If you’re an adventurer, the Algoma region is one of the most exciting areas in Ontario to live and play. If you’re a foodie, Sault Ste. Marie is also a great place to explore your culinary desires. Or if you prefer history and culture, there are plenty of landmarks and noteworthy places to visit.
It’s no wonder why so many call Sault Ste. Marie home and why so many tourists choose to visit Algoma. From the foodie to the historian, Blaq Bear Tours taps into that grand sense of exploration inside everyone.
Through their culinary tours and guided walking tours, both locals and tourists alike can sample some of the best restaurants, historic sites and places of interest. It’s a great way to get out on foot for a few hours and try some new food and learn more about the history of the city.
Carole Blaquiere is the owner of Blaq Bear Tours, and she has lived in the Sault Ste. Marie region with her husband for almost 20 years. Their love of nature and hiking made Algoma the place they wanted to plant their roots and share their affinity for Northern Ontario with other like-minded explorers.
Culinary adventures and guided walking tours that highlight the best of the city
“What brought us up here was the nature,” Blaquiere said. “That’s my passion, is to show people what’s here. I love showing that off to people. Even locals are surprised about how Sault Ste. Marie became a city and how deep our history is here.”
Blaquiere guides the tours herself and the culinary adventures accommodate groups of two to ten people. Each tour involves stops at three restaurants near the heart of the city, with food and drink served at each stop.
“I like to show people the highlights of what we have and the depth of the city’s history and culture. It’s surprising how many people—even locally—don’t know much about the history in the Sault,” Blaquiere said.
Along the journey, Blaquiere also explains some of the rich history and culture of Sault Ste. Marie. You’ll explore local murals and visit The Machine Shop inside the signature Canal District.
A seamless experience for hungry (and thirsty) travellers
To make things interesting, the restaurant selections rotate, so you’ll always get a unique experience. Blaquiere noted she’s had some people travel from as far as Toronto to take part in a Blaq Bear culinary adventure.
One of the best parts that people love about Blaq Bear Tours is it’s one flat fee per person. You can enjoy the experience and not worry about having to pick up the tab at the restaurant.
“Our all-inclusive tour is seamless,” Blaquiere said. “They pay for the tour, then I take care of everything. Including the stops, everything is prepared ahead of time. I pay the bill and the tips are taken care of, so the clients don’t have to worry about any of that.”
In addition to the culinary adventures, Blaq Bear Tours also offers guided walking tours in the downtown area. There are four different walking tours to choose from which cover local art, the Group of Seven, and Sault Ste. Marie’s extensive mural displays.
Explore the history and culture of downtown Sault Ste. Marie
The guided tours involve a little more walking, but focus more on the historical aspects of downtown Sault Ste. Marie. For those looking to bring their dogs along for the tour, Blaq Bear offers dog-friendly walking tours. And for anyone with mobility issues, there’s a scooter rental available to make the trip a little easier.
While most of Blaq Bear’s customers are tourists from out of town, Blaquiere said her culinary adventures and guided walking tours are also a great learning experience for local residents who want to learn more about the city or to have a fun experience with friends and family coming to visit.
Blaq Bear Tours will kick off their 2025 season in late May. To book your culinary adventure or guided walking tour of the Soo, visit BlaqBear.ca.