Vacation Traditions Happen Here
"We enjoyed the most amazing food at the Killarney Mountain Lodge this summer. One occasion that sticks out was the day we were served homemade pea soup and turkey and ham sandwiches and finished off with a slice of raspberry and chocolate pie. Our taste buds had NEVER been so excited!"
Kalub and Joanne Johnson - Etobicoke, Ontario Canada
Being in a small town in Northern Ontario generally means being in a friendly place with friendly people! The people you meet in Espanola/North Shore, which includes the towns of Nairn Centre, Webwood, Massey and Spanish can add worlds of wonder to your vacation experience, along with beautiful scenery, a sense of history and “joie de vivre” all for you to enjoy.
Begin your visit to Espanola with a view of the rainbow that can be found, most days, as you cross the river into town and don’t forget to bring your golf clubs in order to play a round along the shore of that very same Spanish River. Need a stretch…walk the fitness trail to the shores of a sparkling lake. Espanola touts itself as “More than a Fine Paper Town”, being home to Domtar and all. Each year they hold a Paper Festival in Celebration of the areas heritage. So come join the fun. Espanola is the hub for shopping in the region so be sure to stock up on your supplies before heading to your cabin, resorts or hotel room.
Like everywhere in Rainbow Country the choice of place to stay, things to do and places to see is boundless. For example, travelers come from far and wide to participate in the Massey Street Painting Festival. See the streets come alive with colour as professional chalk street painters depict everything from Northern Ontario scenes to renditions of the Master’s works. Massey is also home to a huge agricultural fair and their annual marathon will surely give you a run for your money. While there stop into the Massey Museum & Information Centre to find out what has been and what’s coming up.
When you visit the Town of Spanish you’ll see where the waters of the Spanish River flow into Georgian Bay. If it’s boating you enjoy be sure to put in at the beautiful new marina complex and the gateway to the Whalesback Channel of Lake Huron. When provisioning in the area keep in mind the farmers market every Saturday from May to September for fresh local produce.
Perfect little towns to create your vacation traditions that will have you returning year after year!
The French River is an ancient river system surrounded by dramatic landscape sculpted by the ice age glaciers. These glaciers left behind cliffs, ridges, shoals and thousands of islands, which gives this vast water system its unique topography.
Located approximately 320 km (200 miles) north of Toronto, the French River is best described as a 125 km (80 miles) long series of island dotted lakes connected by rapids and falls that gently lower the river a total of 20 meters (60 feet) as it flows from Lake Nipissing, it’s headwaters, to Georgian Bay on Lake Huron. With this much water, the French River is considered a boating and canoeing paradise with an excellent selection of experiences to suit every taste.
Follow the route of the “original visitors” – the Route of the Voyageurs! These historic rivers and waterways opened Canada to the world and today the world still visits this truly spectacular setting.
For over 50 years the French River has enjoyed a well deserved reputation for its quality of fishing experiences. Ontario’s most sought after game fish can be found in these waters. Walleye, Northern Pike, Large and Small Mouth Bass even Trout in a couple of the area lakes. Of course there are pan fish such as Perch, Sunfish and Rock Bass. If you are looking for a challenge then this is the river for you. Home to the elusive Muskier, mighty Sturgeon, large Channel Catfish and Whitefish, there is a species for every taste and skill level. On you own or with the help of a guide you will be out on the water enjoying a true Canadian vacation tradition.
The areas vast array of lodging from remote camping to full services lodges and everything in between will provide a great base to discover and explore the timeless beauty of the French and Pickerel River systems.
Get off the beaten path and explore Grundy Provincial Park, with its great beaches, challenging hiking trails and, of course camping!
Stop into and discover the French River Provincial Park Visitor’s Centre located near Highway 69 where it crosses the historic French River and Gorge. The new center is part of the Ontario Living Legacy/Great Lakes Heritage Coast plan. Explanative exhibits and educational events related to the cultural and natural resources of the river.
If heights are not your issue, you’ll want to cross the new French River Bridge, Canada's largest cable supported snowmobile bridge. It has a span of over 300 feet and rises to 50 feet above the French River’s water level to provide visitors a bird’s eye view.
If you listen closely you can almost hear the songs of the Voyageurs!
