I spent a few fun-filled days in Timmins, Ontario, discovering everything this industry town known for mining and forestry has to offer. Even with the long northern days of early summer, I ran out of time to explore nature trails and visit all the destinations on my list (although I definitely made time to sleep with the wolves).
With that, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of ideas here to help you plan your trip to Timmins.
A hearty meal at the retro diner McIntyre Coffee Shop is the best way to start a day of exploration! Located inside the McIntyre Community Center (the building houses a 1300-seat arena built in 1938,) this tucked-away restaurant is a clear local favourite. People streamed in, talking to each other with familiarity. I expected someone to call out “Norm!” like an episode of Cheers.
McIntyre Coffee Shop had a great vibe. I loved the diner’s feel, with photos of hockey players lining the walls and vinyl seating in booths, tables, and stools along the bar. I watched a few plates pass by, wondering what they tasted like, but when my Breakfast Club arrived—a triple-stacked sandwich with home fries—it was all I had eyes for.
My first time exploring Timmins included learning about mining history, so I walked to Schumacher Lions Park (McIntyre Park) across the street from the McIntyre Coffee Shop, where the iconic McIntyre Headframe was visible.
The green space has a pavilion, benches, a beautiful pond with a waterfall feature, old mining equipment and interpretive signs. In the park stands the Porcupine Miners Memorial, commemorating the people who have lost their lives to mining and the families left behind.
For a longer ramble or run, the Lion’s Walk passes through the park, connecting the Rotary Trail in Schumacher to Gillies Lake Promenade in Timmins. Mattagami Region has quite an extensive network of recreational trails, spanning 55 km from Timmins to Porcupine.
When passing clouds continued to threaten rain, I visited the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Center to learn about mining history, indigenous people and life in the region.
Interesting artifacts, tools, clothing, photographs, and detailed signage told the North’s story of the mining and lumber industry. They taught about the struggle for financial independence, the harsh winters, and people's poor living conditions, beginning with the gold rush.
Walking through the permanent exhibit, I read about gold deposits, the boom towns that sprung up around the mines, and how Timmins came to be, absorbing outlying communities into its city limits.
The clouds cleared for my visit to the Hollinger Open Pit Lookout, which offers a deep view of gold mining. Don’t wait too long to visit; plans are being discussed for how the site will be reclaimed once it is completely closed.
While mining land scarring is an eyesore, this is a rare educational opportunity with a bird's-eye view of the operation. Trucks are still rolling down into the mine, dumping ore in the pit’s “deep end,” while others are driving into a tunnel, going deeper into the ground, out of sight.
My favourite (panoramic) view of the mine was from the parking lot, and the official lookout point provides an excellent vantage point of Timmins. It was a busy city attraction, with a steady stream of vehicles and pedestrians coming up to see the Hollinger Open Pit Mine.
They had me at from-scratch cooking, and when I read braised beef tacos, I stopped looking at Radical Gardens’ menu and started to salivate.
Orders are packaged to go, and there’s no seating inside, so I sat on their outdoor patio. The smells drifting out of the little kitchen were divine—I couldn’t wait to dig in, but I’d happily wait! After taking a few photos, I quickly devoured those stuffed tacos; the fresh flavours danced on my tongue.
Radical Gardens’ desserts, pies, and cookies are either baked in-house or locally sourced. So, save some room to follow your savoury takeout with something sweet and tasty.
Starting from the south end (at the Conservation Authority Office and parking), I walked along the south shore on the 2.5 km Gillies Lake Promenade. Occupied birdhouses lined the trail; everywhere I looked, swallows swooped and caught insects, consuming the riverside’s (biting) bug populations.
I took at least a hundred photos of the birds, but only a few were good enough to share. I then sat on a hillside bench overlooking Timmins Wake Park, across from Gillies Lake Beach.
There was a constant flow of walkers, runners, and cyclists moving past me in both directions. I wondered where they were going: around the lake, linking to Scout Rock Trail and Golden Springs Trail, or connecting to the Lion’s Walk.
Shawn and Jeanette, the owners, run Pro Tackle Timmins (and Timmins Adventure Tours) on the Mattagami River. This is the place to go when you need to rent (or buy) fishing or hunting gear, SUP boards, sit-in or fishing kayaks, or bikes to start adventuring immediately!
