Your guide to North Bay activities: hiking, biking, fishing, and more! Explore the “Gateway to the North” in summer and winter.
Do you think you know Northern Ontario? I sure thought so.
I’ve been all over my home province, from the southern tip all the way up to the Boreal forest. But after exploring cities like Sudbury and Thunder Bay, there’s one city that I’d only ever visited in passing. It’s one of those cities I’d never really given much thought to; it was there for road trips. A good bathroom stop on my way up to Lake Superior Provincial Park or Temagami.
But this year, I decided to change that. I wanted to dive into this overlooked city and see what makes it tick. So, I planned not one but two trips to North Bay. One in the summer and one in the winter. And this city surprised the heck out of me.
Let’s be honest. North Bay flies under the radar when it comes to travel in Ontario. I mean, there are many people who come up here for the fishing and the outdoors, but most of them keep the secret to themselves. They’ve found this city’s charm and are hoarding it like a dragon guards its treasure. North Bay has developed some stereotypes that help that. A roughneck reputation that’s about to be shattered. Because what I found here was … extraordinary.
North Bay might just be one of Ontario’s most overlooked destinations, and I’m here to show you why.
About North Bay
Dubbed “the Gateway to the North,” North Bay sits proudly on the shores of Lake Nipissing. It’s this location that’s shaped the city’s history and its draw as one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Ontario.
The city was a vital railway hub. It was this industry that fueled North Bay’s growth in the late 19th century. And it’s the northern Ontario railroad that helped craft the city’s unique blend of rugged heritage and creative artistry. The city’s strategic position, bordering the edges of the province’s busy central regions and the wilds of the north, makes it a perfect place for adventure.
North Bay sits just three hours north of Toronto and about halfway between Ottawa and Sault Ste. Marie. It borders some of the most rugged and beautiful wildlands in Ontario, making the city an epic escape from the crowded cities further south. Biking, hiking, fishing, and boating are huge business here.
But the draw of North Bay goes beyond just the outdoors. The city is slowly establishing itself as a culinary, art, and community escape. Music festivals, art festivals, and creative restaurants are exploding across the city.
This is a place where the spirit of Northern Ontario blends with the urban rhythm of Central Ontario. And it’s awesome.
The Best Things To Do In North Bay
North Bay is a year-round destination. I found this out pretty easily when I did both a summer visit and a winter trip to North Bay. So, whether you’re a fair-weather traveler or someone who loves to avoid the crowds in the off-season, I’ve laid out some of the best activities, places to visit, and things to do in North Bay to help you plan your visit.
Hiking In North Bay
Hiking is my jam. From the Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island to the Crack in Killarney, if I’m out on the trials, I’m in my happy place. North Bay’s unique location, where the Canadian Shield meets Lake Nipissing, makes it one of the best places in Ontario for exploring the trails. The diverse landscape offers trails for every adventurer, from tranquil forest walks to challenging climbs with stunning views.
Here are some of the best hikes to experience the raw beauty of Northern Ontario:
- Laurier Woods Conservation Area: This quiet retreat right on the city’s edge offers a sprawling 240 acres to explore. The landscape here ranges from forests to wetlands. And if you dive deep into the red and purple trails deeper in the park, you might even meet some of the local deer while you’re on the trail.
- Trans Canada Trail: A section of Canada’s national trail system runs through North Bay. The city offers a great place to hop onto the world’s longest recreational trail network through and, arguably, central Canada’s most scenic section.
- The Stepping Stones: Located in Mattawa River Provincial Park, this assortment of trails is a local favorite. It follows the rugged banks of the river and involves navigating over and around large rocks. It’s challenging but fun and rewarding.
- Duchesnay Falls: Probably my favorite hiking trail in North Bay, Duchesnay Falls might also be the city’s most popular outdoor attraction. This stream and waterfall is located near Lake Nipissing University and features scenic trails with levels of difficulty ranging from easy to challenging. For a quick trip, you can hike from the parking lot off of HWY 11, but for the best experience, join the trails at the university.
Fishing in North Bay
When I was fishing in Sudbury this past autumn, I learned that North Bay is where the anglers really love to go. With both Lake Nipissing and the Mattawa River at its doorstep, almost every angler worth their salt makes at least one trip up here.
Even if you’re not a sports fisher, fishing is still a big draw in North Bay. Every day around sunset, the pier at King’s Landing is jammed, shoulder-to-shoulder, with anglers dipping their lines in the water with the hopes of pulling in some pike or walleye.
