Winter Fitness

Some guys have all the luck. This fellow was cool enough to grab his skates and stick and spend some time at the outdoor rink in Timmins at lunchtime. It’s hard to think of a better way to get some exercise on a beautiful winter day in James Bay Frontier.

Happy Trails

The last day of February and the snowmobile season is still in high gear throughout most of James Bay Frontier. Thanks to the untiring efforts of volunteers, the trails continue to be among the best in Eastern Canada. Conditions are still limited in our southern parts of James Bay Frontier, but they’re excellent in the northerly regions especially in OFSC District 15. Keep ridin’ -- keep smilin’.

Good Ice eh.

It was fun at lunch to drop by Gillies Lake to see the ice being cleaned. Most of us are used to seeing the zamboni machines at an indoor arena. This one keeps the ice in perfect shape on the popular skating oval in the centre of Timmins.

Celebrate Winter

Youngsters in Timmins enjoyed the sunshine, fresh air and frosty temperatures today with a snow day... literally. Today was the kickoff for the winterfest weekend and hundreds of school kids enjoyed themselves at the Gillies Lake Conservation Area.
They didn't seem to mind the minus 25 windchill! One little guy zoomed along the ice, lost in dreams of someday skating as fast as Bobby Hull... (boy that sure ages me eh) .

Snowy Gogama

Drove south along Highway 144 on the weekend. The snowmobile trail conditions are improving greatly. The Watershed junction is pretty well the cutoff point. Trails north of the watershed are in good shape, but trails south of there are in less-than-good shape. There's lots of snow in the bush, more is on the way this week and the weather continues to be cold -- so it should be fine for sledding.

The Road to Good Snowmobiling

Winter in some parts of Northeastern Ontario has been less-than-seasonal. Some areas have been left without enough snow to support a half-decent trail ride. On the other hand, the more northerly parts of James Bay Frontier continue to enjoy lots of good cold weather and enough snow to support good riding. So follow the signs to good sledding… Highway 11 Northbound will take you there.

Ice Fishing

The ice huts are scattered by the hundreds throughout James Bay Frontier this month as avid anglers try their hand at ice fishing. This is Porcupine Lake in Timmins. There are thousands of lakes in this region giving up trout, pike, walleye and whitefish for those patient enough to sit by the hole in the ice waiting for the right fish to come along. It's actually more fun than it sounds and I know I've spent many days sitting on the ice doing just that. It's one of the things that makes winter in Ontario so enjoyable.

Winter carnival in a convertible

Winter carnivals are one of the favorite pastimes in several communities across James Bay Frontier. And even with the windchill at minus 35 degrees, the mayor found time to ride around in an open convertible on Saturday.

We're in Harrisburg!

James Bay Frontier is bringing the good news of Ontario's outdoor adventure opportunities to the world's largest hunting, fishing, outdoors and boating show. It's called the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It attracts thousands of adventure seekers from all over the northeastern United States and many of them visit Canada. James Bay Frontier is there to let the tourists know that we have so much to offer. Drop by the Ontario Travel booth in the fishing and boating hall to find out more.

Temiskaming Shores Snowfest

Snowfest is on this weekend in Temiskaming Shores. This is an annual event to celebrate all the great things winter has to offer – snowmobiling, pond hockey, skiing, snow sculpture, skating. You can even enjoy ice fishing on Lake Temiskaming. Wherever you live in James Bay Frontier, a visit to Temiskaming Shores is an excellent getaway destination for a couple of days of fun and relaxation.