Affectionately called “The Gateway to the North”, North Bay is an outdoor adventure lovers paradise. It’s been home of some truly northern experiences since 1884 – but did you now it is also home to a vibrant, diverse and continuously evolving food scene? With the North Bay Farmer’s Market at it’s heart, the scene is made richer by an ever growing community of newcomers from around the world. Locally sourced products like maple syrup, haskap berries and even bison collide with diverse cultural traditions and a Northern pride not seen elsewhere.
There’s also a thriving art scene in the downtown core. Galleries, cafes and vintage shops share street fronts with public art works. It makes for a pretty lovely weekend!
Need some inspiration? We’ve created this itinerary for all you culturati! Start by touring the downtown art galleries, museums & gardens, then visit some of the diverse restaurants that make North Bay so unique.
DAY ONE
Arrive in North Bay in the early evening and check into the Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham North Bay. From here, you’ll be within easy walking distance to much of the city’s street art, galleries and restaurants.
For dinner, head to Greco’s Pizza (344 Algonquin Ave, North Bay, ON). What started as a bakery in 1913 has become one of North Bay’s beloved local spots – for good reason! At Greco’s Pizza, their signature pies (with a cornmeal crust) are baked directly on stone bricks and always freshly prepared. Enjoy other Italian classes including a selection of pastas with house made sauces.
If you’re looking for a night cap, head to Raven & Republic (246 1st Ave W, North Bay, ON). Inspired by seasonal offerings, the cocktail menu features “classics with a twist” (such as a black tea-infused Old Fashioned) and house specials such as the Wolf In The Fog, made with bourbon, vanilla, chai & cedar bitters, and cedar smoke.
DAY TWO
Start your day at Twiggs Coffee Roasters (473 Fraser St., North Bay, ON), a homegrown chain that started in 1995 when they brought a new concept to the city: a diverse selection of quality beans, roasted fresh in-house each day. Enjoy a cup with one of their delicious pastries.
Then… go on your own North Bay art crawl!
Visit the K Bros Maroosis Art Centre (232 Algonquin Ave, North Bay) to view original works from artists in Northern Ontario. Opened as a paint store by the Kripotos brothers in 1963, it evolved into a gallery with vibrant ties to the community by the 1970s, with a focus on First Nations art. Browse the works of Indigenous and other contemporary artists, and maybe pick up some supplies for your own paint night at home.
Then, stop into Gateway To the Arts (151A Main St. West, North Bay). Opened during the pandemic, this grassroots organization has quickly become a pillar for the arts community. Offering workshops, kids’ day camps, shared artist workspaces and a large, bright storefront and gallery, it’s also home base for the Gateway to Diversity Festival which has featured giant puppets, poetry slams, wood-burning and tea-cup painting workshops.
Time for lunch? Savour a taste of northern Mexican cuisine at Mr. Pancho (221 Algonquin Ave, North Bay, ON), owned by a couple who moved to North Bay from the region of Sinaloa. Everything is made in-house, with produce sourced from local farmers going into their tasty salsas. Opt for hard or soft tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, or a combination platter with slow-cooked cochinita pibil, a pulled pork specialty.
Continue on your artistic adventure at the North Bay Museum (100 Ferguson St, North Bay, ON). Located in the historic Canadian Pacific Railway station, the North Bay Museum aims to inspire the discovery of the people and places of North Bay’s past and present through interactive programming and exhibits.
If travelling mid-week, also stop by… The WKP Kennedy Gallery (150 Main St E, North Bay, ON). Founded in 1987, the WKP Kennedy Gallery is a non-profit public art space (housed in the Capitol Centre) that’s free to visit year-round. The gallery features touring exhibits, artist showcases, special events, and opportunities to buy local art. Don’t miss the colourful works in their permanent collection. Closed on weekends.
By mid-afternoon, it’ll be time to shop local on Main Street. Start at FARM: Fashion Art Retail Market (154 Main St. West), featuring handcrafted works from emerging and established designers. Browse through thoughtfully curated collections of clothing, jewellery, housewares, and stationary. Next, visit Antiques at Deegan’s (174 Main St. West), tucked in the back of Deegan’s Shoes. Search for hidden treasures among six rooms filled with furniture, books, paintings, linens, tools, china and more. Then, head into Autumn Records (429 Main St. East), offering vinyl records and accessories for the casual listener to serious collector. Owned by a vintage vinyl enthusiast, there’s sure to be a hidden gem among the stacks.
If you have time, explore the Downtown North Bay and Waterfront Public Artworks. Head back towards upper Main St. on a colourful public art crawl. Find 8 murals and 12 traffic boxes painted by local artists, commissioned by the Downtown North Bay BIA in partnership with the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC).
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, pop into Dave’s Green Papaya (652 Fraser St., North Bay, ON). Enjoy a casual, relaxed dinner at this family-owned restaurant serving pan-Asian cuisines in a homey setting. Opt for char-grilled mains (try their lemongrass chicken!) or a selection of Thai curries and noodles (their specialty). Local tip: arrive before 7pm to get a table!
If theatre is your jam, skip dessert to take in a show at the Capitol Centre (150 Main St. East, North Bay, ON). A must-visit in North Bay, the Capitol Centre has long been an anchor for the city’s arts and culture scene. Opened in 1929 as a Famous Players theatre, it also served as the offices of Roy Thomson, who started his media empire by opening Northern Ontario’s first radio station in 1931.
DAY THREE
The next morning, enjoy a classic breakfast spread (or opt for their famous Breakfast Poutine) at Ivan’s Restaurant (1867 O’Brien Street, North Bay, ON), first opened in 1945 as Ted’s Snack Bar. Today, Ivan’s continues to honour the time-tested traditions and recipes that have made it a long-standing destination and North Bay tradition.
