Justin T. Stevens
Northern lights
Bright northern lights in Thunder Bay
Camping in Ontario
Northern Ontario - Escape the bright lights of the city and experience the true brilliance of the night sky. From the majestic La Cloche Mountains of Killarney and the ancient pine forests of Temagami, to the thousands of hidden lakes further north, this area has limitless space for camping and any outdoor activity.
Visit the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, to spot moose, bear and birds in their natural surroundings, or zipline through old growth trees. Discover Algoma’s historical & cultural roots at Fort St. Joseph, or take an adventure aboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. In Thunder Bay, the region’s largest city, relive history at Fort William Historical Park or partake in the modern cuisine created by inspired chefs and local food producers who are building an incredible culinary scene that is the envy of the region.
Create memories...go camping! Click here to find a campground in this region.
Check out the exciting festivals, events and attractions to visit while in Northern Ontario:
Public Astronomy & Laser Sky Tours - July 1-October 9: Go to Gordon's Park for an excellent introduction into astronomy. These public astronomy & laser sky tour sessions are open to the public during their Star Parties and on special occasions throughout the summer months. It is a guided experience looking through telescopes & observing with binoculars and an incredible laser guided sky tour. The dark skies will be sure to impress, with no light pollution and 360 degree viewing you will marvel at the number of stars in the sky.
Franco Festival - September 23: Franco Festival Thunder Bay, the largest francophone festival in Northwestern Ontario, is back this year and is extra special, as it will mark the celebration of 400 years of French presence in Ontario. There will be musicians, visual artists and numerous other activities for the whole family including historical sports and games. Food lovers will also be contented with the now famous, inevitable and deliciously decadent Poutine.
County Partridge Festival - September 23-25: Country music, line dancing, a partridge hunting tournament and many other activities will take place throughout the weekend.
Oktoberfest Thunder Bay - September 24: Eat, drink and be merry at Oktoberfest 2016 in Thunder Bay. Tickets include admission, food, live entertainment and a commemorative beer stein. Beer will be on tap from Sleeping Giant Brewery and live entertainment from the Polka Pirates.
Northern Lights Weekend - October 7-11: Fall is a beautiful time of the year to watch for Northern Lights and to enjoy the gorgeous fall colours at our Aurora Borealis Weekends. There will be a welcome wine and cheese, Potluck Supper, slideshow of Aurora taken from the Dark Sky Preserve, Astronomy Sessions and a workshop on how to take photos of the Northern Lights.
Soo Zombie Walk - October 22: Celebrate Hallowe’en! This annual food drive festival brings together participants to collect canned goods for the Soup Kitchen Community Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. Participants dress up as zombies; there are pre-walk festivities like face painting, games, contests and music. Zombies then take to the downtown streets.
The Hunger, Halloween Festival - October 29: Enter the multiverse of the largest music and performance spectacle you’ll ever experience. The Hunger 8 is a Halloween event of epic proportions, featuring 46 Bands, DJ’s and Performance Acts. So massive an event, it will take up 9 bar venues.
Spooktacular - October 30: Spooktacular is an interactive children’s event created by local artists and the creative community. The event transforms the Baggage Building Arts Centre into an interactive, prop & character filled delight for the day, with a themed maze, pumpkin carving demonstrations, craft and games areas, face painting, entertainment and more. Young and old are invited to come in costume and enjoy the day.