Timmins, Ontario - "For small town Canada, Hockey keeps us alive", said Shania Twain in a 2005 interview. "Our arenas are our community centres. It's what you do on Saturday night." Favorite daughter of Timmins, Shania Twain (she was born in Windsor, ON, but raised in Timmins) returned and entertained her hometown with a huge concert at the Hollinger Park on July 1, 1999. About 22,000 attended. On the Canada Day holiday weekend in 2001 the six-million dollar Shania Twain Centre was opened. Due to her pregnancy, Shania could not travel to Timmins to attend the event. but she visited on November 2, 2004 to offically open the centre. The museum has 4,000 sq feet of exhibit space to feature inter-active mulitmedia displays and more than $1 million dollars worth of memorabilia, awards and wardrobe donated by Shania. Her donations have included her wedding dress, a stage and a tour bus. The first Shania Twain Fan Convention was held in Timmins in August 2003 and subsequent conventions have been held annually.

Where: The northeastern Ontario city known for its mining history, is located on the Mattagami River. Back in the days of fur traders, this was on a route known as the Porcupine Trail. Fishing, golf, snowmobiling, an underground goldmine tour, wilderness tours and cross-country skiing are all popular activies for visitors. There are 500 lakes in the Timmins region, 22 spring-fed kettle lakes are located a provincal park just east of the city, attracting people to paddle, fish, swim and camp. Quick Tip: Shania honed her skills as a young performer in shows at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville.

Click on the Canada Cool Map below and discover destinations nation wide that make Canada Cool