Timmins owes its rise more than anything to gold, discovered in the nearby Porcupine field at the beginning of the present century. Not only does output exceed that of all but a few gold producing countries in the world, in addition Timmins boasts one of the world's richest silver and zinc mines. The population, which grew rapidly as a result of the gold strikes, is largely made up of central European, Italian, British, Finnish and Ukrainian immigrants who have helped foster other industries apart from mining and the timber industries in particular.
The two biggest attractions for visitors to Timmins are Mine Tours and the Shania Twain Centre.
Kettle Lakes Provincial Park, with its many little lakes just 32 km / 20 mi from Timmins on Highway 101 is an open invitation to anyone keen on canoeing and fishing.
There are picnic and camping sites in the park, as well as summer programs.
The Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre offers an indepth look at the culture of the Porcupine Mining Camp. Exhibits offer insight into the gold-rush that swept this area, known as the Porcupine Gold Rush. Visitors can learn about the history and heritage and see geological samples, along with old mining equipment.
The Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre also hosts a number of special events throughout the year.
Address: Timmins Museum and National Exhibition Centre, 70 Legion Drive, South Porcupine 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, ON P4N1B3, Canada
Phone: 1 (705) 360-2617, Fax: 1 (705) 360-2693
The Timmins Underground Gold Mine Tour offers a three hour tour through the old Hollinger Gold Mine. Visitors are outfitted and taken underground. Also part of the tour is the Hollinger House, with information on the history of Timmins, the Jupiter Headframe with exhits and an observation deck, a gift shop, and an opportunity to pan for gold.
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