The Sports Traveller’s Guide to Timmins, Ontario

From veteran beer-leaguers to little-league sluggers chasing their first home run, every athlete has a place in Timmins. One of the best cities in Northern Ontario for sports travel and tournaments, Timmins offers dozens of sports facilities—including arenas, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, multisport complexes and community centres—as well as family-friendly activities for teams visiting the region.

This community has a passion for sport that’s woven into its cultural identity, and it's growing. The province announced earlier this year $2 million in funding for a new sports dome at the Northern College campus in Porcupine, minutes outside of the city’s centre—yet another example of this community’s commitment to sport. City council also recently adopted a 10-year culture and tourism plan, whose focus includes “enhancing sports tourism opportunities," the city said online. 

Timmins regularly hosts a variety of regional, provincial and national sporting events, drawing visiting teams, their families and supporters. The annual Indigenous Mushkegowuk Cup, for example, draws hundreds of players and families from more than a dozen communities to Timmins each year. Youth tournament weekends, provincial championships and regional competitions are played in Timmins year-round.

Timmins Sports Travel Quick Guide

• Best known for: Hockeytown heritage
• Top facilities: Archie Dillon Sportsplex, McIntyre Arena
• New development: Northern College Sports Dome (2026)
• Ideal for: Hockey tournaments, baseball, soccer and multisport events

Why Timmins Is a Top Sports Travel Destination in Northern Ontario

Known as “Hockeytown,” Timmins has produced more than two dozen notable NHL hockey players over the years. It’s an active city where sports groups “contribute to the development of active lifestyles and community involvement,” the municipality says. It’s also a destination that welcomes athletes, their families and sports fans from across the province.

The small city has many sports facilities, is easy to navigate, takes just 10 minutes to drive across town, and has a thriving athletics culture that caters to local and visiting athletes alike.

Sports Facilities and Arenas in Timmins

Timmins is home to dozens of sports facilities and parks, offering ice, field and court time across the city. These facilities are designed for groups, including teams and their supporters. Here are some of the main sports facilities in Timmins:

Major Arenas in Timmins

• Archie Dillon Sportsplex: A large community arena and a six-lane pool with a diving tank and saunas. The city has made efforts to improve facility accessibility in recent years.
• Mountjoy Arena: A municipal arena west of downtown, one reviewer describes as a “community hub.” This local arena hosts sports and local events, like fall fairs, as well as private parties.
• Whitney Arena: A municipal arena near Northern College in Porcupine with a highly regarded snack bar (some reviewers say the deep-fried pickles are a worthwhile treat!). 
• McIntyre Community Centre: An ice rink that hosts a variety of hockey games and other sports programs, as well as concerts, community events and the annual mining show. This facility has also seen accessibility improvements aimed at improving accessibility, including an upgraded exterior entrance ramp.
• Carlo Cattarello Arena: Also known as “The Barn,” this South Porcupine indoor ice rink hosts a rec league of more than two dozen teams and more than 650 games per year. Recent modernizations include a new scoreboard and changeroom upgrades, including the floor, seating and showers, according to non-profit sport organization CARHA Hockey.

Indoor Sports Facilities in Timmins

• Northern College Sports Dome: A new provincially funded multisport dome under development in 2026 at the Timmins campus in Porcupine.
• Timmins Regional Athletics: An indoor athletics and soccer complex on Theriault Boulevard, just east of the Mattagami River.

Baseball Diamonds, Soccer Fields and Outdoor Sports Parks

• Hollinger Park: Large park home to a regulation-sized baseball diamond, Fred Salvador Field, soccer fields and beach volleyball courts.
• Bozzer Park: City-managed park with fields, major and minor baseball diamonds, used for local leagues and recreation.
• Timmins High and Vocational School Track and Soccer Field: School track and soccer field.
• Municipal outdoor soccer fields include Leo Del Villano Park and Royal/King Park, as well as several high schools.
• Baseball diamonds: The city has at least eight baseball diamonds, many of them lighted for evening games. These include: Leo Del Villano, Pete Landers, Dusty Baker and Doug McLellan.

