Pop Up Picnic

During summer, as part of Taste The Bay, six local restaurants have curated a special picnic for you to enjoy the outdoors in North Bay. So, whether you choose one of the six great picnic spots detailed below or select one of your own, make sure you to check out these Pop up Picnic special to your day and enjoy beautiful North Bay outdoors.

Kiwanis Bandshell

Picnicking at the Kiwanis Bandshell (map location) is is a perfect way to soak up the vibrant summer atmosphere. Nestled along the city’s scenic waterfront—located just next to Shabogesic Beach, the kids’ playground and the Kings Landing Pier—the bandshell comes alive with the free Summer Concert Series and Arts and Culture Nights that showcase local talent and touring performers. Bring a blanket, pack your favourite snacks, or grab some takeout from one of the nearby downtown eateries, and settle in for an evening of live music under the open sky. With children happily playing at the playground, the sun setting over Lake Nipissing, and the sound of music drifting across the lawn, it’s a quintessential North Bay summer experience that’s both relaxing and community‑driven. There’s plenty of free parking available along Memorial Drive, providing easy and direct access to this area.

Goulet’s Golden Mile

Just next door to the Kiwanis Bandshell is the Goulet Golden Mile (map location) named after former North Bay Mayor Bruce Goulet and often listed as the “Best place to view a sunset in the city”. The Goulet Golden Mile is a beautiful stretch of beach and green space that is meant to be enjoyed by all. The catalyst for lakefront development, Goulet Mile is derived from Mayor Goulet’s vision and has turned into one of the most aesthetic parts of North Bay, thus making it the one of the best spots in the city for your next picnic.  The Goulet Mile is a perfect combination of beaches, green space and gardens as far as the eye can see.  You can stroll around and sprawl out in the sun or the shade with your picnic blanket as the lake breeze blows over you. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the area as well as park benches to sit, relax and catch a glimpse of a breathtaking sunset over Lake Nipissing.   Several free parking lots line Memorial Drive and connect directly to this area, multi-use pathways and interlock walkways.

Champlain Park

It’s hard to beat Champlain Park (map location) as the best picnic spot in North Bay when it comes to comfort and views. Bring your basket, but don’t forget your swimming stuff too! One of the best locations to enter Lake Nipissing, Champlain Park is a perfect place to picnic. Go in the day and you can take advantage of a playground, swimming access, and plenty of room to roam all while admiring the beautiful view. There is space in the sun or space in the shade depending on which you prefer. Got a furry friend? Champlain Park also has a dog park where your pup can run and play while you lounge the day away. You may even want to stick around into the evening and witness a classic Lake Nipissing sunset with one of the prettiest views you will ever see. Located at the mouth of the historic LaVase River, this picnic spot blends comfort, aesthetics, and history. Check out this notable picnic spot at the south end of Premier Road.

Sunset Park

Aptly named, Sunset Park (map location) is a perfect place to settle in for your picnic. This beautiful and more secluded area offers lots of trees for shade, access to Lake Nipissing for swimming, free parking, and place for a post-meal stroll. Sunset Park is full of green space, paved pathways, benches, and tables to suit your picnic needs. Whether you prefer sun, shade, or a little of both, we’re confident you can find it all at Sunset Park. You can also find a water refill station in addition to bath/change rooms, so be sure to pack your swim gear and beach toys.  You can also bring the kids and they can play on the nearby playground for more endless, summer fun. To access Sunset Park, make your way down Sunset Blvd. and start searching for the perfect spot to set up.

Airport Lookout

Picnic with a view at the Airport Lookout (map location).  Perfectly located at the top of Airport Hill Road, you will find a few benches with a terrific view looking out over the Laurentian Escarpment, beyond the city and straight towards the vast body of water that is Lake Nipissing. This spot is beautiful to enjoy year-round, whether you want green, summer foliage and shade, or beautiful and vibrant fall colours.

