Whether you’re seeking a serene paradise nestled among the trees or a fun packed, family adventure, Northern Ontario is the perfect place for your next family getaway. From the world’s largest coin to a polar bear paradise, you are guaranteed priceless family moments. Don’t forget the camera!
Sudbury
Fairbanks Provincial Park
A summer staple for many families in Northern Ontario, Fairbanks is the place for fun, sun, and laughter. The spring-fed lake located just outside Sudbury makes for the perfect swimming and fishing conditions. With hiking trails, biking paths, a playground, a sandy beach and loads of chipmunks to feed, you can never be bored! The perfect place to make new friends and roast marshmallows under the stars. Fairbanks is where summer memories are made.
Rocky Crest Golf Resort
A family getaway in Muskoka that is guaranteed to keep all ages busy. There’s golf for Dad, a spa for Mom and a kid’s camp on site. Rocky Crest also has outdoor pools, recreation programs, a fitness room, and three restaurants. Did we mention the inflatable on water obstacle course that includes a trampoline, an iceberg climbing wall, a jungle gym, and an inflatable slide?! With suites, lofts, villas, and cottages, this resort offers a smorgasbord of accommodation options to fit your needs. Details
North Bay
Quaintly perched beside one of Ontario’s largest lakes, North Bay is a Northern gem. You can soak in the beauty of Lake Nipissing by swimming at their sandy beach, enjoying the boardwalk, renting a small boat or taking a ride on their big boat, the Chief Commanda II. A little ways from the beach is the Heritage Railway & Carousel, perfect for younger children. And if the beach isn’t enough nature for you, you can indulge in the serenity of the Laurier Woods Conservation Area. Looking for some urban fun? Explore the downtown boutiques, visit the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence, and if you just want a few moments to yourself, bring your kids to The Northern Tikes Indoor Playground. Details
Halfway Lake
Halfway Lake is a family-oriented campground located in Levack. This provincial park is accommodating of both tents and trailers and has the added luxury of both flush toilets and an on-site Laundromat. Swimming can be best enjoyed at one of their two buoyed beaches, great for smaller children. Take a bike ride down one of their paths or canoe the lake for a chance to see nesting bald eagles and a heron rookery along their Two Narrows Canoe Route. Or for a possible moose sighting, head to land and tread down the Echo Pond Trail. Kids can get further in touch with nature through the Discovery Drop-in Program (July & August only). Through Discovery, kids will not only get to explore the park and observe plants and animals, but hopefully also discover the wonders of nature. Details
Northern Lights Resort
Manitoulin Island
A place where time seems to move a bit slower and life feels a little simpler, Manitoulin Island is a scenic oasis. Brimming with history, this island is home to Manitowaning, the first European settlement and Wikwemikong, the only unceded Indian Reserve in Canada. They celebrate their roots through De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre, cultural festivals, pow-wows and the Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah. Enjoy the famous Bridal Veil Falls, their many hiking trails, horseback riding, the Farm Museum, locally made icecream, and art museums. Get on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry for more picturesque views. Did you know that Chi-Cheemaun is Ojibwe for “big canoe”? With multiple decks, an onboard art gallery, live entertainment, and an all-day cafeteria, it’s the fanciest “canoe” we have ever been on! Details
Black Rock Resort
Camp under the stars or enjoy the comfort of a cabin in Manitowaning on Manitoulin Island. Choose to rent any of their eleven cabins and your stay will include bedding, cookware, small appliances, and dining ware. With a crystal clear waterfront, wonderful fishing, an activities field and sports gear, you probably won’t want to spend much time indoors. This is also the perfect place for star gazers to see the Milky Way, shooting stars, and the Northern Lights, so don’t forget your telescope! Details
Kenora
You’ve heard of a glass house, but what about a glass bottle house? Redditt Bottle House is one of the many must-see sights in Kenora. Constructed entirely of glass bottles and mortar in 1973, it was originally built to house a doll collection. If you can’t bear to be around dolls, then go visit the five ton protector of the city, Loonie Bear. He is always hungry, so be sure to bring him a snack! He isn’t a real bear though, so don’t bring fish; instead he enjoys being fed donations which later go to support local children’s charities. Once you’ve satisfied Loonie’s appetite, be sure to checkout the other great attractions that Kenora has to offer, such as Devil’s Gap Rock, Husky the Muskie, Kenora Rotary Goodwill Geyser, and the Tug Boat at McLeod Park. Details
Forest Rock Resort
Nestled in the heart of Muskoka, Forest Rock is a family resort resting on Three Mile Lake that offers both cottage rentals and campgrounds. An oasis of relaxation and fun, this resort offers time to sunbathe, swim, and fish. Take to the waters in a boat rental or stay grounded and join in a game of beach volleyball or horseshoes. There is a lot to occupy the kids with a playground and planned children’s activities. Your rental is equipped with a private fire pit for those toasty, late night campfires, but if you’re feeling a bit more social, the beach bonfire is quite the sight. Details
Sturgeon
Windy Lake
Don’t worry the only thing you will be blown away by at this campground is their gorgeous, sandy beach! Located in Onaping, Windy Lake features private campgrounds, a rentable cabin, a boat launch, a playground, hiking trails, and lots of family fun. If you are looking to camp with a few extra comforts, this campground has a Laundromat, as well as flush toilets. Whether your idea of a family getaway is making s’mores over the campfire or tubing across expansive waters, Windy Lake has it all! Details
5 Things to Do during Winter at the Windy Lake Provincial Park
Cobalt
This mining town with an expansive history is home to some truly historic gems of the North. After all, it isn’t called “Ontario’s Most Historic Town” for nothing! The Cobalt Mining Museum houses rocks, minerals, local stories, and one of the world’s largest native silver displays. Cap off your experience with a guided tour down to the silver mine. When you come back up, be sure to pop over to the Heritage Silver Trail. Snaking its way through town and along side Cobalt Lake, you will come across many famous mine sites during your hike. Some of which are still intact in the middle of the wilderness! Details
Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa
If petting a Moose is on your bucket list, then book an acclaimed wilderness tour with Cedar Meadows in Timmins. Get up close and personal to witness the beauty of some of Canada’s most iconic animals, such as moose, bison, deer, and elk. The resort has many packages to choose from and offers many other activities such as canoeing, biking, walking trails. A nature lover’s heaven! Details
French River
Killarney Provincial Park
The sapphire blue lakes, the La Cloche Mountains and the dense forest in Killarney Provincial Park create a tranquil, Northern paradise. These are the same lakes and landscapes that once inspired the well known collective of artists, Group of Seven. Experience the enchantment of the wilderness year round in a tent, yurt or cabin. The park is the perfect place for biking, boating, hiking, fishing, and swimming. If you love birds, then bring your binoculars because the park has over 100 species within its bounds. Alongside the birds, the park is also home to moose, deer, beavers and over 20 species of reptiles and amphibians. Never a dull moment!
