Ride the Rails through the Magnificent North
Written: Oct 20 '05 (Updated May 30 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: spectacular fall scenery
Cons: very long day-trip that starts before 8am, can be tiring for some
The Bottom Line: Spectacular fall scenery; range of tours available; a must for railroad enthusiasts, photographers, adventurers
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| jc_hall's Full Review: Agawa Canyon Train Tour |
All aboard! My husband and I grinned at one another and settled into the seats of coach no. 5. The train was about to start right on time--on the dot of 8.00am. We had arrived early at the train station, which was well within walking distance of our hotel in downtown Sault St. Marie, Ontario, Canada. There was plenty of time to choose our seats as boarding began at 7am.
The train pulled out of the station (conveniently located at one end of the downtown mall) and began its journey winding through the outskirts of the city. Looking through the picture windows, we watched as the residential and industrial areas slipped away, and it being the first weekend of October, we were soon swept up and surrounded by the incandescent colours of fall.
We’re chugging along on the Algoma Central Railway, originally established in 1899 by American industrialist Francis H. Clergue, and meant to open up the hinterland and transport timber and minerals to fuel his budding industries in Sault St. Marie. While freight is still the backbone of the railway, it is the Agawa Canyon Train Tour that is responsible for its worldwide renown. Since the early 50s, these tours have transported millions of passengers on scenic wilderness excursions and adventures.
The first of numerous milestones (or more accurately, wooden mile plaques) roll by, reminding us that we’re at the beginning of a journey that will take us 114 miles north into the Canadian wilderness. Within minutes of the start of our journey, we pass a lake, mist rising like pillars of smoke to hang suspended in the crisp morning air. The unearthly beauty of the scene before us is mesmerizing, steeped with an almost mystical otherworldliness that is felt as much as it is seen.
We pass many more lakes and rivers along the way, as well as granite rock formations through which the train appears to barely squeeze through. For many miles, we are hemmed in on one side and then the other by trees and bushes flaunting their fiery hues. But somewhere along the line, the train shoots out into the open and tears along tracks supported by giant trestles that soar hundreds of feet above sea level. On either side, wide expanses of lakes and forests stretch as far as the eye can see.
It is easy to understand why these vistas and panoramas inspired some of the leading Canadian artists (including the famous Group of Seven) to create some of Canada’s most notable landscape art.
This rugged land in the north is home to some very hardy people. We pass a few ramshackle stations sited near the edges of lakes and rivers. Fishermen and their families wave to us, their boats moored nearby. There are still trading posts up in these parts, where fur traders, lumberjacks and prospectors plied their trades many moons ago. The Ojibway is one Native American tribe who lives softly upon this land, their mark barely discernible in this unspoiled wilderness.
The history of the area and the railway should be fascinating, but unfortunately, the tour attendant who had the script read it at breakneck speed, and we were unable to decipher most of what she said.
We’re only part way into our outward journey and already we’re hungry. There is a full service dining car on the train, but we had breakfasted early and brought along packed lunches from the hotel. We eye our packed lunches and, with silent assent, devour them before noon. The journey to Agawa Canyon Park takes just over 4 hours, so it was a good thing we have brought along some munchies as well. Apart from full service meals, snacks and drinks are also available for sale in the dining car, and my husband avails himself of the coffee on board.
Just after noon, we coast 500 feet down to the park situated on the floor of the Agawa Canyon, where we will be staying for almost two hours. There’s plenty of time to follow a couple of short trails and sit down for a picnic lunch at one of the many benches scattered around the park’s well-groomed grass.
We grab our camera and follow two trails one after the other: the Beaver Falls Trail and the Bridal Veil Falls Trail. The trails are short, not taxing at all, quite suitable for the entire family. The falls are beautiful and very photogenic. There’s also a climb up over 300 stairs to the breathtaking Lookout platform, perched 250 feet above the tracks, but we didn’t know of this until later. So we took our time strolling along the trails, took a lot of photos, and then bought some food and drinks and sat down on a bench overlooking the Algoma River for a little picnic.
Very soon, it was time to leave. The train ride back took about three and a half hours and we arrived back at the station at around 5.30pm. There’s a little souvenir shop at the station but with all the passengers disembarking at the same time and trying to cram into the tiny shop, we gave up. We did buy some souvenirs before we left Sault St. Marie the next morning at the charming gift shop in the local waterfront Algoma Art Gallery.
Here are some photos we took at Algoma Canyon Park (click ‘select all’, then click ‘view slideshow’):
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/andyctho@rogers.com/album?.dir=/900d&.src=ph
The nitty-gritty:
We had bought a package (click on ‘Packages’ at the official website http://www.agawacanyontourtrain.com/) of two train tickets and two nights’ stay at the downtown City Centre Travelodge. It cost us Cad $204 (~US$174) per person (including taxes) for two nights’ stay. As the train tickets cost Cad $81 (~US$69) per person, we felt it was a good deal. Other downtown hotels within walking distance of the train station are Days Inn and Quality Inn. They are all situated on Bay St.
The package included a ‘passport’ to Sault St Marie attractions-—a book of coupons each, admitting one adult to various local attractions, including the Algoma Art Gallery, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, the Sault St Marie Museum, the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, $3.50 off the Lock Tours Canada Boat Cruises, and $1.00 off the Spruce Haven Zoo.
Here’s more info from the official site:
http://www.agawacanyontourtrain.com/
The Railway also offers a variety of other wilderness by rail adventures, from the awesome one-day winter 'Snow Train' tour to a 'Tour of the Line' on our regular passenger train to Hearst, Ontario, as well as access to remote wilderness fishing lodges, and Agawa Canyon Park 'Camp Car' experience, exclusive luxury by rail 'Private Car' rentals, and incredible 'Tracks to Trails' snowmobile adventures.
PREMIUM DOME CAR SERVICE
Take the tour to a new level aboard our Dome Cars: 'Algoma Country' and the 'Spirit of Superior' where you will enjoy tree top views in a comfortable atmosphere reserved exclusively for Dome Car patrons.
All Dome Car seats are reserved and both cars accommodate 40 persons with seating for 20 in the upper level and 20 in the lower level and are open to passengers 14 years of age and older.
Dome Car patrons receive half day seating in the upper and half in the lower lounge. When making your booking please indicate your preference of morning or afternoon in the upper dome, and a customer service representative will do their utmost to accommodate you.
FALL COLOUR SEASON
Algoma Country is ablaze with colour during the fall! Though peak colour varies with each season, the last two weeks of September and the first week of October can offer the most spectacular colour and should be considered when planning your fall tour. Due to popularity of the fall season, early bookings are recommended.
Related reviews:
Gateway to the Canadian Wilderness
(a review of Sault St Marie, Ontario, Canada)
http://www.epinions.com/content_209203662468
Hidden Island of Tranquillity
(a review of Manitoulin Island)
http://www.epinions.com/content_209348628100
Silent Messengers
(a review of The Inuksuk Book)
http://www.epinions.com/content_209204711044
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Sep - Nov
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Epinions.com ID:
jc_hall
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Member: JC Hall
Location: Toronto, Canada
Reviews written: 199
Trusted by: 54 members
About Me:
Going back to Vancouver for Christmas! Happy Holidays, everyone!!
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