Northeastern Ontario is a region of remote Northern Ontario.
From east to west:
Northeastern Ontario has a sizable Franco-Ontarian population, but most people will also understand English.
Air Canada Express provides daily service from Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ) to Timmins.
Porter Airlines flies to Timmins from Toronto City Island Airport (IATA: YTZ).
Via Rail mostly bypasses Northeastern Ontario. Service from Toronto, Parry Sound and Sudbury Junction; and Winnipeg, Saskatoon and points west, stops at Hornepayne and Longlac.
Ontario Northland operates the following routes in the region as of Sep 2021:
There is passenger rail service four days a week from Cochrane to Moosonee on the Polar Bear Express.
Highway 11 is in good condition, and can be driven safely with some precautions:
The Polar Bear Habitat in Cochrane is opportunity to see polar bears not in a zoo that is accessible from Canada's Highway system.
Many towns celebrate their mining and forestry heritage with museums. Timmins, in particular, is known for this.
Many towns through the region have outfitters who will equip you with everything you need for fishing, hunting, wilderness canoeing and camping or snowmobiling trips, and can provide guides, or organize the whole trip for you, often to remote private lodges.
Cell/mobile phone service is not available on many stretches of highways through the region, even those most travelled (Highways 11 and 17). You will have service in and around cities and towns, but you should bring some emergency supplies in the case of a breakdown, such as water, blankets, and food.
Black flies and mosquitoes are abundant throughout Northeastern Ontario. To protect yourself when camping or hiking, wear long sleeve shirts (white or brightly coloured), thick socks, and long pants (tuck the pants into the socks), and apply insect repellent containing DEET. A mosquito net can be nicer than applying repellent to your face. Also some type of bug netting in your tent is advised. Flies are most active at dawn and dusk between mid-June and late July.
Winter driving can be treacherous, given the inclement winters here. Be prepared to adjust or cancel travel plans should the weather conditions require it.