Hearst - Impossible to Forget

Algoma Country is a region of 28,000 square miles, located in the heart of Northern Ontario. It’s a landscape of big wilderness with thousands of lakes and waterways and packed full of adventure. If you like fishing for a variety of freshwater species, want to paddle the shores of Lake Superior, Huron, or secluded inland lakes, hike trails through pristine wilderness, or explore the outdoors in winter, this region allows every opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity or adrenaline-pumping activities.

Those adventures start in any of the communities that dot Algoma. We’ve written a number of feature articles about the many communities located here; this one features the community of Hearst, Ontario.

The Town of Hearst is situated on Highway 11 on the Mattawishkwia River. Originally called Grant, the town was built due to the construction of the National Transcontinental Railway in 1913. The town was later changed to Hearst, as it was renamed for William Howard Hearst—then the Ontario Minister of Forests and Mines, and later Premier of Ontario.

Interesting Facts About Hearst

1. The town is 94% French-speaking.
2. The town boasts of being the “Moose Capital of Canada.”
3. It has the only Tin Man on Highway 11 – which stands outside All North Plumbing & Heating.
4. The Hearst Lumberjacks, a Junior A Hockey Club, make the town proud and over 700 spectators attend each local game!
5. Hearst is the hometown of NHL hockey player, Claude Giroux.

For the Outdoor Adventurer

Hearst is a gateway to experiencing Northern Ontario’s amazing outdoors. Fish for a variety of freshwater species at a remote lodge or fly-in outpost. Hike wilderness trails, view wildlife in its natural setting or capture an epic sunset by camera. Camp in a locally owned campground and explore the nearby provincial park. Hit the trails by ATV or adventure bike that connects with Dubreuilville.

In winter, Hearst is a hub for snowmobiling. Experience awesome remote wilderness riding and access to make northern trails and loop systems. Explore the many hot spots for boondocking, too.

Explore Local Attractions

There are a lot of things to see and do in and around the town of Hearst. Some ideas we have for you are:

• Arrange a site visit to Rheault Distillery to sample handcrafted award-winning vodka and cherry liqueur
• Learn about the town’s forest history at the Heritage Sawmill Marketplace
• Experience heritage and culture at the Ecomuseum and art exhibits at Galerie 815
• Sample cheeses inspired by the Northern landscape at the Fromagerie Kapuskoise located an hour away in the community of Kapuskasing (The goat milk is produced from a goat farm in Hearst)
• Visit La Maison Verte for a taste of local tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as their unique shop

Other Things to Do in Hearst

• Go shopping in local boutiques
• Enjoy fine dining, family-friendly restaurants, or a quick meal
• Go Golfing
• Enjoy the hiking, snowshoeing, and ski trails
• Go to the beach for a swim or picnic
• Rent a boat, kayak, canoe, or pedal boat to enjoy beautiful lakes
• Rent a Teepee for a night or two at Pivabiska Lake
• Participate in sporting events 
• Go to music or stand-up comic shows at the Place des arts

Fushimi Provincial Park

Located 30 minutes from town, Fushimi Provincial Park is a great place to spend the day fishing, boating, birdwatching, and hiking. There are two trails to explore in the park, Achilles Lake Trail and the Fire Tower Trail. The Bannerman Fire Tower was built in the 1930s to house the fire ranger and his family during the summer. Interested in staying in the park? Fushimi’s services include tent camping, backcountry sites, and a cabin are all available.

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