“The Cove”

Listed last but not least, the Birchaven Cove (map location) is a cozy, quiet spot to take your next picnic.  Nature lovers will appreciate the serene beauty of this beach area as it is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a peaceful and scenic backdrop for a leisurely afternoon or evening.  Restrooms and changing facilities are conveniently located nearby, making it easy to freshen up after a day of fun in the sun.   “The Cove” as the locals call it is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities.  Follow Lakeside Drive to the free on-site parking then proceed a few steps down to the beach to find your perfect picnic spot.

With so many great outdoor spots in North Bay to choose from, there is no bad location, especially when it is paired with one of the tasty downtown restaurants! Whether you choose one of the 6 listed above or explore and find your new favorite spot, pack your basket and have fun and enjoy the outdoors!

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One of the newest attractions in the city of 50,000 people located just three hours north of Ontario’s capital city of Toronto, Cascades features 300 slots, six table games and ten virtual tables. But it’s everything surrounding the gaming that makes this experience truly unique to North Bay.  

“We source all our food and beverage locally and create our menu items based on that,” says Director, Communications and Public Affairs Rob Mitchell.  

“We promote local craft breweries and all the entertainment we have are local artists.”  

The MATCH Eatery and Public House restaurant is quickly becoming a staple in the culinary scene in North Bay.  

With a state-of-the-art kitchen, Chef Steve Strom is creating what he calls “the best overall menu” in North Bay. 

“I make my own ponzu (a Japanese dipping sauce) that has all kinds of stuff in it. Most people buy it in a jug. We’re actually making it ourselves. We’re doing our own pizza, a pulled- beef which is being slow-braised overnight, and our own ribs, so it’s an incredible menu.” 

A menu that guests can enjoy indoors and outdoors almost year-round. 

“We have a 79-seat patio that gets sunshine all day in the summer with a cool spray mist feature that emits a breeze on guests for those warm summer days,” says Mitchell.  

“We also have outdoor fireplaces and the patio is heated, meaning we can have our patio open as soon as the weather permits and close it late into the fall season as well.” 

North Bay is known for being a four-season tourism economy and Mitchell says Cascades Casino is a part of that culture.  

Mitchell says, “In the winter you have folks coming in for the snowmobile trails, as well as ice fishing and skiing. In the summer months people are checking out Lake Nipissing, or going to their cottages and because of our location, they can do all those things as well as visiting Cascades Casino.”  

Not far from the city’s downtown, and right off Highway 11, Cascades Casino North Bay is located in the perfect spot to accommodate not just people from North Bay but also the many surrounding communities. 

“It’s a sole purpose entertainment facility which means it’s designed exclusively to provide entertainment and a unique gaming experience to our guests of all ages,” says Mitchell.  

The only age restriction in the facility is on the gaming floor and Mitchell says families can come and enjoy the patio restaurant.  

“The gaming floor sits on one side of the foyer and The MATCH Eatery and Public House restaurant is on the other so it’s very distinct and allows us to focus on entertainment. That distinguishes us from our competitors because you don’t need to gamble to enjoy yourself at Cascades Casino North Bay.” 

Whether it is the food, the gaming, the live entertainment or the big game on one of the 16 televisions in addition to a 110-inch projection tv, there is something for everyone at Cascades Casino North Bay. 

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But savoury food is just the beginning. Visitors to Ontario establishments during Ontario Garlic Week will also discover novel but delicious treats such as caramelized roast garlic butter tarts and Black Garlic Stout.

Restaurants register for free, thanks to the generous support from Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Live
Green Toronto, Maple Leaf Sports &
Entertainment, Ontario Beef,

McCormick and Pfenning’s Organic. During Ontario Garlic Week daily online contest prizes include Leafs and Raptors tickets, grill kits, spice blends and Ontario garlic.

Garlic lovers across the province will find a nearby location with the online Garlic map at www.torontogarlicfestival.ca. Also featured in the map are 200 farmers’ markets, farms and stores to buy fresh Ontario garlic.

