It’s time for a road trip and there’s no better spot this fall for foodies that Northeastern Ontario (aka the Seven).
This journey begins in Timmins, Ontario and continues through Sudbury, then wraps up in North Bay but you can easily do that in the reverse! Along the way, you’ll dive into local food, culture and flavour. Let’s dive in!
But first, what is The Seven?
The Seven is Northeastern Ontario’s invite to adventure. Named after the region’s 705 area code — a playful nod to Toronto’s “The Six” — it’s all about packing up the car and hitting the road. Think fishing on sparkling lakes, hiking trails through landscapes that inspired the famous Group of Seven and of course, a whole lot of great food.
Don’t want to read this whole itinerary right now? No worries, skip ahead by day:
Day 1: Eat Your Way Through Timmins
Pretentiousness is left at the door in Timmins where a down-to-earth culinary scene boasts fresh, lake-caught fish, inventive flavours and some damn warm hospitality.
Grab a Bite at Ciao Sandwich Co.
Where: 177 3rd Ave, Timmins, ON (View Map)
Downtown Timmins has its own little slice of Italy at Ciao Sandwich Co. This local favourite is all about freshly-made eats. Think Italian sandwiches stacked on house-baked focaccia, hearty soups and tempting desserts like their homemade pistachio cannolis.
The mortadella sandwich is a must-try, layered with creamy dressing and fresh cuts of meat on pillowy focaccia. The chicken and pesto sandwich is just as good, tender chicken drizzled with house-made pesto that bursts with flavour. Pair your sandwich with one of their specialty drinks, like a refreshing iced latte or a creamy coconut matcha latte. Grab that lunch to go and let’s take it to our next stop!
Time to next stop: 4-minute drive, 16-minute walk
Hike Your Way Up to Hollinger Lookout
Where: Timmins, ON (View Map)
Sandwich in hand, it’s time to head up to Hollinger Lookout. High above Timmins, Hollinger Lookout shows off the city’s golden roots. Once the biggest gold mine in the British Empire, the site is now an open-pit mine with sweeping views across town.
It’s a reminder of how mining shaped Timmins (and fun fact, the road leading up here is none other than Shania Twain Drive, named after the city’s most famous star.) That does impress us much. With picnic spots, walking paths and those panoramic views, the lookout offers a pause in our foodie road trip, trading bites for big sights.
Time to next stop: 3-minute drive, 12-minute walk
Cool Off with a Cone at Pine Dairy Bar
Where: 141 Pine St S, Timmins, ON (View Map)
You deserve a treat! Pine Dairy Bar is a bit like stepping back in time. This old-school local favourite serves up pure nostalgia with it’s soda-bar like diner vibe. Nestle into their blue vinyl booths or grab a stool at the counter to enjoy a soft serve cone, sundae or even a burger and fries.
We went classic with a strawberry milkshake, a caramel sundae and of course a double-flavour swirl rolled in sprinkles. It’s the kind of sweet stop that makes a road trip through Timmins feel extra special!
Time to next stop: 3-minute drive, 18-minute walk
Dinner at Your Choice Culinary Food Truck
Where: 219 Wilson Ave, Timmins, ON (View Map)
Time for a fun food truck dinner! With a line up of hit-the-spot eats, Your Choice Culinary is a must-stop way to end your day. Think smash burgers and poutine, garlic parmesan fries and brisket for starters. That’s not all! They also have some unexpected twist on food-truck staples like their Peri Peri Fries and Paneeer Burgers. Best enjoyed outside on a warm fall day, you don’t want to miss it.
Stay the Night
There’s no shortage of spots to stay in Timmins, so book yourself in for the night at one of these accommodations! From camping and bed and breakfasts to chain hotels, there’s something for everyone.
Day 2: Delicious Eats from Timmins to Sudbury
Day 2 of this road trip has you up and at ’em, eating your way from Timmins and ending in delightful Sudbury.
Breakfast at Restaurant Nadeau
Where: 293 Wilson Ave, Timmins, ON (View Map)
The morning kicks off at Restaurant Nadeau, a true Timmins institution where hearty plates are served with warm, small-town hospitality. This is the kind of spot where the coffee is always on and the smiles are just as welcoming as the food.
We dug into The Jobber — a classic plate of bacon, sausage and eggs — plus the chef’s special omelette loaded with bacon, green pepper, onions and cheese. And of course, we couldn’t pass up their famous crepes, topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries with whipped cream. It’s a no-fuss, all-flavour breakfast sure to keep you full for a day on the road!
Time to next stop: 11-minute drive
Hersey Lake Conservation Area
Where: 1H0, Boychuk Dr, South Porcupine, ON (View Map)
Now that you’re fuelled up, it’s time to stretch those legs! Just outside of Timmins, a quick nature reset awaits at Hersey Lake Conservation Area. Only about 5 km north on Highway 655, this peaceful spot is perfect for a short trail, a lakeside dip or a picnic among Jack Pine forests.
