Travel website ranks Sault as one of the friendliest communities in Canada

Time to pat ourselves on the back and toot our horn.

The Sault ranks ninth on Expedia’s top 25 ‘Friendliest Communities (and Towns) in Canada, 2018.’

‘Sault Ste. Marie has always been known for its beauty and easy living. You’ll want to experience the good vibes for yourself,’ travel author Jennifer Cuellar wrote in an online report for Expedia dated June 13.

The attractive St. Marys River waterfront, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and the Art Gallery of Algoma (AGA) were specifically mentioned as three outstanding attractions in the Sault.

‘You’ll see how the lovely area has influenced a wealth of artists,’ Cuellar wrote, referring to the AGA.

The Sault meets Expedia’s criteria as being one of the best for visitors, likely to have plenty of folks at hand happy to greet people, answer their questions and ‘set the right tone for a new adventure.’

Expedia’s second annual report on the friendliest towns in Canada draws on a review of hotel data in 2017.

Out of a list of over 750 communities and towns in the 2018 report, each one had at least 100 reviews and a rating of four stars or higher.

Among the top 10 on the list, historic and picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario was first, followed by:

• Airdrie, AB
• Tofino, BC
• Truro, NS
• Sherwood Park, AB
• Leduc, AB
• Huntsville, ON
• Vaughan, ON
• Sault Ste. Marie, ON
• Halifax, NS

The Water Tower Inn and The Delta were among the top 10 hotels in the Sault listed by Expedia with three-and-a-half stars each, along with Quattro and the Quality Inn at three stars each, and, on a smaller and cozier level, the Satelite Motel with two stars.