Ontario Garlic Week runs from Friday, Oct 29 to Sunday, Nov 7, 2021 Everything you need to know about garlic: Torontogarlicfestival.ca

Facebook: Toronto Garlic Festival Twitter: @TorontoGarlic Instagram: @torontogarlicfestival #OntarioGarlicWeek

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For more info, set up interviews, get GAT
Ingrid Hamilton – 416-731-3034 – ingrid@gat.ca Macy Armstrong – 289-772-5513 – macy@gat.ca

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As we roll into October amidst a rich backdrop of delightful fall colours, thoughts of soothing comfort foods, family gatherings and crisp evenings spent around the campfire creep into our minds. If you’ve spent any length of time in the north, you’ll be quite familiar with the smell of wood burning in the evenings, the crunch of dried leaves on the trail and the brisk wind reminding you to layer up your clothing. It’s a spectacular time to be out on the trails, and the leaves are nearing their peak luminance at this time of year. Take a hike alongside Duchesnay Falls, grab your bike and head up the newly opened Three Towers Mountain Bike Trails or take a peaceful walk through the Laurier Woods Conservation Area.

October guides us gingerly from the long, hot days of summer, into the dark, chilly days of winter, and indulges our senses with an abundance of delectable sights, scents and flavour. A bounty of rich flavours characterizes the classic northern autumn feast – something that is at your fingertips if you are visiting, or lucky enough to live in northern Ontario. If you are looking for the best of the season, and desiring locally-grown ingredients, you need only to go a short distance to find them:

1. Winter Squash – If you’ve visited the North Bay Farmer’s Market lately, you’ve likely been affronted with an abundance of winter squash! The end of season harvest is in full swing, and you’re apt to find Acorn, Butternut, Delicata and Sweet Dumpling Squash, in addition to pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Whether roasted, mashed or puréed into soup, squash brings a rich, hearty flavour to a meal that soothes the soul. Try slicing up sweet dumpling squash and BBQing it with a little oil and herb seasonings for a summery side dish.Acorn Squash are fantastic when sliced and oven roasted.    

2. Cranberries – If you haven’t yet visited the Cranberry Bog in Callander, it’s wonderful opportunity to do so! Consider taking friends and family for a walk through picturesque Cranberry Trail at the end of Cranberry Road; enjoy the lookout, and find some cranberries in the bog. The trail is an easy stroll and features a beautiful view of Callander Bay at its end. Cranberries are in season at this time of year, and these tart berries made a fantastic addition to any autumn feast.

A walk down Cranberry Trail will offer you the opportunity to pick fresh for your table!

3. Turkey – Traditional turkey has long been the main feature of Thanksgiving dinners in Canada, but there’s never really a wrong time for turkey dinner! Orchard’s Fresh Food Market offers locally sourced turkeys, and all of the fixings. You can place an order online and pick up at their beautifully appointed store on Trout Lake Road in North Bay. If you’re seeking direct-from-the-farm-freshness, check in with Wand Family Farm, who frequent the North Bay Farmer’s Market on Saturdays during their open season. The Wand family also have a farmstand you can visit if you are looking for more locally-grown meat, at their Powassan location.
4. Skip the cooking altogether! – For fantastic local fare boasting farm-to-table freshness and a charming dining experience, an absolute MUST TRY restaurant is the White Owl Bistro. With a lovely patio featuring lakeside dining, commitment to local products and an everchanging, enticing menu, the White Owl has been a longstanding North Bay delight. Chefs Laura and René offer catering in addition to outdoor patio dining, and indoor restaurant space (Always check the website for updates on COVID-19 restrictions before heading out!).

Seafood Cannelloni from the White Owl Bistro.

