefighting pioneers. Following our visit, enjoy a unique dinner surrounded by historic aircraft - an unforgettable setting to share this experience with your fellow travelers. Later, we check in to the Holiday Inn Express, our home for the next two nights. Take time to relax and settle into your comfortable accommodations before enjoying the remainder of the evening at leisure. Do not forget your bathing suit so you can take advantage of the hotel's indoor swimming pool.

Day 3

After breakfast we greet the day by joining our conductor and crew aboard the Algoma Central Railroad for the Agawa Canyon Train Tour. This unforgettable one-day wilderness excursion carries us 114 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, traveling over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes, and rivers, and through the dramatic granite formations and vast mixed forests of the Canadian Shield. As we journey through this remarkable landscape, narration provides insight into the history of the Ojibwe people, as well as the fur traders and early pioneers who first explored the region. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the train continues its descent into the floor of Agawa Canyon, where we disembark to relax, take in the views, or explore the canyon park before returning to Sault Ste. Marie. On board, passengers will enjoy comfortable seating with restrooms available on each coach, and a box lunch is included for your convenience. Upon returning to Sault Ste. Marie, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Dinner is on your own, and our conveniently located downtown hotel is within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

Day 4

After breakfast we depart for the Canadian-U.S. border, so please have your PASSPORTS ready! Once across, it is a short drive to Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This morning, we board our sightseeing vessel for an exciting cruise through the famous Soo Locks, the world's largest locking system. The Soo Locks are a vital engineering link within the Great Lakes, allowing safe passage for freighters, barges, and tugboats that navigate the 21-foot elevation change between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. During our cruise, we experience the unique operation of the locks firsthand as our vessel is raised or lowered with the water level. The excursion includes passage through both the U.S. Locks and the historic Canadian Lock, offering a rare and memorable perspective on this remarkable maritime system. A live narration provides insight into the history, construction, and ongoing importance of the Soo Locks, while also highlighting points of interest along the shorelines of the twin border cities. A box lunch is included on board. Following our cruise, we continue on to the charming town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, known for its rich Bavarian heritage and distinctive gingerbread-style architecture. After checking into the Bavarian Inn Lodge, a beautiful riverside hotel located along the banks of the Cass River, we will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by entertainment at the hotel.

Day 5

After breakfast we begin the day with a visit to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas store. Enjoy time to explore its festive displays and year-round holiday atmosphere, featuring an extraordinary selection of ornaments, décor, and seasonal treasures. Next, we board the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, for a narrated sightseeing cruise along the scenic river. Relax and take in the views as the captain shares the history and highlights of this charming Bavarian-inspired community. Following the cruise, enjoy free time to explore Frankenmuth's distinctive European-style shops, boutiques, and bakeries at your leisure. Later, we continue to Findlay, Ohio, where we check in to the Drury Inn & Suites for the evening. After settling into your accommodations, unwind and refresh before attending the hotel's Manager's Reception, featuring complimentary hot food and cold beverages, including beer, wine, and mixed drinks. After a full and memorable day, relax and enjoy a comfortable night's rest.

Day 6

After breakfast we depart for home, taking with us extraordinary memories of bush flying and forest protection in Canada, an unforgettable scenic wilderness train excursion, and a fascinating cruise through the mighty Soo Locks. Along the way, we reflect on the natural beauty of the regional landscapes we have experienced, as well as the rich history and culture encountered throughout our journey. From the rugged wilderness of northern Ontario to the charm of America's German and Bavarian-inspired towns, this tour has offered a meaningful appreciation of heritage, tradition, and scenic wonder.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner, MR=Manager's Reception