Greater Sudbury is the largest city in Northern Ontario, but don’t be alarmed, we are talking 157,857 people or so. Greater Sudbury has 330 lakes within the city limits… the ultimate urban experience just steps away from wilderness. In fact that is one of Sudbury’s greatest attributes. Whether you stay in the City or throughout Rainbow Country… you are never very far from all that Sudbury has to offer. That’s a comfort to know when you are planning a vacation that has to cater to many interests.
When you choose Greater Sudbury as a destination it’s nice to know that you can get what you are looking for in accommodations. Need a pool for the kids after a long day on the road? What about a sap for yourself to work out the kinks? Want a fine dining experience or just a quick bite? Need to be close to great shopping or just moments away from the golf course? Sudbury has it all!
Being the “Hub” of the North, it is fair to say that the City can accommodate most needs and budgets. Whether it is a luxury suite in a big name hotel, or just a room for the night, a cozy Inn, B & B or a place to park your RV, you will find it here. Sudbury is also a great place to start your fishing adventure with many lodges and resorts accessible just minutes from the City. So relax…enjoy… let your vacation begin!
Sudbury is also an interesting mix of cultures. With a strong Francophone, Aboriginal and Finnish base you can guess that there are celebrations year round. Speaking of which…make time to enjoy one of the many festival this city hosts or for the gastronomic adventurer the food festival range from Blueberry to Garlic Festival and everything in between! Hardly a weekend goes by without something BIG going on.
You haven’t seen a Science Centre that compares to Science North. It is interactive with a northern flair! Get up close with a porcupine, a beaver or a flying squirrel, build a robot, discover how you body “ticks” and walk amidst hundreds of free flying tropical butterflies. Each season there is a special feature. The kid’s will love it! Don’t forget to take in an IMAX film, a Virtual Voyage experience, and see Sudbury from a new perspective on the Cortina Cruise Boat.
You’ll be sure to have a blast at Sudbury’s newest family attraction – Dynamic Earth. Don a miner’s hardhat and journey to the depths of the earth. See for yourself how they used to hard rock mine in the older days…it wasn’t easy with-out power…then learn of the dramatic transformation mining techniques have taken over the last century. You can be the one controlling the equipment from the surface, while those below watch in awe. There are many interactive exhibits and you can track the latest seismic event, find out how Sudbury was hit by a meteor millions of years ago and much more. While on site get your picture taken beside the famous Big Nickel, a tribute to Sudbury’s significance as a world-mining centre and one heck of a big coin.
Speaking of heritage the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum & Heritage Centre tells the story of the “real” reason Sudbury was discovered – The railroad! Come explore the railroad memorabilia and equipment; mining, lumbering and railroad photograph collections and historical items that pay tribute to our Sudbury and Northern Ontario heritage.
For those that like to test Lady Luck, the OLG Slots at Sudbury Downs should be your choice for fun and excitement. With hundreds of slot machines, live harness racing, restaurants and licensed lounges right on site you are sure to hit it big in Sudbury! Mini golf is always fun for the family, and Sudbury has one that’ll catch your imagination. Dinosaur Mini Golf features 6 – nine-hold courses with mammoth custom made dinosaurs, pre-historic insects and a field maze too!
Had enough of the urban experience? Get out and take in some of the exciting natural features of Greater Sudbury with many options to get out and enjoy the great outdoors all conveniently located just steps away from the city amenities.
The Jim Gordon Boardwalk located at Science North takes strollers along the shoreline of Lake Ramsey through Bell Park. There are also wonderful beaches for family swimming!
Lake Laurentian Conservation Area offers 55 km /34 miles of well-marked hiking and biking trails. You can explore the magnificent flora and fauna of the Region including a wetlands area created by Ducks Unlimited.
Heading north from Sudbury you will find AY Jackson Lookout and Information Centre. The site overlooks High Falls, a waterfall formed by the Onaping River that cascades 150 feet into the Sudbury basin. If it is a hike, a picnic, or a dip in the river or a combination of all three you are looking for-this is the place for you.
Looking for an urban fishing experience? You can find it here or at least you can start your adventure here. Load your gear into the bush plane and you are ready to head to your specially selected, secluded outpost destination. Or grab the train and rail into a remote location. Whether you choose a rustic camp or settle into your fully equipped remote cabin, our experienced fly-in and train-in operators will exceed your expectations.
