Bob and I have gotten to the point in our marriage that physical gifts are no longer needed. If I’m going to be completely honest with you – he’s never been a great gift giver anyway. Shhh… don’t tell him I said that! But, alas he’s redeemed himself anyway with this Agawa Canyon Color Tour.
Did you hear about the time he bought me a computer monitor for Christmas? …because we needed one?? And that’s not even the worst part! He wrapped the HDMI cables in a pretty box complete with a bow.
Seriously??!! – hahahahaa
I’ve never been one to complain about gifts but that year was the exception. It could’ve been what prompted my future detailed lists of appropriate gifts for a wife.
Anyway, he’s now learning that I’d much rather have experiences than another object to fill our house.
Agawa Canyon Color Tour
Just as I bought him our first Pictured Rocks paddle for his birthday, he reciprocated with a lovely Agawa Canyon Train Color Tour for mine. We had so much fun getting away for the night and taking in the gorgeous, blooming fall color.
I’m all about sharing some pretty photos with you but I also think there’s value in providing some really important tips!
First of all Bob is quite the planner. Honestly he can seem a bit too regimented with his itineraries but it typically comes in handy for me. I can sit back, enjoy the ride and know he’s done all the research to make certain we have a good time.
There were a couple snafus this time… read on!
Train Tour Tip #1
So this may seem like common sense to most people but keep in mind that we left our house at 5:30 am to make sure we were at the train stop on time. *Remember! The direction that the train comes in is the same direction that it will go out.
Which brings me to the fact that you’ll want to sit facing the direction you’ll be heading. You see, some of these train cars have seats that face each other. Meaning some people are bound to be going backwards during their tour.
Also, in this particular case, sitting on the east side of the train car is essential if you want to take in the beauty of the Agawa River that is visible almost the entire 114 mile trip.
So of course Bob and I were half asleep and direction disoriented when we took our seats.
Backwards and the wrong side! Every time I think about it I crack up. How did we both miss this?
That’s us! Still terrible at taking selfies but we thought it was funny that one of the cars said Trout Lake – the little home town where our resort resides.
If you’re not sure which way is north and picking the east side of the train seems confusing, just remember that the direction the train pulls into the station is north and as you’re facing north, east will be on your right.
Ok, got it? Good!
Train Tour Tip #2
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT eat the food on this train.
For some reason we were picturing a sweet little dining car with lovely service and expensive, yet, delightful treats.
This could not be further from the truth!
I won’t go into the ugly details but please heed this warning. Pack your own little cooler and savor it. Also, (you did not hear this from me) I highly doubt anyone would notice if you had a thermal cup with your beverage of choice… just don’t be sloppy people, ok?
Train Tour Tip #3
There’s some very informative narrative during the 4 hour trip towards Agawa Canyon. Personally I love hearing about the area history and geography. However, those sitting near you may not.
And while some of the loud chatting was annoying it might also be one of my favorite parts of the tour. A very lively and friendly Indian family sat just opposite Bob and I. The laughter and general cheery nature had me giggling even though I had no clue what they were saying.
I’ve also learned that they don’t accept a polite ‘no’ as an answer when offering their native cuisine. And while I tend to be the more adventurous eater between the 2 of us, Bob was unable to escape this time.
This alone was worth every penny! Cause when you’re sitting across from someone and they’re watching you eat their homemade food, you cannot simply wrap it in your napkin and discard it if you don’t like it.
You smile, you nod and you compliment. This is the right thing to do. My husband complied with this unspoken rule, he’s such a gentleman.
And for me, it was an unforgettable experience. Who knew one could be exposed to such diverse cultures on a color tour train?
Train Tour Tip #4
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes appropriate for an easy hike. The train stops for approximately 90 minutes once you arrive at Agawa Canyon and there are many trails to explore.
Amazing waterfalls, gorgeous views and one heck of a stair case. Each main trail loop is marked with an approximate time it takes to hike. However, those times are very generous and if you’re moving at a decent pace it’s definitely possible to see them all.
The train gives a 10 minute warning whistle before departing the park, so keep your ears alert and an eye on the time.
Train Tour Tip #5
There are people that travel into Canada from all over the world who take the train tour into Agawa Canyon. That means there are a lot, I mean A LOT of people. When you stop at the bottom of the canyon everyone will disperse but you’ll likely find that traversing the 300 stairs for a birds eye view may be difficult in more ways than one.
Watch out for selfie sticks and, if it’s raining, umbrellas. It’s possible to lose an eyeball if you’re not paying attention in the close railing quarters of the wooden staircase.
Ahhh, but the view is totally worth it… you’ve got 2 eyes after all… what’s one less? 😉
Train Tour Tip #6
If you need a little peace and quiet there’s actually a train car with tables and chairs that’s completely empty. I suspect this was once that sweet little dining car I pictured so vividly in my mind.
So while I loved our new-found Indian friends, Bob and I chose to be seated here for our return.
And since we were sitting on the wrong side of the train and going backwards on the way there, we were able to see the gorgeous landscape from the other side this time.
The river and its white rapids with the fall backdrop was absolutely stunning!
Train Tour Tip #7
It’s a long train ride into Agawa Canyon. 114 miles resulting in 4 hours each way with an hour and a half stop, makes for a long day. The trip narration is turned off during your return to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
I would highly recommend bringing something to do. A deck of cards to play in that abandoned dining car. A good book to read or headphones for listening to a favorite podcast.
Just keep in mind that you’re in another country which may cause roaming charges. We put our phones on airplane mode, disconnected and took everything in.
It was perfect!
According to the most recent schedule, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train runs from late June through mid October and I’ve heard they open for a couple of winter tour dates.
I can only imagine the beauty of winter from this point of view.
I’m slowly checking off my Upper Peninsula bucket list but there’s still a lot more to go. Be sure to follow all our shenanigans over on Facebook and get on the Instagram bandwagon, if you haven’t already.
Related posts:
How to see Tahquamenon Falls, a true Michigan wonder
7 Most Scenic Hiking Trails in the Eastern U.P.
7 Rules to live by when visting Mackinac Island, being a fudgie
