5 Tips on Taking Agawa Canyon Train Tour

I’ve been eyeing for Agawa Canyon train tour for a while. First of all, it’s already fun to have a train ride. But when it’s combined with amazing scenery and a chance to explore nature in its finest at the bottom of the canyon, it’s even better!

This tour operates March till the middle of October and finishes right after the Thanksgiving weekend. Gorgeous fall foliage in the area of Sault Ste Marie, where Agawa Canyon train tour starts, is usually at the end of September and during the first two weeks of October. The tickets for the peak season of fall colors are more expensive, but it’s totally worth it! My goal was to buy the tickets for the Thanksgiving long weekend, but, to my surprise, all the tickets for those dates were gone. And I’ve required about them in March. As appeared later during my phone conversation with the salesperson, tour operators buy those tickets in advance for the tourist groups. And really, the train was almost full with tourists from China. You can see available dates and buy tickets online now, which is very convenient.

TIP#1: Buy Tickets in Advance

Sault Ste Marie is around 6 hours drive from Toronto, so we spent the whole day driving there. Thankfully, our hotel was just 5 minutes drive from the train station. It was also handy for the next day when we had to wake up really early to catch the train. The departure time was 7:15.

TIP #2: Book a Hotel Close to the Train Station

I had printed confirmation from my online booking. Once we finally found the parking area at the Algoma train station, we started searching for our entrance and were told that tickets were required. You need to visit the ticket center at the train station to receive tickets before boarding the train.

Boarding the train

As the departure was really early, we didn’t have any breakfast. There is a restaurant on the train, but you need to wait for them to call your car number. They also sell water, but it’s expensive. It was good I’ve brought some food with me.

The way to the restaurant car

TIP#3: Bring Snacks and Water

Inside the train

We were able to book the Agawa canyon train tour tickets for October 4th. Leaves changed the colors for 80%, and the view was spectacular. There was audio with advice what side to look at and guided explanation on the area during our ride. Nature is beautiful there – lakes, surrounded by trees, hills. Even though the ride back is along the same path, you better capture those stunning views!

TIP #4: Bring a Good Camera

(preferably DSLR type with sports option, to make pictures on the move)

Views on the way

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While we arrived at the canyon, we had 2 hours to explore the area. There are a couple of look-out points and a few waterfalls. All the signs in the area give you an idea about the time needed to visit a waterfall or look-out, so you could plan your time wisely. While we walked around the lake, figuring out what way to go and what to see next, the highest look-out point was packed. People were standing on the stairs and barely moving.  We didn’t have enough time to wait on the main look-out, so we just checked waterfalls, and they were gorgeous!

One of the waterfalls at Agawa Canyon

TIP #5: Go to the Highest Look-Out First and As Soon As Possible

It will require most of your energy as there are lots of stairs.

If you didn’t have a chance to get to the highest look-out, don’t get upset. There are a few gorgeous waterfalls in the area to explore. Make lots of pictures with your camera and enjoy your ride back!

One of the waterfalls at Agawa Canyon

Comment on this post about your experience and let me know if my tips helped you in your exploration goals!

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, however, it didn’t affect my sincere opinion.