The Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
drove over The International Bridge
to get from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
June 21, 2013

The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge, often known just as the International Bridge, spans the St. Marys River between the United States and Canada connecting the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It serves as the northern terminus of Interstate 75. The International Bridge began construction in 1960 and officially opened to traffic on October 31, 1962. In 1954 the state of Michigan created the International Bridge Authority. Canada followed in 1955, creating the St. Mary's River Co.

It is a steel truss arch bridge with suspended deck. There are two separate spans, a double arch span on the U.S. side and a single arch span on the Canadian side. The double arch spans crosses over the four U.S. Soo Locks. The single arch spans crosses over the single Canadian Lock. In Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the bridge connects to a city street in the downtown core.

The total length of the bridge approaches 2.8 miles. The Bridge Authority allows bicycles to cross; however, there are no dedicated bike lanes. Cyclists must take proper precautions to ensure visibility.

Beginning in 1987, an annual International Bridge Walk has been held on the last Saturday in June, starting on the Michigan side, with participants finishing in Canada.

Traffic was really backed up leaving Sault Ste. Marie Ontario and going into Sault Ste. Marie Michigan.

Suddenly traffic going into Ontario backed up as well. It took the two RV Gypsies about a half-hour or so AFTER the traffic backed up at the mid-way point, to get through the border check point.

The two RV Gypsies

arrived at the Sault Ste. Marie KOA
in Ontario, Canada
June 21, 2013

Although this KOA had a High Pressure RV Wash Station, it also had dirt roads. So the two RV Gypsies did not use the RV Wash Station. It also had a place on site to weigh RVs. These are two unusual amenities in a KOA, or any campground. The office and lounge were nicely decorated. This KOA had real fast Wi-Fi with a code. That was another plus. The KOA had a big pool and a nice playground, but the two RV Gypsies did not use either of these things. There were lots of TV channels, plus all the regular amenities that most KOA's offer. Domino's Pizza delivers to KOA sites, but the two RV Gypsies did not order pizza. The only negative besides the dirt roads was that there were a few trains going by at night and blowing their train horns loudly - something Karen really hates.

International Bridge and the KOA (this page)

Chippewa Falls

Sault Ste. Marie and parks

Pancake Bay

AFTER you have seen all four (4) sections above, please continue on to Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan
- Tahquamenon Falls, Tower of History, and Soo Locks

OR Continue Navigation in the order of your choice via the alphabetical or category buttons below OR Click here to see travels by the year (not the best way)