We wandered along a ~2.7-mile loop through lush greenery, past small lakes and boardwalks, stopping at lookouts like Jack Pine Lake and Grouse Point. There’s a sandy beach to cool off, picnic benches to linger and plenty of signs so you don’t get lost. Whether it’s summer bird songs or winter silence under snow, it’ll remind you of why nature breaks were made and that’s what The Seven is all about.
Time to next stop: 8-minute drive
Lunch at Radical Gardens
Where: 163 5th Ave, Timmins, ON (View Map)
Lunch takes us to Radical Gardens, a Feast On® certified gem in Timmins where every dish is scratch-made, locally sourced and bursting with creativity. It’s also home to Feast On® champion and chef, Brianna Humphrey, who has built a menu that the community truly rallies around.
We dove into their popular beef burrito bowl (so beloved that Chef Brianna joked if it ever left the menu, people would riot). After tasting it, we’d happily join the crowd! Loaded with local tomatoes, radishes and fresh herbs, it’s hearty, colourful and absolutely crave-worthy.
Next came a chef’s special: pulled pork bao buns. The pork is slow-roasted, glazed with house-made BBQ and finished with a drizzle of yuzu lemon sauce. Soft, squishy, tangy and comforting, it’s an exceptional bite that proves why Radical Gardens is so well loved.
And then there’s dessert. Walk through the door and you’re greeted by a glowing display case that looks more like jewelry than pastry. The magic here lies in unique flavour twists, like a Fire & Ice cheesecake infused with fireweed jelly (crafted from local blossoms at Grey Wolf Gardens) and Tamarac gin from a nearby distillery. We also couldn’t resist their peanut butter chocolate cheesecake which was rich, decadent and gone far too quickly.
After filling up on lunch it’s time to make the trek to Sudbury. Don’t be afraid to pull off the highway (safely) to take in the sites and smells of this scenic drive!
Time to next stop: 3.5 hours
Dinner at The Laughing Buddha
Where: 194 Elgin St, Greater Sudbury, ON (View Map)
We’re certain after all the time in the car, you will have worked up an appetite! Good news, dinner is at The Laughing Buddha. This family-owned operation is known for their crave-able pizza, selection of unique beers and yes, a killer patio. If the weather is warm enough, we highly suggest pulling up a seat outdoors but if not, the inside is great too!
Let’s talk pizza. There are so many to choose from like The Buddha with pepperoni, bacon, ham, red onion, green peppers, hot peppers, roasted red peppers, artichokes and sun dried tomato or the Hala Kahiki Aki complete with garlic oil, mozza, caramelized onions, pineapple, prosciutto, fresh arugula and roasted cashes drizzled with balsamic reduction. If your stomach is howling just reading that, trust your gut.
Top it off with a lychee martini or one of their beers found on tap for the ultimate party in your mouth!
Stay the Night
There’s no shortage of spots to stay in Sudbury, so book yourself in for the night at one of these accommodations! From provincial parks and charming cabins to chain hotels, there’s something for everyone.
Day 3: A Full Day of Savouring Sudbury
Get ready to hit the best spots this hidden culinary gem has to offer. First stop, breakfast.
Breakfast with a Sweet Ending at Benni’s Rise and Shine + Anna-Laura Patisserie et Petit Cafe
Where: 125 Loachs Rd, Greater Sudbury, ON (View Map)
Good morning, Sudbury! There’s no better way to start your day than at Beni’s Sudbury, where they serve up chef-crafted breakfast and brunch favourites that truly shine. From signature eggs Beni to fluffy pancakes made with love, every bite feels like the perfect morning treat. That classic diner breaky, it’s an sure fire way to fuel up for the day.
And while we have your attention, why not head right next door into Anna-Laura Patisserie et Petit Café to enjoy an assortment of pastries and delights? The sweetest way to make your morning unforgettable, this spot offers up a taste of France with artisan croissants, rotating donut flavours (pumpkin cheesecake donuts, anyone?) and rave-worthy lattes.
Time to next stop: 8-minute drive
Go for a Stroll at Ramsey Lake Board Walk
Where: Greater Sudbury, ON (View Map)
After all those treats, it’s time to stretch your legs along the Ramsey Lake Boardwalk. This one-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline of Ramsey Lake, the world’s second largest lake contained within a city. This easy going lake-side jaunt is the perfect post-breakfast pick-me-up.
Fun Fact: Sudbury is often called the “City of Lakes,” with more than 300 in the area. It’s no wonder local chefs are so inspired by fresh, lake-to-table flavours — from pickerel on a dinner plate to blueberries that thrive in the region’s rocky soil. A stroll here is the perfect way to walk off a meal while soaking in Sudbury’s natural beauty.
