Summer in the North: Timmins Edition

You moved to Timmins for school and are debating whether or not you want to stay for the summer. Well, there are numerous activities to keep you entertained. From festivals to events, exploring the great outdoors to an eventful night life, there is always something to do – even enough to make Timmins your forever home!

Each Wednesday throughout the summer Hollinger Park is alive with free music (A non-perishable donation to the Timmins Food Bank is required). This seven-year tradition, which showcases artists that call Northeastern Ontario their home, is a great way to break up your week.

Is music not your thing? On July 22-24, 2016, travel just two hours up the road to Kapuskasing for the annual Lumberjack Heritage Festival. The event features lumberjack-themed strength competitions, including log rolling and axe throwing. There is live entertainment, a BBQ competition and a local vendors market. This exciting festival has been showcased on the Outdoor Life Network and TSN.

Not sure where to stay? René Brunelle Provincial Park and Twin Lakes Camping have spots where you can rest your head. Visit http://www.northernontario.travel/northeastern-ontario/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-lumberjack-heritage-festival for more information.

Are you into paddling? Well then, the Timmins Great Canadian Kayak Festival is for you. Running August 26-28, 2016, this event is filled with fun activities, from pontoon rides to demonstrations, challenges to music and even fireworks! Visit http://www.thegreatcanadiankayakchallenge.com/ for more information.

How about watching extreme sports? Then visit the Mattagami River in Timmins on August 28, 2016 at noon, 2pm and 4pm. You will see extreme wakeboarding, flyboarding, hydro-foiling, human pyramids and more!

Are you interested in fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating or recreational camping? Timmins has kilometres of river systems to access, freshwater lakes for swimming, and creeks with an assortment of fish including pickerel, northern pike, whitefish, and the legendary sturgeon. They have four private camp grounds and three Provincial Parks to visit. 

Looking for great places to bike and hike? Timmins and area has 18 parks that you can visit ranging in difficulty and distance; from leisurely strolls to 80 km rides. No matter what your skill level, Timmins has a path that would serve your needs.

Or are you more into running? Timmins has some events for you!  The Heart of Gold Triathlon runs on July 10, 2016 at Gillies Lake Conservation Area. The Timmins Golden Trails Half Marathon is a walk run that is fun and competitive. Participants can choose between a half marathon run or walk, a two person half marathon relay, a 5km run or walk, and a family 2 km run or walk. The event takes place on August 14, 2016.

If the outdoors isn’t your thing, Timmins is home to La Galeruche Art Gallery, Mid Town Blow, Mountjoy Independent Farmer’s Market, NEO Laser Tag, Sk8te Hollinger, Cedar Meadows Wilderness Park and Spa, Dream Acres Alpaca Farm and Hollinger Park Mini-Putt to name a few.

No matter what your interest is, summer in Timmins is busy and beautiful.