Timmins
Timmins is located in Northeastern Ontario, one of the richest mineral producing areas in the Western Hemisphere. Nestled along the Mattagami River, Timmins is appreciated by visitors looking for a unique vacation destination. Comfortable accommodations, endless outdoor recreation, unique attractions and four spectacular seasons make Timmins a must-see destination year-round. Here, outdoor adventures are never more than a stone’s throw away. Peace, tranquility and legendary Northern hospitality are guaranteed.
Spread across 3,210 square km, Timmins is one of the largest cities in Canada. With so much land, there’s plenty of outdoor activities for visitors. The city’s population is multilingual, and half of Timmins’ residents are bilingual in French and English. The former home of country star Shania Twain, Timmins has a little bit of something for everyone.
To learn more about all there is to see and do in Timmins, scroll down or visit the city's tourism website.
Where is Timmins?
Located in northeast Ontario, Timmins is about 3 hours north of Sudbury and less than two hours from the Quebec border.
You can arrive by car on Highway 101 from the east or west. From the north, Highway 655 brings you into the city. Coming from the south, take Highway 144, which meets up with Highway 101. Another option is to fly into Victor M. Power Timmins Airport (IATA: YTS, ICAO: CYTS).
Things To Do in Timmins
One of the most popular attractions for visitors is the great outdoors. There are also museums to explore the city’s history, art and alpacas!
An outdoor lover’s dream, Timmins offers a variety of ways to get out into nature. On a wilderness tour at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa, you might see bison, elk, deer or moose. Or opt for an alpaca farm tour at Dream Acres Alpacas.
Hikers will find over a dozen trails to explore in the area, golfers can find two public courses (one is an 18-hole course and the other has nine holes), and hunters have opportunities for moose and black bears in the area. If you’re not familiar with the area, you can hire a guide to assist you. And like fishing, make sure you read the hunting rules and get the proper licence.
Anglers can test their skills at a variety of lakes and rivers in Timmins and the surrounding areas such as Mattagami River, Kenogamissi Lake, Night Hawk Lake, Horwood Lake and Kamiskotia Lake. Depending on where you cast your line, you’ll find pike, smallmouth bass, walleye and in some locations, speckled trout. In winter, try your hand at ice fishing. If you’re not familiar with ice fishing, you can hire a guide who can help you find great locations and instruct you on ice fishing and rent equipment. No matter where you go fishing, make sure you read the fishing rules in Ontario and get a fishing licence.
In addition to ice fishing, outdoor lovers visiting in the winter will find snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. If you’re visiting during the warmer seasons, learn to wakeboard in Timmins Wake Park, located in Gillies Lake Conservation Area.
Art and history lovers will enjoy spending time in Timmins. The city has nine street murals located at sites around the city, including the public library and the airport. Timmins has many local artists who show and sell their creations throughout the city. Visit the Porcupine Miner’s Memorial, the statue of a miner pays tribute to the 594 miners killed in mining accidents. There’s also a statue of a mother and her two children in memory of the families of the miners who died. The Timmins Museum and National Exhibition Centre highlights the mining heritage of the area. Exhibits include clothing of the time, the early days of the gold rush and a recreation of a miner’s house available for tour.
There are lots of choices for food and drink in Timmins from vegan, BBQ, brewery fare and family dining.
Things to Know About Visiting Timmins
Whether you’re still in the planning stages or you’re already on your trip to Timmins, it’s nice to learn what the locals know about the city.
Great place for winter activities
Mount Jamieson Resort is a winter destination for downhill skiers and snowboarders and has the tallest tube park in the province.
Little-known fact
Timmins is well-situated for stargazing and observing the Northern Lights because of its northern location and low population.
Hidden gem
Archie Chenier, an avid hiker, discovered a glacier deposit stacked eight stories high in the middle of the Boreal Forest, now called Archie’s Rock. To get there, follow the 3 km trail in the Little Star Lake Road area.
Last updated: November 25, 2022