Fun for All Seasons - Ontario's Near North

Ontario's Near North is truly a four season vacation destination!

Fall Colours

Fall brings brilliant colours spread across the landscape for as far as the eye can see. What could be more spectacular than hiking through the rugged reaches of the Almaguin Highlands or standing atop the Temagami Fire Tower as a crimson carpet shrouds the forests? Enjoy cycling leisurely along sections of the Forgotten Trails in the Nipissing area. Following the Lake Nipissing Circle Driving Tour will afford you exceptional vistas of the lake's sparkling waters. Along the way, take advantage of the wonderful eateries and artisans' shops that dot the route. You can go treasure hunting with a GPS unit if you'd like to try geocaching. Just follow the clues to find hidden caches throughout our beautiful region and you may find some real treasures along the way. Come and learn more about this fun and educational activity at the Canadian Ecology Centre near Mattawa.

Winter's Wonder

As the evenings come earlier and the air turns crisp, the Near North Region begins preparations for the holiday season and the start of winter festivities. Several communities celebrate with tree lighting ceremonies and Santa Claus Parades. In early December the downtown merchants of North Bay hold their Annual Christmas Walk, with sleigh rides and carol singers along Main Street where you can experience the charm of an old world Christmas.

Winter brings some spectacular fun - snowmobiling, skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, tubing and ice fishing, just to name a few! The colder temperatures means snow and it also brings out the warm northern hospitality that our service providers are famous for. Nothing like a fun day out in the crisp winter air followed by a cozy spot to curl up in and maybe a steaming hot tub to slide into.

There are more than 3500 km of OFSC snowmobile trails in the Near North Region running from Novar to Temagami and beyond and again from the French River across to Mattawa. Explore the natural wonders of our winter landscape, head out onto the ice and pack your fishing tackle and auger, the area offers plenty of spots to hook a tasty catch.

You can come and experience dog sledding from the sled or from the sidelines! Ontario's Near North has a growing number of operators who offer dog sledding experiences that can be just a day's adventure or a week long journey on the trails. Come and see what these incredible animals are capable of at the Kearney Dog Sled Races in early February each year and marvel at the excitement and power of these four legged wonders.

Jack Pine Hill in North Bay offers a faster paced fun with downhill skiing, snow tubing and snowboarding serviced by a quad chairlift. The Canadian Tire Tube Park is a great thrill for the whole family with an exciting trip down and an easy tow ride back up to the top. Snowshoe and cross country ski trails meander along the scenic escarpment overlooking North Bay. You will find that all the necessary equipment and even instruction can be arranged for in the upper chalet.

Springtime

As the colder temperatures leave the Near North we are happy to welcome the Spring and the Maple Syrup run. We are home to some award winning maple syrup producers that are happy to share the sweet bounty they collect. Visit one of our Maple Sugar Bushes to sample some taffy on the snow and learn more about how maple syrup is produced today and how the kettles were simmered in years gone past. Or you can try a more substantial helping of this golden elixir at the Maple Syrup Festival in Powassan where pancake breakfasts make an excellent start to the day.

This is a great time of year to take to the trails on foot or to experience four wheeling through the growing network of ATV trails across the Near North Region. There are also trails for walking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or just plain experiencing the incredible outdoors any time of the year. Discovery Routes, OFSC snowmobile trails, Voyageur Multi-Use Trails and urban trails like the Kate Paceway - we have something to suit every experience and every season!

Summertime

Summer in the Near North is simply the best. With thousands of lakes and rivers you will find some of the most incredible fishing, paddling and water adventures to be had throughout the region. Lake Nipissing boasts a world class fishery that makes for exciting action on the water. Try Algonquin Park's canoe routes, Lake Temagami and area, Wolf and Pickerel River systems, Magnetawan River, Mattawa River routes ..... there are thousands of lakes and rivers to explore in our region so there is always something new for you to explore or a familiar favorite to revisit.

Ontario's Near North is also home to six provincial parks and a host of private campgrounds - also known as "camping heaven"! You can drive, hike or paddle in to some beautifully maintained campsites at any one of our parks. Come and find countless opportunities for adventure, education, and tranquility among old growth pines, plentiful waterways and abundant wildlife. Just remember our cardinal rule - leave nothing but your footsteps and take nothing but your memories.... and there are some stellar memories to be made!

The Ottawa River Waterway's scenic waters provide some of the best wilderness boating around. You can travel the water highways of the Voyageurs and our First Nations ancestors with the assistance of hydraulic trailers that can handle powerboats up to 30ft long and 15,000 pounds. With nearly 500 km of water to explore, you can customize your power boating adventure as a day trip or a week long holiday. There are plenty of places for you to drop anchor and find supplies, gas and dry land detours along this historic waterway so come and explore!

There are golf courses to suit both experienced and beginner golfers! Come and experience the spectacular scenery at one of our 9 or 18 hole courses that offer up equipment rentals, pro-shops, lessons and maybe even a 19th hole for a post swing wind down. Or take the time to explore one of the many museums within our region and discover some of our incredibly rich heritage. You can explore the miracle of the Dionne Quints in North Bay, learn about how the steamboats shaped the Near North at the Magnetawan Historical Museum or see the feats of the region's founders at the Marten River Logging Camp Exhibit or at the Voyageur Heritage Center in Mattawa.... just to name a few!

So why don't you come and stay awhile....

Visit the Near North Travel Association's website for more information and to request a copy of their travel guides or call 1-800-387-0516.