Big Fall Weekend Getaway to Northeastern Ontario

While summer may be coming to an end, why not welcome fall with open arms? This vibrant season is the perfect time to steal away for a weekend road trip to Northeastern Ontario. Treat yourself to an awe-inspiring panorama of autumn colours, local eateries and festive fairs for the ideal send-off to a summer well spent.

The region’s fall colours display is truly enchanting – majestic evergreens stand in stark contrast to striking hues of crimson maples and golden poplars or birch. For peak colour viewing, plan your trip for mid to late September. Keep your eyes on the scenery as you drive through the region; walk along a trail and watch as the leaves dance in the fall breeze.

Though our fall colours are nothing short of spectacular, that’s not the only reason to come. Pack a cooler and visit a fall market or fair or cozy up to the warm glow of a wood-burning fire at one of our charming accommodations.

GATEWAY TO THE NORTH

Begin your journey in North Bay, approaching from main arteries Highway 11 or Highway 17.

See & Do: The region’s fall harvest brings forth a cornucopia of sweet and savory offerings to fill your cooler and your belly. Shop for fresh corn, pumpkins and other seasonal produce, or purchase locally made preserves and pies. Cruise through the village of Callander for sweeping views of Lake Nipissing.

Eat: Stop at Tiny Italy, an authentic Italian eatery featuring fresh-made daily panini sandwiches, pastas, salads and desserts that can be packed to go. Try the fennel-orange salad or daily pasta special.

Stay: Enjoy an evening at the Clarion Pinewood Golf & Country Club, where guests can indulge in a visit to the Wellness Spa, take in a round of golf, or relax near the heated pool.

SEE FOR MILES

Next, make your way north by Highway 11 to the Temagami area.

See & Do: Stretch your legs at the Tamagami Fire Tower, 1300 feet above sea level. The expansive 360° lookout from the top offers 40 km of the best fall colour viewing in the region. Overlook stands of old-growth pines and watch floatplanes land on Portage Bay.

Eat: Pull in at Rock Pine Motel & Restaurant to fill your boots. Boasting homemade bread and ‘the best chicken club north of North Bay’, you won’t leave hungry.

Stay: Spend an evening lakeside at Temagami Shores Inn & Restaurant, a quiet four-season resort offering suites, motel units and cabins. This peaceful stop offers guests magnificent views of the surrounding old-growth forest and glacier-carved rock.

LEARN LOCAL HISTORY

Continue meandering north on Highway 11, en route for Cobalt and Temiskaming Shores.

See & Do: Visit the Cobalt Mining Museum and take an interpretive guided tour of a non-operating silver mine. September: 9 am – 5 pm; October: 1 pm – 4 pm in October. 

Eat: Head downtown to grab a bite at Rooster’s Bar & Grill in New Liskeard. Warm up with a bowl of roasted red pepper and tomato bisque, or sample the extensive wine and martini menu while taking in a view of Lake Temiskaming.

Stay: Check in to the Presidents’ Suites in Haileybury–a restored historical bed and breakfast. Personal touches make this B&B feel more like a home than a temporary place to rest your head.

EXPERIENCE A NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO INSTITUTION

Photo credit: Sue Nielsen, The Temiskaming Speaker

End your tour at the New Liskeard Fall Fair – a king among fall fairs that’s over 100 years old! September 15^th – 17^th, 2016.

See & Do: Cheer on competitors at the always-popular Harvest Queen competition on Thursday night. Attend the Draft Horse Hitch Classes on Saturday, where drivers and teams celebrate the local draft horse industry.

Eat: The volunteer-run Harvest Tea room supplies festival-goers with homemade desserts and refreshments and festival vendors supply endless additional offerings.