When you stay at this guesthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, you'll be on the waterfront, within a 15-minute drive of Kewadin Casino and Agawa Canyon Tour Trains. .This guesthouse is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Crossings at Sault Ste Marie Golf Course and 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Rotary Park.
Water Street Historic Block - 8 min drive - 6.3 km
Soo Locks - 10 min drive - 7.7 km
Lake Superior State University - 10 min drive - 8.1 km
Agawa Canyon Tour Trains - 15 min drive - 11.7 km
Getting around
Sault Ste. Marie, ON (YAM-Sault Ste. Marie Airport) - 33 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 7 min drive
Clyde's Drive-In - 3 min drive
Mulligan's Irish Pub - 21 min drive
Taco Bell - 6 min drive
Tim Hortons - 20 min drive
About this property
Riverside Retreat, sit back and relax...:-)
It’s time to sit back and relax you’re on river time! This 1200 sqft apartment was designed for guests rest, relaxation and fun. Conveniently located near shopping, dining and outdoor activities although you may never want to leave the peace and relaxation. Take in the incredible views of the river from the comforts of patio furniture and umbrella while you watch the massive and majestic ships pass by. Take a steamy hot Sauna then jump into the river to cool off. Book a tour charter on a massive cabin cruiser and just sit back and relax! Breathtaking views in a beautiful apartment makes this an unforgettable riverside destination.
There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a Smart television is provided for your entertainment. The bathroom has a shower/tub combination and a hair dryer. Conveniences include a safe and a desk.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a sauna or take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Internet access
Things to do
Boat
Books
Games
Kayak
Music library
Playground
Sauna
Stereo
Video library
Conveniences
Laundry facilities
Outdoors
Barbecue grill
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Firepit
Garden
On a river
Outdoor furniture
More
Smoke-free property
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1.5 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Entertainment
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Food and drink
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dining table
Dishwasher
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen
Kitchen island
Meal delivery service
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
More
Air conditioning
Desk
Desk chair
Dryer
Fireplace
Heating
Iron/ironing board
Living room
Safe
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:30 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Rules
#1. Please start a load of dishes upon checkout .
#2. Quiet time is 10:00 pm to 7:00am.
#3. You’re welcome to use the dock and swim area and Sauna
#4 Children must be supervised at all times around swimming area.
#5. Absolutely no going out on ice during winter.
#5. This is a self check in property and all guests certify that you are willing and able to follow the instructions that are being provided by VRBO
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Children shall be watched closely by the water
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property
Property is also known as
Riverside Retreat, sit Back and Relax...:-) Guesthouse
Riverside Retreat, sit Back and Relax...:-) Sault Ste. Marie
Riverside Retreat, sit back and relax...:-) Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 184 out of 190 reviews
10 - Excellent
184
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 190 reviews
8 - Good
3
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 190 reviews
6 - Okay
2
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 190 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 190 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Staff & service
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Wendy W.
30 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Property is just as described! We had a wonderful stay. The freighter watching was incredible and being right on the Saint Mary’s river was beautiful! Would definitely return!
Wendy W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
6/10 Okay
Lisa L.
15 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Riverside Retreat
Great location. Loved watching the freighters go by. Inside was clean. The patio and the patio furniture needed to be cleaned. The cushions had debris on them. Stayed 2 nights. The second night the neighbor/possibly owner had loud music and could hear a yelling argument going on.
Lisa L.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dena F.
13 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
What a great relaxing place to stay! The view was spectacular. Would definitely stay again.
Dena F.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kristine A.
9 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
A cozy retreat!
We felt right at home the moment we walked in. The riverside retreat was truly a retreat! Marc is a great hist! We also all slept very well which hardly happens when we’re away. I highly recommend!
Kristine A.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Wendy D., Traverse City, Mi
7 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing on the river
Another great time on the river. Love the comfy patio setup to read out on & watch the freighters. The fire feature is fun to use at night. Will be back again.
Wendy D.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Susan W.
4 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Guest House in Sault St Marie
The house is immaculate and equipped with everything you need or want. It is beautifully decorated. The beds and bedding are luxurious. The property is amazing. We spent a lot of time on the swing by the St Mary’s River watching freighters cruise ships and all kinds of pleasure boats and jet ski. I enjoyed watching the ducks and birds. Definitely 5 stars!!
Susan W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Debbie S.
2 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful location.
The house is a little dated but clean and in a great, safe location to explore Sault St. Marie. The owner was very friendly and accommodating.
Debbie S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Nadya B.
24 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Little retreat
Nice little property near the water. Really beautiful views and a great place to chill near the water.
Nadya B.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Marlene F.