As you travel over the Canadian Shield you’ll be amazed at what you see out the window. Dense northern ‘bush’ mixed with beautiful stands of birch and poplar, rolling hills, marshlands interspersed with breathtaking blue and greens or inland lakes and winding rivers. Have your camera ready because these shots will be picture perfect,
Imagine…just you and nothing else for miles around. Not another soul on the lake. It’s the perfect place to be at one with nature as you step back in time. The fishing will be spectacular (that’s why you’re here!) And exactly what you need to enjoy a shore lunch. From the time you have hot coffee in the morning, listening to the haunting call of the loon, to ending the day with the solitude of a campfire under a starry night sky, each day will be the better than the one before.
Each fishing experience is unique when it comes to location and amenities, but every one will give you a taste of the north you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Situated at the entrance to the North Channel amidst sparkling white quartzite peaks and pink granite rock, its harbour sheltered from the turbulent waters of Georgian Bay by George Island, the original Village of Killarney is the oldest community on the north shore. The Town of Killarney and the Provincial Park that bears it’s name are havens for outdoor enthusiasts looking for wilderness camping, hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, sea kayaking and for those seeking exceptional accommodations in resorts or Bed & Breakfasts.
Killarney’s unparalleled beauty draws outdoor adventurers from around the world. Set up your artist’s easel or let loose with your camera, the scenery is perfect. Tom Thompson and Canada’s renowned Group of Seven painters thought so.
For a short jaunt or one that will really bet the blood pumping, hike any of the area trails through the LaCloche Mountains and be rewarded with a spectacular view of Georgian Bay.
Join the party along the waterfront where gifts shops, café’s, bars and restaurants are hopping all summer long. Even Al Capone made Killarney his choice of getaway!
Fresh fish and chips is always the order of the day and you can loose yourself as you watch the sailboats and luxury yachts come and go! If you’re the “relax by the pool” type or look forward to a spa treatment don’t rule out Killarney. For a small place it offers big choice.
With a year-round population of less than 500, this treasure of Rainbow Country must surely rank as the biggest little town in Canada, if not the world!
Manitoulin Island the largest freshwater island in the world is home to the Anishnaabe people who have long since believed Manitoulin as “Home of the Great Spirit
- Gitchi-Manitou.” Come be part of an ancient culture, learn the legends, explore the land and water
You can get to Manitoulin two ways; one by taking Highway 6 south from Espanola. This route takes you through the LaCloche Mountains and some of the most spectacular scenery here in northern Ontario to the one-lane swing bridge, the Gateway to the Island at Little Current. The other way to the Island is by the Chi Cheemaun Ferry which plies the waters between South Baymouth on the Island and Tobermory at the Southern end of Georgian Bay, 1 hour and 45 minute crossing.
With a large assortment of B & B’s to choose from plus locally owned motels, inns and lodges, plus campgrounds (including tee-pee tenting) Manitoulin Island’s accommodation selection is unique.
Did you know Manitoulin is a ‘Dark Sky’ destination? Because it’s an Island with a relatively small population, there isn’t a lot of ambient light to disrupt your view of the heavens. If you live in or near a city we can guarantee you’ve never seen stars like this before not to mention planets, satellites, the Milky Way and the Aurora? Borealis itself…the Northern Lights. Many places on the Island hold seminars and night sky viewing…so make sure you ask where and when.
We can’t begin to list the number of festivals, museums, special events and Pow Wows that take place each year, but a couple of the biggies are the Haweater Weekend in Little Current and the Wikwemikong Cultural Festival & Pow Wow which features international Native Dance competitions, as well as local arts and crafts.
If you are interested in native arts and culture, be sure to find out about The Great Spirit Circle Tour and the many regularly schedules events such as: The Mother Earth Walk where you can learn the identification of various local plant species and an explanation of their uses in traditional cooking and the medicinal properties they may contain.
Love Lore? Join the story telling at the Ojibwe Cutural Foundation. Begin your visit with a tour of the Centre. Sit in a circle as you learn about the local Aboriginal culture and values through stories and teachings presented by a gifted traditional teacher.
