Family road trip in Northeastern Ontario
Cross the border from Quebec into Northeastern Ontario and explore the communities of Temiskaming Shores, Timmins, Sudbury and North Bay on an epic family road trip this summer.
Cedar Meadows | Destination Ontario
Explore rich Francophone history and culture. Experience outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing and immersive museums. And discover unique and quirky roadside attractions along the way.
This route is a loop and can be followed in either direction. Here are some suggestions to start planning your itinerary.
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.
Places to stay in Temiskaming Shores
Owned and operated by a French-speaking family with a wealth of historical knowledge, offers a variety of vacation rental homes as well as glamping opportunities.
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
Things to do in Temiskaming Shores
Little Claybelt Homesteader’s Museum
View artifacts, documents and other items that preserving 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
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
Learn about the area’s mining heritage on a guided tour and explore the mining relics and artifacts.
Location: 24 Silver Street, Cobalt
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
Enjoy your favourites like pizza, pasta and more while overlooking the beautiful Lake Temiskaming.
Location: 2 Cedar Avenue, Temiskaming Shores
Choose from a wide range of dishes and drinks, including salads, handhelds and pasta.
Location: 43 Armstrong Street North, New Liskeard
Timmins
Approximate distance and travel time from Temiskaming Shores to Timmins: 210 kilometers, 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.
Places to stay in Timmins
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
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.
Location: Kenogamissi Lake, Wawaitin Falls, Timmins
Things to do in Timmins
On your way into Timmins, stop in at Dream Acres to meet a friendly herd of alpacas.
Location: 5590 ON-101, Black River-Matheson
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
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 for the guided tractor-drawn wagon tour of the wilderness park where you’ll get up close and personal with elk and bison.
Location: 1000 Norman Street, Timmins
Where to eat in Timmins
A farm-to-table restaurant and specialty bakery with an ever-changing menu of interesting local options.
Location: 163 Fifth Avenue, Timmins
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Siva’s has been part of the Timmins community for over 20 years.
Location: 1500 Riverside Drive, Timmins
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
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.
Places to stay in Sudbury
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
Things to do in Sudbury
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
North Bay
Approximate distance and travel time from Sudbury: 130 kilometres, 1 hour and 35 minutes
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
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
Places to stay in North Bay
Stylish two and three-bedroom cottages with easy access to a private beach on Lake Nipissing.
Location: 585 Banner Avenue, North Bay
Located on beautiful Lake Nipissing, this unique inn brings the lake gateway to life for a relaxing night. Steps away from multiple restaurants, and just a short drive to the downtown core.
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
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 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
For more trip-planning support and help building your itinerary, connect with one of our travel counsellors.
And discover even more amazing road trip itineraries in Ontario.
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Last updated: April 29, 2024