Spring and early summer in Northern Ontario are some of the most fascinating and exciting times of the year. After the cold and grey of winter, the colours seem more vibrant, the warmth of the sun feels almost tropical, and the fresh scent of the outdoors coming to life offers a sense of hope and promise you don’t find in other seasons.
The final days of ice, the new leaves unfolding before your eyes, the joys of spring’s wildlife, no crowds, off-peak prices, and crisp night air perfect for good sleeps are all part of why this is a great time to visit Northern Ontario.
Two different time frames offer the best of the season: the very start of spring, and the windup, before summer truly arrives.
For those who really want a jump on the season, it’s hard to beat mid-May. As a general rule, this begins around the second week of May, before the bugs come out, and when spring is about to unravel. Depending on the year, it may begin as early as May 10 and covers about a two-week period.
At this time, if you arrive early enough, you can often watch the last remnants of ice disappear from the lakes, as they transform from dull melting slush to sparkling deep blue water. For locals who live near a lake, this is a big deal. People often make handshake bets on the exact date the ice will finally go out. If you’ve never seen this happen, it’s exciting. Especially the first morning you wake up to see that there are no more pieces of ice drifting around, just an open expanse of water.
Next come the birds. The spring migration of songbirds through the region is phenomenal. And fortunately, they’re easy to spot in the trees while the leaves are still buds or just tiny bits of color tinting the forest a light green.
Whether you are a birder or not, it’s interesting to track the bird migration on a variety of websites or Facebook groups to see when the greatest number of birds are moving through your area. For a couple of key days, you might see birds that you aren’t familiar with, like American redstarts, or some regular seasonal favourites, like white-throated sparrows. Some of them are just here for a few days before they head to areas further north for the summer.
You can also download apps, like Merlin, that allow you to record the bird sounds to help you identify what bird you’re hearing. These types of apps really help you connect with nature in a new way and can make you more aware of your surroundings. You can also read 10 Spectacular Birds in Ontario, Birding in Algoma, and Seasonal Birdwatching in Northwestern Ontario for more information on birdwatching in each region.
If you are at a cabin or rural area that is not usually inhabited during the winter months, you might also notice more wildlife around, like deer and foxes moving about or traipsing through the yard.
There is something special about the first warm sun of the season hitting your face, the smell of warming earth and drying leaves, and the sense of renewal that fills the air. Coffee on the deck in the morning, long walks along a dirt road or hiking trail, appetizers by the water's edge in the afternoon, and a BBQ to end the day. For many people, this is the May long weekend and the kick-off to the new season.
But it’s not quite summer yet, and after this glorious period, the bugs often arrive in full force. Some years are better than others, but as a general rule, late May and early June are the biggest bug weeks. You can still visit, but it requires bug spray, and it’s a good idea to have a bug tent or gazebo if you want to enjoy evenings and sunsets outdoors.
If you aren’t interested in the early spring, the second most enticing time is mid to late June. The temperatures are warmer, the worst of the bug situation has passed, and the longest days of the year are upon you. And, if you are lucky enough to spot some wildlife, there is a good chance you’ll see some babies.
One of the key sights of springs is the ducklings and goslings paddling along the shore and coming up to nibble on grass and weeds. You may also spot fawns and cubs.
Other things to watch for at this time of year are mud turtles and snapping turtles that come up on shore, especially in the early evenings, to lay eggs. Be sure to keep an eye out for them crossing the roads as you’re driving!
For anglers, late June can be especially promising. In many parts of Northern Ontario, the fish flies hatch around the first week of July. This can seriously hamper fishing. With the fish flies dropping into the lake and lining the surface of the water, the fish have plenty to eat and are less interested in whatever is on the end of your hook. But, before this happens, at the end of June, fishing can be great. After all, awesome fishing is one of the best parts of Northern Ontario’s lakes.
The water at this time of year is still cold, but children rarely mind! The first dip of the year is much appreciated and memorable.
In either of these two time periods, you can usually find good rates at lodges and hotels. Staff are also happy to welcome the first guests of the season. Once children are out of school for the summer, the situation starts to change. By the start of July, prices and availability tend to go way up as more people arrive on the scene.
Part of what makes springs so special is the anticipation. You’ve waited all winter for the summer, and when it finally arrives, it’s magical. Like the taste of the first fresh wild strawberry, the scent of wild roses in bloom, the first hummingbird arriving at your bird feeder, the first bite on your line, and the first burger on the deck with friends. It’s a memory-making experience like you won’t find at other times of the year. Best of all, kicking off the summer early will also make your summer feel longer.
