Escape into Northeastern Ontario – Part II

The journey continues southbound along many byways that lead to a number of unique communities with rich history and exciting outdoor attractions.

by

Words by Steve Fennell

Discover the Prospector Route in Northeastern Ontario, a region of amazing discovery. With its rugged wilderness, pristine landscapes, and rural communities, the entire area has a variety of outdoor destinations tailored for RVers with reliable routes, many services, RV parks, and attractions – both man-made and 100 percent natural.

Our last issue of Snowbirds and RV Travelers (Escape into Northeastern Ontario – Part I, Volume 18 Number 3) covered the northbound Prospector Route from the Muskokas to Cochrane. The destinations now continue southbound where there’s more wilderness to embrace, more campgrounds to relax at, and more interesting communities to learn about.

One great aspect of this route is the ability to also access the popular Fur Trade Route that leads to a variety of destinations across Northern Ontario. These include secluded Manitoulin Island, Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay along the shores of the Great Lakes, as well as beautiful Kenora/Lake of the Woods in the Northwest. It can be accessed via Hwy 17 from Sudbury, Killarney, and the French River or you can also connect to it from the Prospector Route by continuing north on Hwy#11 from Cochrane, which winds 700 km (435 mi) northwest to Nipigon near Thunder Bay. 

It’s a little lengthy, but making the time means experiencing a number of scenic, remote communities, not to mention a hefty moose population and untouched wilderness. Drive through the same region where explorers once traded goods and furs, where wildlife peacefully call home, and where you can learn much about the area’s rich lumbering and mining industries in the rural Northern Ontario towns in between.

Nonetheless, the southbound portion of The Prospector Route is still exciting if you continue west on Hwy#11 from Cochrane to Hwy #655 into Timmins; south on Hwy#10, Hwy#144 and Hwy #661 to Gogama; Hwy#144 to Sudbury; and Hwy#69 to near Killarney, which is just off Hwy# 637. Continue south on Hwy #69 to Hwy #400 to complete this Northeastern Ontario loop.

But there are many sights, parks, and communities to explore before you even see Hwy#400 appear on your GPS, and mentioned below are only a few of the highlights to enjoy.

Timmins

Although it is just 106 km (66 miles) from Cochrane, the drive to Timmins is scenic. Mining, like several other Northeastern Ontario towns, placed Timmins on the map after the popularity of the important Porcupine Gold Rush in 1909. Prosperous mining continued here throughout the 20th century and by 2011, more than 70 million ounces of gold had been produced. Timmins still has gold mines and one of Canada's most profitable goldfields. 

The city commemorates its mining industry (that also includes the mining for copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and diamonds) through a collection of seven memorial statues around the community, in addition to the many exhibits of the Porcupine Camp displayed in the Timmins Museum National Exhibition Centre. Other related attractions include The Connaught and District Pioneer Museum, and tours through the Micronizing Mill and the Coniaurum Reclamation Site.

Timmins also inhabits an abundance of wildlife, and public wildlife tours are available through The Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa where you can view moose, deer, elk, bison, and mountain goats among 40 ha (100 ac). More outdoor attractions are found about 45 km (28 mi) east of Timmins on Hwy#10 in Kettle Lakes Provincial Park.

 RV-friendly with electrical and other services, the park encompasses 22 deep, spring-fed kettle lakes, four easy-to-moderate interpretive hiking trails, and 14 km (9 mi) of biking routes. Fishing is also popular for rainbow trout, brook trout, northern pike, and perch, while kayakers will find a slice of heaven among the many calm, scenic lakes.  

Gogama

Continuing south via Hwy #144  – 111.7 km (69 mi) from Timmins – perhaps visit Gogama, located along the shores of Lake Minisinakwa. Once an aboriginal trading route and home to a Hudson’s Bay Post up until the 1950s, Gogama was once the home of legendary Joe LaFlamme, known internationally as a wildlife animal trainer and was named “Wolf Man of the North.” Although Laflamme passed away in 1965, you can still trace many of his footsteps throughout the area.

The trail systems include a 2.4 km (1.5 mi) moderate hike to the Bald Rock Interpretive Scenic Lookout (known as the Bald Rock Trail) and the Waterfront Park Walking Trail, a 1.2 km (.75 mi) route along Lake Minisinakwa. If you haven’t fished here yet, you’ll want to. It’s excellent for northern pike, walleye, perch, and bass. RV parks are also located throughout the immediate area as well as a variety of lodges, a few of which are right on the water. 

Sudbury

With approximately 165,000 residents, Sudbury is the most populated city in Northern Ontario and the largest geographically in Ontario. This welcoming community is where you can stock up on groceries, extra fuel, and even replacement RV or tow vehicle parts with a variety of dealerships and service centres

Sudbury is also a mining Mecca and is known as the hard rock mining capital of the world. It has nine operating mines, two mills, two smelters, and a nickel refinery. Located in the outskirts of the area is the Sudbury Basin, a magnificent crater spanning an astonishing 60 x 30 km (37 x 18 mi). According to experts, it was created by a comet (it was initially believed to be an asteroid) that blasted down into the earth approximately 1.8 million years ago. Today, it produces hundreds of tonnes of nickel and copper annually and has the biggest concentration of mines in the world. 

