There’s a reason why Timmins has earned the nickname “The City with a Heart of Gold”—it only takes one visit to fall in love with this northeastern Ontario spot!

Timmins is situated on the Mattagami River in Treaty 9 traditional territory, with more than 43,000 people. Originally settled as a mining town, the city’s history is still alive today, with lots of gorgeous geology to explore. Timmins has plenty of options for every traveler, whether you’re a foodie or looking for some R&R.

This Canadian city is a true four-season destination, so your options will change depending on the time of year you visit. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Timmins in the summer when the lakes and trails are at their best. Winter is the time for tobogganing or cross-country skiing—though be sure to bundle up as temperatures can drop as low as -2.3°F (-19.1°C)!  Of course, restaurants and museums in Timmins are an excellent option for any time of year.

Take a Hike: Outdoor Adventure in Timmins

Timmins is surrounded by more than 500 lakes and rivers, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities. Learn to kayak at Timmins Adventures Tours, where you can also rent your own water sports equipment. For wakeboarding, head to Timmins Wake Park, located on Gillies Lake. The beachfront at Gillies Lake also makes it a common spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Hiking is a great way to see all of the scenery northeastern Ontario has to offer, and there’s no shortage of trails surrounding Timmins. The Hersey Lake Conservation Area, located just a few miles north, occupies 560 acres of lakes, trails, and pine forests. High Falls is a 2.6-mile loop trail along the Grassy River and features two sets of waterfalls. While daytime will give you the best views of the natural scenery, Timmins is also a great place to hike at night. The wide-open skies allow plenty of opportunities for stargazing or seeing the famous Northern Lights.

For a different kind of wildlife, Dream Acres Alpaca Farm is just a short drive east of Timmins in Matheson, Ontario. Take a walk with more than 30 alpacas, and purchase a sweater or scarf made from alpaca wool—perfect for staying warm during Canadian winters!

Finally, Timmins has three golf courses, including two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole public course at Sandy Falls.

Take a Bite: Timmins’ Favorite Food and Drink

Exploring all that Timmins has to offer is guaranteed to work up an appetite. Fortunately, there are plenty of food and drink options in this northeastern Ontario town.

For authentic Canadian cuisine, dine at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa. Options here include local dishes like elk or fresh-caught pickerel. (Of course, you may prefer to catch and prepare a few fish yourself at one of the surrounding lakes!)

If you’re looking for a genuinely Canadian treat, try a butter tart. They’re so popular that the southern Ontario town of Midland hosts a yearly festival dedicated to the tasty treat! Pick up a box at Radical Gardens Market and enjoy a picnic along the nearby Gillies Lake.

For a light bite, try Aline’s Tea Shop for beverages and baked goods, or head to the Northern Lights Fauxmagerie, a unique spot dedicated to freshly made vegan cheese.

Timmins is also home to two of Northeastern Ontario’s amazing craft breweries, Full Beard Brewing and Compass Brewing, where you can purchase cans of locally made lager.

Take a Tour: Cultural Activity in Timmins

Timmins may be a small city, but it has a vast history. There’s plenty to explore on your visit here, from the unique natural resources to the artistic contributions of its residents, including Timmins’ most famous former resident: singer Shania Twain.

Make the Timmins Museum the first stop on your list. Here, you can learn about Timmins’ history as a gold mining town and the Porcupine Gold Rush of the early 19th century. You can even see inside a recreated prospector’s cabin.

To learn about the first residents of the city, the Mattagami First Nations, Timmins has plenty of resources. The Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre offers programs and services for indigenous people in the area, including a resource center. Also of note when planning your trip to Timmins: the city marks several Indigenous Days of Observance throughout the year.

For some of the best art Timmins has to offer, simply step outside. A walk through the downtown area will reveal several large outdoor murals. These artworks were created by a handful of local artists, including Indigenous painters Mique Michelle and Drippin’ Soul. Murals are displayed at sites including City Hall, Victor M. Power Airport, and the Timmins Public Library.

With so much on the go in Timmins, you’d be forgiven for thinking a visit to the town would show you all you need to see of Northeastern Ontario. But there’s so much more. To find out what else this diverse destination has to offer, read our Northeastern Ontario Travel Guide.