OFFICIAL VISITORS’ GUIDE ONTARIO, CANADA Truly northern experiences for over 100 years. Aanin / Hello: On behalf of the Nipissing First Nation Council and community, I would like to welcome you to our traditional territory. The Nipissing (or Nbisiing) people have lived in the area of Lake Nipissing since time immemorial. Nbisiing means “little water” and was likely a comparison to the larger Great Lakes to the west and south. Historically, the Nipissings were traders due to Lake Nipissing’s ideal central location at the junction of the trade routes. Today, Nipissing First Nation is a progressive, culturally strong and self-governing Nation with a diverse economy. We remain proud stewards of our lands and waters, and hope you enjoy exploring the beautiful surroundings during your stay. Bi-biingeyok maa Nbisiing / Welcome to Nipissing First Nation. Chief Scott McLeod On behalf of myself, North Bay City Councillors and the citizens, I would like to welcome you to the city of North Bay. It is our hope that you will find our city a beautiful and relaxing place to visit; that you make new friends and memories; and, that you avail yourself of the amenities it has to offer. We are delighted that you will be spending time in the city of North Bay and, whether it be business or pleasure, we hope that you take some time from your scheduled plans to enjoy the City’s pleasant sights and Northern hospitality. We hope you enjoy your stay and we look forward to having you visit us again soon! Yours In Hospitality, Al McDonald Mayor, City of North Bay By land or air, North Bay couldn’t be more accessible. If you’re traveling from Southern Ontario, Québec, or even the United States, major highways make driving quick and easy. Prefer the convenience of air travel? Fly into Jack Garland Airport whether you’re coming from Toronto for the day, or are an international visitor. North Bay e On the Water 1 Trail Life 5 Food and Drink 9 Festivals and Events 11 A True North Winter 13 Things to See and Do 17 The Wild Side 21 On Location 23 Where to Stay 25 Cover photo courtesy of Tamas Pal All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. The Tourism North Bay Official Visitors’ Guide makes every effort to ensure accuracy of the information published but cannot be held responsible for the information provided herein. The information and services contained in this book are offered to you as a matter of interest and are believed to be correct and accurate at the time of printing. Tourism North Bay accepts no liability for errors or omissions. YYB Jack Garland Airport Located directly along the TransCanada Highway, visitors to North Bay will experience a true northern welcome! Nestled between the picturesque shores of Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, North Bay offers waterfront vistas, a thriving downtown scene, and endless nature and outdoors opportunities. Laurentian Ski Hill Canadore College and Nipissing University Memorial Gardens Olmstead Beach Duchesnay Falls The Cove Kinsman Beach Chief Commanda II Cruise Pete Palangio Arena Heritage Railway & Carousel Ontario Northland Marathon Beach / Boat Launch Bus Station Discovery North Bay Museum Northgate Shopping Centre Capitol Centre City Transit Station North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce Amelia Beach West Ferris Arena North Bay Mall Steve Omischl Sports Complex Silver Beach Sunset Beach Champlain Beach / Boat Launch Chief Commanda II True No th Attractions - P A R T N E R - We make the most out of life on the lakes. North Bay Marina One of the largest lakes in Ontario, Lake Nipissing has major appeal as both a recreational destination and a world-class sport fishery in all four seasons. The home of the Manitou Islands and the source of the French River, you’ll fall in love with Lake Nipissing its gentle sand bars and rugged islands. Rent a vessel for the day, or moor your own—the 270-slip Liam Quinn North Bay Waterfront Marina is the perfect launch pad for your boat touring explorations. Or experience the sights of Lake Nipissing from the deck of the Chief Commanda II, a 320-passenger twin hull vessel designed especially for cruising our northern waters. Sunset Point on Lake Nipissing Trace historic trading routes and waterways. We’ve told you about Lake Nipissing, but don’t forget about the smaller, but charming Trout Lake. Tucked into the Canadian Shield and boreal forest, this historic lake is one of North Bay’s best kept secrets. The source of the Mattawa River, the voyageurs knew all about Trout Lake, and traversed it on their passage Michael Zhou along historic fur-trading routes. Does their story strike a chord? You can trace their routes and paddle these ancient waterways too. True No th Travelodge Lakeshore Accommodations - P A R T N E R - The Travelodge North Bay Lakeshore is situated directly across from beautiful Lake Nipissing and only 718 Lakeshore Drive minutes from downtown North Bay. Guests will enjoy (705) 472-7171 comfortable rooms, free high-speed internet and a 1-866-578-7171 complimentary full hot breakfast. travelodgenorthbay.com Kayaking on Trout Lake Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corp. Duchesnay Falls Access to over 1,000 km of walking, riding and rolling. It’s impossible to have a true North Bay getaway without experiencing some of the awesome outdoors opportunities available. Hikers and bikers, inline skaters and runners— Kate Pace Way all are welcome on the City’s extensive trail systems. No matter the season, the Duchesnay Falls Trails provides excellent photo opportunities and a well maintained dirt trail surface suitable for visitors of all skill levels. Connecting the downtown core, take advantage of the paved, multi-use Kate Pace Way, named after North Bay native and Olympic skier Kate Pace. True No th Comfort Inn Airport Accommodations - P A R T N E R - The Comfort Inn Airport is located on Highways 11 & 17 & O’Brien St. and is close to many of North Bay’s attractions, including 1200 O’Brien Street Laurentian Ski Hill, the Northgate Shopping Centre and many 705-476-5400 popular restaurants. Enjoy our newly renovated guest rooms and 1-844-682-6145 a delicious hot buffet in our large eat in breakfast area. choicehotels.ca/cn282 They’re calling for perfect sledding, skiing & snowshoeing conditions. North Bay is a must-stop destination on the Ontario North Bay Nordic Ski Club Laure Larocque Federation of Snowmobile Club’s 412 km Ride Around Nipissing (RAN) Snowtour. Riders will love tundra-like views of Lake Nipissing, fresh powder, and major-city amenities at the end of a perfect day’s ride in northern Ontario. If skis or snowshoes are your ‘vehicles’ of choice, you’ll be pleased by the variety of well-marked winter trails, clubs and rental options to choose from without leaving city limits. Check out the brand new trail maps from the North Bay Snowmobilers Club. You’ll get the scoop on parking, gas and lodging AND it’s free to use on your tablet or mobile device! nbsc.ca Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corp. Lake Temiskaming Tour Beginning in North Bay, the Lake Temiskaming Tour is a breathtaking loop through some of Northeastern Ontario’s most beautiful scenery punctuated by spectacular natural features and historical highlights. Ride on, ride on! northeasternontario.com/ride-the-north/ lake-temiskaming-tour/ Ontario Tourism Goh Iromoto Cradled between Lake Nipissing and a 70 metre escarpment, North Bay has an excellent urban trail system for hikers, cyclists, in-line skaters and joggers. In and around the city, the trails include paved pathways, level walkways and rugged nature trails. Winter is no exception, with quality cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. discoveryroutes.ca Make sure to pack your inner-foodie when you come. Our city is no stranger to the culinary scene, and has plenty to offer the hungry traveller. From Feast on the Farm to the downtown farmer’s market, we like our food to be local and fresh! White Owl Bistro Foodies will also enjoy seeking out locally-produced offerings, from the farm-to-table dishes served at the White Owl Bistro to the beers crafted at New Ontario Brewing Co. You may have a tough time answering that age-old question, “What’s for dinner?” Cultura at Churchill’s The Miner’s Son North Bay Farmer’s Market Snowbirds at Armed Forces Day Airshow Summer in the Park Northerners love a good celebration, and you’re invited! From spring maple syrup festivals to late summer Ribfest, you’ll find food and hospitality at North Bay’s many festivals and special events. Come out and support the Armed Forces on Armed Forces Day and cheer them on as they put on a show! And make sure you take in the Summer in the Park Festival featuring a live musical lineup. Bring the kids to a fall fair, or enjoy many of the year round stage events grown right here in the north. Kathryn Bourque True No th Comfort Inn Lakeshore Accommodations - P A R T N E R - This newly renovated Comfort Inn is conveniently located within North Bay and close to outdoor recreational activities. 676 Lakeshore Drive Our spacious guest rooms come equipped with all amenities, 705-494-9444 making this the perfect place to stay whether you’re travelling 1-844-497-3446 for business or leisure. Choicehotels.com/cn301 Le Carnival celebrations Hunker down for the winter? Nah... there’s too much to do outside! It’s true. Winter may bring the shortest days of the year, but our city knows how to get outside and embrace it with open arms! It’s who we are.