5. Delightful dessert – pie, pastries, butter tarts, cobblers, fudge, doughnuts – create a dessert table to die for, by visiting some of the amazing bakeries and cafes in North Bay! Have a hankering for a honey glazed doughnut? Swing in to Good Glaze Dessert Bar on Main Street in North Bay. Good Glaze offers delivery of hand-crafted doughnuts baked fresh, with seasonal flavours to suit. They also do custom cakes, cinnamon buns, cheesecake, sticky buns and scones. While you’re downtown, take a look at what the North Star Diner on Algonquin Avenue has to offer (you can check them out on Instagram under the handle north_star_diner); scones, cake, ice cream, cupcakes and so much more. If you’re looking for rich sweetness, make your way down to The Green Store located on Trout Lake for handmade fudge and ice cream. Filled to the brim with delectable treats, giftware, home decor and souvenirs, there’s something there for everyone. Trout Lake is also an amazing place to take a quiet evening paddle on your kayak or canoe and enjoy the beauty of our fall scenery.

Some of the incredible, edible creations being made at Good Glaze Dessert Bar.

With many local options to fill your table this autumn, why not connect with some businesses and producers and learn more about the processes and methods they use to grow and raise food. You’ll be amazed at the quality and flavour of the food, not to mention the feeling you get from supporting North Bay’s amazing collective of producers and talented culinary professionals!

The post Put LOCAL on the Table This Fall appeared first on Tourism North Bay.

While I love a good Top 10 list, gathering a definitive list of must-dos for the city of North Bay was definitely a challenge. For the best, most top, funnest things to do, I did what any smart traveller does: I asked the locals. 

So here is a compilation of the best 10 fun things to do in North Bay this summer, vetted by the ones who know. How many can you check off your list? 

1. Hike Duchesnay Falls

Duchesnay Falls tops the list, period. This hike around the city’s famous waterfall is accessible, easy, and low-key beautiful. There’s parking right off Hwy 17 or for a “Locals” access point, try the Education Centre Trails. This is my go-to for when I want a quiet hike through the forest. The North Duchesnay Summit hike is pristine and takes you to the 70m-high falls in a meandering, backwoods kind of way. 

2. Explore the waterfront and Farmer’s Market

For a chill stroll, you can entertain yourself along the North Bay Waterfront where you’ll enjoy beautiful sunsets, native perennial gardens, and the best views of Lake Nipissing. Basically everyone is smiling because it’s so beautiful. 

The North Bay Farmer’s Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays and offers a renowned and vibrant culture of local food producers, artists, and musicians. 

If you’re here on the weekends, the Heritage Railway & Carousel Company is tucked along the waterfront for an impromptu ride on an artist-carved replica of an antique carousel. It’s a magical experience, with or without kiddos. 

3. Cycle Kate Pace Way

The cycling in North Bay is next level, whether you’re commuting, casually riding, or bombing down the single tracks. Probably the most well-known is Kate Pace Way, a 12 km multi-use trail that starts at the waterfront and winds its way to the historic town of Callandar. Didn’t bring a bike? No problem: Rent one at Boathouse Rentals conveniently located on the waterfront. 

4. Swim at The Cove

Swimming at The Cove on Trout Lake makes you officially a local, since this out of the way spot feels almost an afterthought to vast Lake Nipissing—which is bonkers because who doesn’t love a quieter beach? Having said that, Kinsmen Beach on Lake Nipissing boasts opportunities for solitary morning swims and ample room to spread out. 

5. Enjoy arts & culture downtown 

Photo credit WKP Kennedy Gallery Facebook

While North Bay is known for its natural beauty, it’s also full of museums, galleries, and street art to discover. The North Bay Museum is a solid first stop before exploring the culture-packed downtown. Of course, adjacent to the North Bay museum is the iconic Dionne Quintuplets Museum, a must-do for first time visitors.  The WKP Kennedy Gallery showcases exciting and bold works from exhibitors both local and national. 

