From the granite cliffs of Lake Temagami and the sandy shores of Lake Nipissing to the beautiful Almaguin Highlands, Ontario's Near North is the ultimate vacation destination.
It's a beautiful corner of Ontario where you can paddle the historic Mattawa and Sturgeon Rivers, tracing the same route used by Voyageurs a long time ago.
This is an area rich in heritage! You can visit places like the Magnetawan River where steamboats played a major role in building the Near North. |
Temagami is home to the largest old-growth forest stands in the province. Climb the Temagami Fire Tower for a spectacular panoramic view. For a taste of the fall harvest, attend the Annual Cranberry Festival at the Sturgeon River House Museum. In North Bay, enjoy a scenic cruise on the Chief Commanda II on Lake Nipissing.
The drive from North Bay to Temagami takes you through an unspoiled
wilderness frequented by travellers worldwide and offering experienced
hikers possibly Ontario's best fall colour viewing vantage points -- the
Maple and Ishpatina Ridges in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park.
Bluffs, canyons and rocky outcrops are the remnants of North America's
oldest mountain ranges. Temagami is home to the oldest gold-growth forest stands in the province, some of which are 300-400 years old. For a taste of the fall harvest attend the Annual Cranberry Festival at the Sturgeon River House Museum on an authentic Hudson's Bay trading company post site. |
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Dionne Quints Museum
Housed in the original Dionne homestead, the museum contains many artifacts from the Quint’s early and growing years.
Cost of Admission:
Adult $3.50
Senior(60+)/Student(13-18) $3.00
Children(5 - 12) $2.50
Family (2 adults and dependant children) $10.00
1-888-249-8998
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Chief Commanda II
Enjoy one of the many Lake Nipissing cruises offered aboard this 320 passenger twin hull vessel.
Cost of Admission:
Adults $24.00
Seniors (60+) $22.00
Youth 13-16 $15.00
Child 6-12yrs $13.00
Under 5 FREE
1-866-660-6866
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Discovery North Bay
Come and play with us in the exhibition galleries and fully interactive display space @DiscoveryNorthBay.
Cost of Admission:
3 and under FREE
General Admission $6
(705) 476-2323
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Sturgeon River House Museum
The Museum is a two-level 12 000 sq. ft. building surrounded by a large 12 ft. high palisade. On the main floor you can find the exhibits on the fur trading era, a small boutique for those who like to purchase souvenirs and snacks as well as an exhibit/conference hall complete with kitchen and bar.
A treck to the second floor will bring you to our temporary exhibits hall. Presently, you can view a display on the french pioneers of the area.
Outside in the Museum’s innercourt you can walk around the Charles’ blacksmith shop, peek through the windows of a pioneer log home known as “la Maison Major”, check out the ice in our ice house or take in the sights from a viewing platform.
(705) 753-4716
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Sundridge Maple Sugar House
Authentic pioneer homestead and an old sugar shack in which maple sugar was made 100 years ago. Offers specialty teas, homemade fudge, original paintings and crafts, along with their famous maple products.
(705) 384-7764 |
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Marten River Provincial Park – Logging Camp Exhibit
Has recreated an authentic logging camp from the days when timbering was done by men and horses. Buildings are constructed as they were in those days. They are grouped together in much the same way as the backwoods logging camp was set up. Equipment is on display and friendly guides are available to explain the workings of the various devices.
(705) 892-2200
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Amusement Parks / Other Family Attractions
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Heritage and Winter Wonderland Carousels
The Heritage and Winter Wonderland Carousels are adorned with beautiful horses and Northern Ontario animals, hand carved and painted by area artists for all to enjoy.
Cost of Admission:
$1 per ride or $5 for 6 rides – regardless of the age
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Callander Heritage Museum
The museum is located in the Original Home and Practice of Dr. Allan Roy Dafoe. Dr. Dafoe is the famed Doctor of the Dionne Quintuplet. The museum is pleased to welcome you to the Historic community of Callander, Ontario. The museum has on display many artifacts from North Himsworth township, including Logging, Hockey and Trains.
(705) 752-2282
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Magnetawan Historical Museum
The Magnetawan Historical Museum has many artifacts commemorating the rich logging and farming history in the area.
This great tourist attraction opens its doors at the very beginning of July and closes for the season at the end of August. Hours of operation are 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Amongst the museum's collections are the restored plant and turbine that supplied the first electricity for the village, local historical artifacts and finally a 1930's style log cabin. Guided tours of the museum and locks are available by appointment.
(705) 387-3324
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Family Festivals & Events
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Summer in the Park
Summer in the Park is a three free day event for families that will include performances from; Dan the Music Man, Jonathan Circus, Pop Superstars featuring tribute performs to Shakira, Shaggy, Hannah Montana, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Beyonce and Avril Lavinge, Shania's Twin a tribute to Shania Twain and Hotel California a tribute to the Eagles. Local bands will also be playing throughout the event. Activites will include; Tiger Paw Exotics and Exotic Critter Tales Petting Zoo, World's Finest Shows Midway, the 5th Annual Baby Parade, Kiwanis Million Dollar Hole in One, Children's Inflatable Land and 'Play Soccer - On The Road' a traveling interactive road show where families can participate in soccer skill challenges. Food and product vendors will be on hand as well as 10 local community groups with displays and performances
August 1, 2, 3 2008
Lee Park
North Bay, ON
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Mattawa Voyageur Days
Mattawa’s population triples when it hosts its fun filled four day festival the last weekend of July with events and activities for all. Professional concerts are held each evening at Explorers’ Point.
July 24, 25, 26 and 27, 2008
Mattawa, ON
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Sturgeon Falls Annual Step Dance and Fiddle Festival
For a “reel” good time, attendance at the Sturgeon Falls Annual Step Dance and Fiddle Festival is a must. This August event attracts participants and music lovers from all over the area.
August 10-17, 2008
Sturgeon Falls, ON
Toll Free: 1-800-263-5359
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Celtfest Callander - 7th Annual Scottish Festival
Celtfest is a celebration of Callander's Scottish heritage and provides a quality, family oriented program that includes...highland dance competitions, pipe & drum bands, fiddle and step dance competitions, professional heavyweight highland games competitions, along with several displays by Scottish vendors, Clans and the Callander Museum.
June 6 - 7, 2008
Callander
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