What to do and see in Ontario's Near North, Ontario's Near North: The Best Outdoor Activities

April 22, 2022 Randal Brittian

Discover the best top things to do in Ontario's Near North, United States including Barron Canyon Trail, Big Pines Trail, Leaf Lake Ski Trail, Algonquin Logging Museum Trail, Centennial Ridges Trail, Laurentian Ski Hill, Beaver Pond Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail, Booth's Rock Trail, Brent Crater Trail.
Restaurants in Ontario's Near North

1. Barron Canyon Trail

Km 29.0 of the Barron Canyon Road, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario Canada +1 705-633-5572 http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/barron-canyon-trail.php
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 39 reviews

Barron Canyon Trail

Reviewed By DaveAFamilyMan - Chatham, Canada

Finally crossed it off of our list this was quite the journey from our cottage, over 3 hours one way, but well worth it. We had my Parents 68 and 70 and my children 6/8/13 and we all thoroughly enjoyed the day. The hike was short but we stayed for a while to take it the breath taking views. There is a number of scenic look outs at the top and every one just as stunning. We also explored the river down at the picnic area and canoe launch. Definitely recommend this shot trail if you travel east of Algonquin at all!

2. Big Pines Trail

Km 40.3 of Highway 60, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario Canada +1 705-633-5572 http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/big-pines-trail.php
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 21 reviews

Big Pines Trail

Reviewed By carriem57 - Oshawa, Canada

Impressive sized trees. No trail map and could not see the logging camp. Took 1 hour with a 10 year old child.

3. Leaf Lake Ski Trail

Highway 60 At km 53.9, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario Canada +1 705-633-5572 http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/leaf-lake-ski-trail.php
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Leaf Lake Ski Trail

Reviewed By christinas303

Only the second time every skiing and I loved it!! I did the entire pine loop. It was really challenging but a huge payoff at the end. I think it took us about 5 hours to finish. There is steep downhill sections, but they’re more fun than scary if you take it slow.

4. Algonquin Logging Museum Trail

Highway 60 Algonquin Logging Museum, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario Canada +1 705-633-5572 http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/algonquin-logging-museum-trail.php
Excellent
76%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

Algonquin Logging Museum Trail

5. Centennial Ridges Trail

Km 58 from East entrance or Km 37 from West entrance, on Route 60 Algonquin Park, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario Canada +1 705-633-5572 http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/centennial-ridges-trail
Excellent
74%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Centennial Ridges Trail

Reviewed By MandA2012 - Toronto, Canada

This was easily the most beautiful hike we have done in Ontario. It is moderately challenging with lots of ascents and descents. Each of the ascents rewards you with a spectacular view from along the ridge. There are 12 marked viewpoints but each one of the viewpoints along the ridge (there are at least 4 that I recall) actually has multiple viewpoints. When you arrive on top of the ridge there is no need to congregate with everyone, just walk ahead and you will find several other spots, each more beautiful than the last. On top of the ridge are sweeping views over the tree canopy and the lakes below. We timed our visit (Sept 26) around the peak viewing season for maples and the canopy was a sea of red, orange and yellow. The trail was full of colourful maples and poplars, contrasted by beautiful white birch trees. None of this 10 km hike is flat or smooth - it is winding and narrow (single file for much of it) and you are hiking over rocks, rock face, tree roots and mud. Wear hiking shoes or you will regret it. There are no washrooms except for an outhouse in the parking lot. Go early - we arrived around 10:30am and had to park on the side of the road 1/2 km from the parking lot (by the time we got back cars were parked nearly 2km out). The last two viewpoints of the 12 were a slow go because of all the people entering the park and just doing those last few viewpoints in reverse direction instead of the full loop. The full 10km loop took us 4 hours including 1/2 hour picnic lunch, tons of photos, and the painfully slow last few kilometres when the trail got crowded.

6. Laurentian Ski Hill

15 Janey Ave, North Bay, Ontario P1C 1N1 Canada +1 705-494-7463 [email protected] http://www.laurentianskihill.com/
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Laurentian Ski Hill

A non profit community based ski hill right in the heart of North Bay, Laurentian Ski Hill has something for everyone. Rental equipment and lessons for the first timers and a terrain park with its own lift and moguls for the more experienced. Laurentian Ski Hill offers 6 runs and 3 lifts with a 300 foot vertical drop.

7. Beaver Pond Trail

Km 45.2 of Highway 60, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario Canada +1 705-633-5572 http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/beaver-pond-trail.php
Excellent
57%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 159 reviews

Beaver Pond Trail

Reviewed By 796eliasj - Mississauga, Canada

We selected this trail at Algonquin Park since my daughters were young. But to my amaze, they took it with ease. Walking was tricky at times with stairs at certain places. There are park bench around the lookout point and the most amazing part was to walk through the trail with the fall colours all around you. Love the nature. Recommended specially during Fall..

8. Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail

Km 42.5 of Highway 60, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario Canada +1 705-633-5572 http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/spruce-bog-boardwalk-trail.php
Excellent
49%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail

Reviewed By RandyRoss - Ridgetown, Canada

This is a nice short trail on level ground and suitable for all ages and almost all levels of ability. Not strenuous. There are several benches along the trail for those who wish to stop and enjoy - or to stop and rest.

9. Booth's Rock Trail

9 Km south of Km 40.3 of Highway 60, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario K0M 1J1 Canada +1 705-633-5572 http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/booths-rock-trail.php
Excellent
80%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 75 reviews

Booth's Rock Trail

Reviewed By fairfam2017 - Ontario, Canada

As previous reviews mention I would not recommend completing this hike counter clockwise unless in great physical condition. Most of the climb this way would be on stairs. Clockwise still a fairly strenuous climb on a trail The views have steep dangerous drop offs which reward the hiker with fabulous views from lookouts. Approximate distance 5km.

10. Brent Crater Trail

32 km south of Hwy 17 on the Brent Road, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario Canada +1 705-633-5572 http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/brent-crater-trail-and-tower.php
Excellent
63%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
13%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8 reviews

Brent Crater Trail

Reviewed By nikkihikes - Ottawa, Canada

I'm glad I read reviews before going. Loaded up with bug spray, we hiked the trail, went up to the lookout. The price for entry was $14 for the car. The trail was nice. Good workout. Didn't run into many people. Very cool to see the crater. We've never seen so many different types of mushrooms along the trail.Definitely recommend it.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.