Remember there are no chain food restaurants on the Island. You can however, enjoy a Traditional Native Feast or dig in to the fresh catch of the day or just grab a hamburger. Manitoulin has a wide selection of restaurants for every budget.
There is some great hiking on Mantioulin Island the most famous of which is the Cup and Saucer Hiking Trail. The trail has a unique and easily recognized outline against the Manitoulin skyline. Signs mark the trail through the woods up the dramatic edge of the escarpment to a grassy resting-place. From the lookout, you’ll be looking down as the hawks circle below you, and don’t be surprised at all the rabbits and deer you may see along the way.
Just outside of Little Current, McLean’s Mountain Lookout offers the most spectacular views of the North and Wabuno channels set against the backdrop of the gleaming LaCloche Mountains.
In Sheguiandah, the Lewis Twin Peaks Hiking Trail begins. It is a relatively easy hike with two spectacular views along the way. There are three distinct trails offering fine views of Sheguiandah Bay and Bass Lake, plus two spectacular lookouts.
Bridal Veil Falls and Trail also has a picnic area that features huge millstones once used in the Kagawong gristmill. Follow the steps down from this area to the base of the falls then take one of several trails along the river as it winds its way down to the North Channel.
Behind the ballpark, just south of M’Chigeeng, is the beginning of two trails. One traverses along the bottom of the bluff and the other goes to the very top for an outstanding view of the North Channel. The Bear Caves and Fossil Rock Point are two spots of interest.
Located near Meldrum Bay the Mississagi Lighthouse trail follows the craggy shoreline over flat limestone ledges, around enormous boulders and through rock fissures. Trails offer fine views of Lake Huron.
Misery Bay Nature Reserve another feature that make Manitoulin Island unique. Located along remote stretches of Lake Huron shoreline 35 kilometers west of the Town of Gore Bay the park is managed for the protection of its natural heritage. Located on an ancient flat rock sea bottom. This unique feature, known as an alvar, presents unusual geological viewing opportunities for the visitors' enjoyment and is one of the few alvars found in North America.
The great outdoor experiences, the aboriginal culture, the people. All great reasons to make Mantioulin your next vacation destination.
Located on the scenic shores of Georgian Bay, the Parry Sound Area is an ideal destination for both sport fishermen and family vacationers. The area offers a great selection of hotels, motels, cottages and resorts, shops, restaurants, sights to see and activities to do during your stay.
Just a short 2-hour drive north of Toronto is the Town of Parry Sound. Because the town doubles in size spring to fall with cottagers, you’ll find it a happening place to visit. Add to that the town’s location on northern Georgian Bay in the heart of the 30,000 Islands and you have a great vacation destination that can’t be beat!
Parry Sound has a lot of choices when it comes experiencing the great outdoors. The Seguin Trails are perfect for a hike or a bike ride. You can also stretch your legs and take in the sites along the Waterfront Fitness Trail. And if you are really into raising your heart rate stop at each of the fitness stations and get in a little extra workout along the way.
The Charles W. Stockey Centre for Performing Arts houses a 480-seat Festival Performance Hall and the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame.
The Stockey Centre runs year-round, presenting artists of excellence and celebrating athletes of excellence. Performances of all genres are presented including music of all types, theatre, contemporary dance, comedy, literary readings, performances for children and community events.
The Bobby Orr Hall of Fame is an interactive hockey museum with a wide variety of photos, memorabilia and artifacts about Bobby Orr, who was born in Parry Sound. Exhibits include Orr’s NHL rings, a number of his trophies and awards, some of the jerseys he played in, a pictorial history of his career and a number of interactive games and activities related to hockey.
Just a “stone’s throw” north of Parry Sound you can visit Nobel, Pointe au Baril and Britt. Each community has it’s own unique appeal to travelers. These towns personify the beauty of Northern Ontario with miles of Georgian Bay shoreline, Boreal and Carolinian forests offering nature trails and pristine waterways everywhere. They offer an excellent assortment of housekeeping cottages and American Plan lodges with Boat and motor rentals to get you out and enjoy the “True North” in this intimate and majestic setting, whatever the budget or the need.
Georgian Bay is also renowned as one of the world’s best boating and sailing waters, with the 30,000 Islands serving as a spectacular backdrop and anchorage. With marina and service facilities, the area is a popular cruising destination and is ideal for all water sports enthusiasts, from the experienced kayaker to children wading along the shoreline.
