Northern Ontario Travel Guide (Ontario/Canada/North America)

Introduction to Northern Ontario
List of Places to Visit in Northern Ontario
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Northern Ontario: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes in Northern Ontario
Best Things to Do in Northern Ontario: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary in Northern Ontario
Food and Drink Scene of Northern Ontario
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Northern Ontario: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Northern Ontario: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Northern Ontario
Best Time to Visit Northern Ontario
Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Ontario
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Northern Ontario
- Health in Northern Ontario
Getting to Northern Ontario: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Northern Ontario
Where to Go Next from Northern Ontario: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Northern Ontario

Located in the northeastern region of Ontario, Canada, Northern Ontario is a vast and sparsely populated area with a landscape of breathtaking beauty and natural resources that have sustained the Indigenous Peoples of the region for generations. Comprising an area of 802,000 square kilometers, it is larger than most countries in the world. The region boasts of vast boreal forests, countless lakes, some of the world’s best freshwater fishing spots, and exciting outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Ontario

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Ontario, here are some of the top attractions that you can visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre: Located in Sault Ste. Marie, this museum explores Northern Ontario’s aviation history and features aircraft, vintage snowmobiles, and firefighting equipment.
The Fort Frances Museum: This museum celebrates Fort Frances’ past and the Ojibwe people, the region’s First Nations community. It houses an extensive range of artifacts and archives, including a full-scale replica of a 19th-century fur-trading post.
Canadian Museum of History: Located in Gatineau, Quebec, this museum showcases the Indigenous Peoples’ history across Canada, including those who lived in Northern Ontario.

Natural Attractions of Northern Ontario: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Killarney Provincial Park: This park is home to glaciers, pine forests, granite hills, and pristine lakes that offer a world-class outdoor experience. Visitors can camp, hike, canoe, and kayak here.
Sudbury’s Big Nickel: A significant symbol of Sudbury, the city’s Big Nickel monument is the largest coin in the world, made of 13,000 kilograms of nickel.
Agawa Canyon: This stunning canyon is located in the Algoma region and is only accessible via the Agawa Canyon Train Tour that departs from Sault Ste. Marie. Visitors will see the vast forests, wide-open plains, and spectacular waterfalls.

Hiking/Biking Routes in Northern Ontario

If you love hiking and biking, Northern Ontario offers breathtaking trails and routes that you can explore, including:

La Cloche Silhouette Trail: This trail passes through Killarney Provincial Park and offers a remarkable range of diverse ecosystems with spectacular panoramic views.
Ganaraska Trail: Comprising several trails, including the Beatrice and Northumberland sections in Cobourg, this trail offers a fantastic opportunity for hikers to experience nature’s different elevations.
Algoma Central Railway: This route is primarily used for train transportation, but cyclists can also explore it, go through the mountains, forests, and streams to see various landscapes across Northern Ontario.

Best Things to Do in Northern Ontario: Activities and Tours

Northern Ontario offers a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy, and you can experience some of them by booking tours of the following activities:

Fishing: Northern Ontario is famed for its freshwater fishing opportunities and has some of the best fishing spots in the world. You can book a fishing tour and explore different parts of the region.
Snowmobiling: Northern Ontario is a snowmobiling hub in the winter season. With miles upon miles of snowmobile trails, it’s the perfect outdoor, snow-doused activity to explore the area.
Northern Lights: Northern Ontario is one of the best locations in the world to watch Aurora Borealis, and some operators offer tours to view it. Visitors can experience a night of wonder as the night sky is lit up in color.

Week-Long Itinerary in Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario has a lot to see and do, and spending a week in the region can help you make the most of your trip. Here’s a sample itinerary for your trip:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Start your trip in Sault Ste. Marie and explore the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
Day 2	Take a train tour, the Agawa Canyon tour, and enjoy the stunning views of the region.
Day 3-4	Drive to Killarney Provincial Park, where visitors can camp, hike, canoe, and view the park's unique landscapes.
Day 5	Drive to Sudbury and explore its many attractions, including the Big Nickel monument.
Day 6-7	Visit Manitoulin Island for indigenous culture, hiking, and exploring the island's incredible scenery.

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario boasts of a rich culinary culture influenced by Indigenous, French, and British traditions. Here are some local dishes and beverages you must-try:

Must-Try Dishes

Tourtiere: A meat pie with pork, beef, and potatoes that’s a staple in Northern Ontario.
Bannock: A bread made of flour, baking powder, salt, and water that is fried or baked over an open flame and served plain or with butter or jam.
Poutine: A dish made of fries, cheese curds, and gravy common in the region.

Local Beverages

Sudbury Sapphire: A craft beer made with 100% Northern Ontario hops, brewed in Sudbury.
Ice wine: A wine made from grapes frozen on the vine, an ideal winter drink in Northern Ontario.
Northern Ontario-based whiskey: This whiskey is made with locally grown wheat and rye and is oftentimes aged in barrels crafted from local wood.

Where to Stay in Northern Ontario: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Northern Ontario offers a range of accommodations to meet every budget, need, and traveler’s desires. Some of the best places to stay are:

Fairmont Royal York: Located in Toronto, this hotel offers a luxurious experience and highly-rated amenities that attract global travelers.
Lake Obabika Lodge: A remote, cozy fishing lodge situated in Temagami with a reputation of offering spectacular Northern experiences.
Accommodations within Killarney Provincial Park: With varieties of cabins, lodges, and backcountry camping available throughout the year, whoever you are, you’ll find the perfect place to stay in Killarney Provincial Park.

What to Buy in Northern Ontario: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Northern Ontario has many local products and souvenirs that you can bring home as a memento of your trip, including:

Wild Blueberry Jam: A delicious jam made with locally sourced blueberries that make it such a hit.
Handmade crafts: The region is famous for handmade goods, such as blankets, jewelry, moccasins, and paintings, made by the Indigenous Peoples.
Canadian diamonds: The region has diamond mines that produce exclusive diamonds in a wide range of cuts, colors, and sizes.

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario has a strong Indigenous culture that has been present in the region for centuries. Visitors must respect the local customs and traditions, including offering a small gift to the elders in the community, if appropriate. The region also boasts of a French and British heritage and a diverse multicultural community.

Best Time to Visit Northern Ontario

The best time to visit Northern Ontario depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling, then December to February is ideal. For fall foliage color bursts and mild temperatures, plan your trip from late September to mid-October. However, the most popular time to visit is the summer season from June to August.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Ontario

Do:

Respect the diverse communities and cultures that live in Northern Ontario.
Observe the local rules around fishing regulations and hunting seasons.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife but do not litter.

Don’t:

Smoke in prohibited areas
Enter the property marked private unless permission has been granted.

Safety and Health

Safety in Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario is generally safe, and crime rates are low. Visitors should still take regular precautions while traveling and keep valuables such as passports and expensive equipment safe.

Health in Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario has an excellent health care system, but visitors are advised to always carry travel medical assistance insurance. Visitors should also take note of the Standard health precautions and be careful not to disrupt the region’s ecosystems.

Getting to Northern Ontario: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Northern Ontario

Sudbury Airport
Thunder Bay International Airport
North Bay Jack Garland Airport

Bus Stations Near Northern Ontario

Greyhound Canada
Ontario Northland Coaches

Other Options

Train: The VIA Rail serving has regular connections to and through Northern Ontario
Car Rental: Renting a car is a good option as it offers the visitor the chance of exploring the region independently.

How to Get Around in Northern Ontario

The best way to move around Northern Ontario is by car, either rental or self-owned. For those who prefer public transportation, Ontario Northland and Greyhound Canada run bus routes to different parts of the region.

Where to Go Next from Northern Ontario: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you decide to extend your trip after exploring Northern Ontario, here are some nearby destinations that you can visit:

Algonquin Provincial Park: Located in southeastern Ontario, it is famed for its diverse wildlife, scenic trails, and canoeing opportunities.
Ottawa: The capital of Canada, Ottawa, is home to several historic landmarks, including the Parliament of Canada, and offers visitors a blend of cultures and customs.
Quebec City: Known for its famous Chateau Frontenac and the UNESCO-listed Old Quebec, the city is also a foodie’s paradise with a wide range of French restaurants.

Conclusion

Northern Ontario is a breathtaking destination with a rich culture and diverse landscapes. The area’s combination of natural beauty, exciting attractions, and incredible outdoor adventures guarantees a memorable visit. Whether it’s your first trip to Northern Ontario or a repeat visit, this guide should help you plan and make the most of your time in one of Canada’s most scenic destinations.