22 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable
Beautiful accommodations. Great view of freighters from the living room. Since weather was cool, this was very comfortable. Spent 2 days, watching freighters, never left. Marc was an outstanding host!One minor complaint, outdoor furniture was dirty. I understand how difficult it is to maintain, but how about all weather, waterproof furniture?I definitely would book again!
Marlene F.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth S., United States
19 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Summer Getaway
We had so much fun staying at the Riverside Retreat! It was clean, perfect location, and had all the amenities! We loved watching the freighters go by, go for a swim at the little beach, and make snores in the evening time. Our kids had an absolute blast! Marc was a fantastic host!! We can’t wait to go back.
Elizabeth S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Amy F.
11 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amy F.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Timothy B.
10 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great accomodations
Perfect for us. Close to everything. Right on the river. Great views.
Timothy B.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Gail V., Belding
27 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Ladies Getaway
Three long-freinds chose Sault Ste. Marie as a halfway meeting point so selected this home from VRBO. Spectacular views, very clean and comfortable. Thank you Marc!
Gail V.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
alyson c.
9 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Riverside Retreat
Came up to the Soo for hockey state championship. Not wanting to stay 4 days in a hotel we took a chance on a Vrbo. Riverside Retreat did not disappoint and exceeded our expectations! Comfy, cozy, view was exceptional. Location was perfect and Marc was an attentive host!Great weekend overall!
alyson c.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Karey M.
2 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Thanksgiving
Marc’s place was great. Check in was easy and communication was great. Home was clean and very cozy. We loved watching the freighters.
Karey M.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
2/10 Terrible
James G.
24 Oct 2024
James G.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Judith J.
5 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location to see freighters!
Ending to a girls week
Judith J.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Julie T.
29 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Anniversary getaway
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Riverside Retreat. The property was clean and well maintained. We enjoyed relaxing as the ships/freighters floated by on the St. Mary's River. Great getaway!
Julie T.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
CINDY H.
14 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Ships, ships, ships
Entertaining to watch ships!
Location was conveniently located, easy to navigate to whole area.
House was comfortable and charming.
Looking forward to my next stay.
CINDY H.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
6/10 Okay
Cheryl S.
27 Aug 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness
August 2024
I stayed here last year in August for the first time. The view and the waterfront access to see the freighters passing by down the river is excellent.
This year I was a bit disappointed in the cleanliness of the bathroom upstairs and the kitchen overall. The appliances are worn as is some of the furniture. The carpet had stains upstairs and down. The outside cushions are
Cheryl S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Breanne D.
10 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
We had an excellent stay. Everything was as described, the view is amazing. I wish ee coyld have stayed 2 nights instead of 1. Thank you again, Marc!
Breanne D.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Amanda T.
31 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Freighter Paradise
This was our first VRBO ever and I can tell you, I doubt we will ever land a house as perfect as this one was. My parents are in their mid to late 70s and loved every moment of it. My husband had never been to the SOO and wants to go back and my 8 yr old son is obsessed with freighters, wanting to work on them someday perhaps. The house was immaculate when we arrived. Everything we needed was provided. The kayaks and swimming area provided recreation in-between freighter visits. We hope to come back again next summer and do it all over again. Thanks again Marc!
Amanda T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Madison C., Fort Wayne, Indiana USA
29 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Third Stay - Never Disappoints
This is our third year staying at this property and it was just as incredible as prior years. The home is always clean and provides great amenities including a fire pit and the kayaks (our favorite part). Marc has always been a wonderful host, quick to respond to any questions.
Madison C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Patti Z.
29 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Watching Freighters
The place was beautiful. We had been looking for somewhere that we could watch the freighters and relax. We found this gem. It was just like described but better. We will definitely visit again.
Patti Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Edward M.
25 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and cozy!
So, I wanted to tell everyone that all the positive reviews don't do this property justice. The gentleman who owns this is overly generous with the spread he presents his clientele. I mean words and pictures do not do this property justice with the beauty that surrounds you while you are there. I had so many plans to go places and see things while I was there, but it was so comfy and amazingly beautiful that we often just sat and watched the ships pass by. I wish I had the time to stay a few more days. When we weren't enjoying the dock or the big window view of the river, we would play board games (provided by host) which was really welcome considering that my kids never play board games when we are at home. The kayak's kept us busy too and the convenience to the locks and grocery stores yet still being so quiet was amazing. I know I'm leaving out so many positive experiences that its just hard to describe how perfect this property was. Hands down, if you see all the stars in the rating, go ahead and add another two stars to those 5 star reviews cause you will not be disappointed in staying here! Believe me it's WAY better than my words can describe!