A tribute to the city’s significant mining industry is The Big Nickel – a 9 m (30 ft) structure of the 1951 Canadian five-cent coin located on the grounds of Dynamic Earth, an interactive science museum, lending insight on Sudbury’s extensive mining past through interactive tours, exhibits, galleries, mining simulators, and more.

Science North is another big attraction and one of the largest science centres in Canada. From its glass-enclosed butterfly conservatory, exhibits of the region’s ecosystems, and an outer space exhibition to an IMAX theatre and vast outdoor grounds, it’s ideal for all ages. While both were temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time of publication, it’s best to visit www.sciencenorth.ca for updates and hours of operation.

Sudbury also has a number of RV parks to choose from to enjoy a few days of relaxation. Most parks have full-service amenities and are nearby to the attractions. Or, travel 58 km (36 mi) from Sudbury to the popular Fairbank Provincial Park, located on Fairbank Lake. Twenty-five percent of the sites have electrical and if a choice of some waterfront sites isn’t enticing enough, you’ll appreciate the long sand beach, which offers easy access to the crystal clear, refreshing waters that are popular for swimming and snorkelling. 

If you brought your fishing gear, rig a line for the active smallies and lake trout. To further explore the area, hike the .8 km (.5 mi) Wa-Shai-Ga-Mog Trail, which leads to stunning views of the surrounding forests, the Fairbank Fault, and Fairbank. 

Sudbury (as well as Killarney and The French River (via Hwy#69) is also where you can connect to Hwy 17 and head northwest to explore the popular Fur Trade Route, which shares many natural characteristics of this part of Ontario. Or, if you plan to continue south, take Hwy# 69 into the breathtaking region of Killarney via Hwy#637, among glacial-sculpted corridors of the Canadian Shield and dense green forests.

Killarney

This is the region many RVers generally envision when they think of Northern Ontario. Perhaps it’s the select artistic works of the area by artist A.Y. Jackson of the famed Group of Seven or the many picture-perfect rivers, lakes, and dense wilderness that have been captured in countless photographs. But Killarney shouldn’t just be seen - it should be experienced.

Highway #637 leads southwest into The Village of Killarney at the north end of Georgian Bay. It was established as a fur trading post in 1820, but today you’ll find a variety of dining options (including the famous Herbert Fisheries’ fish and chips), a few essential services, and marinas that cater to the seasonal recreational boating crowd. 

A good starting point to see what the area is all about is Killarney Provincial Park, 10.1 km (6 mi) from the village (you will pass its entrance on Hwy #637 coming into the village). At 645 sq km (249 sq mi), it’s impossible to explore it all in one trip, which means return visits to canoe or kayak anyone of its 50 pristine lakes - many are shouldered by pink granite ledges and Jack Pine forests - or hike through the La Cloche Mountains to admire its white quartzite ridges.

There are a variety of trails that range from 2 to 4 km (1.2 mi to 2.5 mi), and of special note is the arduous 6 km (4 mi|) Crack Trail with its breathtaking views of the Killarney Ridge. For the initiated, there’s the 80 km (50 mi) La Cloche Silhouette Trail loop, leading among beautiful lakes, more rugged quartzite mountains, and mixed pristine forests. Keep in mind, sections of this trail are difficult with rocky and steep sections and it’s best to come prepared to conquer this route through the park.

No matter what your game is, George Lake Campground - the only developed campground in the park - can ideally serve as your home base. Services are limited with no power or water so be sure to plan for a boondocking experience. Nevertheless, it’s close to George Lake to go kayaking or canoeing (powerboats are prohibited on all of the interior lakes) and the park’s two beaches. Yurt accommodations are also available.

The French River and Parry Sound

Before heading back onto Hwy #69 to Parry Sound, the final leg of the Prospector Route, you’ll want to take a side trip to The French River and visit the provincial park of the same name. Once extensively used by explorers and fur traders, the French River flows 105 km between Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay and is still explored today by countless visitors every summer. Learn about its history at The French River Provincial Park’s Visitor Centre or explore the river yourself as canoe and kayak rentals are widely available.

The local campgrounds offer power and water with a few offering docks and marina services.

Fishing here is excellent. If you come prepared, you’ll undoubtedly have action every day. Bass, walleye, northern pike, and muskie (especially in Wolseley Bay) are all game.

Continuing south to Parry Sound, there are many essential services, full-service RV parks, and more. You’ll want to stop at Parry Sound’s Harbourfront Community and visit the nearby lookout tower with its great views of Georgian Bay or enjoy a leisurely hike along The Rotary and The Algonquin Regiment Waterfront Trail, which leads 8 km (5 mi) along Parry Sound`s shoreline.

Yet, no trip would be complete here without seeing the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. The birthplace of one of the NHL’s true hockey legends, Parry Sound built the facility in 2003 and attracts approximately 5,000 visitors annually to admire classic memorabilia.

It’s in the Parry Sound area where Hwy#69 links to Hwy#400, marking the end of this Northeastern Ontario journey. But after enjoying the Prospector Route, you’ll soon be planning a return trip - perhaps up along The Fur Trade Route - or deeper into the heart of Northeastern Ontario where there’s always a new destination to truly admire and appreciate.