FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Sault Ste. Marie is in BOTH Michigan and Canada! There are two separate cities located right next to each other in different countries. It’s just a short ride across a beautiful bridge to Sault Ste. Marie, Canada.

Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest city in Michigan, and among the oldest cities in the United States. As well as the home of the famous Soo Locks.

Sault Ste. Marie is an all-season destination. Between the Soo Locks, a historic downtown and the beautiful outdoors. Sault Ste. Marie has something for everyone.

Depending on the time of year, you can snowshoe, sled, lay at the beach, kayak, hike, bird watch, enjoy the views of the St. Marys River, watch freighters pass through the locks and much more.

As of the census of 2010, there were 14,144 people, 5,995 households, and 3,265 families residing in the city

Sault Ste. Marie is one of the snowiest places in Michigan, receiving an average of 120 inches (3.0 m) of snow per winter season, with a record year when 209 inches (5.3 m) fell. 62 inches (1.6 m) of snow fell in one five-day snowstorm, including 28 inches (71 cm) in 24 hours, in December 1995.

Commercial airline service is provided to the city by the Chippewa County International Airport in Kinross, about 20 miles (32 km) south of the city. Smaller general aviation aircraft also use the Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport about one 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest of downtown.

Sault Sainte Marie had changed hands from the French to British many times before it was finally claimed as a United States Territory in 1823. Native Americans were here long before the rest calling this area "Bahweting" or the gathering place. The Soo Locks adopted the "Soo" spelling of the city, making it a household name that even locals use.