Summer Information For Timmins In Ontario






Sep 5, 08

Timmins
Ontario

The City with the Heart of Gold

Timmins is located between Lake Superior and Quebec in central Ontario. The city covers 1,200 square miles, making it the largest city in area in Canada. Nicknamed the "City with the Heart of Gold," Timmins was amalgamated in 1973, taking in several small towns and villages.

Timmins got its nickname from its gold mining history. In fact, visitors can tour the Hollinger Gold Mine above and below ground. Discovered in 1909 by Benny Hollinger, the mine was once the richest gold producer in the Western Hemisphere - totaling $400 million even at the then low prices for ore.

The tour descends 450 feet underground to where the year-round temperature is 3 C. Visitors should dress warm. Exhibits underground and on the surface show the reality of the mining industry.

The Timmins Museum is a National Exhibition Center. The museum includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits. An outdoor mining museum centers around the original mining recorder's office. Get a taste of the pioneer days from a prospector's cabin and a mine tunnel. The outdoor museum also includes mining equipment, such as a rock drill, sinking bucket and early mine locomotive. Inside visitors will find a comprehensive historical and geological exhibit of Canada and recent exhibits of Canada's northern regions.

Outdoor Opportunities

Besides its rich gold mining history, the area is rich in recreational opportunities as well. Timmins has a well-maintained trail system for hikers and joggers. The routes are dotted with picnic tables, benches and lookout areas. Trails include Golden Springs, Scout Rock and Bart Thomson.

Fishing is popular here as well, and the area's many lakes and rivers offer countless chances. Pike and pickerel are two of the most common catches and can be found in Barber's Bay, Nighthawk Lake, Porcupine Lake and the Mattagami River.

Other popular waters include Kamiskotia Lake, Bob's Lake and the Kamiskotia River. For something different try casting a line in at Kettle Lakes Provincial Park for trout, perch and bass.

Besides good fishing, Kettle Lakes Provincial Park offers many other opportunities as well, including camping, hiking and picnicking. The 1,261-acre park shows beautifully the effects of glaciation on the landscape. The glaciers created many lakes and small eskers and left behind deep sand and till material that supports many species of trees.

The kettle lakes themselves are very deep and clear. These were created when large ice blocks that broke off from the retreating glaciers were covered by outwash sediments.

Angel Fire Resort