You might wish to arise early this morning as the mv Victory I transits through the historic Soo Locks where freighters, barges and tugboats traverse the 21-foot drop of the St. Mary’s River between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The first lock here was built in 1855 and the canal was navigated by 27 vessels during its first year of operation. Today, more than 10,000 ships hauling 86 million tons of cargo pass through these historic parallel locks each year, even though they’re closed during the winter when ice shuts down shipping on the upper Great Lakes! After traveling upward through the locks into Lake Superior, we’ll return downward to dock on the northeastern banks of the St Mary’s River at Roberta Bondar Place – named for Canada’s first female astronaut.
This afternoon, you can tailor your sightseeing with the included guided tour of your choice – showcasing either the Canadian or US side of the border:
+ On the Canadian side, guests will visit the Bush Plane Heritage Center to learn about the history and delve into the exciting stories of the country’s bush-plane forest fire protection efforts. At the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, you’ll see two of the oldest stone buildings in Canada, both surrounded by period gardens that offer a look into the region’s pioneering days.
+ Guests choosing to visit the American side of Sault Ste. Marie will tour the Valley Camp Museum, set inside the enormous hold of a cargo ship that plied the Great Lakes from 1917 through 1966. You’ll be able to explore nearly every inch of the ship, including fascinating exhibits that trace the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes. Among the informative and sometimes moving artifacts are two lifeboats that were torn away from the Edmund Fitzgerald before she sank. Before returning to ship, this tour also includes a viewpoint over the Soo Locks.
Both sightseeing tours will return to ship in time for our guests to refresh and relax before another sumptuous dinner accompanied by the fine wines, beverages and the house spirits of your choice. Meals B+L+D