Boatnerd Discussion Forum

There are plenty at the Soo along Portage Avenue and I think a few on Ashmun Street not sure about any for sure on Ashmun? Out along 3 mile road there’s quite a few of them there and more modern as well. In town at the Soo there’s the Lockview Motel and Restaurant right across from the Soo Locks themselves within walking distance of the locks. I think the Long Ships motel is another and away from town but still driveable is the Holiday Inn Express. These are just a few of them at the Soo as there’s plenty of them there. Good luck, hope you have fun with your family and kids and enjoy yourselves along with your visit and stay. Two popular campsites in the Soo are great also, the Soo Locks campground along with the Aune Osborn Campground both are right on the St. Marys River and offer great views of the ships passing by as they come close to your vantage and viewing points. I hope that my information here helps you out on your questions.

If your heading to the Welland Canal check out the hotel rooms at Canalside, they are located right on Canal and have many options to choose from, including multiple bedroom suites.

https://www.canalside.ca/

There is also the Inn at Lock 7 in Thorold, ON.

https://innatlock7.com/

Guest wrote: November 10, 2024, 6:49 pm Freighters hotel in Port Huron, at the Blue Water Bridge.

It's actually Double Tree Hotel with the Freighters restaurant attached

Freighters hotel in Port Huron, at the Blue Water Bridge.

Pier B resort in Duluth. It’s inside the harbor with the boats coming right at you when leaving. A great view of the aerial lift bridge, with the boats coming directly at you coming inbound. Within walking distance of the aquarium, William A Irvin museum boat,canal park and shopping and restaurants. Personally recommend Grandmas restaurant. Lots of other things to do with kids, train ride up the north shore. An hour drive to Two Harbors with active ore docks. From Two Harbors up to Split Rock Lighthouse or to Ely a great little town.

Hi CaptMark as I’ll try my best to answer your questions regarding places to stay with a great view? Can you first please tell us when you plan on traveling? The shipping season at the Soo usually ends around January 15 as that is when the Locks close for the Winter then while mandatory maintenance is done. Also, the Welland Canal and the Seaway Locks all shut down around late December into early January. All the locks and shipping usually will start back up again around mid to late March depending on weather then and also any ice conditions as well. Regarding places to stay at, in the Soo there’s the Soo Locks and the Aune Osborn Campgrounds both of which are right on the St. Mary’s River and each have a great view of the ship traffic there. Also, there’s a few motels in the Soo that are close to the locks some along Portage Avenue which is the Main Street that runs alongside of the Soo Locks. There are also some very nice motels in the Duluth area that are not too far away from Canal Park and the Duluth Ship Canal where you and your family will see lots of ship action in and out of Duluth. Along the St. Clair River there are a few motels there that are close to the ship action although, prices may vary and could be a bit expensive also. There are plenty of good parks and viewing places at the Soo, Duluth and all along the St. Clair River to where you’re very close to the passing ship traffic. Hope that I have given you lots of good information to help you out. Have fun and enjoy yourself and your time!

Hi everyone, Can anyone chime in with their best place to stay/hotel/motel/camping site to get close to all the ships passing by? I took the kids to Sault Sainte Marie 20 years ago. I'll go anywhere. Please advise.