Elliot Lake
Once a thriving uranium mining town, the city of Elliot Lake is now a comfortable and cozy community that shines in every season. With swimming, kayaking and ATV tours in the warmer months and downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowmobile tours in the cold months, this Northern Ontario town is a destination you’ll want to return to.
To learn more about all there is to see and do in Elliott Lake, scroll down or visit the city's tourism website.
Where is Elliot Lake?
In Northern Ontario, this small city is a destination to rival nearby Sault Ste. Marie and the Lake Superior coastline. With Lake Huron just to the south and the city of Sault Ste. Marie to the west, Elliot Lake is an Algoma District town easily accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway. Travel about two and a half hours east from Sault Ste. Marie, then north on Highway 108 to reach the wooded nature escape. This city is accessible by public transit, Ontario Northland Bus Service.
Things to Know About Visiting Elliot Lake
Whether you’re still in the planning stages or you’re already on your trip to Elliot Lake, it’s nice to learn what the locals know.
Where to get great city views
The Fire Tower Lookout provides a panoramic view of the area’s former mine sites that have now returned to their natural state.
Where to see fall colours and local art
With the spectacular fall backdrop of the Algoma Region, the Elliot Lake Arts on the Trail is a scenic, self-guided tour in and around Elliot Lake that gathers diverse artists in a high quality arts festival. The tour takes place on the last Saturday of September.
Where to go for a hike
Head to Mississagi Provincial Park in the Penokean Hills within a 20 minute drive north from The City of Elliot Lake.
Where to see wildlife
Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, located at the edge of the city is 182 hectares of protected habitat for birds, mammals and reptiles.
Elliot Lake Neighbourhoods & Districts
Elliot Lake is best known for its access to unspoiled wilderness and thousands of lakes, but the city itself also has a lot to offer visitors. Explore its neighbourhoods and its northern charm.
Downtown
With plenty of opportunities to park your vehicle you can stroll from businesses to business in this downtown core area, located on Ontario Avenue. From restaurants to chain stores to tiny shop local emporiums, discovering this area of Elliot Lake is a great way to spend a day.
Hillside North and Hillside South
Bordering the downtown shopping core, these two north and south access points into the town of Elliot Lake, will lead you past major services like City Hall to the residential areas of this town.
Miners' Park
This historical area tells the story to visitors of the importance of mining in this area. Stroll through the park to find the Memorial and Monument on the shores of Horne Lake. Pack a lunch as there are picnic tables to relax and catch a few rays. Check out the Lake Heritage Trail and Island Boardwalk Trail. Be sure to take note of Matinenda Escarpment where lookout areas offer scenic photo opportunities.
Things to Do in Elliot Lake
In any season, the town of Elliot Lake has a range of attractions that will keep you coming back. In the summer, the sandy shores of Elliot Lake are a lovely place to sunbathe. In autumn, the famous Algoma District fall colours are on full display. In the winter, skiing is a local favourite. In the spring, hike, bike, or ride the trails around Elliot Lake to enjoy the flora, fauna and beautiful lookout points.
Check out Spruce Beach and Spine Beach, both city beaches that are easily walkable from the town centre. Spruce Beach is ideal for families as it offers a playground and a clean sand beach. Spine Beach, also walkable from town, has picnic areas and barbecues that make it a great spot to make dinner and watch the sunset.
Book a tee time at Stone Ridge Golf Course. Just a few minutes’ drive out of the city, this picturesque golf course ends with an exciting hole over the water — right in line with Elliot Lake’s nautical charm. The golf course also hosts a beloved restaurant for after your excursion on the fairways.
Check out one of the areas many, many hikes, or head up to the Elliot Lake Fire Tower and marvel at the panoramic view. The views from Mount Dufour Ski Area are also impressive, and the hill keeps its promise of no lines. After a long day of skiing, check out the local favourite, Fireside Classic Grill, famous for serving ice-cold brews and delicious food.
Hike through the marshes at Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll be sure to see water lilies and wildlife. Westview Park, a city park with a playground and an unrivaled view of Elliot Lake, offers several walking and hiking trails for the adventurer.
Kick it up a notch on an ATV excursion. With more than 300 km of well-maintained trails, all within 30 km of the city, you’ll be exploring on four wheels for hours. Easy trail maps are available so you won’t get lost in the web of trails winding through the area’s marshes, mountains, rivers and forests. In winter, the snowmobile is the vehicle of choice. With a famously long snowmobile season, you can spend months exploring more than 270 km of groomed snowmobile trails around this beautiful region.
Outside of the city of Elliot Lake, you’ll find several campgrounds and lodges where you can enjoy the great outdoors. Book a night at the Dunlop Lake Lodge on your way to Blind River Provincial Park, offering great backcountry camping, canoeing and fishing.
Last updated: August 22, 2023