When I visited the shop, it was too windy for my novice kayaking skills, so I returned for a short paddle the next day. I discovered it’s a quick 300 meters to Mountjoy River from Pro Tackle’s launch on the Mattagami River.
Mountjoy is a narrow waterway that stays calm during windy conditions. Plenty of twists and turns made my time on the water quite enjoyable. It’s not motorboat-free: remember to turn your recreational kayaks into the oncoming wake to prevent tipping.
It’s hard to believe that tailing ponds and slag piles (what the mining industry considers waste from processing ore) formed much of Timmins and the area’s landscape. The mining industry has worked to rehabilitate the environment, and the results are green spaces like Hersey Lake Conservation Area, which is now a beautiful lake with restored forests and trails.
While sitting by the water, I could hear songbirds in the forest. Their calls put me into action: it was time to hike the interpretive Tamarack Nature Trail. The easy 1 km loop educates users about northern plants and animals in the boreal forests.
After the slow ramble through the tamarack trees, I went back around again—and even slower than before. I loved it so much.
After hiking and paddling, there’s nothing quite like a cold, refreshing drink—and where better than Full Beard Brewing for a flight? I’ll admit that it’s challenging (for me) to detect the subtle flavours in various beers, but I did love the fruitiness of What-a-melon, one of their brews on tap.
The light beers hit the spot for me; the darker ales were nice, but they went to my head too quickly on that hot day, so I didn’t finish them. However, I bought a few tall boys to enjoy later on with a charcuterie dinner I had in mind.
I spent much of the second day in town local food shopping and trying to stay within my charcuterie budget. By my third stop, I had blown through it. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t have a list, but I did have an ice-packed cooler to make my food last for a few days.
I visited Hollinger House Bakery and Deli, where I picked up Samosas, Sausage Rolls, cookies, and Blueberry pastries. Around the block at Pick of the Crop, it was hard not to buy everything, and without a clear list, I forgot fresh fruit and a D’Amours Bakery dessert. However, I got a Greek-style salad and a Mufellata Sandwich, which was terrific.
I bought a cheese croissant and one macaron of every flavour (plus extra orange ones) at Golden Crust Bakery. Next door at Dabrowski’s Smoked Meats, I purchased Kielbasa, smoked pepperettes and cheese curds from Fromagerie Kapuskoise.
When I arrived at White Waterfront Conservation Area, it was later in the day than I realized. I knew I wouldn't complete the 13.6 km Bart Thompson Trail, which loops around Porcupine Lake.
So I strolled toward the gravel trail, passing by a kids' playground and splash pad, pausing at the viewing platform to look for birds before continuing.
Partway through my walk, I sat on a trailside park bench, enjoying the breeze coming off the water, birdwatching and observing active mining operations across the lake. It wasn’t long before satisfying my hunger became a priority, so I headed to a nearby local favourite - listed next.
When you travel as much as I do (and like to chat it up with everyone), we find out where the favourite eateries are and what the locals like. At White Waterfront, I received a second recommendation for Francesco’s Pizzeria. I was told, “You have to get the Ruby.”
So, there was only one thing to do: visit the small pizza shop (standing room only) and order The Ruby. I left with my takeout, and later, when I opened the box, I picked up a slice and had a bite. Or two. Or three. Then I remembered to take pictures, so here’s a photo of half my pizza.
Believe me, I’ll place the same order at Francesco’s Pizzeria the next time I’m in town.
PS It’s a cash-only joint. However, an ATM is on-site, just in case you forget.
While enjoying hosted accommodations at Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa, I received a ticket for the Wildlife Tour, a tractor-drawn wagon ride through the wilderness park to see Fallow Deer, Elk, and Bison. On tour, it’s possible to see Canada Geese, ducks, swans, and Bald Eagles (their nest is within the park’s boundaries), depending on the season.
Guests were provided feed for the Fallow Deer and Elk, stopping a few times during the ride to feed them through the wagon’s safety bar. The tour stopped at the Bison feeding stations so we could observe them closer while enjoying the safety of the wagon—before turning around and returning to the resort.
