Agawa Canyon Tour Train sold out for upcoming season

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train has sold out after losing its entire 2020 season due to COVID-19, but some refunds are being offered after this year’s season was shortened.

The tourist attraction is running a shortened season this year, with fewer tickets being sold per train to adhere to physical distancing requirements.

“The train is exceptionally valuable to the community in terms of the number of visitors and the financial spending that occurs as a result of that, so we are very happy to have it back,” said Travis Anderson. Sault Ste. Marie’s director of tourism and community development.

According to its web site, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train has sold out for the 2021 season, which runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 11.

“In our conversations with CN we understand ticket sales have been brisk, which is great to hear,” said Anderson. “We know there are a number of tour operators who will be returning this year to ride the train.”

The train will only be filled to 50 per cent capacity for each trip this season to help comply with physical distancing requirements.

Originally slated to run Sept. 18 to Oct. 12, refunds are being offered for the days it will no longer be operating.

This year passengers are encouraged to be vaccinated, will answer screening questions before boarding and be required to wear a mask at all times, except when eating and drinking.

Reusable head sets used for language translation will not be offered for the upcoming season.

This will be the first season the train will depart and return to the new train station built near the Machine Shop.

The new station includes a restaurant, micro-brewery, Indigenous learning spaces and a climbing wall, among other amenities.

“Having it situated in the Canal District, with a number of restaurants and a new brewery going in — it’s a great place to kick off the train tour and will really leave a great impression moving forward,” said Anderson.