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.
This weekend-long itinerary is for the adventure lover with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities. Enjoy waterfront views, hiking/cycling trails and a quintessential Northern ranch experience while indulging at restaurants beloved by North Bay locals.
DAY ONE
Arrive in North Bay in the evening, just in time to take in a sunset view of Lake Nipissing. Then, check into the Best Western North Bay Hotel & Conference Centre.
For dinner, you’ll be heading to what might just the most quintessential North Bay restaurant: The Boat (225 Memorial Dr, North Bay, ON). The Boat is North Bay’s landmark – lakeside! – restaurant. Enjoy a classic ‘seaside’ menu on the sprawling decks overlooking the lake.
DAY TWO
Enjoy continental breakfast at Farina Ristorante in the hotel at your leisure. It opens at 7am.
Then, head for a morning walk on the Kate Pace Way. Early-birds, cyclists and runners can enjoy the leisurely, paved trail of the Kate Pace Way. This twelve kilometre pathway, named in honour of Olympic skier and native daughter Kate Pace, is a multi-use trail for walking, jogging, and cycling.
After your walk, plan to head to the Saturday North Bay Farmers Market (300 Lakeshore Dr, North Bay, ON). This award-winning farmers’ market offers some good old fashioned people watching and an opportunity to stock up your bag or cooler with treats for your picnic lunch.
OR, if travelling mid-week…
If visiting mid-week, stop into Cedar Tree Lebanese Restaurant (183 Main St E, North Bay, ON) to grab a couple Middle Eastern mezze platters to-go for your picnic. They’re closed on weekends.
Then, drive to Shields-McLaren Conservation Area (Shields Point Rd, Bonfield, ON). Informal hiking trails weave through a mixed stand forest, highlighting natural and historical points of interest. Find a spot to picnic and enjoy your morning’s market haul for lunch.
Once you’ve eaten your fill, head over to Von Doelers Ranch (1286 Von Doeler Rd, Rutherglen, ON). Enjoy a 1 hour ride through the trails or an hour in the arena learning some new skills. After your ride we will cattle sort, visit the farm animals, enjoy grooming your horses or even give roping a shot! Must be pre-booked.
Around 4:30, head back to North Bay – just in time to enjoy a flight at New Ontario Brewing Co. (1401 Seymour St, North Bay, ON). Treat yourself to a tasting flight! Depending on the weekend, there may be live music to enjoy at this proudly North Bay brewery. There’s also usually a food truck or two parked out front to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Now that you’ve satisfied your thirst, head for dinner to Arugula. This authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria offers up perfectly blistered pies. Get snacky with treats like warm mixed olives with smoked sausage or Italian fries, then enjoy one of their blistered crust pizzas. Seatings available until 8pm.
Optional: Take in a cocktail or two at Raven & Republic before tucking yourself in at the Best Western North Bay.
DAY THREE
If you’re an early bird, head to Twigg Coffee Roasters (473 Fraser St, North Bay, ON) for a cup of joe. This beloved local coffee shop has multiple locations serving up fresh cups of coffee and baked goods. Looking to satisfy a morning sweet tooth? Grab a famous North Bay crueller at Good Glaze Doughnuts around the corner.
Then, spend the morning meandering along the Waterfront along the Kinsman Trail (Bunyan St, North Bay, ON). If you brought your bike, definitely do this one on two wheels before hitting the road home.
Before heading home, satisfied, stop into the 1886 Lakehouse (392 MAIN STREET SOUTH, CALLANDER, ON). Against the backdrop of Lake Nipissing, 1886 is a casual cottage bistro with black & white photos, hand-crafted butcher block tables and barn board accents. 1886 is a restaurant for hiking and cycling enthusiasts.
