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.

6 Dark Sky Preserves in Ontario

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

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.

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

A complete guide to crossing with confidence

How to Book a Campsite in Ontario

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

10 Amazing Facts About The Trans-Canada Highway

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

The Ultimate Guide To Renting a Family Cottage in Northern Ontario (Without the Drama)

Here’s how to rent the right cottage, split costs fairly, plan meals smartly, and keep the whole family happy from check-in to checkout.

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!

Staycation Smarts: How to Explore Ontario Safely and Affordably Amid New U.S. Tariffs

Support local communities and travel with confidence this year.

Top 10 Things To Do in Northern Ontario

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

Hooked on Ontario: Your Ultimate Fishing License Guide

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

How to Keep That Campfire Vibe Alive in a Fire Ban

Cook, stay cozy, and enjoy camp vibes in Northern Ontario using safe, approved propane options and lighting hacks.

Where To Find Rest Stops Along Northern Ontario’s Major Highways

From washrooms and picnic areas to scenic roadside stops, here’s where to take a break while driving across Northern Ontario.

How Do I Get to Northern Ontario?

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

What do I pack for a trip to Northern Ontario?

41 essential things to bring according to our complete packing checklist

What Is a Lodge?

(And how can I book one?)

Wildfires in Ontario 2024

Heading north to camp, paddle, and explore? Here's everything you need to know about wildfires in Ontario this season.

10 Incredible (and Useful) Facts About Ontario’s Provincial Parks

From observatories to skating rinks, these parks offer more than just camping!

Map Prototype for Northern Ontario Travel Centres

Have you Explored Ontario's Largest (And Least Crowded) National Park?

Here's why this hidden gem should be on your camping bucket list in 2024.