Your Guide to Iroquois Falls in Northeastern Ontario

Some Iroquois Falls residents like to point out that long lineups and traffic jams do not exist in this small community on the banks of the Abitibi River in Northeastern Ontario—for many, it’s all about a relaxing, affordable way of life and enjoying the outdoors. An hour’s drive northeast of Timmins, Iroquois Falls is 7.5 hours northwest of Ottawa, 3 hours northwest of North Bay and 7 hours north of Toronto, and is easy to get to because it’s located just off Hwy 11. 

Next to the Iroquois Falls information centre on Highway 11 sits Guy-Paul Treefall. The 20-foot-tall statue of a legendary lumberjack and French-Canadian storyteller from the area is a roadside attraction and an emblem of the town's early days.

*Editor's note: In September 2024, the Town of Iroquois Falls met to determine whether or not the town should pay to refurbish the aging statue of Guy-Paul Treefall or have it removed, and have asked for public feedback to decide. You can weigh in on the future of the statue by entering your vote using this online form.

Iroquois Falls: Northern Ontario’s Original Model Town

History and urban planning buffs will appreciate that Iroquois Falls is considered Northern Ontario’s Original Model Town, because the original forestry company employer planned it out as a “Garden City” for its employees in 1913, featuring recreation areas, boulevards and spacious parks in a separate area from the industry of the paper mill. Employee homes were built with symmetrical gambrel roofs to resemble quaint farmhouses in New England (and their location and design was even tied to the employee’s rank at the mill). Today, Iroquois Falls is home to friendly residents, colourful seasonal flowerbeds, and a variety of events and activities. Read on to discover more about what to do in Iroquois Falls.

Outdoor Adventures in Iroquois Falls

The town of Iroquois Falls is surrounded by plenty of waterways and trees, so it’s not surprising that outdoor recreation plays a central role. The Jackpine Snowmobile Club is part of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and is near some major trails. Be sure to check the club’s Facebook page to find out the latest info on trails. Cross-country ski fans can also try out the more than 20 km of trails at the Iroquois Falls Cross-Country Ski Club.

Groomed for skate and classic skiing, the trails feature a range of terrain and also include a dog-friendly trail for skijoring as well as a snowshoe trail.

Anglers can fish on the area’s many lakes year-round, and don’t miss the annual ice fishing derby in March that’s part of the Winter Carnival. Warm weather brings the Annual Search for Moby Pike, a summer fishing derby on Lake Abitibi. To explore the region’s lakes, stop by local business Lily’s Pad to rent watercraft that includes SUPs, pedal boats, kayaks and even pedalboards (a standup board that combines pedals and steering). Kettle Lakes Provincial Park is about a 40-minute drive southwest of Iroquois Falls, and as the name says, is home to 22 deep, spring-fed kettle lakes that were formed by glaciers. Open May to October, it’s an excellent spot for rainbow and brook trout fishing, camping, and has 14 km of easy-to-moderate biking trails as well as two main beach areas with canoe rentals. The park has four different hiking trails ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate to help you explore the boreal pine forest and take in some good bird-watching, too.

Golf, Sports Facilities and Walking Loops: Recreation Opportunities in Iroquois Falls

You don’t have to head to the wilderness to find some fun and exercise—Iroquois Falls has a number of rec facilities. The Jus Jordan Arena and the Iroquois Falls Sports Complex offers a 25-m indoor pool, whirlpool and saunas, walking loop, five curling surfaces, a baseball diamond, a volleyball court, tennis courts, weight lifting and cardio room, and a squash court. Or, you can shred at the Iroquois Falls Skate Park (behind the tennis court) in the summer months.

Golfers consider the 9-hole, well-maintained Abitibi Golf Club a hidden gem, with reasonable rates, power carts, and fully-equipped pro shop. During the off-season, head to the golf simulator at Earl Porter Lanes (and stay to do some bowling!)

If you’d like to stroll through the town, there are several walking loops to consider.

Visit the Facebook page for the Iroquois Falls Events Committee to get the scoop on upcoming concerts, fairs and other community events too. 

Where to Stay, Eat, Tour and Shop in Iroquois Falls

Auberge MacDonald Guest Inn is a popular destination, especially for golfers (the property backs onto the course!) and has both king and queen rooms. For summertime RVing, look to Cameron’s Beach Campground which has a beautiful beach, boat launch, campfire pit, boat rental and well-kept sites. Horseshoe Lake Campground is another good option, just off Hwy 11 but nestled in the boreal forest.

There are a number of casual eateries in the area. A local favourite is Silver Grill, serving delicious Chinese-Canadian dishes. The Imperial Restaurant offers family-style dining, all-day breakfast and homemade meals. In the summer, stop by The Bus Stop for quick and tasty poutine, wraps, deep-fried cheese curds, burgers and more. It has outdoor seating. Milou’s Bistro is the place to go for breakfast or brunch, with traditional omelettes, home fries and more. North141 is another local go-to with wings, burgers and fish and chips, while The Wye restaurant has menu items like hot chicken sandwiches, pizza and burgers, plus desserts.

Interested in shopping? Ambridge Antiques is a treasure trove of curated items like vintage holiday ornaments, period furniture, antique lures, and collectible housewares. Visit the Iroquois Falls Arts Council website to learn more about local artists and places to purchase their work, ranging from crystals, candles and crafts to fine pencil drawings and custom metalwork. Mill Market is the local farmers market, offering a variety of fresh local food and products (including fudge) on Saturday mornings in the summer, fall and early winter. Bishop & Beale is a quirky spot to find yarn and craft items as well as a thrift and consignment section.

The Iroquois Falls Pioneer Museum is open during the summer months and has free admission. Small and thoughtfully organized, it’s a great source for anyone wanting to know more about the area’s history, and the historic Shay 70 Locomotive (a geared steam train used mainly in North America) is also on display in Anson Park.

Plan a road trip and head to Iroquois Falls to discover some outdoor adventure, northern lifestyle and small-town atmosphere!

More Adventures in The Seven—Northeastern Ontario!

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