With thousands of pristine lakes and rivers and infinite tracts of forest, Northern Ontario thrills and enchants, and practically redefines the meaning of ‘unspoiled’.
An awesome and wondrous landscape, Northern Ontario stretches out over 800,000 sq km and represents 90% of the landmass in the province, but only 7% of the population. It’s a place where outdoor adventures are a way of life and nature’s spectacle is always part of the scenery.
Experience the astonishing beauty of Ontario’s water, forests and parks. Explore the 30,000 Islands in Georgian Bay on your own or on a narrated boat cruise. Canoe or kayak through the diverse and stunning landscapes of Killarney Provincial Park. Hike the scenic trails and navigate the tranquil waters of Temagami Provincial Park. Board the Polar Bear Express from Cochrane to Moosonee and Moose Factory, a rail excursion through some of Ontario’s most spectacular wilderness. Find ancient Aboriginal pictographs that have survived for centuries in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Hike the Coastal Trail, along the scenic Lake Superior shoreline. Get an adrenaline rush on Eagle Canyon Adventures' suspension bridges and zipline. Relish the solitude paddling Quetico Provincial Park, a canoeist’s paradise. In Kenora, take a boat cruise on the Lake of the Woods, which has over 14,000 islands. And in winter, hop on a snowmobile – there are 46,000 km of groomed snowmobile trails to cruise.
Seek out our wildlife. Take off in a fly-in floatplane and experience a fishing trip like no other. Cast for lake trout or real in a mighty muskie. In Ontario you’re always close to a prime spot for fly-fishing, spin fishing or ice fishing. You may also discover iconic Canadian animals such as moose, bears, foxes, beavers and loons.
Follow Manitoulin Island’s Great Spirit Circle Trail, which encompasses eight First Nations communities. Browse Aboriginal galleries and stores, plus sample authentic cuisine and attempt traditions such as beading or spirit rock painting. Opportunities for outdoor adventure abound here too.
Attractions are in no short order in Northern Ontario. Sudbury's internationally acclaimed Science North is a hands-on, high-tech, interactive centre for exploring the mysteries of science. After a big photo-op at the Big Nickel, go underground on a one-of-a-kind mining tour at Dynamic Earth. Check out memorabilia and multimedia at the Shania Twain Centre in Timmins. Travel the ruggedly beautiful Lake Superior coastline to Thunder Bay and the home of Fort William Historical Park – the largest reconstructed fur trade post in the world with 42 historic buildings and costumed characters who recreate early life here. In Sault Ste. Marie, take a flight through float plane history at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
Sault Ste. Marie is also the starting point for the famed Agawa Canyon Tour Train. The famous one-day wilderness rail excursion departs daily from mid June to mid October. Be transported 114 miles north, over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes and rivers and through the awesome granite rock formations and vast mixed forests of the Canadian Shield. When the train pulls to a stop at Mile 114, experience the pristine beauty of Canyon Park up close. Enjoy scenic walks on gravelled trails leading to several waterfalls or experience an invigorating climb up over 300 stairs to the breathtaking Lookout, perched 250 feet above the canyon floor. The route is ablaze with colour during autumn and for decades the Canyon Tour has been a favourite way for fall ‘leaf peepers’ to experience some of the most spectacular fall colour in North America. Though peak colour varies each season, typically the last two weeks of September and the first week of October can offer the best colour and should be considered when planning your excursion
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