Find Elliot Lake nestled to the north, about halfway between Sudbury and Sault St. Marie. As a summer getaway, this northern Ontario town is worth a stop for the natural beauty, surroundings, and opportunities for recreation. The lake itself provides plenty of all of the above, while other features like the low mountains and hills, or bluffs and escarpments, add to the scenery.
Stay a while, as the town has summer events planned, two local lake beaches, and a few ways to relax over a vacation. Whether it is adventures in nature, or relaxing in town, Elliot Lake has a little bit of everything.
Water & Beach Fun
Given Elliot Lake’s name and location, one can expect a summer, weekend, or day in town filled with beach, boating, or sunbathing fun.
- Elliot Lake is home to two Blue Flag certified beaches. Both Spruce and Spine beaches have sandy shores, allow swimming, and offer amenities like picnic tables, playgrounds, lifeguards, changerooms, and washrooms.
- A public boat launch is open on the north side of town and across from Westview Park.
- In addition to Elliot Lake, the area has many other canoeing and kayaking lakes and routes. Visit the nearby lakes for routes that can span a few hours or a few days.
- Take in more beach time at Mississagi Provincial Park’s beach on Semiwite Lake, which also permits non-motorized boating.
Historical & Cultural Attractions
There is a beautiful cross-over between Elliot Lake’s natural attractions and historical attractions. Explore both at once with these local sights to see.
- Miner’s Memorial Park is decorated with the art of Laura Brown Breetvelt to commemorate the lives lost to the industry. Explore the trails which wind around memorial plaques, interpretive signs, the Miner’s Monument, and the Prospector’s Monument.
- The Elliot Lake Museum provides exhibits on the mining history, trapping, logging, Indigenous, and geological history of the area. Plus, summer visitors can book guided tours of the Quirke Mine Site.
- The Fire Ranger’s Heritage Centre is a viewing area and lookout tower, and home to the area’s original ranger tower. There is also a 4.5km trail that loops around the lookout areas.
The Best Elliot Lake Trails
The historical attractions listed above offer a few ideas for long and short hikes near town. And all around Elliot Lake are several more chances to get out on foot, bike, or ATV.
- The hiking trails within Mississagi Provincial Park offer options for 30-60 minute hikes, day hikes, and multi-day hikes! Among the shorter and easier trails are the Flack Lake Nature and Semiwite Creek Trails.
- ATVing is a popular way to enjoy the trails around Elliot Lake, which is no wonder considering it is home to Ontario’s largest ATV trail network! That works out to over 300km of ATV trails.
- The Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary has five trails from which to choose, or to combine into a longer hike. Along the way, you might encounter wildlife such as waterfowl, mink, beavers, otters, groundhogs, reptiles, amphibians, and plants like wild orchids.
Summer Dining in Elliot Lake
Eat and support local during your Elliot Lake summer getaway and get yourself a huge variety of ways to fill up.
- Relax on the scenic patios of Putter’s Restaurant at Stone Ridge Golf Course, the Chillside Grill, The Dunlop Lake Lodge Restaurant, or the FireSide Classic Grill.
- Elliot Lake Blossoms and Topper’s Pizza, are both within the same strip mall and will have you deciding between the delicious pizzas or the homestyle eats at Blossoms.
Summer Events & Festivals
Enjoy festivals in Elliot Lake over the summer, which cover a variety of topics and interests. From the town’s history and heritage, to live music and dance parties, to laid-back concerts, there will be much to celebrate in Elliot Lake.
- The annual Heritage Days in Elliot Lake are hosted each June with a live concert and street dance to kick off the weekend. This is all followed by guided walks and workshops, canoe rides, and a beach party.
- Head to the nearby Mississagi Park for the August Lumberjack Days! The two-day festival includes family-friendly games and activities, an adult lumberjack competition, and a barbecue.
- Elliot Lake’s Summer in the Park Concert Series occurs monthly from June to September at Westview Park. All shows are free.
Where to Stay in Elliot Lake
Camping might be one of the best ways to stay in Elliot Lake with a small number of large and amenity-packed campgrounds. However, camping isn’t for everyone, and the Elliot Lake accommodation options include a bed and breakfast, lodges, cabins, cottages, and home rentals.
- Choose between a few nearby campgrounds like Westview Trailer Park, Mississagi Provincial Park (also offer backcountry camping), South Bay Park, or the fly-in fly-out trips from Glassy Bay Outfitters which depart from Elliot Lake.
- The Hampton Inn is the single hotel chain within Elliot Lake, with more options nearby from local owners including the Dunlop Lake Lodge, or the Blackberry B&B.
- More great options are available from local renters on Airbnb or VRBO.