Agawa Canyon tour train on track for 'milestone year': city

Tourism Sault Ste. Marie and the Agawa Canyon Tour Train have announced the return of the train for the 2023 season. 

This season the train will operate until Oct. 15, a week later than the traditional final date of the tour train, they said in a new release.

“The 2022 season was a success,” said Wes Logan, director of operations at the Agawa Canyon Railroad, which owns the tour train. 

“That was our first year operating this service and we were delighted with the positive feedback we received from our customers and team members about the experience.” 

In the off-season his team focused on maintaining the track and canyon park, updating seating in select coaches, and improving sightlines and window replacement, Logan said.

“This is all being done to ensure the iconic train continues to provide a world class experience for visitors.”

The success of the 2022 season saw a welcome return to full service for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic. 

The 2023 season plans to be bigger and better, showcasing the scenic journey through Algoma and the fall colours that are on display in the canyon, the city said in a news release.

“We were thrilled to see a 4 per cent increase in train bookings in 2022 versus the same date range in 2019, despite the challenges of border restrictions for American visitors,” said Travis Anderson, director of tourism and community development.

“As we continue to move past pandemic restrictions, we anticipate that the 2023 tour train season will be a milestone year for the train and the City of Sault Ste. Marie.”

Bookings for the 2023 season are now open and can be made at agawatrain.com. For tourism related information, visit the website at saulttourism.com.