Making a Splash in the City of Timmins

The top 10 amazing beach and waterfront destinations to discover this summer in the city with the heart of gold.
Photo of Slab Lake

When staying in Northern Ontario, it’s important not to let our cold and harsh winter climates fool you, as during the summertime it can get pretty hot! While the City of Timmins is the place to be year-round, we want to make sure that you’re able to make the most of your summer vacation by visiting these top beach and fun-filled water destinations

1. Gillies Lake Beach

The Gillies Lake Beach is the perfect location for locals and tourists to have some fun in the sun this summer. Take a walk around this amazing, scenic 20-hectare lake as you enjoy the stunning local fauna and flora that Northern Ontario and the City of Timmins has to offer. Then, take some time and enjoy a scenic picnic before making some waves and going into the waters of the supervised Gillies Lake Beach! This location also includes Wi-Fi hotspots, an exciting playground as well as public restrooms to help make your time at the Gillies Lake Beach more enjoyable.

Gillies Lake Public Beach

2. Wakeboarding at Gillies Lake

If you’re interested in adding a bit of excitement to your daily routine, then be sure to try out Northern Ontario’s very first Wake Boarding location right here in the City of Timmins! Located on Gillies Lake, this Wake Boarding experience is a perfect thing for new and skilled boarders alike as our amazing cable 2.0 system is controlled by an operator who will be sure to help make your first time an amazing, fun and memorable experience. For more information and to book your wake boarding time now, please visit Timmins Wake Park.

Wake Board Park in Timmins

3. Hershey Lake Beach

The Hershey Lake Beach is a favorite amongst locals as it provides an exceptional swimming experience in a secluded and scenic area. Enjoy hiking on the many trails at Hershey Lake while cooling down in the numerous beaches along the way. Be sure to bring your furry friend with you to the Rainbow Lake Loop trail and enjoy spending time with your dog in nature without the use of a leash. The main beach at Hershey lake is sandy and is the perfect place to tan and make sand castles! The lake is amazingly clear and start off shallow as it gradually gets deeper, however it is also unsupervised so please swim at your own risk. There are picnic tables, public washrooms, and an ample amount of parking located on site for your convenience.

People enjoying the beach on a beautiful summer day

4. Hollinger Park Splash Pad

Located in the heart of Timmins, The Hollinger Park Splash Pad is a free, fun and exciting feature of the Hollinger Park that will help keep you and your kids cool every summer! It includes a rubberized, anti-slip pad as well as fun and exciting interactive water structures and spray jets! Spend the day at the Hollinger park and enjoy all of its other amenities as well which include multiple benches and picnic tables, a recreation field, playgrounds, including a swing set and public restrooms.i

Hollinger Park Splash Pad

5. Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park

The Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park is a campground that is not only an exceptional place to go camping but also offers amazing beach destinations that everyone will surely enjoy. There are two beaches on location which are both deep and shallow including a dog exercise area and beach which is perfect for you to spend time with your furry friend! Enjoy a warm and relaxing swim while taking in the beautiful scenery of Northern Ontario. One of the beaches includes a playground for the kids to enjoy and there are canoes, paddleboards and kayaks that are available for rental. Whether you’re busy fishing, enjoying the numerous hiking trails, getting a tan or trying to find treasures amongst the sand, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park.

Beautiful Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park

6. Kettle Lakes

Not only known for its amazing campsites, the Kettle Lakes Campground is a top beach destination for locals and tourists alike. There are life jackets, canoes, kayaks and even Mobi Chairs and fishing tools for those who require it. So, if you want to spend a day of fun in the sun while enjoying the amazing nature that Northern Ontario has to offer, then be sure to purchase a day pass and visit these three most recommended swimming beaches at the Kettle Lakes Campground!

Kettle Lake Provincial Park

7. Slab Lake

Slab Lake is the smallest of the Kettle Lakes Campground. Yet, it is the most exciting as it is the only one that has a playground for the kids to play on as the adults who want to relax can watch them from one of the many picnic tables that are located on site. Enjoy swimming in this wonderful lake as you take in the beautiful lush, green and peaceful forests of Timmins. There are buoys in the water to mark swimming limits however there are no lifeguards so please swim at your own risk. There is a small shelter nearby, foot washing stations, a comfort station and a barbecue for your grilling pleasure.

8. Island Lake

While Slab Lake may be the smallest, Island Lake is the biggest of all the lakes in the Kettle Lakes Campground. It offers an amazing view of our lush forests as you enjoy a swim in the lake or a picnic at one of the picnic tables located at the beach. There are buoys in the water to mark swimming limits however there are no lifeguards so please swim at your own risk. Island Lake is unique from the others as there are stairs to go down before getting into the water. There is an Island Lake comfort station nearby which includes showers for your use and convenience.

9. Green Lake

If you have a furry friend and want to enjoy your day together at the Kettle Lakes Campground, then be sure to stop on by Green Lake! It is the only pet friendly lake on the campground but it’s really the only one you need as it includes an amazing pet exercise area as well as a sandy dog beach for you and your dog to enjoy! This lake is also unsupervised so please swim at your own risk.

10. White Waterfront Conservation Area and Splash Pad

Have some fun in the sun by visiting the White Waterfront Conservation Area! It includes a new mining-themed splash pad that involves fun interactive water structures along with an anti-slip rubberized pad. The conservation area includes a beautiful trail around the lake, along with parking, a picnic area and the White Waterfront Beach.

White Water Park in South Porcupine

This year, don’t let the heat get you down and come experience all of the amazing lakes, forests and fun-filled water activities that the City of Timmins has to offer during the summertime.

About Kendall Fountain

Born and raised in Timmins, Ontario, Kendall Grace Fountain is studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Concurrent Education at Nipissing University. With a background as a research assistant and a travel counsellor with Tourism Timmins, she is passionate about the history of her hometown. An artist and avid reader, she enjoys writing, travelling, and discovering new adventures. She likes to learn, share her knowledge with others, and is working towards becoming a teacher.

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