Visiting Northern Ontario

From Thunder Bay through Cochrane down to North Bay and Huntsville in the south, northern Ontario is an immense region. Stretching from the Hudson Bay to the north, and to the south, Lake Superior and Lake Huron - this is a vast wilderness filled with lakes, rivers and trails.The Near North region of Ontario is ablaze with fall colors and in Cochrane, the south terminus of the Polar Bear Express is ready for winter travelers. Head indoors in Thunder Bay, where the Magnus Theatre is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary and hosting a series of fall and winter performances by the Professional Theatre of Northwestern Ontario.

Cochrane Ontario is located near the 49th parallel and visitors are welcomed to town by Chimo, the giant Polar Bear statue and town mascot. Join the community of Cochrane for the 2012 Winter Carnival in February, or visit anytime after snow begins to fly to enjoy the area's “White Gold”. A snowmobilers wonderland, there are over 650km of groomed trails for riding. Join the Polar Bear Riders Snowmobile Club of Cochrane for the Polar Bear Riders Major Bear Run in January – a one day rally full of fun events, entertainment, prizes and a dance.

Huntsville, in Ontario’s District of Muskoka, is just about two hours north from Toronto. The gateway to Algonquin Park, the Huntsville area makes a wonderful destination for scenic fall travel and winter adventure. Fen Lake or Leaf Lake Ski Trails are ideal for cross-country skiing, especially nice after a fresh snowfall.

Huntsville’s Arrowhead Provincial Park is known for its cross-country skiing and abilities development programs. The Park hosts the 2012 Ontario Winter ParaSport Games and the OFSAA Nordic Ski Championships February 22nd through 24th. While you’re in Huntsville, treat the kids to snowtubing at Rock Ridge Recreation Park or downhill skiing at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area.

Less than two hours north of Huntsville, the City of North Bay is situated near the northeast shore of Lake Nipissing. Jack Garland Airport services the city and makes air travel to North Bay convenient. Home of Nipissing University, fall and winter in North Bay is filled with NU Laker athletic events. Hockey season runs through February – check out a game at North Bay Memorial Gardens Ice Skating Rink.

Join North Bay residents for the fun and excitement of fall and winter events. The holidays bring events like the Dion Christmas Show featuring performances by Celine Dion’s brothers and sisters – see the show November 12th at the Algonquin Secondary School. The community Santa Claus Parade theme for 2011, is Christmas Around the World and happens November 20th. Ring in the New Year with North Bay’s Families First celebration New Year's Eve – bring the entire family to join in the fun.

Northern Ontario Hotel Map