During the winter, Lake Nipissing turns into a veritable shanty town of ice huts. I experienced this firsthand when I joined Alan Juselius of Lake Nipissing Outfitters. He has over 100 beds spread across the lake where anglers book a weekend or even a week on the ice.
Lake Nipissing isn’t the only place for fishing in North Bay. Not by far. Some other places to check out include:
- Mattawa River: This Canadian Heritage River has excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass. It’s also among the most beautiful rivers in Ontario, so if you love fishing with a view, I highly recommend it.
- Trout Lake: I went fat biking during the winter along Trout Lake, and everyone I talked to spoke of how much they love camping and fishing here. As the name suggests, this is a prime spot for trout, but the lake is home to other game fish as well.
- French River: Possibly the most beautiful river in the province, the French River is also an angler’s paradise. The river is famous for its diverse fish species, like muskie, bass, and walleye. The river is also huge, so it’s easy to find your own little piece of paradise.
Okay, here’s a section on Von Doelers Ranch, incorporating your personal experience and the ranch’s details:
Von Doelers Ranch
You don’t need to go to Calgary for a taste of the wild west. Von Doelers Ranch in North Bay is as close as you can get. I had the chance to meet the skilled cowboys who work this Ontario dude ranch, and I had the thrill of a horseback ride through their sprawling property. The ride took my group up to the beautiful Talon Chute on the Mattawa River. A towering and powerful waterfall that totally took my breath away.
Von Doelers Ranch offers a diverse array of packages, from short trail rides to multi-day horseback excursions that are perfect for everyone, from experienced equestrians to complete beginners like me. Their experienced wranglers make sure the trip is safe and enjoyable, and the atmosphere is totally fitting for the experience.
Get Out On The Water
Lakes and rivers abound in North Bay. The connection to Lake Nipissing and the surrounding waterways make the city a prime destination for boaters, kayakers, canoeists, and SUP lovers. Whether you’re looking for an active paddle or a quiet canoe trip, the city’s got a little something for everyone.
For those looking for a hands-off experience, The Chief Commanda II is an iconic boat tour that launches from King’s Landing and follows the shoreline for amazing views and fascinating insights into North Bay’s history and ecology. There are cruises through Lake Nipissing, the French River, and the Manitou Islands.
If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, Sisu Adventures offers kayak and paddleboard rentals so you can explore the lake and rivers and your own pace. Paddle the shoreline, find hidden coves, and stop for a picnic on the islands. And I can state that Sisu Adventures founder Genna Flinkman is one of the loveliest people you’re likely to meet.
For a little paddle inspiration, here are a few of the best places to paddle in North Bay:
- Mattawa River: The river here is rugged, wild, and raw. It’s one of the most beautiful places to paddle, but there are some rough sections, so it’s best for those with some experience. You can even find some of the river’s historic portage routes at the North Bay Museum.
- Trout Lake: For something calm and relaxing, Trout Lake is excellent for paddling. This small lake has a beautiful shoreline and offers excellent fishing.
- French River: This vast network of waterways offers endless options for exploration. The French River connects to Lake Huron, so you can go as far as your passion allows. It’s an excellent river for multi-day canoe trips.
Two Wheels, Two Seasons: Mountain and Fat Biking Adventures In North Bay
North Bay’s wild and rugged terrain makes it a playground for mountain biking. The city has a plethora of thrilling trails that are accessible to cyclists in both summer and winter.
In fair weather, the North Bay Mountain Biking Association takes center stage, maintaining a network of fantastic trails near Lake Nipissing University, not far from Duchesnay Falls. These trails cater to everyone from beginners to advanced riders. I was lucky enough to take a beast of an electric mountain bike out on one of their trails and quickly learned that the challenging technical sections are better for a lighter, traditional bike.
When the snow falls, the adventure shifts to fat biking. Rod Bilz and his company, Remedy Rides, offer guided fat biking tours along the scenic Mattawa River. I’m pretty new to fat biking, so this proved to be a testing ground for my capabilities. The slippery trails were a challenge at first. I ended up deep in the snow more than once. But as I got the hang of it, I absolutely loved it!
The thrill of riding through snow-covered forests and along frozen riverbanks is an unforgettable experience. It’s a fantastic way to stay active and embrace the beauty of a Northern Ontario winter.
