The Best Way to See the Soo Locks: Join us for an Unforgettable Tour

Original Soo Locks Boat Tours

"Where Memories Meet the Water"

What Are the Soo Locks

Guest on board the Soo Locks Tours Boat Bid-A-Wee up close to the freighter Stewart J. Cort coming out of the Poe Lock Sault Michigan The Soo Locks connect Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes, allowing ships to safely navigate the 21‑foot difference in water levels. Operating since 1855, the locks remain a crucial link in the Great Lakes. Watching massive freighters and workboats lock through is a breathtaking, one‑of‑a‑kind experience that showcases the power and precision of this vital Great Lakes Waterway.

Why Choose Soo Locks Boat Tours

At The Original Soo Locks Boat Tours, the experience is defined by two things: where you are and who is guiding you. From the water, you’ll enjoy the best views of the Soo Locks. Being on the river puts you in the middle of the action, where you can truly appreciate the scale, movement, and precision of the locks. Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable crew and live narration bring the experience to life—explaining how the locks work, sharing local history, and pointing out details you would otherwise miss.

Why a Boat Tour Is the Best Way to See the Soo Locks

While the Soo Locks can be seen from shore, the best way to understand and experience them is from a boat on the St. Marys River. From the comfort of our vessels, you’ll have unobstructed, crowd‑free views of the entire locking process, the surrounding working waterfront, and the constant flow of Great Lakes ship traffic. You’ll see how vessels line up, enter the chambers, and rise or fall with the water—something that’s difficult to grasp from land. If you’re interested in history, engineering, or simply watching ships in motion, being on the water offers a more immersive, complete, and memorable way to experience the Soo Locks. "You don't just see it - you experience it!"

Learn the History of the Soo Locks

The Soo Locks have powered regional growth for more than a century and a half. Our experienced crew shares captivating stories from the locks’ early years to today’s modern operations. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the locks’ role in North American industry and the historic waterfronts of both Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Ontario.

See a Working, Historic Waterfront

This is the working heart of the St. Marys River. Along the route you’ll pass close up to the historic Cloverland Hydroelectric Plant (formerly Edison Sault), pass through the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Canal Canadian Locks (No Passport Needed), and impressive Algoma Steel facilities upriver. It’s a living blend of history and industry, framed by parks, classic architecture, and a beautiful Canadian skyline—with Great Lakes freighters on the move and multiple hydropower plants in view. Keep an eye out for eagles, cranes, otters, and minks along the way, too.

Close Encounters with Massive Ships

One highlight of our tour is the opportunity for freighter watching and ship spotting right on the water. Our route places you in one of the best spots for freighter viewing in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where 1,000 Foot Great Lakes Giants pass through the Soo Locks just feet away. While freighter traffic can never be guaranteed, when ships are moving through the locks we make every effort to position our boats for the best possible views, giving guests an unforgettable look at these massive vessels and the skilled crews who guide them safely through the system.

Perfect for All Ages

Traveling with kids, teens, friends, or solo? A Soo Locks boat tour offers something for everyone. Kids and young adults love the up‑close excitement of massive freighters in action, watching these giants pass just feet away. This isn’t just a boat ride—"it’s an interactive experience on the water". Young guests often get the chance to step into the pilot house, see the helm up close, and imagine life on the water—creating memories and inspiring our little sailors of the future.

Adults enjoy the rich history, impressive engineering, and relaxed pace of the tour, with plenty of time to take photos and soak in the sights. "It’s an experience the whole family can enjoy together."

Proud U.P. Heritage

We’re proud to be part of the Upper Peninsula's Story. For more than 92 years, The Original Soo Locks Boat Tours has been welcoming visitors to experience the Sault —generation after generation—as the original and longest‑running locks sightseeing tour in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. What started as a local idea has become a true UP tradition, with families returning year after year and often bringing their children and grandchildren along. For many visitors, riding through the Soo Locks isn’t just something to check off a list—it’s a shared experience, a memory made on the water, and a connection to the history and spirit of the Upper Peninsula.

Our Story: From One Family to Another

Our story began when Captain Milo B. Welch launched the first dedicated Soo Locks sightseeing tour boat, giving everyday visitors—not just ship guests—the opportunity to ride through the locks and experience them from the water. That pioneering spirit carried the business forward through generations. In 2022, that heritage was thoughtfully passed from one family to another when we joined the Interlake Maritime Family, alongside The Interlake Steamship Company and the Lake Michigan - SS Badge Car Ferry. Today, Interlake’s century‑plus Great Lakes legacy helps preserve the traditions that made these tours special for so many, while investing in the future of this beloved U.P. maritime experience.

Tour Options

At The Original Soo Locks Boat Tours, we offer a variety of tour options to fit different schedules and interests. Whether you're looking for a quick, informative trip or a longer, more relaxed experience, we have you covered.

Classic Soo Locks Tour

This 2‑hour tour takes you right to the locks for a front‑row seat as ships pass through. Our guides share fun facts, history, and insider insights about the Soo Locks, Great Lakes freighters, and the local area.

Themed Cruises

Experience the fun of our themed cruises on the St. Marys River—from freighter‑focused trips to tropical vibes and pirate adventures. Enjoy family‑friendly entertainment and unique themes that rotate throughout the season.

Specialty Cruises

Want an experience you’ll only find in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? Our Specialty Cruises bring the Sault to life in new ways—enjoy Dinner Cruises for a relaxing evening on the water, join fellow enthusiasts on our Boatnerd Cruises with prime freighter‑watching and photography spots, or dance your way through Rock Around Around the Locks or Fireworks Cruises. These limited‑run events range from family‑oriented to the perfect night out on the St. Marys River—check our schedule for upcoming dates and availability.

Private Charters

Looking for a custom experience? Our private charters are ideal for motorcoach groups, weddings and receptions, family gatherings, reunions, and corporate outings. Enjoy a personalized cruise through the Soo Locks and historic waterfront, with catering options available to fit your event. From large group tours to once‑in‑a‑lifetime celebrations, we’ll help you create a memorable experience on the water in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Be Part Of History With Us!

History is being made right now with the New Lock at the Sault—a major project adding a second Poe‑size chamber to accommodate Great Lakes 1000-foot freighters. From our tours, you can view construction activity and learn what it means for the Great Lakes supply chain. We’re also proud to do our small part behind the scenes, transporting construction workers to and from Engineers Island daily, working alongside the Kokosing–Alberici–Traylor (KAT) team building the new lock. Join us and witness the New Lock construction up close—where towering cranes, massive concrete pours, and heavy equipment come together in a once‑in‑a‑generation engineering project that few people ever get to see from the water.

Book Your Tour Today

Ready to see the Soo Locks like never before? Booking is easy—visit our website for easy tickets online! We offer daily departures in season, so you can plan a tour that fits your schedule.

Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the world’s great engineering feats—and a working Great Lakes waterfront—up close. Whether you’re local or visiting Sault Ste. Marie, for the first time, a Soo Locks boat tour is a must‑do that will leave you with unforgettable memories! Freighter view of the James R. Barker from off the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours in Michigan's Upper Peninsula Sault Ste. Marie