Visiting Agawa Canyon Park aboard the Agawa Canyon Train tour is one of the most epic activities when visiting Sault Ste. Marie.
The Agawa Canyon is a shallow canyon created over a billion years ago. It’s a natural wonder worth a visit, but reaching it can be a little complicated. In fact, the only way to see this beautiful canyon and its hidden waterfalls is by train.
My two little boys and I decided to venture on this long train adventure to break our Northern Ontario road trip a little, and I’m here to help you be prepared for this amazing yet long adventure to Agawa Canyon with kids.
Here is our experience and personal Agawa Canyon Train review.
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What is the Agawa Canyon Train?
The Agawa Canyon Train tour is a unique train ride in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It will take you on a trip to see the beautiful Agawa Canyon. The train starts in Sault Ste. Marie and goes into the canyon. The journey (including the train ride and free time at the canyon) is about 10 hours long, going there and coming back.
On the train, you can see tall cliffs, waterfalls, and rivers. When the train stops in the canyon, people can get off for 90 minutes. They can walk on trails and see nature up close. This train ride is a fun way to see the beauty of Canada. If you like nature and trains, this is a good trip.
What a Day on the Agawa Canyon Train With Kids Looks Like
On the day of our train tour, we woke up pretty early. We had to board the train at the Agawa Canyon Station at 7:30 a.m.
The train was leaving at 8:00 a.m. sharp. But I had a lot of preparation to do before getting to the train station.
It’s important to know that the train ride is 4 hours each way. If you’ve traveled with young kids before, you know they can’t stay still for that long. So I packed a lot of things:
- Coloring books
- Reading books
- Board games
- Bracelet making kits
And a few other little toys. I had a full bag. I also downloaded a few TV shows and movies on my phone in case they were getting too bored.
Of course, I also packed many snacks (non-messy snacks) and a good lunch. There is a small restaurant on the train, so we also got coffee (for me!) and a few treats for the kids. We made sure to take our time when walking through the different wagons.
For the first 4-hour train ride (on the way to the canyon), there were many commentaries along the way as we approached sights of interest, keeping us busy.
Then, we ate our lunch before arriving at Agawa Canyon Park. We were told there were picnic tables at the park if we wanted to eat, but I didn’t want to spend our precious time at the canyon eating (while we had so much time to spare on the train).
So we ate on the train before arriving at the train station and had the entire 90 minutes to enjoy the park with its hiking trails and waterfalls.
At the Agawa Canyon Park, we first walked to the Bridal Veil Falls and then to the Black Beaver Falls. We didn’t have time to climb up the 300+ stairs to the Lookout Trail because the kids wanted to play in the kids’ playground.
I ensured they burned off some energy before boarding the train again for the last 4-hour ride. On the ride back, they played a little, watched one movie, and ended the ride with a well-deserved long nap.
We were back in Sault Ste. Marie by 6:00 p.m.
My Pro-Tips for a Successful and Fun Day on the Agawa Canyon Trail Tour With Kids
1. Pack Lots of Snacks and a Good Lunch
Hungry kids are grumpy kids, right? Pack a variety of snacks to keep them happy. Also, consider having lunch before you arrive at the canyon to enjoy the park’s beauty.
2. Bring Lots of Entertainment for the Kids
I can’t stress this enough—keep those kids entertained. The more, the merrier. Books, games, or even some downloaded movies can be a lifesaver. Remember that they will be on the train fora total of 8 hours.
3. Make Sure You Are All Rested
Riding on the Agawa Canyon Train is a wonderful day trip, but it’s also a long day (and it can be exhausting for the kids). You’ll want to ensure they are well-rested and had a good night’s sleep the day before.
F.A.Q Agawa Canyon Train Reviews
When is the Best Time to Visit Agawa Canyon?
The best time to visit Agawa Canyon is to see the colorful foliage in the fall.
Can you Visit Agawa Canyon Park by Car?
No, you can’t reach Agawa Canyon Park by car; it’s accessible only by train.
How Long is the Agawa Canyon Train Tour?
The Agawa Canyon Train Tour is a day trip, lasting about 10 hours round trip.
What is the Agawa Canyon Trail Schedule?
The Agawa Canyon Train typically runs from late June to mid-October, with daily departures in peak season.
What is the Agawa Canyon Train Ticket Price?
Ticket prices vary based on age and season, so it’s best to check their official website for current rates.
Are there Hotels near the Agawa Canyon Tour Train?
Yes, there are hotels in Sault Ste. Marie, which is the starting point for the Agawa Canyon Tour Train.
Final Thoughts: Should You Bring Your Kids on the Agawa Canyon Train Tour?
Now, the hard question: Should you bring the kids on the Agawa Canyon Train Tour?
When we boarded the train, I couldn’t see many other kids. I wondered if my boys would be the only children on the train. But we saw a few other families.
This day trip tour from Sault Ste. Marie is definitely targeted more towards older visitors, but it’s still a great activity to do with the family. If your family loves beautiful landscapes, chasing waterfalls, being surrounded by nature, and staying in the area for a few days, it’s really worth it.
But if you only have a day or two in Sault Ste. Marie, then you might want to consider other family activities such as:
- Miss Marie Lock Tour Boat
- Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
- Bellevue Park
- Hiawatha Highlands
Those are all activities and places my kids LOVED during our visit to Sault Ste. Marie.
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.