Jeff McGirr, Author at Tourism North Bay

NORTH BAY POWERBOATING GUIDE

Jeff McGirr — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:04:36 +0000

Over the last decade, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring what I would call one of the best boating areas of Ontario, we’re truly blessed in this province to have so many freshwater marine opportunities surrounding us but its extra special when you find a place that truly does have it all. This place is North Bay, Ontario and what makes it extra special is the fact that this stunning sunset city is wedged between two stunning lakes, Lake Nipissing, and Trout Lake. So, step aboard and let me take you on a written descriptive tour of the North Bay Powerboating experience so that you have all the information you need to get out on the water!

This is the official guide to powerboating in North Bay!

Geography & History

First and foremost, let’s start with some very special Geography and History recap of this area. The city of North Bay is memorable in terms of watershed dynamics as Lake Nipissing flows west through the French and Pickerel Rivers into Georgian Bay/Lake Huron while Trout Lake flows east through the Mattawa River into the Ottawa River and because of this division of watersheds, this special specimen of land was also a historic exploration trade portage landmark known as the La Vase Portage which is comprised of three portages to transfer between lakes – this route was used thousands of years ago by First Nations and Voyageurs but today is commonly used by paddle – canoe – kayak enthusiasts.

Historic Map of La Vase Portages – photo courtesy of Friends of La Vase Portages

Lake Nipissing

Lake Nipissing has a long and fascinating history which makes it an extraordinary boating experience. It is the fifth-largest lake in the province and covers an area of approximately 873 square kilometers (337 square miles). The lake has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The Anishinaabe people, including the Nipissing First Nation, have lived in the region for generations and continue to have a strong presence in the area.

European explorers first arrived in the 17th century, with French fur traders and missionaries establishing trade routes and missions in the region. Lake Nipissing played a crucial role in the fur trade as a transportation route connecting the interior of North America to the St. Lawrence River.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, logging became an important industry in the Lake Nipissing region. Timber was harvested from the surrounding forests and transported via the lake to sawmills. There was even a mine on the lake at one point and you can read more about that here in local legend Backroads Bill Steers article Newman mine.

Today you will find that North Bay is a vibrant city that offers a full-service marina as well as various maintained boat launches to access Lake Nipissing. The municipally operated sheltered marina offers docking facilities for both short-term and long-term stays, providing secure mooring options for boats of various sizes. The marina offers a range of amenities and services including in-water fuel services, pump-out services, washrooms and showers, parking, and of course secure gated access to the docks. From the marina, you can easily walk to Downtown North Bay indulging in the many restaurants and shops, or simply just stroll on over to the landmark “The Boat” for a snack or refreshment.

North Bay Waterfront & Marina

Lake Nipissing is a fantastic lake for recreational boating including watersports, exploration, and of course world-class fishing. The waters are known to warm up quite nicely in the summer as much of the lake is relatively shallow (20-30ft on the North Bay east side), with the vast size of the lake you must respect that conditions can change quickly when the weather rolls in or the wind picks up mid-afternoon and thus diligence is required, I also highly recommend the use of navigational maps on your boats display or app on your phone as many shoals exist throughout the lake. With proper planning on this big water, you will enjoy countless hours of fun with your family and friends, I’ve detailed below five of my favorite boating outings from North Bay for you to enjoy!

Beach day at Great Manitou Island – photo credit: Jeff McGirr

My Top 5 Lake Nipissing Boating Trips:

Manitou Islands: Located 7km from the North Bay Marina, the Manitou Islands are a group of small islands known for their stunning natural scenery. Boaters can anchor their boats and enjoy swimming, picnicking, or playing on the stunning white sand beach.
West Arm: The West Arm of Lake Nipissing is renowned for its tranquil beauty and abundant fishing opportunities. It is a popular spot for anglers looking to catch species such as walleye, northern pike, and bass. The scenic shoreline and calm waters make it an excellent place for boating and exploring.
Callander Bay: Situated on the southern edge of Lake Nipissing, Callander Bay offers picturesque views and calm waters. It’s known for great fishing opportunities as well as a newly constructed lighthouse that’s worth a look.
Sturgeon Falls: Located northwestern of North Bay, boating up the Sturgeon River is a special experience as you transition from the big open waters into a riverboat cruise, at the end you will find a marina with fuel and Twiggs for a snack.
The French River: If you have the weather on your side and the power to make it across from North Bay its 30km (17 nautical miles) to the mouth of the French River, from here you can explore countless bays and passes, rugged Canadian shield topography, beautiful boat access only cottages and deep water.

For those without access to their own boat or who are unsure about being the captain consider singing up to be a skipper on the legendary Chief Commanda II which is docked at the North Bay Waterfront at the end of the pier in the Marina!

