Northeastern Ontario offers a variety of places to explore
Whether you’re looking for a change of pace, a breath of fresh air or a glimpse into nature, northern Ontario has an outdoor oasis waiting to be discovered.
"There’s a whole world up here to explore," said Trevor Beard, the executive director for Northeastern Ontario Tourism.
Stay-cations and exploring the north are growing trends after two years of restrictions.
Tourism officials said the north has several hidden gems for people to explore, especially when it comes to outdoor beauty.
"With our southern market people are starting to get a little bit more adventurous, travelling further north of Muskoka, they want to experience different things, we have an abundance of those here,” said Beard.
"Everything from waterfalls to old growth trees, you know, everything… museums, arts and culture, boating, pretty much anything you can do… we’ve got it up here."
With a powerful rush of water, waterfalls are usually just a quick hike away. There are several across the north including Duchesnay Falls in North Bay, Onaping Falls in Sudbury and Bridal Veil Falls on Manitoulin Island.
"The Bridal Veil out on Manitoulin Island and that in itself is a hidden gem for us," said Beard.
However, at Bridal Veil Falls, exploring the north doesn’t end at the water. Just minutes up the road is a piece of history at the Old Mill Heritage Centre.
"The history of the town itself and the pioneers, the elders who put this town together," said Rick Nelson, the curator at the Old Mill Heritage Centre.
"Also we have a military exhibit. We have a lot of veterans from Manitoulin Island and Billings Township in Kagawong, and a lot of their history is here, and of course, the history of the building itself."
Nelson said the water falls and museum go hand in hand, working together to draw tourists to the area.
"There’s a bit of a connection between the two, if you are visiting the falls there’s a trail at the base of the falls and if you follow it, it leads you right to the Old Mill Heritage Centre… it’s kind of like following the yellow brick road," he said.
It’s a vital part of the northern economy, that happens to come with some of the best scenes the north can offer.
"We live and die by tourism," said Nelson.
"We do get some subsidies from the municipality, but mostly we depend on donations so we love tourists."
Beard adds, “tourism is one of the largest economic drivers for not only our region, but the north in general and the province, I mean we are the only industry that is still in recovery mode so it’s very important that people are getting out, exploring their own backyard."
For those eager to see picturesque sights and explore what the north is all about, the options are endless.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.
NEW A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
'We were vetted': Sex-ed organization 'disappointed' over Higgs' comments
The head of a Quebec-based sexual and reproductive health organization says she's disappointed New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has deemed presentations she did in the province last week inappropriate.
Cyclone floods coastal villages, blows away thatched roofs and cuts power in Bangladesh and India
A cyclone flooded coastal villages, blew away thatched roofs and left hundreds of thousands of people without power Monday in southern Bangladesh and eastern India. At least seven deaths were reported.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.