5 Interesting Facts About Algoma Country

We've told you what Algoma means and stories about the region's place names, we’ve given you the Top 10 Facts About Lake Superior and Lake Huron, Facts About the Wawa Goose and a list of 10 Secluded Beaches. This time, we really wanted to stump you with some interesting, perhaps a little obscure, facts about Algoma.

1. British Royalty Visited The Region Twice

In 1919, the Prince of Wales toured Canada for two months. This trip was the first major cross-Canada event covered by motion picture newsreels. The Prince visited the Canadian Soo Locks in the City of Sault Ste. Marie then took the steam-powered Algoma Central Railway train bound for Western Canada. To ensure the Prince’s safety, the Montreal River Bridge was checked and re-checked. The story is that he pulled the emergency cord and stopped the Royal Train on the Montreal trestle to admire the view. The Prince of Wales would later be crowned Edward VIII -- the King who abdicated in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson. His abdication would pave the way for King George VI followed by Queen Elizabeth II -- the royal family we know today.

Silent film footage of the Prince of Wales at the Canadian Soo Locks: (first 46 secs)

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Sault Ste. Marie July 8, 1959: Read the Story Here

Visit the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site of Canada for a guided tour of the site to learn its history, watch boats lock through, see the beautiful Canadian architecture of the sandstone buildings and enjoy the manicured grounds.

You can admire the view of the Montreal trestle aboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train as you journey 114 miles north through Algoma Country’s breathtaking wilderness that the Prince admired, and the landscapes that inspired members of the Group of Seven.

2. Puddingstone - It’s Not A Dessert

This is probably the only type of pudding that isn’t delicious. St. Joseph Island is one of five places in the world that has Puddingstone. Puddingstone, or Jasper Conglomerate, is a rock that consists of round pebbles contrasting with the fine stone surrounding these pebbles. Puddingstone was named so by the British soldiers who arrived at St. Joseph Island in the 18th century because it looked like Christmas Pudding (a pudding made of suet, dried fruit and breadcrumbs).

3. The Town of Wawa Was Featured On MuchMusic In The 90s

MuchMusic used to have quite several music-related programming and shows, including quirky hosts who explored Canada. From 1986 to 1992, Mike & Mike’s Excellent X-Canada Adventures saw the two Mikes travel, on a limited budget, to profile a different city or town (mostly towns) on a weekly basis. And they travelled to Wawa. They visited the Wawa Goose, viewed Scenic High Falls and took a scenic helicopter tour. This northern community is a gateway to fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, hiking and paddling adventures on Lake Superior.  
Learn more: www.algomacountry.com/wawa

4. The Coldest Spot In Canada

On January 17, 1947, a story ran in the Ottawa Citizen about winter in White River. Read it here.

White River may not truly be the Coldest Spot in Canada, but it is home to the birthplace of Winnie, the little black bear cub that inspired the Winnie-the-Pooh books written by A.A. Milne. Take your photo with the Winnie statue, visit the museum to see all of the amazing Winnie memorabilia and pick up a souvenir.

5. Algoma Used To Be A Huge Geography

The District of Algoma was created by proclamation in 1858 as a provisional judicial district of the Province of Canada (source: Wikipedia). The district began north of the French River and as far west as Pigeon River! It included all the islands in both Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Prior to this proclamation, the region was part of Upper Canada. Today, Algoma Country may be smaller at 28,000 square miles, but the region is packed full of amazing wilderness adventures!

Find adventures at: www.algomacountry.com

Explore these communities and attractions by car, motorcycle and even RV on the Grand Algoma Tour.

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