Temiskaming Shores: Northern Ontario’s Unexpected Escape
Tucked along the Ontario-Quebec border, Temiskaming Shores sits on the edge of Lake Temiskaming, where the Canadian Shield gives way to the rolling farmland of the Little Clay Belt. Just a few hours north of North Bay on Highway 11, we fell in love with this place and its people.
Our first taste of the welcoming spirit of this place came at Bison du Nord, a multi-generational family-run bison ranch a short drive south. Owner Pierre Bélanger and his son Charles beamed with pride as they drove us into the bison herd in their side-by-side. It was unlike any other wildlife tour I’ve experienced.
Devil’s Rock Trail is a three-kilometre round trip from the Bucke Park trailhead. There are a few rocky sections, but generally it’s a gentle path. From a craggy summit, Lake Temiskaming stretched between forested cliffs and farmland, providing sweeping views. An afternoon swim in the emerald waters of nearby Bass Lake was a perfect way to cool off before dinner.
We enjoyed pizza on the waterfront patio at 28 on the Lake. We also visited Dida’s Gastropub, an award-winning spot, with chef-owner Linda Loranger serving locally sourced comfort food. We had birria tacos loaded with fresh ingredients, cozied up to a classic poutine (complete with the famous squeak you only get from the perfect curd). Seeing my partner try her first real Québécois-style poutine was almost as fun as eating mine. It just tastes different here.
What really stuck with me wasn’t just the hikes or meals—it was the pride people have in their home. Almost everyone we met wanted to share something special. Maybe it’s because the town rebuilt after a big fire in 1922, or maybe it’s just the way people are here. Temiskaming Shores showcases its culture and welcomes visitors as if they’re finally able to share their secret with new friends. We’ve already planned our return: “ a guided fishing charter with Captain John Blanchard Sport Fishing Lake Temiskaming, followed by a pint at the Whiskeyjack Beer Company.
When we left, it felt less like we’d visited somewhere new and more like we’d discovered a place we’d somehow overlooked for years. That’s the thing about unexpected stops—they’re often the ones that call you back.
This article was sponsored by Temiskaming Shores.