North Bay’s Historic Carousel and Miniature Railway
If you want to throw a splash of classic entertainment into your North Bay visit, have I got the treat for you. Located right across from King’s Landing and the North Bay Bandshell is the city’s historic carousel and miniature railway.
This North Bay attraction is perfect for young kids. But I’ll be honest, I had a blast, too. The carousel is a work of art decorated with beautiful paintings of local Ontario wildlife. The Heritage Railway, based on the “Little Lucy Dalton,” brings you back to classic times when steam engines chugged through the city.
Take In North Bays Street Art
North Bay is quietly becoming an Ontario hotspot for street art. At my count, there were more than ten beautiful murals from both local and regional artists gracing the walls of the city’s downtown core. North Bay is a creative hub. Local festivals like Ice Follies fan the flames of the city’s art scene. You can grab a map from the local tourism board and go on a street art tour. Don’t miss the traffic boxes that have each been transformed into miniature art galleries.
North Bay Festivals
North Bay has a very active calendar, and there are festivals and events happening throughout the city. If you can time your visit with one of these events, you’ll have the chance to dive deeper in the culture and spirit of the city.
- Ice Follies – This is a unique winter festival that transforms the frozen surface of Lake Nipissing into an outdoor art gallery. It features interactive art installations showcasing contemporary Northern Ontario and Indigenous art. This festival provides a very unique way to experience art and the beauty of a northern winter. You can read about my experience at Ice Follies here.
- North Bay Summer Concert Series – This is a series of outdoor concerts that takes place in various locations around North Bay. It features a variety of musical genres, from classic rock to country to hip hop. The concerts are a great way to enjoy the summer weather and listen to some great music.
- Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow Wow – This is a traditional pow wow that celebrates the culture and heritage of the Indigenous people of North Bay. It features drumming, dancing, singing, and other traditional activities. The pow-wow is a great way to learn about and experience Indigenous culture.
More North Bay Activities
- North Bay Museum – This museum offers a glimpse into the history of North Bay and the surrounding area. It features exhibits on the region’s Indigenous heritage, early settlement, and industrial development.
- Explore Nipissing Village – This reconstructed pioneer village provides a hands-on experience of life in the late 19th century. You can explore historic buildings, watch demonstrations of traditional crafts, and learn about the area’s early settlers.
- Take a scenic drive along Highway 11 – This highway offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including forests, lakes, and rivers. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
- Visit the North Bay Farmers’ Market – This market is a great place to find fresh, local produce, baked goods, and other artisanal products. It’s a great way to support local farmers and businesses.
Great Places To Eat And Drink In North Bay
North Bay isn’t just packed with amazing things to do. The city has a great restaurant and craft brewery scene as well. The city celebrates this, too. Their twice-yearly “Taste the Bay” festival is a culinary festival with price-fixe menus at some of the city’s top dining establishments.
Here are a few North Bay restaurants and breweries you should definitely add to your itinerary when you’re in town:
North Bay Restaurants
- Churchill’s Prime Rib House: This upscale dining experience isn’t just North Bay’s most refined restaurant; it also holds a story. For 30 years, this prime rib house has been catering to diners in an elegant atmosphere. Before that though, this building was home to the very first Tim Horton’s. This was back before this famous chain became Canada’s iconic coffee spot. The first Tim Horton’s was actually a burger joint right here in North Bay. You can find them here.
- The Block Public House: A local eatery featuring farm-to-table dishes in a historic downtown building. The Block’s funky, rustic-modern atmosphere made me feel right at home, and they have one of the best steak menus in North Bay. You can check out their menu here.
North Bay Craft Breweries
- Gateway City Brewery: Founded by three North Bay friends with a passion for craft beer and community, Gateway City Brewery offers a variety of approachable beers and hard seltzers. The brewhouse has a cool industrial vibe that’s bright, airy, and casual. Check out their current beer list here.
Where To Stay In North Bay, Ontario
North Bay offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveler, from familiar brands to unique local stays. Here are a few highlights:
- Homewood Suites by Hilton North Bay: This reliable option offers spacious suites, perfect for families or extended stays. You can expect all the comforts of home with the added convenience of hotel amenities. You can check out their current rates and availability here.
- Comfort Inn Suites: This downtown hotel features suites with comfortable amenities and easy access to the best things to do in the North Bay. You can find their current rates and availability here.
- Skeena River House: This fully furnished lakehouse is perfect for the whole family. It’s riverside location is incredible, and it’s less than a kilometer from the airport. You can check out their rates and availability here.
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