A goldmine of natural beauty
Your prospects for outdoor adventure are always good when you fly from Sault Ste. Marie to Timmins.
This former company town was founded by Noah Timmins in 1912. Now, Timmins is more famous for the natural beauty of places like McArthur Lake than the natural resources in the McIntyre Mines. Whether you’re exploring the wilderness or discovering the city, you’ll find a wealth of things to do in Timmins.
Explore the rich history of the area at the Timmins Museum, in the National Exhibition Centre. Focusing on the Porcupine Gold Rush, this museum features exhibits of equipment used by miners in the early 1900s.
After uncovering Timmins’ mining past, dig into the city’s restaurant scene. Named for the emblematic homes of Timmins miners erected by the Hollinger Company, the Hollinger House Bakery Deli is constantly cooking up golden-brown bread and crispy cookies. In the 75 year-old McIntyre Coffee Shop, you can sip on a cappuccino as you admire photos of famous Timmins residents who once skated on the rink outside the restaurant.
Venture beyond the city borders, with a bout of activity in Timmins surrounding attractions. In the winter, the Kamiskotia Snow Resort opens its slopes with delightful downhill ski runs. If you get cold feet, stop by the Dream Acres Alpaca Farm to pick up a pair of socks and hang out with a herd of these fleecy farm animals. At the Cedar Meadows Wildlife Park, you’ll come face-to-face with moose, bison, and elk.
You may see a moose as you explore Kettle Lakes Provincial Park or the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve, two of the many parks surrounding Timmins. Make sure to uncover the natural beauty hidden in Timmins’ hills during your trip from Sault Ste. Marie, by venturing into the sparkling landscapes surrounding the city.
Kettle Lakes Provincial Park
A cup of Canadian wilderness
After your plane from Sault Ste. Marie to Timmins lands, set off for the wilderness of Kettle Lakes Provincial Park.
With 22 spring-fed, glacier-formed Kettle Lakes throughout the area, this Provincial Park is the perfect place for fishing. Drop a line and get hooked on reeling in northern pike, yellow perch, and rainbow trout.
If fishing isn’t your cup of tea, you can simply travel the Kettle Lakes by canoe. Rent a boat and cut across the lakes for a closer look at the striking glacial geology of Kettle Lakes. Go without the gear and jump right in at the Island Lake and Slab Lake swimming spots.
After a spot of swimming in Slab Lake, step out of the water to cycle along the park’s 14 km biking trail. This trail runs from the lake and into thick forests, where you can enjoy the park’s scenery at a fast pace. Slow things down on the park’s hiking trails. Escape to the esker (a glacial riverbed) on the Kettle Trail, which passes by both bogs and kettle depressions. Take the Tamarack Trail for a scenic overlook of Tamarack Lake.
As you hike, keep an eye on the skies to spot some of Kettle Lakes’ avian inhabitants. Woodpeckers, warblers, and various waterfowl make their homes in this Provincial Park, providing ample opportunity for birdwatchers to check these flying creatures of their list.
Whether you occupy your hours on the water or on the trails, you can spend the night at one of the park’s campgrounds. From the Island Lake Campground to the Pines Campground, you’ll find plenty of places to rest up for another amazing day on your trip from Sault Ste. Marie.
Gillies Lake Conservation Area
Hike through the heart of Timmins
Take a stroll through the heart of Timmins during your trip from Sault Ste. Marie, with a walk in Gillies Lake Conservation Area.
At the centre of this conservation area, Gillies Lake covers 20 hectares of the park with sparkling waves and scenic shorelines. Around the lake, you’ll find picnic tables, a supervised swimming beach, and several Wi-Fi hotspots among the many amenities available in this conservation area. As you walk along the shore, study up on the natural history of Gillies Lake through informative storyboards.
To get the best views of Gillies Lake, take the 2.5 km trail that traces along the shoreline. Walk along a well-kept boardwalk, which is well maintained in the winter. With lights on overhead at night and paths regularly cleared of snow, this track is accessible in any condition. While you walk around the Gillies Lake Conservation Area, be on the lookout for the variety of creatures living in the park, including muskrats, geese, and loons.
Once you’ve exhausted all of the Gillies Lake Promenade, exit from this trail onto one of Timmins many connecting trails. Linking to Lion’s Walk Trail, Golden Springs Trail, and Scout’s Rock Trail, this promenade makes finding Timmins best treks a relative walk in the park.
When the weather is warm, the waves of Gillies Lake are home to wakeboarders trying out tricks on the jumps and rails of the Timmins Wake Park. Take to the lake and make a splash at this adventurous outdoor activity centre.
Whether you spend your day trekking the trails or shredding the rails, there’s no better end to a day in Gillies Lake Conservation Area than some deep fried Mars bars and poutine from Lanny’s Chili Hut and Fries. Get a taste of the classic fare from this favourite local stop for sweet memories to savour long after you’ve returned to Sault Ste. Marie.
Getting to Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM) is about 19 km / 12 mi from downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Transportation
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxi and car service from downtown costs about $45 CAD.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Landing in Timmins
Timmins Victor M. Power Airport (YTS) is about 13 km / 8 mi from downtown Timmins.
Transportation
Taxis to downtown cost about $25 CAD. Car service costs about $70 CAD.
Car rental pick-up is available from Timmins Victor M. Power Airport (YTS).
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