The city is also home to tennis and pickleball courts, skateparks, playgrounds and trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Group-Friendly Accommodations: Where Sports Teams Stay in Timmins

Stay steps from the airport or near top local sports facilities. Timmins has a variety of practical, team-friendly hotels that offer special rates and spaces for sports teams. It’s important to note that not all hotels mention group discounts, so be sure to ask.

• Super 8 by Wyndham: Offers special rates on blocks of rooms for groups, including sports teams, and is located minutes from the airport.
• Travelodge by Wyndham: Has an event space, group rates and a free breakfast, and is conveniently located near popular chain restaurants like East Side Mario’s and Montana’s in the Mountjoy area.
• Microtel Inn and Suites: Also in the Mountjoy area, it offers group rates, as well as an indoor pool.
• Comfort Inn: Located on the eastern edge of the city centre near Schumacher, it offers free hot breakfast close to McIntyre Arena and popular restaurants.
• Holiday Inn Express and Suites: Parents, rejoice. This downtown hotel is across the street from a Starbucks—perfect for early-morning games. It’s also set up for groups with several meeting rooms.

Best Restaurants for Teams and Large Groups

Make team dining easier by choosing a budget-friendly restaurant with plenty of space and tables, a large menu with vegetarian, gluten-free and other options. Be sure to call ahead for large groups, especially on weekend nights, and ask about group menus for simple ordering.

• Montana’s BBQ & Bar: Think meaty dishes and big portions. Montana’s is a familiar chain with lots of tables, comfort food and a casual atmosphere.
• East Side Mario’s: Pizza, pasta and its famous bottomless garden salad will feed hungry athletes.
• Wacky’s: A Northern Ontario sports bar chain, Wacky’s hosts group events with party-sized dishes and big portions.
• Siva’s Family Restaurant: A family-friendly neighbourhood eatery with classic bacon-and-egg breakfasts, about a dozen different burgers and room for parties and events.
• Casey’s Bar and Grill: Located a kilometre from McIntyre Arena, this classic has burgers, wings, ribs and sandwiches, and is known for hosting parties and other group events.

Things To Do Between Games in Timmins

Timmins is an active town with plenty of recreation options for kids and adults alike. These are just a few of the local experiences for visiting families and sports fans:

• Hit the lanes at Mid-Town Bowl, or practice your swing at the miniputt green and batting cages at Hollinger Park.
• Taste-test local craft beer at Full Beard Brewing.
• Book a hotel with a pool to keep siblings happy.
• Take a family hike on one of the region’s many trails, like the self-guided interpretive Tamarack Nature Trail designed to introduce visitors to northern plants and animals.
• Swim at Hersey Lake Conservation Area, which has a beach, picnic area and walking trails.
• Treat yourselves to a nice dinner out as a group! Check out Where to Eat & Drink for local options closest to your hotel or venue.

Tips for Planning a Tournament Trip to Timmins

Group travel can be hectic. Here are some planning and travel tips for competitions and tournaments in Timmins:

• Book ahead. Timmins can get pretty busy, especially during major tournaments. Be sure to plan well in advance, particularly for teams and other large groups. Hotels in the city fill quickly during special events.
• Ask hotels about special group rates for teams, as well as gym, pool and breakfast hours. If meeting or event space is needed, make sure it’s booked.
• Plan meals ahead to avoid stress, and pack portable snacks, such as granola bars, sandwiches and bananas, for long days at the rink or on the field.
• When dining out, book tables at spacious, familiar restaurants with large menus to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions.
• Provide athletes and their families with a clear trip budget and stick to it to avoid surprises.
• Leave buffer time for delays, especially in winter. Remember, you’re in Northern Ontario!

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