Family road trip in Northeastern Ontario
Experience exciting culture, outdoor adventure and attractions on a family road trip this summer in Northeastern Ontario.
Greater Sudbury
Part 1: Temiskaming Shores
Nestled on the shores of Lake Temiskaming at the Ontario-Quebec border, Temiskaming Shores includes the communities of New Liskeard, Haileybury, Dymond and North Cobalt.
Its location at the headwaters of the Ottawa River made the region an important transportation route for Indigenous peoples and European settlers during the fur trade.
Today visitors enjoy hiking, boating, fishing and the charms of the small towns.
Photo op: Stop at the Tourism Information Centre and say hello to Miss Claybelt, a larger-than-life replica of a Holstein cow in New Liskeard, acknowledging the area’s important agricultural sector. And just north in the town Earlton off Highway 11, you’ll encounter Manitou, the massive bison statue.
Things to do in Temiskaming Shores
Little Claybelt Homesteader’s Museum
View artifacts, documents and other items that preserve the cultural heritage of Little Claybelt, an area inhabited and farmed by settlers and homesteaders in the 1890s.
Location: 883356 Highway 65 East, New Liskeard
Devil’s Rock Hiking Trail
Follow the four-kilometre rugged trail to breathtaking views of Lake Temiskaming from Devil’s Rock. Make sure you have proper footwear.
Location: Unorganized West Timiskaming District
Cobalt Mining Museum
Learn about the area’s mining heritage on a guided tour and explore the mining relics and artifacts.
Location: 24 Silver Street, Cobalt
Haileybury Beach
Hit the beach! Located in Camsell Park, Haileybury Beach is a great destination for swimming, picnicking and relaxing on a hot summer day.
Location: 309 Broadway Street, Temiskaming Shores
Where to eat in Temiskaming Shores
28 on the Lake
Enjoy your favourites like pizza, pasta and more while overlooking the beautiful Lake Temiskaming.
Location: 2 Cedar Avenue, Temiskaming Shores
Tap That Kitchen and Bar
Choose from a wide range of dishes and drinks, including salads, handhelds and pasta.
Location: 43 Armstrong Street North, New Liskeard
Places to stay in Temiskaming Shores
President’s Suites
A variety of vacation rental homes owned and operated by a French-speaking family with a wealth of historical knowledge.
Location: Road South, Temiskaming Shores, Haileybury
Holiday Inn Express New Liskeard
Located in New Liskeard, just off the Trans-Canada Highway 11, the hotel is close to the New Liskeard waterfront, which features a beach and a boardwalk trail.
Location: 998029 Highway 11, New Liskeard
Part 2: Timmins
Approximate distance and travel time from Temiskaming Shores: 210 kilometres, 2.5 hours
The city of Timmins is located on the traditional lands of Mattagami First Nation and is surrounded by boreal forest.
The discovery of gold in 1909 earned Timmins its nickname, the “City with a Heart of Gold.” Today, Timmins is home to a large Francophone community.
Photo op: Just east of downtown Timmins on McIntyre Road near Pearl Lake, the 12-metre-tall McIntyre Gold Mine Headframe stands as a monument to the mining heritage of the region.
Things to do in Timmins
Dream Acres Alpaca Farm
On your way into Timmins, stop in at Dream Acres to meet a friendly herd of alpacas.
Location: 5590 ON-101, Black River-Matheson
Timmins Wake Park
Northern Ontario’s first wake park is located in the heart of the city at the Gillies Lake Conservation Area on the lake’s southeast corner along Highway 655. Rental equipment is available.
Location: 349 Patricia Boulevard, Timmins
Explore hiking trails
Discover gorgeous, photo-worthy landscapes, sparkling waters and flora and fauna along local trails.
Wildlife tour at Cedar Meadows
Even if you’re not staying at the resort, you’ll want to visit the wilderness park for the guided tractor-drawn wagon tour, where you’ll get up close and personal with elk and bison.
Location: 1000 Norman Street, Timmins
Where to eat in Timmins
Radical Gardens
A farm-to-table restaurant and specialty bakery with an ever-changing menu of interesting local options.
Location: 163 Fifth Avenue, Timmins
Siva’s Family Restaurant
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Siva’s has been part of the Timmins community for over 20 years.
Location: 1500 Riverside Drive, Timmins
Fishbowl Restaurant
Enjoy a warm atmosphere, friendly staff, views of the Mattagami River and a great seafood selection from the menu. The Fishbowl’s famous fish and chips come highly recommended.
Location: 942 Riverside Drive, Timmins
Places to stay in Timmins
Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa
With an onsite spa, Nordic baths, a great restaurant, guided tours to see wildlife in the Wilderness Park and luxury cabins and suites, this resort caters to everyone in the family. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, opt for the cabins with expansive views into a large wolf reserve to feel like you’re sleeping with the wolves.
Location: 1000 Norman Street, Timmins
WildExodus
Stay in a cozy camping cabin with family fun and outdoor adventure on your doorstep. Enjoy fishing, paddling and swimming in Kenogamissi Lake, great barbeques and memorable evenings by the campfire.
Part 3: Sudbury
Approximate distance and travel time from Timmins: 295 kilometres, 3.5 hours
Greater Sudbury is situated on the Canadian Shield in the Great Lakes Basin and offers visitors world-renowned attractions, urban comforts and outdoor adventures.
With the largest Francophone community in Northern Ontario, Sudbury is a hub of Franco-Ontarian culture and hosts a series of events and festivals that celebrate the French language in the arts, music and theatre.
Photo op: Get a family pic at the world’s largest replica of a coin. The famous Big Nickel, a replica of the 1951 Canadian nickel, stands at nine-metre tall just outside the Dynamic Earth Museum.
Things to do in Sudbury
Science North
Enjoy a fun and friendly approach to learning at Science North, Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction. The complex features a digital planetarium, a massive IMAX cinema and scientists and science communicators called “Bluecoats” who invite you to interact with the exhibits.
Location: 100 Ramsey Lake Road, Greater Sudbury
Dynamic Earth
Descend over seven stories underground on a historic mine tour. Dynamic Earth is an interactive science museum that focuses on geology and mining history, particularly the region's rich nickel mining heritage.
Location: 122 Big Nickel Road, Greater Sudbury
Dinosaur Valley Mini Golf
Walk among the dinosaur and dragon exhibits, including a massive steel dragon skull and play a selection of unique mini golf courses.
Location: 3316 St Laurent Street, Greater Sudbury
Bell Park
Enjoy a day at the beach on the shore of Lake Ramsey with swimming, water sports, a playground and a two-kilometre boardwalk.
Location: Bell Park, Paris Street, Greater Sudbury
AY Jackson Lookout
Hike along a scenic riverside trail to a bridge that spans the top of High Falls on the Onaping River.
Location: ON-144, Greater Sudbury
Where to eat in Sudbury
Gloria’s Restaurant
Gloria’s has been serving quality meals in Sudbury for over 65 years and has consistently been voted as having the best breakfast in the city.
Location: 469 Bouchard Street, Greater Sudbury
Respect is Burning Kitchen and Bar
Enjoy a casual, fun atmosphere and great Italian classic dishes at this popular spot.
Location: 82 Durham Street, Sudbury
The Laughing Buddha
Home to great pizza, soups, salads and sandwiches.
Location: 194 Elgin Street, Sudbury
The Kouzzina
Enjoy a fusion of delicious and unique handcrafted Greek and Italian cuisine, as well as a special menu for kids under 10.
Location: 1463 Lasalle Boulevard, Greater Sudbury
Places to stay in Sudbury
Hampton Inn by Hilton
Spacious rooms, hot breakfast, indoor pool and just a short drive to Science North and Dynamic Earth make this perfect for families.
Location: 2280 Regent Street, Greater Sudbury
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
The swimming pool, hot tub, complimentary hot and cold breakfast and proximity to downtown make this property attractive for families as well.
Location: 490 Barry Downe Road, Greater Sudbury
Part 4: Manitoulin Island
Approximate distance and travel time from Sudbury: 175 kilometres, 2.5 hours
Take a detour to Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron. The world’s largest freshwater island beckons with rich Indigenous culture, beautiful beaches and great opportunities for hiking and fishing.
Check the calendar for pow wows and other events, including the Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival, featuring dance, drumming, crafts and Indigenous cuisine.
Things to do on Manitoulin Island
Wilwemikong Tourism
Choose from various nature-based, educational, culinary and cultural tours from an Indigenous perspective.
Location: 2102 Wikwemikong Way, Wikwemikong
Splashtown Manitoulin
The ultimate water adventure for families with kids awaits at Lake Mindemoya on Manitoulin Island. Splashtown is an inflatable waterpark that opens at the end of June for the summer season.
