when do the soo locks open

The Soo Locks open for the 2026 shipping season at 12:01 a.m. EST on March 25, 2026, when the Poe Lock opens to all marine traffic.

The park and viewing platform in Sault Ste. Marie will open at 11:30 p.m. on March 24 so visitors can watch the first ship go through, and there will also be a live stream of the opening event that night.