Sault Ste Marie Hotels: Best Pet-Friendly from $77 Guide

If you’re planning a road trip along Ontario’s Trans-Canada Highway, Sault Ste. Marie keeps popping up as a stop worth considering. The city sits right at the US-Canada border, which makes it a natural gateway for travelers heading north or crossing over from Michigan. The question is: where should you actually sleep when you get there? This guide covers the best hotel options, from waterfront picks to budget motels, with the specifics you need to decide where to book.

Starting Price: US$77 · Cheapest Rate Found: €44/night · Hotel Features: Pet friendly, pools, free breakfast · Location Highlight: Uptown and Hwy 17 options

The comparison below sorts hotels by traveler rating and pet-friendly status, with distance and pool details to help you narrow your shortlist.

Where to Stay in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?

Your accommodation choice in Sault Ste. Marie largely depends on whether you want to be right in the action or along the highway. The city splits into two main areas: uptown near the waterfront and downtown core, and properties scattered along Hwy 17 for travelers who want quick highway access.

Uptown Options

The uptown area puts you near the waterfront and within walking distance of restaurants and local attractions. Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront stands out here with a 4.3/5 traveler rating and an indoor pool, making it a solid choice for travelers who want comfort without compromising on location. According to Marriott’s official listing, the property sits just 0.3 miles from the waterfront and riverfront, and it offers pet beds, bowls, and walking areas for guests traveling with animals.

The Water Tower Inn, BW Premier Collection, is another uptown standout with three indoor pools. If you’re traveling with a pet, it checks that box while giving you and your group plenty of pool options for unwinding after a day of driving.

“Enjoy a fun trip with your furry friend. Marriott Bonvoy’s Pet-friendly hotels… offer pet beds, bowls, walking areas, and more.”

— Marriott official listing

• Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront: 4.3/5 rating, waterfront location, indoor pool (Marriott)
• The Water Tower Inn: 3 indoor pools, pet-friendly (Orbitz)
• Quattro Hotel & Conf Centre: Free breakfast, WiFi, pet-friendly option (Choice Hotels)

Hwy 17 Locations

If your route has you on the Trans-Canada Highway, Hwy 17 runs right through Sault Ste. Marie, and several hotels cluster along this corridor for easy on-and-off access. Northern Ontario’s Hwy 17 corridor is well-known among road trippers for its chain of pet-friendly motels, as noted by Orbitz.

The Super 8 by Wyndham Sault Ste Marie On ranks among the best pet-friendly motels in Northeastern Ontario with a pool, according to Tripadvisor’s regional rankings. It carries a 4.3/5 traveler rating and offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the waterfront hotels.

“Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, offers a delightful mix of activities perfect for travelers accompanied by their furry friends.”

— Expedia travel guide

Motels and Budget Stays

Looking to save money? The Ambassador Motel offers a swimming pool and a 4.4/5 traveler rating, making it a favorite among budget-conscious travelers who still want basic amenities. According to Hotels.com, the Ambassador Motel is pet-friendly with a swimming pool available to guests.

The Northlander Motel also appears frequently on top pet-friendly lists for the city, though specific pricing varies by season. Budget stays in Sault Ste. Marie typically start from around $68–$83 per night for pet-friendly rooms, based on KAYAK pricing data.

Is Sault Ste. Marie, Canada Worth Visiting?

Sault Ste. Marie has a distinct personality compared to other Northern Ontario cities. It sits right on the St. Marys River, connecting Lake Superior to Lake Huron, which makes it a geographic landmark in its own right. The city markets itself as Ontario’s adventure destination, with access to outdoor activities that draw visitors year-round.

Adventure Town Attractions

The area offers hiking, fishing, and scenic drives, with the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site providing pet-friendly walking trails. Expedia notes that the city “offers a delightful mix of activities perfect for travelers accompanied by their furry friends,” making it a viable option for travelers who don’t want to leave their pets behind.

Winter brings snowmobile trails and ice fishing, while summer opens up kayaking, camping, and waterfall tours. The city isn’t large—its downtown is walkable—but the surrounding region offers considerable outdoor variety.

Proximity to Great Lakes

For travelers interested in Great Lakes geography, Sault Ste. Marie occupies a strategic spot. The city sits where the St. Marys River connects two of the Great Lakes, giving visitors easy access to both Lake Superior’s north shore routes and the southern Ontario corridor.

The catch: Sault Ste. Marie is smaller than cities like Thunder Bay or Sudbury, so if you’re looking for nightlife or extensive shopping, you may find the offerings limited. But if outdoor scenery and a relaxed pace appeal to you, the city delivers.

What this means: The city works best as a stopover for road trippers, a base for outdoor enthusiasts, or a weekend getaway for couples who want something different from typical urban destinations. Budget your time accordingly—two days gives you a solid taste without overstaying the city’s charm.

Can You Cross the Border to Canada at Sault Ste. Marie?

