The city of Timmins grew from Harry Preston’s gold discovery in 1909. In 1911, Noah Timmins founded the townsite as a place to house employees of the Hollinger Mine. Shortly thereafter the McIntyre and Dome discoveries were made nearby.
Timmins lies 70 km west of the Trans-Canada Northern Route (Highway 11, which runs from North Bay, 360 km to the south) on Highway 101 between Matteson and Wawa (330 km to the west). The city now has a population of 50,000 and is the largest community in the “James Bay Frontier”
Timmins Attractions
Shania Twain Centre
c/o City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Blvd. East
Timmins, Ontario P4N 1B3
(705) 360-8500, toll-free: (800) 387-8466, fax: (705) 360-8509
Timmins is the birthplace of top-selling country music star Shania Twain. This 2001 museum has a 4000 square foot exhibit showcasing her early years, as well as her rise to fame. $1-million worth in memorabilia including awards and clothing loaned by Shania. Open 7 days a week, 10 am to 5 pm.
Timmins Underground Gold Mine Tour
220 Algonquin Boulevard East
705-360-8500, 1-800-387-8466
A ramp takes you underground to the 60 m (200 ft) level and a veteran miner guides through the mine pointing out ore chutes, quartz veins and demonstrating mining machinery. You can also see an open pit mine from aboveground from the Headframe Lookout Tower.
National Exhibition Centre
70 Legion Dr, South Porcupine, off highway 101
705-235-5066
Exhibits, historical displays, films and mining machinery are on display, showcasing area history before 1940. Allow 30 minutes minimum. Open Victoria Day – Labour Day: Mon-Fri 9 am – 5 pm, Sat-Sun 1 pm -5 pm; rest of year: Tue-Fri 9 am – noon and 1pm – 5pm. Admission $.