Time to next stop: 16-minute drive
Lunch at Kouzzina
Where: 1463 Lasalle Blvd, Greater Sudbury, ON (View Map)
Head to Kouzzina and you’ll feel like you’re on the Aegean coast! This stop serves up Mediterranean flavours on a laid-back patio and when we went, every bite had us lingering a little longer.
We started with the fried calamari, crunchy and layered over a rich, creamy sauce. The spinach and cheese dip brought pure comfort, finished with a squeeze of lemon and served with warm pita for dipping. Then came the star: a pear and gorgonzola pizza with rosemary olive oil, mozzarella, pancetta, walnuts, arugula and a touch of hot pepper jelly. Sweet, savoury, crispy, and cheesy.
To round it out, we sipped on a creamy espresso martini for a little boost to fuel the rest of our Sudbury adventure.
Time to next stop: 11-minute drive
Pre-Dinner Treats at Flurple’s and Beards Coffee Bar + Bakery
Where: 587-593 Kathleen St, Greater Sudbury, ON (View Map)
This is a food blog so yeah, we will stop for an afternoon treat because why not?
In the Donovan, two neighbours have teamed up to make life a whole lot sweeter. Flurple’s dishes out vegan soft serve until the end of September, while Beards Coffee Bar and Bakery keeps the good times rolling year-round with cozy vibes, great coffee and vegan baked goods.
At Flurple’s, the colourful exterior will have you absolutely hypnotized but stay focused, because the ice cream is the real showstopper. Our pick? The chocolate chunk fudge sundae, crowned with a cookie straight from Beards next door. Talk about keeping it in the family. For vegans and the dairy-sensitive crowd, this spot is basically paradise. For everyone else? Get ready to be jealous.
Over at Beards, choosing just one treat was impossible, so we took a box to go. The peach, mango and apricot pop tart stole our hearts with its bright pink icing, crisp bite and melt-in-your-mouth filling. Then there was the famous Snickerdoodle Sammie, recommended by a fellow customer in line and trust us, locals know best.
Time to next stop: 17-minute drive
Verdicchio Ristorante Enoteca
Where: 1351-D Kelly Lake Road, Greater Sudbury, ON (View Map)
Warp up your time in Sudbury with a true culinary gem: Verdicchio Ristorante Enoteca, a Feast On® certified restaurant where Italian tradition meets Northern Ontario’s terroir. Since 1994, the Gregorini family has been crafting a dining experience that feels both rooted in heritage and deeply connected to the land around them.
Dinner here is all about cicchetti Pronounced ‘chee-keh-tea’ — small plates meant for sharing. The arancini arrived golden and crisp, giving way to creamy rice and melted cheese at the centre, with the truffle crema adding a touch of indulgence that felt almost celebratory. The gnocchi, pillowy and tender, were coated in a tomato sauce so bright and balanced it tasted like summer captured on a plate. And the carpaccio, delicate and thin, carried layers of texture — nutty crunch, peppery greens and the gentle richness of olive oil and truffle.
Truthfully, the hardest part is deciding!
After dinner, stay another night in Sudbury or get a head start and head about 1 hour and 4 minutes south to North Bay!
If You’re Staying the Night in North Bay
Once again, you’ve got options! Check out a great selection of spots to stay in North Bay.
Day 4: Funky Eats and Cool Treats in North Bay
Wake up nice and refreshed in North Bay to kick start Day 4!
Breakfast at Syl’s Neighbourhood Kitchen
Where: 850 McKeown Ave bldg c, North Bay, ON (View Map)
Kick off the morning in North Bay at Syl’s Neighbourhood Kitchen, a cozy local favourite run by husband-and-wife team Sylvain and Becky Rivet. Since opening in 2017, they’ve built a space that blends stylish comfort with warm hospitality, the kind of place where you feel like part of the neighbourhood as soon as you sit down.
For us, breakfast was the star of the show. The Montreal Smoked Meat Eggs Benedict came stacked with tender smoked meat, perfectly steamed eggs, a toasted English muffin and silky hollandaise, all alongside golden home fries. We also went classic with eggs and fluffy pancakes, a true morning feast.
Post-Breakfast Hike at Duchesnay Falls
Where: Yellek, ON (View Map)
No trip to The Seven is complete without a hike, and Duchesnay Falls is a local favourite for good reason. Just minutes from North Bay, the trail winds through forest along Duchesnay Creek, leading to cascades that split into two branches, one tumbling nearly 10 metres. Each season brings its own beauty, from spring’s rushing water to autumn’s fiery colours.
Pack smart: Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Stay on the marked paths, watch your footing on wet rocks and take your time. The views are worth every step.