Location: 524 Ketchankookem Trail, Mindemoya
Places to stay on Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Eco Park
Reconnect with nature, enjoy stargazing and learn new outdoor skills at this family-oriented park. In addition to camping, forest tipis and rustic bunkies are available to rent.
Location: 18777 Ontario Highway 6, Tehkummah
My Friends Inn
Friendly, family-run motel with outdoor picnic tables and barbeques near a playground, beach and local shops.
Location: 151 Queen Street, Manitowaning
Where to eat on Manitoulin Island
Elliott’s Restaurant
Enjoy casual family dining with weekly specials, including fresh whitefish and pickerel dishes.
Part 5: North Bay
Approximate distance and travel time from Sudbury: 130 kilometres, 1.5 hours
Often referred to as the “Gateway of the North”, the city of North Bay is surrounded by lakes that have served as major waterways of trade and travel in the northern part of Canada.
Located on the shores of Lake Nipissing, the waterfront and downtown district in North Bay is great for a day of strolling, shopping and relaxing. The city is also within close proximity of trails, lakes and vast wilderness.
Photo op: Just north of North Bay at the Rock Pine Motel and Restaurant in Marten River is the massive statue of a fish.
Things to do in North Bay
Chief Commanda II
Set out on a sightseeing tour of Lake Nipissing, enjoy the North Bay skyline and learn a little bit of history about the area.
Location: 200 Memorial Drive, North Bay
North Bay Museum
Found within the historic Canadian Pacific train station in downtown North Bay, this museum includes interactive and artifact-based exhibits.
Location: 100 Ferguson Street, North Bay
Canadian Aerospace Museum
Gain a deeper understanding of Canada’s historical and current contributions to air defence and honour those who have served through history and artifacts.
Location: 33 Manston Crescent, Hornell Heights
Laurier Woods Conservation Area
Explore the wetlands, woodlands, wildlife and lookout points along a 10-kilometre trail network in this natural sanctuary. Forest Talk Radio is an app that lets you listen in on the secrets and conversations of the trees and creatures that call this woodland home.
Location: Brule Street, North Bay
Where to eat in North Bay
Average Joe’s Eatery and Patio
Take in beautiful views of Trout Lake while enjoying potato-crusted pickerel or the hearty prime rib burger. Don’t miss the restaurant’s weekend brunch.
Location: 3501 Trout Lake Road, North Bay
Syl’s
Syl’s is a popular place for families to dine on the patio in the warmer weather. This local diner serves a range of options, including a great kids' menu.
Location: 850 McKeown Avenue (Building C), North Bay
The Boat
Set on a retired 99-foot steel-hulled boat, which ran from 1947 to 1974, this landmark restaurant is known for its picturesque sunset views and menu of bar snacks and seafood staples like chowder and fish and chips.
Location: 225 Memorial Drive, North Bay
Places to stay in North Bay
The Finch Beach Resort
Stylish two and three-bedroom cottages with easy access to a private beach on Lake Nipissing.
Location: 585 Banner Avenue, North Bay
Sunset Inn
Located on beautiful Lake Nipissing, this unique inn brings the lake gateway to life for a relaxing night. It is steps away from multiple restaurants and just a short drive to downtown.
Location: 641 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay
Hampton Inn By Hilton North Bay
Just off Highway 11 and steps from a range of eateries, this convenient hotel is also a short distance from Lake Nipissing's shoreline and the Laurentian Conservation Area. Enjoy free hot breakfast, WiFi and an indoor pool.
Location: 950 Mckeown Avenue, North Bay
Know before you go
Safety information
Emergencies aren’t always the first thing we consider when planning a vacation, but knowing who to contact in an emergency is important.
Nature takes centre stage in Northern Ontario, so be prepared and aware of wildlife, both big and small. Pack bug spray to avoid the mosquitos if you’re travelling in the warmer months. While driving, be vigilant for animals on the road, particularly at dusk and dawn, including bears, moose and deer.
Indigenous sites and events
Appropriate respect and appreciation are essential when visiting sacred sites and culturally significant places.
Visiting Ontario Parks
Northern Ontario has some of Canada’s most scenic and iconic parks. Ontario Parks requires a daily vehicle permit, which can be purchased online. Camping sites should also be reserved well in advance; bring a printed copy of your reservation. Note that operating dates vary from park to park.
Trip highlights
Related content
Northern Ontario’s favourite food trucks
Housekeeping cottages and budget-friendly fishing resorts in Northern Ontario
Top mountain bike trails in Northern Ontario for beginners
Last updated: March 28, 2025