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The Adventure Zone

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Courtesty of ACR/Elmer Kars

Legend has it that in 1920 Britain's Prince of Wales, who would later become King Edward VIII, was on the return train trip from the sweeping valleys and snaking rivers of the Agawa Canyon north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. when he was so mesmerized by the view from the rail trestle crossing the Montreal River that he pulled the emergency stop cord.

"He enjoyed the view so much he thought he would stop the train so he could enjoy the view a little longer," says Michael Morrow, manager of passenger marketing with the Agawa Canyon Tour Train.

Who can blame him? He was deep into an untouched region of northern Ontario that even today induces noses pressed against windows and the sound of more cameras snapping away than on any Hollywood red carpet.

Thankfully, the train is still running and today's visitors can still take in the breathtaking views either from high atop a rail trestle or deep within the canyon. Just remember that a Prince of Wales can get away with pulling stunts like he did over the Montreal River.

Courtesty of ACR/Elmer Kars

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train takes thousands of visitors nearly 180 kilometres north from Sault Ste. Marie along a rail line built in 1899 to carry resources from the northern interior to shipping routes further south. The line still continues on to Hearst, Ont. but the route is today known more for its enchanting views, especially during the fall when "leaf peepers", as they are known, flock to the area to take in the blazing colours of the trees, which lie just below the edge of the boreal forest. The views dwarf anything travelers can see from the roadside.

"We get the fiery reds, the oranges it's very spectacular in the fall," Morrow says. "I do very little marketing for the fall colours, word of mouth sells it out."

To take the train, make a reservation then show up at the station around 7 a.m. to get a choice of seats and enjoy the ride before descending deep in to the Agawa Canyon where travelers disembark for hiking, picnicking or a pleasant rest amid nature in its most colourful splendor. The train arrives back in town later in the day, ready to load up with another round of peepers.

Link:
www.agawacanyontourtrain.com