Cruise Lake Nipissing on the Chief Commanda II – photo credit: Jeff McGirr

Trout Lake

Trout Lake is a significant and picturesque lake located in North Bay, Ontario, and is one of my favorite lakes to spend the day boating on. The Lake holds both recreational and ecological importance and serves as a prominent feature within the city of North Bay as it covers an area of approximately 17 square kilometers (6.6 square miles). The maximum depth of Trout Lake reaches a stunning 100 meters (330 feet). The depth contributes to the clarity and quality of the lake’s water, which is known for its excellent visibility. These deep and clear waters are home to landlocked Atlantic Salmon which naturally produce in Four Mile Creek, other species of fish include Lake Trout, Large & Smallmouth Bass, Musky, Pike, Walleye, and various pan or bait fish.

The picturesque Trout Lake is perfect for boating – photo credit: Jeff McGirr

Trout Lake is dotted with beautiful homes and cottages within the bays and passes making for scenic boating experiences, popular on the lake is Camp Island which has a rich history of its own. Today the island is managed by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority and is a popular spot for relaxing and camping, the southeast side of the island has a massive sandbar and beach along with a quiet cove that is known as an unofficial meeting place for recreational boaters on sunny days, this sandbar is a fantastic place for families and young children as the water, for the most part, is less than knee deep near shore.

The large sandbar at Camp Island – photo credit: Jeff McGirr

Average Joes Restaurant located directly on Trout Lake also holds the annual Boatapalooza on-water concert where boaters gather to enjoy live music that is played from the dock, the restaurant also will deliver food directly to your boat, home, or cottage by personal watercraft.

The annual Boatapalooza on-water concert hosted by Average Joes Restaurant – photo credit: Average Joes Restaurant

Trout Lake is extra special as connects urban North Bay with wild Northern Ontario and by boating on this lake you have the ability to get it away from it all by heading east down the lake along a very historic route that is part of the Mattawa River, this route will take you into Turtle Lake which is a relatively small lake but very peaceful with only one heritage cottage on the lake. It’s of special note that boating from Trout Lake to Turtle Lake is a feast for the eyes, the rugged landscape of Canadian shield mixed with massive white pines is a natural work of art, if you’ve never experienced boating from Trout in Turtle it’s a must-do, however, do use caution as well as a navigational chart aid as there are rocks and shoals present so you must know where you are going. I’ve detailed below five of my favorite day-trip Trout Lake itineraries.

Heading into Turtle Lake from Trout Lake – photo credit: Jeff McGirr

My Top 5 Trout Lake Boating Trips:

Camp Island, head out onto the lake for a nice cruise then find your way to Camp Island for a relaxing afternoon on the sandbar, make sure to pack a picnic.
Four Mile Bay, it’s always special to trim up and head through the shallow channel into Four Mile Bay, an opportunity to gaze up to the North at the massive escarpment.
Did you know the hit TV show “The Lake” was filmed on Trout Lake, head to the south side of the lake approximately halfway down and see if you can spot a few landmarks?
To Turtle Lake, as noted this is a must-do trip that is old as time but never gets old, in fact, I think I visit every time I hit the waters of Trout Lake – take note of the plaque in the pass between.
Average Joes, The Portage, or The Green Store – if you’re hungry for great eats or just want to treat the family to a delicious ice cream cone then dock the boat and spend some time on dry land, the cuisine is fabulous.

On Water Fuel

Lake Nipissing North Bay Marina

Lake Nipissing Hunters Bay Marina

Lake Nipissing Fish Bay Marina

Lake Nipissing Minnehaha Bay Sturgeon Falls

Trout Lake Trapper Joes Live Bait

North Bay Area Lake Nipissing Powerboat Launches

North Bay Marina
Sunset Park Boat Launch
Champlain Park Boat Launch
Callander Bay Boat Launch

North Bay Area Trout Lake Powerboat Launches

Trout Lake Boat Launch at Olmsted Beach
Macpherson Drive Boat Launch
Trappers Joes Live Bait Launch
Peninsula Road Boat Launch

We look forward to seeing you out on the water in North Bay!

The post NORTH BAY POWERBOATING GUIDE appeared first on Tourism North Bay.

North Bay Powersports Guide

Jeff McGirr — Wed, 31 May 2023 16:06:00 +0000

Imagine a place that embraced off-roading and snowmobiling so much that no matter which direction you looked you would find riding opportunities! Did you know a place like this exists? Do you dream about off-road 4×4 adventures, and two-wheel trails nestled within mega terrain and stunning forests? Or perhaps snowmobile heavens of interconnected trails, deep abundant snow, and ride-to-your-door services? You may think to reach such an amazing place you would have to drive dozens of hours, but the reality is North Bay is just 4 hours from Toronto & Ottawa and less than 6 hours from major USA-Ontario border crossings. I’m going to share with you key details on why this area is one of the best off-road and snowmobile destinations in the world. I’ve prepared this North Bay area guide to provide you with the resources to ensure that you have the most incredible experience.

