Located at the heart of the North Shore Region, a mere kilometre south of the Trans Canada Highway, rests the centrally located town of Espanola. Espanola is a family oriented, welcoming community, strengthened by its fine citizens. Espanola is also home to a world-class paper mill that produces fine paper products. This area, also known as the LaCloche Mountain Foothills, is located on the Canadian Shield and is enclosed by some of the most magnificent wilderness found anywhere in the world. The town encompasses a successful community of 5500 with countless services for you to enjoy. The town of Espanola remains dedicated to ensuring all residents benefit from a high quality of life without compromising the natural beauty of the area.

    The town was founded in the early 1900's as a company town for the employees of the Spanish River Pulp and Paper Company, which opened a paper mill there. The town expanded quickly with a hotel, school and theatre. In 1929, as a result of the Great Depression, the mill was closed and Espanola became a ghost town until the Second World War. In 1940, the mill site had become a camp for German prisoners of war. In 1946, the paper mill was reopened by the Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Company (KVP), producing specialty craft paper. In 1969, the KVP operation was sold to E.B Eddy, who operated (and greatly expanded) the mill until 1999. The mill is now owned and operated by Domtar, and continues to be one of the towns prime employers.

    There are numerous recreational opportunities for both the indoor and outdoor sports enthusiasts. For those who take pleasure in the outdoors there are rocks to climb, ATV trails to explore, and numerous lakes for swimming, fishing and boating. In the winter you can ski, downhill or cross-country, or ride endless kilometres of snowmobile trails. You can experience a Domtar tour of the local pulp and paper mill, or try one of the self-directed walking forestry trails that offer insight into modern forestry methods. Have a preference for indoor activities? The recreation complex offers a variety of fitness options and leisure programs. Play a game of squash, work out in the fitness centre, swim a few laps in the pool or sign up for an art, dance or cooking class. Shopping, dining and top quality accommodations are offered year round for your pleasure. Enjoy a night out with the award winning dinner theatre group or community theatre plays.

    Espanola is the major shopping area centre between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. It boasts a large Canadian Tire, Your Independent Grocer, Price Chopper, Giant Tiger, McDonalds, Dairy Queen, Tim Horton's and many more. Also has most of the large bank outlets (TD, Royal, Credit Union etc...). There is plenty to see and do in this delightful Northern Ontario town.

To visit the Town of Espanola website, please click here: www.town.espanola.on.ca

Espanola Activities

Espanola Golf Course
    Located on a rural street of Espanola, next to the Spanish River, is Espanola's nine hole golf course.
For more information, please call (705) 869-4729

Take a tour of Domtar or a hike on one the Domtar Trails
    The Silviculture trail, explores the art and science of growing trees. It includes three stops, all within a short driving distance from the Town of Espanola, and takes about two hours to complete. The second trail, the Jack Pine Trail, will take you through the verdant beauty of a jack pine forest. This self-guided tour is about 600 metres in length. Next, the Jack Pine Project, covers a ten kilometre area, giving you the opportunity to see the forest in various stages of growth and renewal. The tour includes 14 stops with signs that point out features of interest, allowing you to get an even closer view of the forest. Now don't forget the Espanola's Pulp and Paper Mill Tour. Take the Forest Tour to see how a modern forestry operation manages a public forest. This all-day tour (approximately 7 hours), will take you on an extensive excursion through the forest. Traveling along forest (bush) roads, you will make several stops at points of interest.
For more information, please call (705) 869-2020 or visit www.domtar.com

Espanola Boogie Mountain Ski Hill
    Enjoy 10 groomed runs, ski and snowboard rental shop, chalet with fireplace...and more!
For more information, please call (705) 869-1740

Espanola Winter Carnival
    A variety of activities available for all ages on a winter theme.
For more information, please call (705) 869-1961, ext. 232

Espanola Curling Club
    5 sheets of ice, spacious lounge, and always the friendliest bar staff.
For more information, please call (705) 869-2133 or visit www.espanolacurlingclub.ca/info.html

Espanola Recreation Complex
    A modern fully-enclosed recreation facility is attached to the public library and adjacent to the high school. The site features: a five lane, 25 metre swimming pool; a sloped wading and plash pool; double loop slide; and a whirlpool and sauna. Watch for the new Tarzan Rope coming soon! An arena with a 200' x 85' ice surface with seating for 450 people. A complete fitness centre and two squash courts. An auditorium that will seat up to 350 people, and adjoining kitchen. Administrative offices, meeting room and public display areas.
For more information, please call (705) 869-1961 or visit www.town.espanola.on.ca

Massey Street Painting Festival
    Street painting has been known as a form of artistic expression throughout Europe since the 16th century. Italy is famous for their street painters, who were called "madonnari". You are welcome to participate alongside the professional artists or just visit and enjoy watching the artists while they perform their magic on Massey's pavement. In addition, you will find art and craft vendors, buskers, musicians and an array of street-side activities.

Places to stay in Espanola: