Hearst Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and shop in Hearst, Ontario. Read our comprehensive guide for a memorable trip to this Northern Ontario gem.


Introduction to Hearst

Situated in the heart of Northern Ontario, Hearst is a picturesque town offering a wide range of tourist attractions and activities. Whether you are looking to hike in beautiful landscapes, explore the rich history and culture of the region, or savor local cuisine, Hearst is the perfect destination for you. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip, covering everything from places to visit, activities to do, and cultural customs to observe.

List of Places to Visit in Hearst

Hearst has several attractions that cater to both nature enthusiasts and history buffs. Here are some of the top places to visit in Hearst:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • La Galerie 815: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Hearst and Northern Ontario at La Galerie 815. With various exhibits depicting the town’s history and culture, it’s a must-visit destination.
  • Hearst Heritage Railway Station: The Hearst Heritage Railway Station is an essential historical site for train enthusiasts. The station houses a series of exhibits covering the history of the railway and Hearst’s role in its development.
  • Club de ski de fond Laronde: Experience one of the most significant recreational activities in Hearst, cross-country skiing, located at the Club de ski de fond Laronde.

Natural Attractions of Hearst: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Asheweig River Trail: Experience the stunning wildlife and natural terrain of Hearst on the Ashweig River Trail. The trail is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it an ideal location for nature lovers.
  • Opasatika River: For fishing enthusiasts, Opasatika River is one of the best destinations in Hearst. The river is known for its abundance of walleye, perch, and northern pike, providing a great opportunity for fishing.
  • Radar Hill: A popular spot for hiking around Hearst, Radar Hill features expansive scenic views of the town and its surroundings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hearst

Hearst is home to several trails ideal for hiking and biking. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Esker Lakes Provincial Park: A renowned park known for its camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities. With over 115 kilometers of trails, Esker Lakes Provincial Park provides a serene place to hike and bike.
  • Fire Tower Trail: A moderate, 10 km hike around Hearst that will take you through dense forests and mountainside terrain. This trail offers incredible views and glimpses into the town’s history.
  • Moose River Northern Territory: With a vast wilderness area of 19,282 hectares, Moose River Northern Territory is an excellent location for hiking, biking, and nature observation.

Best Things to Do in Hearst: Activities and Tours

Explore Hearst with these best things to do:

  • Wilderness Tours: Experience the Thrill of hiking, biking, and wildlife tours offered by Hearst wilderness tours. It’s an excellent addition to your itinerary, particularly if you’re an adventure enthusiast.
  • Hearst Soar Aviation: Explore Hearst from a unique perspective on a sightseeing tour with Hearst Soar Aviation. Experience the breathtaking views of Hearst and its surroundings from above.
  • The Polar Bear Express Train: One of the most popular attractions in Hearst, the Polar Bear Express Train, is a must-see for everyone who wants to explore the vast wilderness of Northern Ontario.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hearst

Day 1: Arrive in Hearst and check into your accommodations. Start your journey by visiting La Galerie 815, Hearst’s cultural museum.

Day 2: Explore the scenic views of Radar Hill, followed by a trip to Club de ski de fond Laronde for a cross-country skiing adventure.

Day 3: Take an exciting train ride on the Polar Bear Express Train for an all-inclusive sightseeing tour.

Day 4: Spend the day fishing at Opasatika River, Hearst’s famous fishing destination.

Day 5: Hike on Esker Lakes Provincial Park.

Day 6: Visit the Hearst Heritage Railway Station, Hearst’s historical train station, and a must-visit destination for railroad enthusiasts.

Day 7: On your final day, bike at Moose River Northern Territory and enjoy the natural beauty of Hearst.

Food and Drink Scene of Hearst

Food lovers will enjoy the variety of local dishes and beverages that Hearst offers. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tourtière: A French Canadian dish consisting of spiced meat pie.

  • Poutine: A Canadian dish of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

  • Pickerel: A freshwater whitefish that is abundant in the Hearst region.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Hearst Ale, a local craft beer, is a must-try for beer enthusiasts.

  • Gin and Rum: Hearst offers several local gin and rum distilleries, including Wicked Long Distillery, which produces gin and rum in small batches.

Where to Stay in Hearst: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hearst has plenty of accommodation options that cater to various budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best options:

  • Auberge MacDonald: Located in the heart of Hearst, Auberge MacDonald offers comfortable facilities and high-end amenities.

  • Kokko-Oasis Family Camping & Resort: A great place to stay for those who love the outdoors, Kokko-Oasis provides tent and RV camping as well as comfortable cabins.

What to Buy in Hearst: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Don’t forget to take home a piece of Hearst with you. Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring back home:

  • Moccasins and Mukluks: Made from the best-quality leather, Moccasins and Mukluks are traditional footwear of the Algonquin people.

  • Canadian Diamonds: The region around Hearst is known for its high-quality Canadian diamonds.

Local Culture and Customs of Hearst

Hearst’s culture is defined by a mix of Algonquin and French Canadian heritage. When visiting Hearst, it’s important to observe some of their customs and practices.

Best Time to Visit Hearst

The best time to visit Hearst is in the summer months of June to August when the weather is warm, and tourist attractions are open.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hearst

Do:

  • Respect customs and practices of the Algonquin and French Canadian heritage.

  • Take in the natural beauty of Hearst and explore its trails and parks.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.

  • Ignore customs and practices of the Algonquin and French Canadian heritage.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hearst

Hearst, like any other town, has its share of safety concerns, but by following common-sense safety rules, you can ensure a safe trip.

Health in Hearst

It’s important to take care of your health while traveling to Hearst. Bring all your essential medications with you and use insect repellent to avoid insect bites which could cause allergies.

Getting to Hearst: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hearst is accessible by car, bus and train. For those coming from outside the region, it’s recommended to fly in to Toronto and then take a connecting flight to Timmins. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Hearst.

Airports Near Hearst

  • Timmins Victor M Power Airport: The closest airport to Hearst, located 183 km south.

  • Kapuskasing Airport: Located 146 km south, Kapuskasing Airport is another option for those traveling to Hearst.

Bus Stations Near Hearst

  • Ontario Northland: Ontario Northland provides bus service from the southern area of the province to Hearst.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals: Several companies offer car rentals in nearby cities such as Timmins.

How to Get Around in Hearst

Hearst is a relatively small town, and most of its attractions are accessible by walking or biking. However, car rentals are available for those who want to explore outside of the town.

Where to Go Next from Hearst: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hearst’s location makes it an ideal starting point to explore the surrounding areas of Northern Ontario. Here are some of the most popular destinations near Hearst:

  • Timmins: A mining town located just over three hours away, Timmins is an excellent destination for exploring the region’s natural beauty, history, and culture.

  • Kapuskasing: Another small town known for its natural landscapes, Kapuskasing is located just over an hour and a half away from Hearst.

Conclusion

From beautiful natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage, Hearst offers a unique travel experience for visitors. This comprehensive guide has covered all the essential details you’ll need to plan a memorable trip to this Northern Ontario gem. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore Hearst!