Free things to do in Sault Ste. Marie

Why we wrote this

Newcomer families tell us the Sault has more free stuff to do than its size would suggest — but you have to be shown. The Hub Trail alone is one of the best free urban trails in Canada, the public library lends museum passes, and Bon Soo turns the whole city into an outdoor winter playground every February. We've gathered the most useful free options for newcomers in Sault Ste. Marie, Northern Ontario.

Outdoors year-round

• John Rowswell Hub Trail — about 25 km of paved and crushed-stone loop trail around the city. Free year-round; great for walking, cycling, and snowshoeing in winter.
• Bellevue Park — waterfront park with playground, splash pad in summer, walking paths, picnic areas, and a small free zoo (donation appreciated).
• Whitefish Island National Historic Site — Indigenous heritage site managed by Batchewana First Nation. Free walking trails along the rapids; respect signage and any closures.
• Roberta Bondar Park & Pavilion — riverfront, summer markets, free outdoor concerts, fireworks viewing.
• Clergue Park — small downtown park near the locks; nice for a walk or picnic.
• Bondar Marina boardwalk — free riverfront walk with views of the international bridge to Michigan.
• Fort Creek Conservation Area — managed by Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority. Trails are free year-round.
• Hiawatha Highlands — extensive trail network. Cross-country ski trails are paid in winter; hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing on most trails are free outside the groomed ski tracks. Confirm at the conservation authority site.

Searchmont Resort (downhill skiing) and Stokely Creek (cross-country) charge for trail or lift access. For a free winter outing, head to Hiawatha snowshoe trails or any city park.

Indoor free spaces

• Sault Ste. Marie Public Library — main branch downtown plus James L. McIntyre Centennial branch. Free Wi-Fi, computers, study rooms, multilingual collections, ESL conversation circles, citizenship test prep, and museum/conservation passes. (See the dedicated section below.)
• Art Gallery of Algoma — admission is by donation. Confirm the current policy on the website.
• Sault Ste. Marie Museum — admission is charged. Ask about free admission days, and check the library's pass program.
• Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre — admission is charged; check for free community days during the year.
• GFL Memorial Gardens and John Rhodes Community Centre — public skate and free swim sessions on most weeks; confirm at saultstemarie.ca recreation listings.
• Algoma University events — many free public lectures and gallery openings during the academic year.
• Sault Community Career Centre — runs free workshops for newcomers, including settlement orientation, employment, and language support. saultcareercentre.ca.

Sport, swim, skate, ski

Can I get a free pool pass? The City of Sault Ste. Marie schedules free public swim times at the John Rhodes Community Centre and other pools, often sponsored by community partners. Schedules change every season — check saultstemarie.ca recreation pages or call the facility directly.

• Free skating — public skate sessions at GFL Memorial Gardens and John Rhodes Community Centre. Outdoor rinks at neighbourhood parks in winter.
• Splash pads — free in summer at Bellevue Park and several neighbourhood parks.
• Snowshoe trails — free at Hub Trail sections, Fort Creek, Hiawatha (off the paid ski tracks), and most city parks.
• Outdoor courts — free public tennis, basketball, and pickleball at Bellevue Park and several school yards.
• Cycling — the Hub Trail itself is the city's best free cycling route; bring your own bike.

Festivals and free community events

Annual events. Dates shift; confirm with the organizer.

• Bon Soo Winter Carnival — every February. Many activities are free (Bum Slides, snow sculptures, family events at Roberta Bondar Park); some signature events have a small fee or wristband.
• Rotaryfest — summer downtown festival; many activities free, midway and food at cost.
• Algoma Fall Festival — performing arts; some shows ticketed, some free.
• Canada Day at Bondar Park — free fireworks and music.
• Bushplane Heritage Centre summer events — check for community open-house days.
• Library events — author talks, family movie nights, multicultural programs at ssmpl.ca.

Indigenous and cultural spaces

Sault Ste. Marie is in the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, including Garden River First Nation and Batchewana First Nation. Many Indigenous-led events are free and open to all — be respectful and follow the host's guidance.

• Indian Friendship Centre — community feasts, drumming, language circles, and pow wows when announced.
• Whitefish Island National Historic Site — walk the Indigenous heritage site along the rapids, free, year-round.
• National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) — free public events around the city.
• Garden River and Batchewana First Nation pow wows — held annually; attendance is free. Bring a chair, dress respectfully, and follow MC instructions about photos and the Grand Entry.

With kids

• Bellevue Park splash pad and small free zoo (donation welcome) in summer.
• Library children's programs at both branches — free with a card.
• Free family skate sessions in winter at GFL Memorial Gardens or John Rhodes.
• EarlyON Child and Family Centres — free play groups for children 0–6 with a parent or caregiver. Find locations through ontario.ca/earlyon.
• Hub Trail family bike rides — flat sections are great for new riders.
• Bon Soo Bum Slides and family activities every February (see above).

Library card = your free city pass

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library card is your single most useful free resource as a newcomer. Sign-up takes about ten minutes at either branch.

• Free passes — many Ontario libraries lend museum or conservation area passes; ask SSMPL staff what's currently in their pass collection.
• Free Wi-Fi and computer use — at both branches, with low-cost printing.
• Free meeting rooms and study rooms — book in branch.
• Free movies, music, e-books, and audiobooks — through Libby, Hoopla, and similar platforms with your card number.
• Free programs — ESL conversation circles, citizenship prep, story times, seniors' programs.
• Free homework help — for kids and teens, online and in person.

Sign up: visit either branch with one piece of ID showing your name and address. Children get their own cards with a parent's signature. More info at ssmpl.ca.

Sources: City of Sault Ste. Marie, Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority, Tourism Sault Ste. Marie. Hours, fees, and program details change — confirm with the venue before going.

Last reviewed: April 2026.