Located in the heart of the Canadian Shield, Timmins is a city in Northeastern Ontario that offers the best of urban life and rural adventure. 

Set on the Mattagami River and occupying Mattagami First Nation traditional territory, Timmins is close to more than 500 lakes and rivers, making it the perfect spot to partake in water sports and other outdoor activities. Take a trip there, and you’ll see why it’s nicknamed “The City With the Heart of Gold.”

Four-Season Fun: When to Visit Timmins

Timmins is a great place to visit any time of the year, as it experiences the best of all four seasons. Located just a three-hour drive north of Sudbury, Timmins is also a short flight from Toronto or Ottawa.

The summer months are ideal for outdoor sports like golf and waterskiing, while the winter months in Ontario are famous for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The rest of the year is also great for outdoor adventurers, with flowers blooming in spring and the leaves of Canada’s boreal forest changing color in the fall.

Summer activities peak in July and August, which is why it’s a good idea to book boats and other water equipment rentals in advance at a place like Timmins Adventure Tours. Water sports tend to wrap up in October when the first snowfall hits. The frigid temperatures can last well into March or April, with an average January low of -2.3°F (-19.1°C). That’s just one reason why Ontarians make the most of the summer months!

Incredible Accommodations: Where to Stay in Timmins

Lodgings in Timmins make the most of the natural Canadian scenery. Whether you prefer roughing it or five-star service, there’s something here for every traveler.

At Tata Chika Pika Lodge, visitors can stay in a motel or one of nine private cottages. Bring your fishing gear, as there are more than 40 miles (64 kilometers) of open water and rivers around Tata Chika Pika to catch Canadian favorites like pike and walleye. Boat rentals are available, as well as dockage if you bring your own.

Located on man-made Kenogamissi Lake, WildExodus is the place to go for “glamping” in amenity-filled cabins and yurts. Book their Paddling Odyssey for an overnight adventure along the Grassy River or one of the pontoon cruises that operate from May to October.

Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa offers something for everyone visiting Timmins. If you’re here for a romantic weekend, indulge yourself at the renowned Nordic Baths and Spa. Adventurous travelers can book the resort’s wilderness tour, where you might spot some bison, elk, or moose.

Travelers can also reserve a spot at one of the many camping and RV parks in the area. Big Water Campgrounds is just 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Timmins on Bigwater Lake, and offers ATV trails and canoe rental. Open from May to October each season, we recommend booking your spot early.

Take to the Lake: What to Do in Timmins

After you’ve relaxed at your accommodation of choice, it’s time to dive in and enjoy some of Timmins’ popular water sports. Boating, waterskiing, and fishing are among the best things to do in Timmins from spring until fall.

Timmins Wake Park offers wakeboarding clinics for all ages and skill levels if you need to brush up on your shredding skills. Located on Gillies Lake, you can dry off after your lesson with a walk along the popular 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) walking trail which offers views of the local wildlife.

There are also plenty of activities for land lovers, from golfing to hiking along one of Timmins’ many trails. Three golf courses surround Timmins, including the 18-hole championship Hollinger Golf Club. Hikers will want to explore High Falls, a 2.6-mile (4.2-kilometer) loop trail along the Grassy River with spectacular waterfall views.

Mount Jamieson Resort (formerly Kamiskotia Snow Resort) is the go-to spot if you’re looking for winter adventure. The resort, located on an extinct volcano, offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing lessons, as well as the all-important chalet to warm up afterward. Fishing doesn’t stop in the winter months either. Ice fishing is a popular activity at Horwood Lake Lodge—just be sure to pack your long johns!

With a wide range of water sports, outdoor activities, and fantastic scenery, Timmins has something that appeals to every traveler. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or an outdoor adventure, you can’t go wrong with a trip to northeastern Ontario. So, go ahead and escape to the lake!

From the trails to the lakes, you’ll be sure to find something to do in Timmins no matter what time of year you visit. For more perennially fun activities in Timmins, Sudbury, and North Bay, visit our Northeastern Ontario Travel Guide.