Archeologists have done a lot of research in this area and their findings have indicated that humans have been in the region for at least 6,000 years. The oldest signs of human life in the area are traced back to nomadic people who came from the Shield Archaic culture. Before settlers made contact, the land was occupied by Mattagami First Nation peoples. In 1906, Treaty Number Nine pushed the tribe to the north of the lake, but in the 1950s, their reserve was relocated to the south side of that same lake, where it still sits today.
Gold discoveries in the area brought a lot of investors and miners, and there are many mines located in the region. The Great Depression did not have an effect on Timmins, Ontario, because there were still plenty of mining and lumber jobs that needed to be done.
Prospectors often called the region the Porcupine Gold Rush area because they were exploring around Porcupine Lake. When the rail system began to course through, the area's camps grew even larger.
While the winters are very cold in Timmins, the spring and summer months are pleasant and warm, which brings people to the region. There are also many tourist attractions in the city that are popular. For example, the Timmins Museum and National Exhibition Centre, the Cedar Meadows Wilderness Tours, the snow results, the golf clubs, and much more are a few of the attractions that bring the most visitors.
Snowmobiling is one thing that impacts the economy in the region in a big way because people travel from all over the world to enjoy the trails in the area by snowmobile. Connaught, a small 400-person town, is about 20 miles north of Timmins. Local history in the area dates back over 300 years, and families find they can learn a lot about the past with a visit to the Pioneer Museum.
When Is Timmins, ON, the Most Comfortable?
Timmins can be visited at many different times of the year, and when travelers go will depend on what they find comfortable and what activities they enjoy. Many like to go in the fall to enjoy the beautiful foliage and avoid the crowds that flock to the area in the spring and winter. Late spring and early summer are the most pleasant temperature-wise, but visitors often flock to the area in the winter for the skiing and snowmobiling.
The hottest months in the region are June, July, and August, and the busiest traveling months are August and June. Hotel prices increase during that time. Tourists come least frequently in December, which makes it the least expensive time to get a hotel in the area. Warm weather travelers will want to avoid winter, but those who appreciate snow and snow-related activities will only want to go when there's snow on the ground.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Timmins, ON:
Timmins, ON: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Timmins, ON. Browse these charts to evaluate the cheapest time to book a room in Timmins during the year.
Are There Any Luxury Hotels in Timmins, ON?
The Hampton Inn by Hilton Timmins Ontario Canada is located just minutes from the Mountjoy Arena and the Archie Dillon Sportsplex. There are 115 rooms with air conditioning. While the rooms are described as understated, they have all of the extras travelers appreciate, like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, coffee makers, and some even have sofa beds and wet bars. Breakfast is complimentary and served hot each day in a colorful dining area. Guests also enjoy the 24-hour exercise room, convenient meeting spaces, indoor pool, and convenience store.
If you don't mind a bit of a drive to get to Timmins, Ontario, the Best Western Swan Castle Inn is a unique place to stay with an efficient check-in process. The hotel is situated in the downtown region of Cochrane, about 40 miles away and close to the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat wildlife refuge, which makes for an intriguing stop. The rooms have Wi-Fi, mini fridges, coffee and tea makers, and comfortable beds. The upgraded suites add living room spaces, microwaves, pull-out sofas, and fireplaces along with whirlpool tubs. Guests can access a hot tub, gym, and free breakfasts. Those who enjoy golfing are within reach of the Lee Golf Club, and shopping in the downtown area is easy to do with just a short walk.
The Balsam Suites Boutique Inn & Residence is among one of the top places to stay in the area. Guests can walk for just 10 minutes and arrive at the Timmins Museum National Exhibition Centre. Hollinger Park, a baseball diamond, isn't far either. The suites are warm and polished and feature French doors and electric fireplaces to stay cozy and warm in the winter. Amenities include Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, living rooms, and sofa beds. Guests enjoy a hot breakfast every morning, as well as snacks and a casual self-serve cafe open 24 hours a day for convenience. People also appreciate the guest kitchen, fitness center, and library. Families often enjoy the game room, which comes complete with a pool table.
Which Affordable Hotel Options Near Timmins, ON, Are Best?
3 Star Average Prices: $152.05
The Senator Hotel & Conference Center Timmins sounds like it would be out-of-reach, but it's actually very budget-friendly. The upscale conference center is situated downtown with shopping at Timmins Square within walking distance. The rooms are described as polished, and suites have separate living areas and dining areas with fireplaces. Complimentary items include parking and the continental breakfast buffet. The hotel also has a meeting space, event space, a business center, and a fitness area, as well as an international cuisine restaurant and bar.
The Super 8 by Wyndham Timmins ON is an eco-friendly hotel that works well for individuals on a budget. The central location makes it easy to get anywhere you need to go, and there are 74 air-conditioned rooms available. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, free parking, and a picnic area, as well as Wi-Fi in every room. Rooms have en suite bathrooms with coffee makers and mini fridges included, and kids under the age of 17 stay free with their parents or grandparents.