For me, snow is magical. It changes the world around you. It creates a different picture every time it falls, greeting you with a sparkle and a promise of fun. I go way up north in Ontario for a lot of snow—to the very last city before you can’t drive anymore. 

Timmins has an average snowfall of approximately 120 inches (305 centimeters) and is nestled among the trees of the Boreal Forest. It’s a perfect snow playground. 

Make the Most of the Snow in Timmins

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is more than just a pastime in Timmins. To allow everyone to get to accommodations, restaurants, and gas stations the city of Timmins has allowed snowmobile access on some of its roads. Do not be surprised if you are driving down the streets and a snowmobile is in front of you, turning right! One of the great things about Timmins is that you can leave your hotel room or eat at a restaurant and simply jump on your snowmobile and be in the thick of the forest in less than 10 minutes. 

The Timmins Snowmobile Club offers 270 miles (434.5 kilometers) of trails, and you can also obtain a trail pass there. Timmins offers great boondocking opportunities; you can take off on your snowmobile and go off-grid camping in Northeastern Ontario for free because it’s surrounded by Crown land.

Ice Fishing in Timmins

Fishing is fun at any time of the year, but ice fishing adds a whole new thrill during the winter. Going out on the ice, drilling a hole, and setting up camp on a frozen lake is a different kind of fishing experience. Timmins is surrounded by small lakes. The best thing is that you can get to them by car, snowshoe, or even snowmobile, depending on what you like to do. I love options! It’s all just under the ice, whether you are hoping to catch a Walleye or Northern Pike.

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

There is nothing more peaceful than a glide or snowshoe through the forest on a crisp bed of snow. Porcupine Ski Runners is located right in Timmins and provides services such as waxing, lessons, and rentals. The Porcupine Ski Club is one of the largest ski clubs in Canada, with miles of trails from beginner to Olympic. Two miles (3.2 kilometers) of lighted night trails provide a beautiful flight through the boreal forest. 

Prefer to snowshoe? They have trails for that, too. Seven different tracks, from moderate to difficult, will give you an excellent snowshoe experience. They even offer a ski playground for beginners over the age of four to help you learn basic skiing skills—including slalom and soft jumps—in a safe environment. When the day’s done, gather around the fire pit for a toasty end to a great day.

Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding

Do you love to feel the wind on your face as you ski down a mountainside but want some added excitement? Mount Jamison Resort offers a unique experience of skiing down an extinct volcano.

Five miles (eight kilometers) of hills have trails from novice to advanced. The resort offers lessons and ski camps for those just getting started and those who need a little reminder. They also have options for tubing, which means there’s something for everyone. Ski rentals are available if you don’t have your own—plus a repair shop if you break the ones you have.

Be sure to visit the Kam Eatery for breakfast, lunch, or dinner to keep your energy up for a fun-filled day. If you’re feeling a little thirsty, the resort has two bars: The Foggy Goggle outdoors and The Tbar inside. Both are great places to have a chat with friends about a snowy day.

Where to Stay in Timmins in Winter

There are a lot of places to stay in Timmins, but I want to share with you a special place just south of the city. Does the thought of a cabin in the woods, sipping hot chocolate, and watching the snowfall excite you? Then Horwood Lake Lodge might just tickle your fancy. 

Sitting on a peninsula on gorgeous Hardiman Bay east of Horwood Lake, it’s the perfect place for a winter getaway. You can choose to cook your own meals or enjoy eating out in their dining room. (It is always a great meal!) With 375 miles (603.5 kilometers) of snowmobile trail and a frozen lake outside your door for ice fishing, it’s a winter wonderland waiting to be explored.

Although snow is our favorite four-letter word, there’s so much more to Timmins than winter fun. For the top tips to help you plan your trip to Northeastern Ontario at any time of the year, check out our Northeastern Ontario Travel Guide.