Prospectors & Polar Bears: North Bay - Timmins

Estimated distance: 364 km/226 mi.

Book a rail excursion on the Dream Catcher Express, a captivating journey to enjoy the fall colours between North Bay and Temagami. For just 6 days in early October passengers can enjoy the romance of rail travel, vibrant fall colours and a sampling of Aboriginal culture. Back in North Bay take a scenic cruise aboard the Chief Commanda II on Lake Nipissing. Available throughout September and into early October, this is one of Ontario's most beautiful and historic inland lakes, which for centuries saw huge Montreal canoes carry tons of freight and furs from Montreal to the north shore of Lake Superior. For a taste of the fall harvest attend Sturgeon Falls' Annual Cranberry Festival at the Sturgeon River House Museum, located on an authentic Hudson's Bay trading post site.

The drive from North Bay to Temagami takes you through an unspoiled wilderness frequented by travelers worldwide. In addition to offering possibly the best vantage point for fall colour viewing, the Maple and Ishpatina Ridges in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park are the highest points of land in Ontario. Bluffs, canyons and rocky outcrops form the base of this very rugged, primeval landscape and are the remnants of the oldest mountain ranges in North America. Temagami is home to the largest stands of old growth forests in the province. Lake Temagami is ringed with towering red and white pines -- some of which have been standing for 300-400 years. The region is also home to the most extensive freshwater canoe route network in the world. Climb the Temagami Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view. This 100-foot high tower stands on the summit of Caribou Mountain, 122 metres (400 feet) above the town and 396 metres (1,300 feet) above sea level.

In 1903, Cobalt became the birthplace of Canadian mining and its discovery would spark one of the richest silver booms Canada had ever seen. The Northern Ontario Mining Museum shares its tale of discovery and its connections to the founders of nearby towns, including Timmins and Kirkland Lake. Stop by the gift shop where you can purchase one-of-a-kind hand crafted silver jewellery. Explore the impressive chateau of the eccentric Sir Harry Oakes in nearby Kirkland Lake. This famous son discovered gold here in 1912 and, unlike most prospectors, was able to develop his discovery and maintain a controlling interest in it, becoming a multi-millionaire. The Ontario Heritage Trust acquired the Harry Oakes Chateau in 1981 and it is now operated by the city as the Kirkland Lake Museum of Northern History. Northeastern Ontario's fascinating hockey history can be explored at Hockey Heritage North including great teams, rivalries and victories.

Visit the Polar Bear Habitat in Cochrane, a rescue and rehabilitation facility that lets you these amazing animals up close. Fall tours include interpretive programs and daily meet the bears sessions. Cedar Meadows Wilderness Park near Timmins also allows visitors to get up close to a number of animals that you would find in the Northern Ontario wilderness, including moose, bison and elk, while riding on a tractor drawn wagon. The Hollinger Golf Mine in Timmins was once the richest gold producer in the Western Hemisphere. Change into mining gear at the Underground Gold Mine Tour to see real miners operate traditional and new equipment and get a feel for life at a mining camp once they return to the surface.

Browse getaways along the Prospectors & Polar Bears route »