Northeastern Ontario, Canada is a vast region more than twice the size of Texas that's packed with incredible natural beauty, vibrant cities, and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration—from provincial parks to camps, lodges, resorts, restaurants, trails, and so much more.
Here are some commonly asked questions about our region.
The Seven is a tourism region located in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. Our name refers to the region's 705 area code and is a play on Toronto's famous nickname "The Six." We're a fun, welcoming, laid-back alternative to the big cities down south and a place where outdoor adventure, urban life, and nature intersect. It's a place to rest, relax, (or engage in some high-octane powerports) and make some incredible memories.
The Seven is a pretty big region—our borders begin a few hours north of Toronto and west of Ottawa. Our southern boundary is the French River, extending north to Moosonee. The region reaches east to Temiskaming Shores and the Quebec border, and west to Manitoulin Island and Hearst. Major cities include North Bay, Sudbury, Cochrane, and Timmins, along with dozens of historic towns and communities.
Our region is easily accessible by various modes of transportation including flights, cars, trains, and buses.
By car: Our region is easily accessible by major highways. Highway 400/69 and Highway 11 connect us to Southern Ontario, while the Trans-Canada Highway 17 provides an east-west route. We’re less than a four-hour drive from Toronto, Ottawa, or Sault Ste. Marie! If you're coming from the northern United States, connecting highways make the journey smooth and convenient.
By air: The Seven is a short drive from Toronto's Pearson International Airport. North Bay's Jack Garland Airport (YYB) and Greater Sudbury Airport (YSB) offer daily flights to Toronto and other northern cities.
Multiple bus lines offer service to major destinations throughout the region, as well as guided bus tours.
Northeastern Ontario experiences the four seasons in all their splendour. From cool, misty spring mornings on the water to warm, sunny fall drives down winding highways, the region’s seasonal beauty is a breath of fresh air—literally. Each season brings opportunities for exploration and adventure. Visit in the summer for paddling and festival season or in the fall for scenic train trips and autumn leaf-peeping. In the winter, experience our thrilling (and affordable) downhill slopes or ride our thousands of kilometres of groomed snowmobile trails. Crowds are less in the cooler months from November through March and the region is most popular in the summer. Plan accordingly!
Spring (Mid-March – May)
In Northeastern Ontario, the start of spring can vary dramatically from year to year. However, the one thing you can always count on is the melt of our northern snow. If you’re considering enjoying the outdoors in our region during spring, be sure to pack your rubber boots and plenty of extra socks.
Spring is also harvest season for Canadian maple syrup. The region has no shortage of sugar shacks brewing this delicious amber treat. There’s no more authentic northern experience than rolling a maple taffy sucker on a fresh trough of snow—yum! Other popular spring activities include fishing, hiking, ATVing, and more.
Summer (June – August)
Though many assume our region experiences cold weather year-round, Northeastern Ontario enjoys an average summer temperature of 24ºc (75.2 º F), which is the perfect weather to enjoy activities like paddling, hiking, fishing, boating and motorcycling.
If you’re planning on visiting in the summer months, bring plenty of water and sports drinks to stay hydrated and be sure to pack clothing with vents and liners that can be layered to help you stay comfortable. Sunscreen is a must, especially if you’re spending a day on the water, and mosquito spray with DEET will become your best friend during woodland excursions. If you’re cruising around on a motorcycle or ATV, rain gear is a great compliment to your safety equipment.
Fall (September – Mid-November)
Fall is easily one of the region’s most spectacular seasons. With the foliage transforming into a kaleidoscope of brilliant colours, sunny days are the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable family outing on the trails or for a fall drive down winding roads lined with maples, poplars, oaks and evergreens.
Though the days may be warm, evening temperatures can be quite chilly. Pack additional layers to add on as needed and plan for a cozy campfire with hot cocoa and fire-roasted marshmallows to stave off the autumn chill.
Winter (Mid-November – Mid-March)
During the winter months, Northeastern Ontario is transformed into a winter wonderland. For the snowmobiler, snowshoer, ice-angler, cross-country skier, and general lover of the outdoors, the region’s sparkling frozen waterways, ice-tipped branches, and pillows of snow blanketing the landscape are nothing short of jaw-dropping spectacular.
To combat the cold weather, be sure to pack wool undergarments and proper winter gear such as lined boots, lined mittens, a scarf and a toque. A good set of winter tires on a 4×4 vehicle is a must for travels in remote, rural areas off the main highways.
Planning For Special Weather Events
Weather occurrences such as summer storms, blizzards, and forest fires are natural occurrences in Northeastern Ontario. Check the local news or government websites to stay up-to-date with the latest travel advisories and plan a safe and enjoyable vacation in Northeastern Ontario.
Ontario Law requires that adults and children over 40lbs / 18kg in weight wear seat belts. Infants from birth to 20 lbs / 9 kg in weight must travel in a rear-facing child restraint system. Toddlers weighing 20-40 lbs / 9-18 kg must travel in a front-facing child restraint seat.
Most communities have hospitals and/or resident doctors. Wise travellers will check with their medical service plans to ensure they will be covered while in Canada, or while out of province, as health insurance plans may not extend coverage outside your province or country of residence. If you are taking prescription drugs, make sure that they are in the original packaging, bring an adequate supply, and bring a copy of the prescription in case you need a refill during your stay in Ontario. If this is not possible, carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor. For more information and insurance details, contact your travel agent, insurance broker, or your employer’s insurance provider.