It is no secret that these waters are home to a variety of northern freshwater fish species that are eager to take the bait!
Parry Sound, Nobel, Pointe au Baril and Britt Area offers an escape from city life from rough and rustic to luxury all the way. Come experience a true north vacation tradition.
Pointe au Baril personifies the beauty of Northern Ontario with miles upon miles of winding rivers, lakes and trails leading to the islands, bays and inlets of Georgian Bay in the Archipelago Township. Ideal for four season vacations the Archipelago is a mecca for all watersports, hunting and fishing as well as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. In addition to incredible scenery, local resorts offer you quiet retreats, sandy beaches and boat rentals for you to explore smooth granite islands bedecked with windswept pines. Choose from full service resorts, housekeeping cottages and campgrounds. Not far from Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park is Bayfield Inlet from where you can access the intriguing "Painted Rocks" on the north shore of the middle channel of the Naiscoot River (Charles Inlet).
Anglers will enjoy reeling in a fighting northern pike, walleye/ pickerel, mighty muskie, large and small mouth bass, as well as perch, crappies and other pan fish. Canoe routes are the natural way to travel through Pointe au Baril. Lakes and rivers offer you a peaceful paddle or a wild and exciting run, depending on your adventure level!
Georgian Bay is also renowned as one of the world's best boating and sailing waters, with the 30,000 islands serving as a spectacular backdrop and anchorage. In fact, the Pointe au Baril lighthouse still guides in thousands of recreational boaters who have discovered the beauty of the area for themselves. Pointe au Baril area will meet your marine and outfitting needs. Pump out service for boats is available at the town dock, and at Provincial Parks for trailers. Other services include a playground, picnic area, nursing station and community hall. The local residents are friendly and eager to help make your stay an enjoyable one. Lighthouse is accessible by water only!
When planning your Pointe au Baril vacation be sure to keep in mind the annual Canada Day Celebrations, Lions Club Lobsterfest dinner & dance, regular dinner theatre productions, presented by the Arts and Culture Club.
In the mid 1800s when the first boats navigated the waters of Georgian Bay, very few of the channels were marked with anything more than a pile of stones. A barrel was erected with a lantern placed on top to guide the boats into the channel after dark or in the event of a storm. This served as the first lighthouse for Pointe au Baril, hence the name which translates "Pointe of the Barrel". In 1889 the first lighthouse was erected to replace the barrel light. It stands to this day, over a hundred years old and still in use to guide fishing boats, sportsmen and residents to safe harbour.
History buffs will want to visit the stone monument marking the canoe route of Samuel de Champlain's passage through the Pointe au Baril waterway to Georgian Bay in 1615.
North-eastern Georgian Bay
Further up the coast from Pointe au Baril, the waters of north-eastern Georgian Bay and the 30,000 Islands meet sheltered bays, inlets and gently flowing rivers. The prominent river systems that feed into Georgian Bay are the Magnetawan River, Key River, Pickerel River and the French River. The waters of Georgian Bay are natural feeding and breeding grounds for a variety of sport fish. Fish for walleye (pickerel), northern pike, smallmouth bass, muskie, perch, crappie and panfish. The fish species are large and abundant throughout these fertile waters, certainly one of the few natural areas within Ontario.
With limited road access the shores of majestic pines are virtually untouched and remain as they were when early explorers and fur traders first came. Some natural attractions include the Churchill Islands, Dead Island (Natural Park Site) and the fabulous Bustard Islands (a group of over 600 islands).
Lodges and resorts are easily accessible by either car, boat or water taxi from marinas on the waterways flowing into Georgian Bay. There are remote fishing outposts. Most will offer a variety of activities; unspoiled fishing, hunting, canoeing, shoreline or Island exploration, wildlife photography and breathtaking natural scenery.
Britt
The picturesque village of Britt is located on the north-eastern Georgian Bay shoreline at the mouth of the mighty Magnetawan River. Fishers come here for its abundant bass, pickerel, pike and muskie. By land, it is halfway between Parry Sound and Sudbury, less than five minutes west from Highway 69, on Highway 526. The village provides a variety of accommodations, food and beverage outlets, and marine services.
Welcome to
Rainbow Country