Killarney Mountain Lodge
“A place where rustic simplicity meets quiet luxury. Killarney Mountain Lodge is a full service resort offering a unique experience for those who desire exploration and retreat.” With many chalets, cabins and rooms to choose from, you can customize your getaway to fit your family’s needs. If you’re itching to get out on the water, they not only have a full service marina, but they also offer both boat rentals and guided cruises. Hungry after a day on the water? That’s taken care of. Choose one of the many dining accommodations such as the main dining room, the great room, outdoor BBQ or Curd N’ Whey. Bon Appétit! Details
Thunder Bay
Parry Sound
Whether you like to be swimming under the water or cruising on top of it, Parry Sound is the place to make a splash. The Island Queen Cruise and M.V. Chippewa III not only offer you spectacular views, but you can also book specialty cruises, such as private charters, sunset dinners or a trip to Henry’s Island for some fish and chips. If you prefer your fish still swimming, this Northern treasure also offers multiple diving opportunities and rentals through Clear Water Scuba and Diver’s Nook. Explore the land by renting a bicycle at Parry Sound Bikes or immerse yourself in hockey history at the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. Home to the largest collection of Bobby Orr memorabilia and filled with interactive activities, it’s sure to appease not only the hockey lovers, but the entire family. Another must-see is the top-rated Museum on Tower Hill. Peruse the museum and then make your way towards the tower. If you make it to the top you will be rewarded with a truly breathtaking view! Details
Pleasant Cove Resort
This Pointe au Baril, year round resort boasts the beauty of not only being surrounded by the 30,000 islands of the Georgian Bay, but also the enchantment of the Canadian Shield. Paddle the lake in a canoe or kayak and visit some of the islands. Run around the playground with the kids or hop on a boat and get some fishing in. Boat rentals are available on site and they will even pack you a lunch. Talk about hospitality! Details
Cochrane
Chutes Provincial Park
If you’re looking for a smaller campground to set up tent, Chutes Provincial Park is your destination. Sunbathe and splash around on their beautiful beach with a nearby waterfall or take a ride down their “lazy river”. If you want a better view, take to the hiking trails for some picturesque scenery. Located in Massey, this park is not far from the town, so be sure to take the five minute drive to replenish your supplies or grab a bite at one of their top rated restaurants, The Dragonfly. Better yet, plan your getaway for the Massey Fair in August, one of the longest running fairs in Northern Ontario! A few events that you’ll find on their docket include demolition derbies, tractor pulls, motor-cross races, Mid-Way carnival rides, arm wrestling competitions, horse shows, lumber-jacking, vendors, and musical entertainment. Old-fashioned family fun at its finest! Details
Sault Ste. Marie
For adults and children with a love of animals and history, Sault Ste. Marie is a goldmine of family friendly activities. Get your brain going and delve into the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, the Museum Ship Norgoma or the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. And to appease the biggest kids (Mom and Dad) the Brewery Museum is a must. If all that history starts to bug you though, go checkout the insectarium, Entomica. Submerse yourself in the world of insects through live interactive exhibits and activities. The Sault has more than just bugs though, go say hi to the array of exotic and local animals at the Spruce Valley Zoo and Mockingbird Hill Farm. With so much to do and so much to see, don’t forget to take a breather. Head over to the serene Kinsmen Park and take a rest. A great place to have a picnic or enjoy a walk along one of their many scenic trails. Details
Wawa
Rock Island Lodge
Located right outside Wawa, this is the place to go for an action packed getaway! Best for families with teenagers, Rock Island is private seven-acre peninsula with tons of activities to choose from. Go on a sea kayak adventure, paddle a canoe, learn to stand up paddleboard, participate in a guided day trip or take a journey by historic voyageur canoe. The options are endless! If you’re looking to slow it down a bit, this resort also offers wonderful photography workshops. A wonderful getaway to nourish the adventurer’s soul! Details
More Places to Visit in Ontario
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