Lunch at Crossroads Convenience
Where: 348 Algonquin Ave, North Bay, ON (View Map)
Ready to refuel? We’ve got a spot: Crossroads Convenience! Known for their epic sandwiches like the kimchi turkey melt and roasted carrot and halloumi sando, it’s a can’t-miss stop for epic eats and your java fix (we fell head over heels for the iced caramel latte).
Set inside the historic Demarcos Confectionery building, Crossroads blends North Bay’s history with humble hospitality and locally sourced eats. The retro-paneled walls and cozy booths make it feel like a true community hub, built on comfort and connection.
Dinner at Churchill’s Prime Rib House
Where: 631 Lakeshore Dr, North Bay, ON (View Map)
Time to wind down for the day in North Bay at Churchill’s Prime Rib House, one of Canada’s Top 50 restaurants. Located on Lakeshore Drive, just steps from Sunset Park, Churchill’s is the heart of fine dining in the city, blending old-world charm with a menu that feels both classic and adventurous.
From grilled Ontario rack of lamb with barley risotto and braised lamb shoulder to Korean steam buns filled with hoisin duck, pork belly or shiitake mushrooms, every dish is crafted to surprise and delight. Even the BarCultura Caesar, layered with crispy Brussels sprouts, grilled broccoli, Manchego dressing and hickory sticks arrives in a glass dome filled with smoke, turning a simple salad into a sensory experience.
The wine list makes it easy to explore Canadian bottles, including plenty of Ontario picks, and for dessert we couldn’t resist the pavlova for a light and sweet finish to a special evening.
Day 5: Keep Noshing in North Bay
It’s your final day in The Seven and of course, more epic eats are on the table. Pun intended.
Breakfast at Hoagie’s Diner
Where: 1128 O’Brien St, North Bay, ON (View Map)
Your final breakfast stop of the trip will have you stepping back in time. Hoagie’s Diner is a 50s style gem serving up homemade comfort and good ol’ fashioned service. Proudly run by owner Kate Kuntz, Hoagie’s has long been a North Bay favourite, sitting right at the corner of O’Brien Street and the Hwy 11 bypass.
After four days of non-stop Northern Ontario adventure, this was exactly what we needed — bottomless coffee, fluffy waffles and eggs and of course a classic milkshake!
Culture (and Treat) Fix at the North Bay Museum + Ever Cool Ice Cream
Where: 100 Ferguson St, North Bay, ON (View Map)
For a perfect combo, start at the North Bay Museum…and end with ice cream. This museum is housed in a historic Canadian Pacific Railway Station. Inside, the exhibits bring the city’s history to life, making it a cool and fascinating way to step out of the heat and into the past.
Right next door, Ever Cool Ice Cream will be calling your name. We went all in on the S’mores Galore sundae and a classic scoop of chocolate ice cream, enjoyed at the picnic tables outside before wandering around the area.
From there, we peeked at the North Bay waterfront, where lakeside views meet classic fun. Along with strolling the shoreline, you can hop on the charming Heritage Carousel to add a little nostalgic fun to your morning.
Lunch at The Block Public House
Where: 122 Main St W, North Bay, ON (View Map)
Right in downtown North Bay, The Block Public House is where you’ll grab lunch. Set inside a historic 1911 building that once housed the town’s first hardware store, this restaurant blends old-school charm with a modern love for food, beer and cocktails.
We dug into a hearty bison burger with poutine along with their famous duck wings. To wash it all down, we grabbed a pint of their brewed-on-site Blind Alley Lager, a smooth Ontario craft beer that pairs splendidly with a laid-back lunch.
The highlight, though, was watching their team whip up a smoked tequila sour right before our eyes. Made with tequila, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and aquafaba, then finished in the smoker, the result was bold, silky and dangerously smooth.
Dinner at Northern Himalayan Cafe
Where: 113 Main St E, North Bay, ON (View Map)
It’s time to pop into Northern Himalayan Café for a taste of Nepal. Everything here is made from scratch daily, so you know you’re getting dishes that are fresh, clean and packed with care.
Lakshmi, who welcomed us in, shared the stories behind some of their specialties. We tried their handmade momos, soft dumplings filled with savoury goodness, along with a hearty pork chow mein, made Nepali-style with pork belly and noodles tossed just right. Another standout was the safale, a Tibetan-style meat pie stuffed with ground chicken and herbs inside a golden, doughy pastry.
Beyond the flavour, what makes Northern Himalayan Café so special is its philosophy: food isn’t just about eating, it’s about energy. As Lakshmi explained, when food is prepared with care and passed from one person to another, it has the power to heal and nourish. And after tasting each dish, we couldn’t agree more!
That’s a Wrap on The Seven!
That’s a wrap on a five-day road trip through The Seven. More delicious adventures are coming your way very soon!
