Bellevue Park

Imagine a green oasis stretching across 17 hectares — this is Bellevue Park, the largest recreation area in Sault Ste. Marie. Often called the "lungs" of the city, it offers guests and locals 2.4 kilometers of well-maintained paths amidst picturesque landscapes. Canada is famous for its natural parks, and Bellevue is no exception, blending manicured gardens with the wild charm of the waterfront.

One of the park's main highlights is its exhibition greenhouse, which is welcomingly open to visitors year-round. Here you can see exotic plants and then stroll through a real hedge maze. The park's shoreline offers breathtaking views of the St. Marys River, where you can spend hours watching massive freighters slowly making their way toward the famous Soo Locks.

Bellevue Park is an ideal space for family leisure. It is home to one of the best playgrounds in Ontario, including a unique sensory zone for children with special needs. Whether it's a summer picnic by the water or a winter snowshoe walk, the park always offers an atmosphere of comfort and connection with nature.

To clarify information about events or to book picnic areas, you can contact the park administration. City services maintain the park and are always ready to assist visitors with their questions.

There is something for everyone at Bellevue Park. Active lifestyle enthusiasts can enjoy a run or a leisurely stroll along more than two kilometers of paved paths. Special attention should be paid to the waterfront: it is one of the best spots in the city for photos, especially when majestic freighters pass along the river.

For families with children, the park is a true paradise. It features several play areas, including an adventure playground and a modern splash pad where you can have fun cooling off on a hot summer day. Don't forget to stop by the local pond — it's home to friendly ducks and geese that are always happy for a treat (just be sure to choose the right kind of feed!).

Be sure to visit the indoor greenhouse, which houses exotic plants from all over the world. This place provides the feeling of a tropical summer even during the harsh Canadian winter. If you visit during the warmer months, try to find your way out of the hedge maze or attend one of the free concerts often held on the park's outdoor stage.

Getting to Bellevue Park, located at 1310 Queen St E, is easy. If you prefer comfort, a taxi ride from the city center will take only about 5–10 minutes. For those traveling by their own or a rental car, there is ample free parking on-site.

The city's public transport also provides convenient access to this green zone. Sault Ste. Marie buses stop within walking distance of the main entrance. To plan an exact route and find current schedules, we recommend using the Transit mobile app or the official city services website.

For those who prefer active travel, walking or cycling is an excellent option. The park is part of the popular Friendship Trail and Hub Trail, which connect the waterfront with the historic city center. This makes it easy to include a visit to the park in a sightseeing walking route through the city.

The history of Bellevue Park is closely linked to the city's post-war development. In the 1950s, it began transforming into a full-fledged recreation area. Interestingly, in 1952, a family of beavers was relocated here from another area because the animals were building dams that interfered with road traffic. Over time, the park became so popular that by the late 1950s, up to 2,000 people would visit on a fine weekend.

In the 1960s, trailers and camping were even permitted here; however, due to protests from local residents who valued their peace and quiet, the idea was eventually abandoned. The city authorities focused on creating a "passive park" — a place intended for quiet family recreation, walks, and nature contemplation.

A new chapter in the park's life began in 2016 with the opening of the city's first interactive sensory playground. This project, implemented with the support of the government and local foundations, made the park a model of inclusivity, providing children with special needs modern opportunities for outdoor play and development.

To leisurely enjoy everything the park has to offer, we recommend setting aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. This is plenty of time to stroll along the waterfront, visit the greenhouse, and relax by the water while watching the passing ships.

If you are planning a visit with children, you should count on half a day. The huge playgrounds and water attractions in the summer usually keep young travelers entertained for a long time. Also, allow extra time if you decide to have a family picnic in one of the park's specially equipped areas.

Bellevue Park is ready to welcome guests daily throughout the year. The main grounds and all recreation areas are open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

It is important to note that the exhibition greenhouse operates on the same schedule, allowing you to plan a visit to see the exotic plants both early in the morning and in the evening. On holidays, the opening hours remain unchanged, making the park an accessible place to relax at any time.

Exploring the area around Bellevue Park will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere and history of the region. Within a radius of just a few kilometers are important historical monuments and cultural sites that perfectly complement your walk along the river.

Many of these attractions are connected to the industrial past and the unique geographical location of the city on the border of two countries.