Sharen and Keith DRIVE Canada: Sault Ste Marie to Manitoulin Island

Denise, Robin, Sharen

We arrived into Sault Ste. Marie on Sunday July 12 for a couple days visit with my high school friend Robin and Denise.

Unfortunately Denise had to work so was not able to join us as Robin played tour guide for a day and it was a great time all way round!

Robin's special toy!

He drove us around in his pride and joy.....

Robin & Sharen

tour boat in locks with bridge to USA in background

We visited the Sault Ste. Marie Canal which was built between 1887 & 1895 to by-pass the turbulent rapids of St. Mary’s River.

Keith & Sharen with bridge to USA in background

"Completed in 1895, this canal formed the last link between Lake Superior and Lake Huron in an all-Canadian navigation system stretching from the St. Lawrence River to Lake Superior. Designed and built by Canadians, the canal incorporated several engineering innovations. It was the world's longest lock and the first to operate with electrical power. It was also novel in using an emergency swing dam to protect the lock in case of accident. Electricity was generated on site in the powerhouse. Closed in 1987 owing to a lock wall failure, the canal was equipped with a modern lock and opened for recreational use in 1998." Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, 1998


Oldest surviving house in North Western Ontario built 1814-1823 is in Sault Ste Marie

It was so nice to see Robin and meet Denise. A great couple!!In the early evening we were sitting on the patio when Keith spotted a huge black bear sauntering towards Robin’s neighbour’s garage. We ran for the camera as Robin put on a loud show and the bear just turned around and walked away from the garage, around the pool and into their garden, then into the bush. No pictures!!Oh well…better than the bear being in the garage. Quite exciting!!

July 16 & 17 we spent on Manitoulin Island where we met up with my cousins Jim & Vera.We had never been to Manitoulin Island. What a pretty island! They took us all around. There are lots of lakes on the island and it is bordered by the North Channel and Lake Huron. The water is almost an emerald colour. We walked along the boardwalk which was very enjoyable.