Bell tents near Elliot Lake with a private bathroom

Set around a pristine lake that attracts fishing and watersport enthusiasts in summer, Elliot Lake also features 300 kilometers of looped ATV trails all within 30km of the city. A network of hiking trails also leads visitors to explore the varied terrains—mountains, lakeshore, boreal forest, and marshlands—and the huge variety of flora and fauna that inhabit them. In winter, it's best to hit the popular ski hill, where you'll find plenty of powder for crosscountry skiing and snowmobiling. Expect down-home cooking style restaurants and fast-food joints along with friendly pubs, plus gorgeous swimming beaches and several city parks while you're here.

The best time to camp in Elliot Lake is in summer and fall, when it's warm enough to enjoy lake activities. If you come before July, the blackflies can be brutal (and mosquitoes last into September). Pitching a tent in winter in Northern Ontario is for only the most extreme campers, so many parks (if they even offer services in this remote neck of the woods) are only open from May through October.

• Don’t even think about travelling here unless you’re bringing or renting a vehicle. It’ll be impossible to get around without one.
• Cell service can be patchy or non-existent in remote areas of Northern Ontario.
• Elliot Lake has a Canadian Tire store, as well as several grocery stores, where you can stock up on camping gear and supplies for your trip.
• There's a laundromat in Elliot Lake, and you can pick up free wifi at the city library.