Timmins: Trails, Nature and Culture

Timmins is located on the Mattagami River and is surrounded by boreal forests, lakes and streams. Nature destinations include trails along river and lake shores, a municipal trail network and several conservation areas. Cultural events and buildings add to these themes. When planning your trip, it is worth looking at specific differences such as trail length, route and seasonal advisories.

Trails and Natural Areas

The Bridge to Bridge Trail runs along both banks of the Mattagami River between Algonquin Boulevard and Lafleur Drive. The Gillies Lake Promenade is the hub of the City of Timmins trail network. It is lit for evening use and regularly groomed in winter. As winter maintenance may change, check current conditions before visiting in winter. Gillies Lake Conservation Area includes a boardwalk, public washrooms, picnic areas, a recreational field and interpretive panels about the natural and cultural history of the lake.

The Lion’s Walk connects Timmins and Schumacher, following the former Ontario Northland Railway corridor and the shores of Little Pearl Lake. At 2 km, it is half a kilometre shorter than the 2.5 km Gillies Lake Promenade. A seasonal advisory for pedestrian use applies from November 1 to April 30. Check current conditions before visiting the trail. The advisories differ: for the Gillies Lake Promenade, they concern lighting and winter maintenance; for the Lion’s Walk, they concern a seasonal advisory for pedestrian use.

Timmins has a 55 km recreational trail network for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature observation. The activities range from hiking and cycling to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; nature observation is also included. Maintenance and conditions can vary by season. Therefore, check current conditions before planning a route for your trip.

Timmins’ conservation areas are open to the public for hiking, cycling, wildlife viewing, swimming, picnicking and photography. In addition to trail activities, swimming and picnicking are among the public activities available there.

Nearby, north of Timmins, is Hersey Lake Conservation Area. It offers a large, unsupervised beach, numerous trails, picnic facilities, public washrooms and parking. Hersey Lake is a nearby destination distinct from the Gillies Lake Promenade, which is the hub of the municipal trail network.

Culture in Timmins

The Wabun Tribal Council hosts cultural events in Timmins throughout the year, featuring Indigenous music, dance and art. The events take place throughout the year, but the specific dates determine whether an event falls within your travel period. Check event dates before your trip.

The McIntyre Community Building was designed in 1938 after the model of Maple Leaf Gardens and is considered a testament to the city’s cultural heritage. The mural “Indigenous Teachings” is located in the Municipal Building. The two sites emphasize different features: the McIntyre Community Building is notable for its design modeled on another building, while the Municipal Building is notable for its mural and its title.

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View the main travel overview: Cochrane District.