6. Shop local boutiques 

Update your look? You’ve got a tattoo now, so if you’re downtown, Main Street is where it’s at. The highlights for shopping are The Farm, a well-curated fashion, art, and retail market with designers like Eve Gravel and Beach, Please. The Annex and its brother-company Cheapskates offer on-trend fashion like Levis and Obey. 

7. Enjoy cocktails and local craft brews

All this running around. Did you know North Bay has two local, independent brewers Gateway City Brewery offers a versatile menu of beer and their labels are super rad. Parked outside is the unbelievable Miso and Shiso Plant Based Fusion Food Truck. What pairs better than an Over the Falls New Zealand Pilsner and their Nobe Burger on the patio? 

Not to be outdone, New Ontario Brewing offers taster packs and fun, seasonal brews like their “Life is Purple” Plum Sour. Get a bunch from both and host your own tasting party or visit the Taphouse and newly renovated patio to enjoy some sun and suds—open 7 days a week.  

Photo credit New Ontario Brewing Company Facebook

8. Check out the live music scene

Raven & Republic, “the People’s Bar” is the venue for exciting music, an adventurous menu, and absolutely bomb cocktails. The century home/restobar is smack in the middle of a downtown neighbourhood, making it a no-brainer for locals and visitors alike. Great patio, nice twinkle lights, good people. A solid choice. 

9. Eat at a historic diner and do some patio hopping

If you’re a true foodie, check out a few local hot spots including the Opera Bakery for their delicious soups, wraps and deserts, the amazing micro baker The Culture Club offering fresh bread, cookies and there small selection of mini local groceries and our latest addition is The Block Public House serving you up excellent hand-crafted cocktails and delicious farm-to-table entrees.

Photo credit The Culture Club Instagram

North Bay has loads more amazing diners to check out. And if you’re looking to do some patio hopping this summer, here are all the great places to dine outdoors in North Bay.

10. SWIM…with the shadflies

That’s what I said. Swimming with the shadflies is basically a rite of passage for newcomers. Have you ever been “Screeched In” in Newfoundland? This is basically the same, except you’re wading bravely through the corpses of the most important insect to the health of our lake’s ecosystem. They’re everywhere in June. Unavoidable. So if we can’t boldly embrace them as a way of life up here then what are we even doing? So go ahead and jump in: then afterwards, head back to The Farm to buy your very own enamel Shad Fly pin. It’s like the ol’ wink and gun, the secret handshake, the two finger wave on a dirt road. You’re basically one of us now.  

Photo credit The Farm Facebook

See you in North Bay this summer!

The post 10 Fun Things to do in North Bay appeared first on Tourism North Bay.

Burger World has two newly renovated locations at 1308 Algonquin Ave and 1405 Hammond St, just off Highway 11/17 at the southern end of the city. Each location is equally delicious and serves homestyle breakfast all day. Their big selection of omelettes, sandwiches, sides, good coffee and the kid’s menu is great if you have a gang to feed. In warmer months both locations have outdoor seating for safer dining and ample parking.

Hoagie’s Diner is a 50s themed spot right off Highway 11/17 at 1128 O’Brien St. They’ve got mile-high piles of waffles and pancakes loaded with whipped cream and berries, traditional breakfasts served with baked beans, grilled ham and breakfast sandwich specials. Owner Kate Kuntz gave us the inside scoop:

“We use premium ingredients to make our menu items…only the best! We have a 50s diner theme and some of our menu items have 50s entertainer’s names: Chubby Checker Breakfast, James Dean Omelette, and The King’s (Elvis, of course) Breakfast Sandwich to name a few. We have great customer service. Our customers that came here as teenagers now have grown and have families that bring them in to experience Hoagie’s Diner. Nostalgic to be sure!”

Bay Truck Stop is a convenient stop right at 3060 Highway 11 N. You can fuel up, grab necessities from the adjoining convenience store, stretch your legs and stay for a hearty no fuss “trucker” sized breakfast. For a little extra you can upgrade your toast for fresh homemade bread. Last summer they served food to customers in the parking lot when indoor dining was restricted. Hopefully, they bring that back again because you’d never know how fun tailgating an eggs benny is until you try it.

