Timmins is a city filled with beauty, from the lakes and forests of the region to the traditional artwork of its Indigenous community. It’s no wonder that Timmins has inspired several artists to create and showcase their work. This Northeastern Ontario city has art galleries, sculptures, and soaring murals, making it a must-see stop for any art lover.

With so much artwork on display, you’ll definitely want to capture a souvenir of your trip to Timmins, making it the perfect place to brush up on your photography skills. For ideas on how to take the perfect photo, be sure to look for inspiration from the artists that display their work here.

Galleries Galore: Indoor Art in Timmins

Timmins has several art galleries and museums open year-round—excellent activities on a chilly Canadian day. The Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre is a great place to start, with a collection dedicated to the history and culture of the area. Their art collection includes painting, sculpture, photography, and the recently opened exhibit “Where We Stand: Stories of the Land,” highlighting more than 5,000 years of Timmins’ history.

The Porcupine Art Club has been creating and promoting artists’ work in Timmins for more than 70 years. Available to view online, PAC’s work is often exhibited at cultural events around town, including the Timmins Symphony Orchestra and the Timmins Public Library. They even created their own exhibit along a local Timmins bush trail.

Galerie Inuit Plus is a Timmins-based business that specializes in Inuit artwork. They showcase traditional sculptures carved from bone, ivory, stone, and other natural materials. Their work is available to view online, by private appointment, or at trade shows throughout Ontario.

If you just can’t get enough art while visiting Timmins, consider taking a short trip to another Northeastern Ontario artsy town, North Bay. The KBros Maroosis Art Centre in North Bay is the place to go for Indigenous art. The W.K.P. Kennedy Gallery features work by both contemporary and historical artists.

Art in the Great Outdoors: the Timmins Murals

Art is everywhere around you in Timmins, with plenty to see outdoors as well as inside a gallery. Take a trip through the downtown area, where you’ll see some of Timmins’ award-winning murals. More than 16 murals are painted on public buildings, including City Hall and the Timmins Museum, featuring local artists like Ed Spehar, Gary Bostrom, and Paulette Brozowski. It is a free and accessible way for anyone to enjoy artwork year-round.

The murals in Timmins are also a great way to learn more about the Indigenous creators working in Ontario, whose murals are located at 11 different locations. Mique Michelle is a Métis artist whose mural “A Hub for Good Medicine” can be seen at the Timmins Public Library. In addition, Indigenous artist Shaun Hedican’s mural is displayed at the Timmins Museum and National Exhibition Center.

You can find larger-than-life sculptures at locations around the city, many of which pay tribute to Timmins’ history as a mining town. The Porcupine Miner’s Memorial is located in Schumacher Lions Park, showing a miner and his family depicted in bronze. A trio of sculptures is also featured in front of the Timmins Museum and National Exhibition Centre to commemorate three real-life Timmins miners.

Tips & Tricks: Taking the Best Timmins Photo

Follow these simple tricks if you’re hoping to take perfect Instagram pictures of your trip to Timmins. Two important things to consider are the amount of light and movement in your photo.

Outdoor murals can be photographed any time of day, with varying results. Experiment with early morning sun or the shadows and streetlights at night. The overall mood of your photo can also change if the sun is behind you or in front.

Move around the subject of your photo to capture different angles and vantage points. This is especially useful with larger artwork like murals—in addition to taking a picture of the entire wall, move in to capture specific details of the piece. Also, work with other objects in the frame, like a fire hydrant, which might be hard to avoid in your outdoor pic. These items can add character and give a sense of scale to the artwork.

And remember, while murals are trendy for selfies, be considerate and avoid standing in front of an artwork for too long. Others are waiting to enjoy it, too!

A final tip: if you’re planning to take photos in an art gallery, it’s a good idea to check with staff before you click that camera button. Some older artwork can be sensitive to the light of a bright flash, and each artist or curator may choose to set their own policy regarding photography.

Whether you’re chasing murals or moguls, Northeastern Ontario has plenty to offer year-round. For all the inspiration and information you need to plan your next trip, visit our Northeastern Ontario Travel Guide.