All About Northern Ontario

Know Before You Go

Northern Ontario is a vast region made up of vibrant cities surrounded by pristine Canadian wilderness ripe for exploring. With more than 250,000 lakes and rivers to paddle, wildlife to photograph, and thousands of trails to traverse, it's safe to say you could spend a lifetime here discovering everything we have to offer. It's also safe to say that all this exploring will require a sturdy pair of shoes. 

Whether you've visited us dozens of times or you're planning your very first trip, there's lots to learn about travelling to Northern Ontario. What to pack? How do I get there? What to expect at the border? And most importantly, what are the best things to see and discover once I'm there?

Not to worry. We're here to help you out. We're a friendly people, after all. Read on to learn everything there is to know about travelling to Northern Ontario. We can't wait to see you. 

Recommended Articles

Best Crown Land Camping Sites in Northern Ontario

Ontario’s best campsites aren’t all booked—discover Crown land & backcountry camping in Northern Ontario, with tips on where to go and what to pack.

10 Amazing Facts About The Trans-Canada Highway

How much do you know about the highway that unites Canada from coast to coast?

Crossing the Border into Northern Ontario by Car? Read this.

A complete guide to crossing with confidence

The Ultimate Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights 2026

47 tips, tricks, and itineraries to help you see aurora borealis and plan your Northern Lights adventure.

Top 10 Things To Do in Northern Ontario

Pictographs, Niagara of the North, the famous Cup and Saucer Trail, and more!

Travel Information Centres in Northern Ontario

These centres across the region offer valuable travel insights and fun information—and some are must-see attractions themselves!

How to Keep That Campfire Vibe Alive in a Fire Ban

Here’s how to cook, stay cozy, and enjoy camp vibes in Northern Ontario using safe, approved propane options and lighting hacks.

Hooked on Ontario: Your Ultimate Fishing License Guide

How and when to get your license so you can get out on the water.

How Do I Get to Northern Ontario?

A complete list of airlines, border crossings, trains, and ferries.

Map Prototype for Northern Ontario Travel Centres

9 Films About Northern Ontario You Have To Watch

How many of these movies have you seen?

8 Incredible Structures in Northern Ontario

From a log “castle” to an abandoned 65,000-square-foot mansion—if you love architecture, add these gems to your travel itinerary.

Ontario’s Staycation Tax Credit Makes Local Travel Pay

Ontarians are able to claim up to $200 per individual and $400 per family on local hotel, cabin, and lodge stays this year!

6 Dark Sky Preserves in Ontario

Go here to see meteors, the International Space Station, Northern Lights, and the Milky Way.

Planning a Last Minute Canadian Vacation in 2025? Here Are 12 Places That Feel Like You're Somewhere Else

These 12 places make you feel like you're somewhere else—from the Caribbean to France!

Discover the Wonders of Northern Ontario: Free Provincial Park Access Next Friday

Pick your park and mark your calendars!

Travel Safe, See You Soon

Heading north this summer? Follow these tips to stay safe.

How to Book a Campsite in Ontario

Need to book a campsite and not sure where to start? We got you.

Where to See Group of Seven Landscapes in Ontario

See for yourself the inspiration behind members’ works of art.

What Can I Bring Into Northern Ontario?

From fresh fruit to firearms, here's what you can and can’t bring into Canada.