Currently, the wolves are not on the Wildlife Tour, and the only way to see the Timber Wolf pack is with the Sleeping with the Wolves experience. If you’re still craving more ways to get close to animals, read A Wild Tour of Timmins and the Surrounding Area.
Lured by the beauty of the riverside and the easy access point near Cedar Meadows, I walked down the laneway, connecting with the Bridge to Bridge Trail (The Riverwalk) and set off south towards Mount Joy. It didn’t take long for me to be surrounded by a buzzing cloud of bugs and beat a quick retreat.
After exploring other trails and being spoiled by the lack of biting insects in June, I walked this riverside trail unprepared (not recommended), leaving my bug protection in my vehicle. It was a good thing I had returned to the resort because there were thunderstorms—and a tornado alert—shortly after that.
With the pass provided with my hosted stay at Cedar Meadows, I received sandals, a bathrobe, a towel, a locker key, and a (refillable) water bottle at the Spa’s welcome desk. I already had a tour of the facilities and taken photos, so leaving my gear behind, I was en route to rejuvenation.
The relaxation and meditation rooms, steam room and sauna were all empty. Typically, there would be day visitors and resort guests, but earlier thunderstorms (and tornado alert) left the Nordic Baths quieter than usual.
It was my first time experiencing the benefits of heat (hot pool, sauna, or steam room), cold plunge, and relaxing before starting the cleansing cycle again. A hydration station to refill water bottles was in the hall, near the sauna. The relaxation room had self-serve fruit-infused water and lounge chairs—and if hungry, you could order food from the restaurant.
I tried everything, except I only dipped my toes in the cold pool (brrr!) and, after sticking my head in the steam room, opted to use the sauna instead. Repeating the hot-cold-relax cycle for hours left me feeling incredibly relaxed and invigorated.
Then my tummy started to rumble like the thunderclouds stacked on the horizon.
Once the tornado alert was issued, I knew I was eating in. I ordered my favourites: an Artichoke Spinach dip appetizer and a Caesar Salad with chicken. The morning after the storms, I treated myself to Eggs Benedict.
That’s not the first time I enjoyed a meal at the restaurant. Earlier in my stay at Cedar Meadows, I ate at the Voyageur Restaurant, ordering the Elk Burger, topped with caramelized onions, smoked cheddar and dijonnaise, and fries. My burger was beautiful and tasted even better than it looked.
Side note: Richard Lafleur, owner of Cedar Meadows, walked into the restaurant partway through my burger, and I invited him to sit with me while he ate. After we chatted for over an hour, he kindly took care of my bill for this meal. Thank you, Richard!
With 16-hour days, I lived my northern trip to the fullest and squeezed in over two dozen things to do, see, and eat in Timmins. Things like having too much fun at one spot and thunderstorms contributed to running out of time for many outdoor adventures.
So, here are a few activities I missed and even more locations I didn’t have time for this time:
OUTDOOR ART: I spotted a few murals while driving between locations. I would have loved a mural treasure hunt, but I’m saving that for a wintertime visit to Timmins.
GOLF: I haven’t played golf in decades (even then, it was a course in my backyard), but I would have toured the grounds and greens for you! Sandy Falls Golf Club is a public golf course, and visitors are welcome to the membership-based Hollinger Golf Club and Spruce Needles Golf Club.
MINI PUTT: If miniature golf is more like your style, visit the Mini Putt and Batting Cages at Hollinger Park to swing a putter.
CYCLING: Next time I’m in town, I’ll cycle Timmins' hard-packed trails and start at Pro Tackle Timmins (Timmins Adventure Tours) to rent a bike!
WAKEBOARDING: At Gillies Lake Conservation Area, Timmins Wake Park offers wakeboard classes without using a motorboat! I waterskied in my twenties, so trying wakeboarding could be fun!
ROADSIDE ATTRACTION: When I passed by, the moose at Albert's Sports & Workwear stood tall for a photo. However, I missed the turn and the opportunity to take a picture and check out the store’s outdoor adventure gear and essentials.
FOOD RECOMMENDATION: I’m still kicking myself for missing the Pine Dairy Bar! I had plans to devour an Elvis Burger and a classic milkshake before leaving Timmins. I’ll never know how I forgot.
MORE: Timmins has more to offer than I could explore during my stay, but that means there’s so much to discover the next time I visit!
