The Block House Pub - Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

In the Heart of the Canal District

Updated: Jun 2, 2026 By Sandra Trainor

Just west of downtown, near the Parks Canada – Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site is a revitalized and reimagined area called the Canal District. It’s a historic part of the city, with its origins in an industrialized era dating back to the 1800s and a thriving pulp and paper mill, with its impressive sandstone buildings. Today, the Canal District is an important part of Sault Ste. Marie’s tourism, event/entertainment, and culinary sectors.

Historic Charm Meets Casual Dining

One of the restaurants included in the Canal District is The Blockhouse Pub. It’s a popular casual dining experience, led by Head Chef and front-of-house manager, Sandy Toole. The restaurant is housed in a new building, modelled after the same look, feel and architecture of the surrounding historical sandstone buildings in the Canal District. The building also houses the Soo Falls Brewery and the Agawa Canyon Tour Train Station.

A Collaborative Kitchen Culture

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Chef Sandy, who told me she started her culinary training at Niagara College and finished it at Sault College’s Culinary Arts program. “Coming to the Sault was one of the best decisions I have made. I have always wanted to work in the food industry and have worked from the ground up. I was excited and honoured to be allowed to take on The Blockhouse from the ground up and have a say in the design, as well as the menu.”

blockhouse pub chef — Photo credit: Sandra Trainor

“We have a close crew of staff”, she continued, “as head chef, you work long hours, but it’s worth it to have the respect of the staff and owners who will listen. I feel at home working in the Canal District. We are treated like family here. Our ideas are listened to and tried. If something works, great; if not, not a big deal.”

From All-Day Breakfast to World-Class Reubens

“Our menu includes an all-day breakfast and pub-style offerings. I get to invent new dishes and enjoy seeing our customers keep coming back for more. We are always busy here, “ said Chef Sandy. “With the Agawa Tour Train at our doorstep, we have diners from all over the world. We once had a customer from Montreal, where Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwiches are world famous, tell us that our Blockhouse Pub smoked meat Reuben sandwich was the best they have ever had. We love that kind of feedback from our customers!”

The menu at The Blockhouse covers an extensive selection of everything from soups and salads, a big choice of starters, gourmet grilled cheese, gourmet burgers, a wide variety of deli sandwiches, specialty egg dishes and crepes. There is even a kids’ menu. For those looking for vegetarian options, they will not be disappointed.

Global Visitors, Local Flavours

Chef Sandy told me that many items on the menu are house-made, from cheddar biscuits, flat breads, honey oat bread and buns. The sweet potato fries are hand-cut, and all of the sauces and soups are made from scratch. The house-made desserts are a big hit. See the full menu by clicking here (opens into a PDF).

“We love the feeling we have created here at The Blockhouse. People come for the warm, fun atmosphere with the open kitchen along and the great food and friendly service.”

The Blockhouse Pub has demonstrated its place in the culinary scene in Sault Ste. Marie. Congratulations to Chef Sandy and her team.