Yes. Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and Amex, are accepted at most locations. Debit cards with the Interac symbol are also honoured. Be sure to check with individual businesses before or when booking accommodations to ensure they accept your card. Chartered banks and bank machines are located in virtually all cities and towns. Canadian currency is also accepted everywhere.
In Ontario, a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 13% applies to most purchases. For more information, contact: 1-800-565-9353 (inside Canada); (902) 432-5604 (outside Canada); or visit the Canada Revenue Agency.
If you want to know what your money is worth in Canada, visit the Bank of Canada currency converter for an estimate. Note the rate fluctuates daily.
In Ontario, it’s important to plan for the following holidays and booking ahead for accommodations is recommended.
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- Family Day – Third Monday in February
- Good Friday – Friday before Easter Sunday
- Easter Sunday – Retail stores not open
- Easter Monday – Governmental Only
- Victoria Day – Monday before May 25
- Canada Day – July 1
- Civic Holiday – First Monday in August (not statutory)
- Labour Day – First Monday in September
- Thanksgiving Day – Second Monday in October
- Christmas Day – December 25
- Boxing Day – December 26
You must be 19 or over to buy or consume liquor, wine and beer in Ontario. It is an offence to consume alcohol anywhere other than in a licenced establishment, your residence or within a reasonable distance of your residence. Ontario laws prohibit having open bottles of liquor in a location accessible to the driver of a vehicle. Please don’t drink and drive! Liquor including wine and beer is available through stores run by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) or in smaller centers, by their authorized representative. Beer may be purchased through “The Beer Store” or directly from brewery outlets. Beer, wine and cider are now available at select grocery stores in the province of Ontario. Drinking hours in licenced establishments are from 11 am until 2 am. In Ontario, it is an offence to consume alcohol anywhere other than in a residence or on licenced premises. Please note that driving motorized vehicles, including cars, trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, and boats, while impaired is illegal. You can immediately lose your licence for 90 days for refusing to take a breathalyzer reading greater than 80 mg (0.08%) of alcohol per 100 mL of blood. Charges may be laid under the criminal code of Canada.
For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency police services anywhere in Ontario, call the 24-hour Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) toll-free line 1-888-310-1122 or 1-888-310-1133 (TTY).
Pleasure crafts may enter Canada by trailer or under their own power. All boats powered by motors 10 HP or over must be licenced. Boat licences from outside Ontario are accepted. Operator Competency Requirements for Pleasure Craft – Regulation requires that all operators of motorized pleasure crafts have proof of competency and proof of age on board at all times. An operator card or equivalent, issued to a non-resident by their state or country, will be considered as proof of competency. For information visit Safe Boater.
Planning to “land” your vessel on Canadian soil or did you leave Canadian waters and land on U.S. soil? All private boaters who intend to land on Canadian soil, or who have departed Canadian waters and landed on U.S. soil, are required to report to a CBSA-designated marine reporting site. Upon arrival at this designated site, call the Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-888-226-7277 from the phone provided to obtain clearance. Not planning to “land” your vessel or did you leave Canadian waters but did not land on U.S. soil? You still need to report to the CBSA. Certain private boaters may contact the CBSA by calling the TRC at 1-888-226-7277. For more info, visit the Government of Canada boating resource page.
Licences: All non-residents of Canada require an Outdoors Card or a Temporary Outdoors Card accompanied by a valid fishing licence tag for non-Canadian residents. Non-residents under the age of 18 may fish without a licence if accompanied by a licenced family member. Any fish caught are part of the limit of the person with the licence. Canadian residents require a resident fishing license and a current resident Outdoors Card.
Bait: You cannot bring live minnows, smelts, leeches, nightcrawlers or any other bait fish into Ontario from the U.S. starting January 1, 2022. To protect our waters, from harmful invasive species, and fish diseases, 4 BMZs have limited the movement, possession and use of baitfish and leeches. This means you may not transport baitfish and leeches from one BMZ to another. Please purchase your live bait in the BMZ you plan to fish in. Download the Bait Management Zones Map.
Limits and Regulations: With countless lakes and streams, anglers must be aware of the general regulations and any exceptions to the general regulations (e.g. specific slots or catch and possession limits) that may apply to the lake you will be fishing.
Learn more about Ontario’s Fishing Regulations.
Non-residents must have one of the following to obtain a hunting license:
1) An Ontario non-resident hunting licence issued to you after January 1, 1968.
2) A hunting licence issued to you after January 1, 1968, by a competent authority in a jurisdiction where you were a resident of that jurisdiction.
3) An Ontario hunting licence verification certificate showing your licence to hunt in Ontario or that you passed the hunting licence examination.
Visit the Government of Ontario's fishing and hunting regulations site or call the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-667-1940 for further information.
Residents of the U.S. over the age of 18 may bring a hunting rifle or shotgun into Ontario for hunting purposes. You are also allowed to bring up to 200 rounds of ammunition duty-free, or up to 1,500 rounds for use at a recognized competition. Firearms are subject to a registration fee. It is suggested that you contact the Canada Firearms Centre for information before you attempt to import a firearm.
Residents of the U.S. are encouraged to pre-register their firearms before arriving. Handguns, fully automatic weapons, modified weapons, stun guns, mace and other weapons are not allowed in Canada. Proper storage of the firearm is important so make sure you are aware of the regulations. Of special note, firearms of any kind are forbidden in many of Canada’s National and Provincial Parks and adjacent areas.
For more information on importing your firearm into Canada and to receive a registration form, please contact the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000 or (506) 624-5380.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information but cannot be held responsible for the information provided herein. The information contained on this page is offered to you as a matter of interest and is believed to be correct and accurate. The producers of this website accept no liability for errors or omissions.
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