Voyaguer Multi-Use Trail System – photo credit: Rob Simpson

Off-Road Trails

The topography in the region leads itself to naturally create some of the best off-road riding adventures, this diverse terrain formed by glacier activity thousands of years ago mixes rock, gravel, sand, loams, and soils creating the perfect mix of terra-firm a for powersports adventures. Atop the landscape, you will be within the Great Lakes St Lawrence Forest which boasts an abundance of multifarious vegetation, be sure to check out the video I filmed below of the stunning fall colours that this forest produces each fall. There’s a bounty of riding opportunities in all directions, offering great adventures no matter your method of transportation. To get you started I’ve provided a synopsis of the best and easiest to access off-road destinations in the area.

Off Road Trails – credit: Jeff McGirr

The Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System is located just a few minutes east of North Bay within the foothills of the Laurentian Mountain range. Here you will find 300km’s of signed, mapped, and marked off-road multi-use trails. This trail system boasts varied terrain for all experience levels and vehicle types such as ATV, SXS, Off-Road or Adventure Motorcycle, and even 4×4 Trucks and Jeeps. Within the trail system, you can expect to find several unique points of interest including the historic Purdy Mica Mine which dates back to the 1940s, majestic lookouts including the scenic Redbridge Lookout, and Birds Eye View as well as crystal clear lakes. The trail system can be accessed via a few different points, including via Songis Road by Camp Conewango as well as three separate points to the north of the town of Mattawa off of Highway 533.

In addition to the extension and best-in-class VMUTS trail system opportunities exist for off-road explorers to venture onto an abundance of crown land trails in the area, of popular note are two locations, the first being south of Bonfield and east of Powassan in Boulter Township and the 2nd being just north of the city at Sand Dam Road, in both locations you will find an abundance of exploration opportunities on unmaintained old colonization and logging roads, remote backcountry lakes and even mythological sites.

Snowmobile Trails

You can ride anywhere from here, it’s one of the reasons why the North Bay area is such a great place to snowmobile. Trails in the immediate area offer great diversity combining twisting forest trails with plenty of elevation change, wide open utility corridors that lead to extensive vistas, scenic lake runs accordingly marked, and even self-guided snow tours that take in unique points of interest that offer learnings from a local legend. It’s common for the area to have one of the longest snowmobile seasons in the province, sometimes stretching from December into April, this extensive season allows for local clubs to build an ample base providing some of the best quality trails you will find anywhere. To get you started I’ve provided key sledder resources so that you’re in the know.

Snowmobile Trails – photo credit: Virgil Knapp

The Near North Trail Association along with its immediately local member clubs the North Bay Snowmobile Club, South Shore Snowmobile Club, maintain some of the world’s greatest snowmobile trails that connect directly to the city of North Bay. Popular in the area are three world-renowned snowmobile tours including the Ride Around Algonquin Park (RAP) tour, the Ride Around Nipissing Tour (RAN) and the Explores Snow Tour. North Bay is a popular destination to ride out of for day trips as you can ride in all directions and access thousands of kilometers of maintained snowmobile trails. While riding the trails in the area it’s common to see an abundance of wildlife including moose and deer and even occasionally the evasive lynx. The area is also a great choice to base when heading even further north as the main provincial TOP A and TOP D trails run right through North Bay.

Area hotels and motels are snowmobile friendly, with many offering secure snowmobile lock-up parking, plenty of room for trucks & trailers, and easy access to fuel, restaurants, and most importantly direct trail ride from your door access.

North Bay – Rider Resources

10 Area Top Point of Interest Stops

Off-road / snowmobile / Adventure MC – Mica Mine 46.317416, -78.905728

Off-road / Snowmobile / Adventure MC – Redbridge Lookout 46.401639, -79.161238

Off-Road / Snowmobile / Adventure MC – Birds Eye View 46.318560, -78.804983

Off-Road / Snowmobile / Adventure MC – The Blue Sea 46.17551, -79.11488

Off-Road / Snowmobile / Adventure Motorcycle – Big Joe Mufferaw 46.320162, -78.709209

Off-Road/ Snowmobile / Adventure Motorcycle – Boulter View 46.140820, -79.111012

Off-Road/ Snowmobile / Adventure Motorcycle – Pioneer Spring 46.126350, -79.083688

Off-Road/ Snowmobile / Adventure Motorcycle – Kearney Lake 46.33187, -78.87179

Off-Road/ Snowmobile / Adventure Motorcycle – Little Clear Lake 46.14207, -79.05955

Off-Road/ Snowmobile / Adventure Motorcycle – Devils Canyon 46.140508, -79.129688

Off-road powersports recreation comes with inherited risks and responsibilities that you must assume. We’ve added this disclaimer to this article to inform you and remind you to check with local authorities before you venture out verifying where you can ride and where you cannot. The content in this article is relevant only at the time of publishing and the reader assumes all responsibility and liability. This article is for reference purposes only.