The Great North, Right Next Door
For the modern Ontarian, the ultimate luxury isn’t found in an airport terminal or a time-zone shift—it’s found in the expansive, untamed beauty of our own backyard. We often look to international horizons for a reset, forgetting that some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes and restorative rituals are sitting right here, just beyond the city lights.
This is the bounty of Northern Ontario: a place where the air is crisper, the days stretch longer, and the connection to the land is palpable. Whether you’re seeking the high-octane energy of a rugged Northwest summer or the quiet, soul-stirring rhythm of a lakeside retreat, Thunder Bay and North Bay offer two distinct ways to experience our province’s most iconic season.
From the sacred heat of a Finnish sauna on the edge of Lake Superior to the communal buzz of a sunset cruise on Lake Nipissing, these aren’t just destinations—they are experiences that invite you to look inward and live outward. No complicated logistics, no customs queues. Just the unhurried joy of discovering that the escape you’ve been looking for has been waiting for you all along.
Getting There: Two Bays, Many Ways
Whether you’re looking for a quick sub-four-hour zip or a grand northern expedition, both destinations are closer than you think.
To North Bay (The Gateway)
- By Road: A scenic, straightforward 3.5-hour drive north from Toronto via Hwy 11.
- By Air: Propair has recently launched direct service between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and North Bay—dropping you downtown in under an hour.
- By Rail: The legendary Northlander is on track for its highly anticipated return in late 2026, connecting Union Station directly to the North Bay terminal.
To Thunder Bay (The Great Northwest)
- By Air: Skip the long haul with a 2-hour direct flight. Porter and Air Canada offer multiple daily departures from both Pearson (YYZ) and Billy Bishop (YTZ).
- By Road: The 15-hour drive from Toronto is a cinematic masterpiece. Once you hit Sault Ste. Marie, you’ll enjoy some of the most spectacular coastal views in North America.
