Visiting Temagami, Northern Ontario: a marine and aerial crossroads

Temagami, in the Nipissing District of Northern Ontario, is situated on Highway 11, one of the main road arteries to the north of the province.

But it is also at the centre of marine and aerial traffic for the region.

It is reckoned that the Temagami district has over 3500 kilometres of shoreline, and 1600 islands. Visitors seeking solitude and peace need not worry about overcrowding! The largest of local lakes is Lake Temagami, and its largest island, in turn, is called Temagami Island. A river which finds its source in this Lake is thus also known as the Temagami River.

Near the Municipality's Welcome Centre — the metal tower of which is a conspicuous landmark — is Temagami Water Aerodrome. This Aerodrome is used frequently by visitors on fishing trips and by local mining companies. The town is a base for an airline which specializes in bush plane flights to remote areas (1). Some remote destinations in the region are often readily accessible by air only and Beaver bush planes regularly transport visitors to fly-in camps.

A variety of fishing, hunting, canoe, houseboat packages are available locally. Ample berthing exists both for boats and aircraft.

The word Temagami is of First Nations' origin, and means 'deep water by the shore'.

Temagami's railroad station was built in 1907.

September 25, 2012

Note

(1) The Canadian-designed and built de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, with its single engine and high wing — giving it a STOL capability — is a regular sight at the Temagami Water Aerodrome. First flown in 1947, it was built in huge numbers and has become an essential means of practical communication for many remotely-based Canadians. The importance of this aircraft type to Canadian communities was underlined in 1999 when the Royal Canadian Mint issued a Canadian quarter special edition depicting the DHC-2 Beaver.

Also worth seeing

New Liskeard (distance: 58.7 kilometres) has a scenic waterfront on Lake Temiskaming; the Little Claybelt Homesteaders' Museum has a wealth of local history information.

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How to get there: Air Canada flies from Toronto Pearson Airport to North Bay Airport, where car rental is available. From North Bay (distance: 98.7 kilometres), take Highway 11 north to Temagami . Lakeland Airways flies charter packages to Temagami and district. Some facilities may be withdrawn without notice. Please check with the airline or your travel agent for up to date information.

MJFenn is an independent travel writer based in Ontario, Canada.