Yes. Sault Ste. Marie is one of the few places where you can cross directly from the US to Canada (or vice versa) within the same city name. The border crossing connects Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan via the International Bridge.

Border Crossing Details

The Sault Ste. Marie border crossing is operational 24 hours a day, though wait times vary depending on traffic and season. According to Expedia’s travel guide, the city is a key crossing point for travelers entering Canada from the US Midwest.

When crossing with pets, you’ll need to bring vaccination records and ensure your pet meets Canadian import requirements. The good news is that several Sault Ste. Marie hotels explicitly welcome pets, so you won’t have trouble finding a place to stay after crossing.

Impact on Hotel Stays

The border crossing adds a practical dimension to your hotel choice. If you’re arriving from Michigan in the evening, a hotel near Hwy 17 saves you the step of driving into the city center before settling in. Conversely, if you’re crossing from Canada southbound, the uptown hotels put you within minutes of the bridge.

Travelers from the US often combine a Sault Ste. Marie visit with day trips into Ontario’s north country, making the city a natural overnighter. The Hotels.com listing notes that Sault Ste. Marie pet-friendly hotels frequently include free WiFi and parking, which matters if you’re driving across the border and need a secure place to leave your car.

Why this matters: The border proximity means Sault Ste. Marie hotels cater to an international traveler mix. You may find amenities geared toward cross-border visitors, like extended check-in windows or bilingual front desk staff.

How Long to Spend at Sault Ste. Marie?

Most travelers find that 48 hours hits the sweet spot. Two full days give you time to explore the waterfront, walk the canal trails, grab a meal downtown, and still have a relaxed evening without feeling rushed. Consulteu la nostra guia d’hotels a Sault Ste. Marie per trobar allotjament que admeti mascotes a partir de 77 dòlars a guia d’hotels per a mascotes.

48-Hour Itinerary

Day one works well for arrival in the afternoon, settling into your hotel, and exploring the uptown waterfront area. The Delta Hotels waterfront location puts you steps from the riverfront walks. In the evening, downtown has a handful of restaurants serving local fare—fresh fish from the Great Lakes is a reliable option.

Day two opens up the outdoor attractions: the Sault Ste. Marie Canal trails in the morning, a drive along the lake if you have a vehicle, and departure by late afternoon. This pacing lets you experience the city without cramming your schedule.

Hotel Stay Recommendations

For a 48-hour trip, booking near the waterfront makes sense—you’re central to the main attractions and won’t waste drive time. The Delta Hotels or The Water Tower Inn work well for this itinerary. If you’re just passing through on a road trip, the Super 8 on Hwy 17 serves the practical purpose without requiring a detour.

The trade-off: Waterfront hotels generally cost more than Hwy 17 options but save you driving time within the city. For a short stay, that trade-off often pays off.

What Are the Best Sault Ste. Marie Hotels?

When you sort by traveler ratings and amenities, the top options emerge clearly. The following breakdown covers luxury picks, budget options, and properties with pools and pet-friendly policies.

Luxury Picks

For travelers prioritizing comfort and amenities, Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront leads the pack with a 4.3/5 rating from over 1,400 reviews. It offers an indoor pool, health club, and waterfront location. The Marriott listing confirms it provides pet beds, bowls, and walking areas for guests traveling with animals.

The Water Tower Inn, BW Premier Collection, offers a different kind of luxury—three indoor pools make it ideal for families or groups who want variety in their swimming options. It’s also pet-friendly, according to Orbitz.

Cheap Options

Budget-conscious travelers have solid choices. Super 8 by Wyndham Sault Ste Marie On maintains a 4.3/5 rating while offering lower nightly rates than the waterfront properties. The Ambassador Motel, rated 4.4/5, sits at a lower price point with a pool available.

According to Choice Hotels, the Quality Inn & Suites Bay Front offers another budget-friendly option at just 0.21 miles from downtown. Its pet-friendly status makes it competitive for travelers watching costs.

Hotels with Pools and Pet Friendly

If you need both a pool and pet-friendly accommodation, your options narrow but remain solid. Delta Hotels offers an indoor pool and full pet amenities. The Ambassador Motel provides an outdoor pool with pet-friendly policies. The Super 8 rounds out the group with a pool and pet access.

Pet policies vary. According to Hotels.com, some properties limit to two pets maximum, while others have weight restrictions. The Best Western North Bay Hotel, for reference, allows up to two dogs per room with an 80-pound weight limit per dog.

What this means: Call ahead to confirm your specific pet situation, especially if you’re traveling with multiple animals or larger breeds. The 18–21 pet-friendly properties in Sault Ste. Marie (per BringFido) means you have options, but advance confirmation prevents surprises at check-in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

For road trippers crossing the US-Canada border, the choice comes down to convenience versus cost: book the Delta Hotels waterfront for location and amenities, or save money with the Super 8 on Hwy 17 and skip the detour into the city center.