The Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours started its 2024 season with a bang this morning with around two-dozen people taking the 10 a.m. tour.
Partly cloudy skies and light winds, along with three freighters, welcomed the sight-seers.
Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours provides an educational tour of historic Sault Ste. Marie and an engaging experience of passing through the Soo Locks. Operating since 1959, Famous continues the tradition of highlighting history and attractions for a relaxing and memorable experience for locals and visitors.
Second year general manager Scott LaBonte was excited to get the season going.
"With the rain we have gotten lately, it's been difficult to finish up the painting but the crew that we have here is awesome. To have nearly two dozen people take the tour, it's great. In years past, we have had some bad weather on opening day and you could here crickets because nobody came," LaBonte said.
One life-long Sault Ste. Marie resident, Ben Deatrick, has made opening day at the famous dock several times.
"I have lost count on how many times I have made opening day because my older brother used to work down here back in the day when he was in high school and I was in junior high. I also try to make the last tour of the year," Deatrick said.
"I just like being on the water. It's a good way to kick off the summer season. I like seeing the freighters up close and like being around the company and people getting to know the tourists," Deatrick added.
Deatrick, and the others on board, got to see the Burns Harbor and Thunder Bay up close with the Federal Asahi off in the distance.
The Captain on the Thunder Bay even saluted those on board the LeVoyageur with the one-long, two-short blast from its horn as the two vessels passed near the Cloverland Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Michelle Reinhart is in her 10th season as narrator on the boat and lineswoman when tying down at the dock or inside the locks.
"The first day is extra special because of all the smiley faces but also to share with them what I know about the history of this area. It's so special to be on the water and going over all the history of this area, even after 10 years, it gives me the chills sometimes," Reinhart said.
While Deatrick was one of the few locals on the tour, the others were from out of the area... some as far as Minnesota, North Carolina and Texas.
Tom Ledwin, a veteran from North Carolina, made it a point to take the tour because he, himself, is a mariner. He has visited the Welland Canal locks system and wanted to see the "big" one here in Sault Ste. Marie.
"This is my third day in town now with my wife. We are staying at the Soo Locks Campground and have sat and watched the freighters go by from the shoreline. The trailer is backed up right to the river so I have been taking a lot of pictures. This tour is everything I expected it to be. It's very interesting," Ledwin said.
Inside the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tour ticket building, there is a gift shop, restrooms and an eatery hosted by Bird's Eye Outfitters.
Also for the 2024 season, the Tower of History and Museum Ship Valley Camp opened their doors today.
The Original Soo Locks Boat Tours first day is scheduled to be Thursday, May 16.
