North Bay is recognized as the Gateway to the North. Incorporated as a city in August 1925, North Bay is located at the junction of Highway 11 and the TransCanada Highway 17. The hub of Ontario's Near North, North Bay has a population of more than 52, 000 and offers a quality of life that is treasured by residents. North Bay is a growing city nestled between two magnificent lakes - Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake.

    North Bay offers Lake Nipissing a large shallow lake with its numerous sandy beached, windswept pines, secret inlets, beautiful bays and vivid island. One group in particular called the Manitou's - a group of islands some claim are watched over by native spirits. Trout Lake, the deep, Northern Lake is just the thing for canoeing, water skiing, or snagging small and large mouth bass. North Bay also offers great hiking and walking trails with breath taking views of both Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, bustling streets downtown Main Street with unique stores and shops, an amazing board walk with a stunning view, several historic museum galleries and theatre groups, plenty of restaurants ranging from fast food to fine dinning and several hotels, motels and lakeside cottages to accommodate visitors.

    In addition to the natural attraction of the area, North Bay also has a number of festivals, parades, special occasions and activities that take place throughout the summer months.

    Below are several descriptions and links for things to do and see in North Bay.

North Bay Activities

Cross Country Skiing - North Bay Nordic
    Located fifteen minutes from North Bay's city centre on Northshore Road. The club offers 50 kms of groomed and track-set classical and skate-skiing trails, from novice to advanced, weaving through scenic hardwood bush above Trout Lake. The innermost trails are lighted for night skiing. Enjoy the nature interpretive sites on four trails with many opportunities for wildlife viewing.
For more information, please call (705) 495-0332 or visit www.northbaynordic.ca

Summer in The Park
    Summer The Park is a three free day event for  the whole family. Performances from last year included: Dan the Music Man, Jonathan Circus, Pop Superstars featuring tribute performs to Shakira, Shaggy, Hannah Montana, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Beyonce and Avril Lavinge, Shania's Twin a tribute to Shania Twain and Hotel California a tribute to the Eagles. Local bands will also be playing throughout the event. Activities included: Tiger Paw Exotics and Exotic Critter Tales Petting Zoo, World's Finest Shows Midway, Annual Baby Parade, Kiwanis Million Dollar Hole in One, Children's Inflatable Land and Play soccer. Food and product vendors were on hand as well as 10 local community groups with displays and performances.
For more information, please call (705) 474-0626 or visit www.northbaysummerinthepark.ca

Heritage Railway
    Heritage Railway mini riders will experience an old fashioned train ride, where the conductor will even punch their ticket. Since 1994, the mini train has been a popular attraction for young and old. This attraction averages more then 36, 000 passengers per year and visitors have come from countries around the world. The railway is located on Memorial Drive along the cities waterfront.
For more information, please visit www.city.north-bay.ca

Take a cruise on The Chief Commanda II
    A cruise on the Chief Commanda II gives residents and visitors a chance to check out North Bay from a different perspective. The 300 passenger boat is designed for cruising Northern waters. It is the first all-aluminum twin-hulled vessel with three decks in Canada. The main and second deck areas are enclosed with outside viewing areas. The third deck is open with sitting and standing room, where passengers can enjoy the sunshine and beautiful sunsets. The chief offers a new dimension in luxury and service with its heated decks, comfortable seating, food and refreshment services, two bars and knowledgeable commentators who explain the history and points of interest throughout the cruise.
For more information, please call (705) 494-8167 or toll free at 1-866-660-6686 or visit www.georgianbaycruise.com/chiefhome.html

Heritage North Bay Museum
    Since 1937 the North Bay area Museum has been the local voice of heritage preservation and education. Be sure to make plans to visit! Come in and enjoy exhibits, browse the Museum Shop for a unique gift or call ahead to arrange some research time in the museum archives.
Please visit www.discoverynorthbay.com

The Waterfront
    When people in North Bay want to show off the city, they usually start with the magnificent Waterfront. This area has become the flagship attractions of North Bay and rightly so! In a time when there is too much hustle and bustle in our lives, the Waterfront offers a break to thousands of people who frequent the area on a regular basis. As each summer unfolds, more and more people are using the Waterfront area for a wide variety of purposes; some of which include swimming, boating, fishing, rollerblading or just plain relaxing while watching a beautiful Lake Nipissing sunset.
Please visit www.city.north-bay.on.ca

Duchesnay Falls Trail
    Hiking trails located by the beautiful Duchesnay Falls on Highway 17, just west of North Bay. The trails are easy to follow and connect to the trails behind Nipissing University and Canadore College.
For more information, please visit www.start.ca/users/mharris/waterfalls/duchesnay-falls--west-.html

Shopping Malls & Plazas
    For more information on shopping in North Bay, please visit www.city.north-bay.on.ca
    For more information and a list of area businesses, please visit www.city.north-bay.on.ca

Places to stay in North Bay: