America’s cultured Capitol
Flights from Sault Ste. Marie to Washington, DC land you in the centre of American politics.
America’s most famous political institutions line the well-kept streets of Washington, DC. Beyond posing for photos with the White House and touring the United States Capitol, you’ll find lots of exciting things to do in Washington, DC. With a thriving arts scene and luxe retail districts, Washington, DC’s points of interest extend beyond party lines.
But before you get to shopping in Georgetown, the National Mall is well worth a visit. With sites like the Lincoln Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Washington Monument packed into this 59-hectare area, you only need to travel a few steps to each attraction.
While you’re on the National Mall, step into one of Washington, DC’s Smithsonian Institution museums. With 19 Smithsonian museums spread across Washington, DC, you can choose whatever piques your interest. From the living world of National Museum of Natural History to the skyward exploration National Air and Space Museum, there’s always more to learn in Washington, DC.
If you prefer arts to science, choose from Washington, DC’s collection of galleries and performance venues. Admire the works of National Gallery of Art or applaud the productions of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as you take in the culture of this capital city.
If you’re seeking a few serene hours during your visit from Sault Ste. Marie, look no further than Washington, DC’s parks. Whether you wander through the wild Theodore Roosevelt Island or admire the well-pruned plant life of the United States Botanic Garden, there are plenty of ways to unwind on a busy trip to Washington, DC.
Upper Northwest
Washington’s quiet side
See another side of Washington, DC, on your trip from Sault Ste. Marie, with an afternoon in the Upper Northwest. This Washington, DC area is far from the tightly packed attractions of the National Mall, but there are still plenty of things to do in the quietly charming Upper Northwest.
While you’re in the Upper Northwest be sure to stop by its most famous church, the Washington National Cathedral. With a Darth Vader gargoyle and moon rock embedded in the stained glass, you could spend a whole day exploring this building’s architectural features.
After admiring the towering architecture of this impressive structure, turn your gaze towards the Cathedral’s grounds. Quiet walking paths and ivy-covered garden walls give the surrounding area a peaceful feel.
Even more floral features of the Upper Northwest await at the Hillwood Estate. Aside from 25 acres of gardens and woods, with 12 acres of formal gardens, the Hillwood Estate also houses a museum. Russian Imperial art and artifacts collected by the estate’s original owner, Marjorie Merriweather Post, line the halls of this lavishly decorated museum.
If all this sightseeing whets your appetite, the Upper Northwest’s restaurants won’t disappoint. Plenty of pizza and varied American fare give this neighbourhood its distinct flavour.
After lunch, the Upper Northwest’s nearby neighbourhoods provide hours of shopping action. From the familiar big name brands of Friendship Heights to the chic boutiques of Georgetown, the Upper Northwest is your jumping-off point for a number of retail experiences.
Wherever you go next, the Upper Northwest can set in you in the right direction for the next stop on your trip from Sault Ste. Marie to Washington, DC.
Columbia Heights
The height of cool
Washington, DC’s delightful and diverse Columbia Heights is the next stop on your trip from Sault Ste. Marie.
Housed in a beautiful Beaux Arts style Mansion, the Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, DC is one of Columbia Heights main attractions. Mexico’s varied aesthetic styles are honoured throughout this house, most notably in a three-storey mural. Painted by Diego Rivera disciple Roberto Cueva del Rio, this mural acts as the backdrop for the cultural and culinary events hosted by the institute.
Alongside regular events, a rotating series of art exhibits guides the visitor through the colourful heritage and history of Mexico.
The bilingual GALA Hispanic Theater is a hub of film, music, and theatre in Columbia Heights. With performances in both English and Spanish, there’s no need to worry if your knowledge of Spanish is limited.
Columbia Heights multicultural menu adds flavours from all over the world to the neighbourhood. Get a worldly taste through the varied fare served in the many restaurants of Columbia Heights. Cast your ballot for eclectic reinventions and American classics along 11th Street. After dinner drinks are also available along 11th street, in Columbia Heights most toast-worthy bars.
Enjoy a dose of greenery in Meridian Hill Park. This hilltop oasis is surrounded by trees and embassies, creating an urban escape for visitors from Sault Ste. Marie and locals alike. Also known as “Malcolm X Park”, Meridian Hill features a stepped fountain as its centrepiece. While the design of the park has a European flair, creative public art and regular drum circles give this park a distinctly DC feel.
On your way out of Columbia Heights, you can choose from attractive neighbourhoods and Washington, DC attractions nearby to visit next. Whether you walk south to shop at the farmer’s market of the Smucker Farms of Lancaster County, or taste the south of the border flavours of El Salvador in Mount Pleasant’s markets, Columbia Heights leads to some of Washington, DC’s tastiest neighbourhoods.
Getting to Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM) is about 19 km / 12 mi from downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Transportation
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxi and car service from downtown costs about $45 CAD.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Landing in Dulles
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 44 km / 28 mi from downtown Washington, DC.
Washington Dulles International Airport Transportation to Downtown
Uber and Lyft are available at Washington Dulles International Airport. Exit on the arrivals level where all ride-sharing vehicles meet travellers.
Car rental car services are available at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Take the shuttle bus from doors 2, 4, or 6 of the baggage claim area of the main terminal to get to the rental lot area.
Taxis to downtown cost about $55 USD. Car service costs about $80 USD.
The Silver Line Express shuttle bus provides service from the airport to Wiehle Avenue Metrorail Station, on the Metro Silver Line. The fare is $5 USD.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