Walking into the Fifty’s Diner located along Trout Lake Road, you are immediately welcomed by friendly staff and the delicious aroma of breakfast, lunch or dinner being cooked. As the name suggests, the restaurant gives off a bit of a fifties vibes with the walls adorned with pictures reminiscent of that era. One of the more popular breakfast dishes is the mouth-watering peameal eggs benedict served with three poached eggs, homefries or sliced tomato, and a side of fruit salad.

Last but certainly not least is Ivan’s Restaurant. Located off Airport Rd at 1867 O’Brien St and tucked in a small plaza, it’s a quick and tasty place to start your day. Ivan’s serves all day traditional breakfasts, omelettes, sandwiches, and wraps. If you feel like poutine, but it seems a little early for that, Ivan’s has a breakfast version that feels like a much more reasonable way to start your day. Layers of poached eggs, home fries, and your choice meat (sausage or bologna are the most popular) smothered in hollandaise may put you in a food coma, but you’ve probably earned it after all the hard work you’ve done getting out of bed and having someone else make you breakfast.

North Bay is full of amazing spots to enjoy hearty, healthy, and unique breakfast dishes. Our diners are always ready to welcome hungry patrons looking for friendly service and great food—we look forward to seeing you soon!

The post Get Your Eggs Benny Here: 5 delicious North Bay diners to discover appeared first on Tourism North Bay.

The pastry powerhouse is run by Jessica Sanabria and Kyle Laplante. Both are graduates from the Culinary Program at Canadore College and have travelled Canada together working in fine restaurants, catering and wedding planning. When they moved back home, they were inspired to contribute to a more dynamic food scene in North Bay.

“We believe that just because we’re a small town, we don’t have to miss out on the quality and cool factor from business in bigger cities. There are some really cool businesses in town that have been adding some of the fun factor to the city before we got here, and we thought that it was a great opportunity to become part of the change,” says Sanabria.

At the shop, you’ll find a rotating seasonal menu of gourmet handmade doughnuts, GOOD coffee, cakes and a smattering of pastries. Their offerings always include vegan options that are so rich, even the dedicated dairy consumer will be impressed. How they make a vegan Crème Brulée doughnut taste like the real thing can only be attributed to sorcery. Their doughnuts are a work of art, but their beauty isn’t superficial. Biting into one is learning what perfectly chewy, yet airy deep-fried heaven is, and the flavour combinations are unreal. Keep it simple with a crowd-pleaser like their Salted Caramel Cruel, get fancy with a Passionfruit and Coconut, or satisfy your inner Simpson’s fan with a colourful strawberry glazed D’oh-Nut.

Good Glaze’s desserts don’t stop at doughnuts. Their Instagram feed is full of incredible custom cakes, smothered in vibrant buttercream and painstakingly handmade toppers. These aren’t your inedible looking fondant encased wedding cakes… they’re meant to be enjoyed. As with everything Good Glaze produces, the focus is always placed on using the most local (like Leisure Farm’s Berries) and highest quality ingredients to create the best product.

“We try our best to provide the best product with the best ingredients that we can. We put a lot of effort and hours into what we make and how we interact with our customers because we want to offer the best experience. We believe we give our love and care through what we do. If we can change someone’s day for the better, with any of our products, then for us it is a mission accomplished,” explains Sanabria.

Each custom cake is designed one on one with the client. This process takes a little extra time, but they love connecting with the community and the fulfillment of seeing the happiest customer. Since adding cakes to their menu last April, the service has blown up and cakes need to be ordered six weeks in advance. If you need a quick fix there is always limited availability of slices at the shop and full chocolate and vanilla cakes that you can pre-order online.

The most thrilling news is that with their new location, they are expanding their capacity and offerings. They’ll have over the top “Monster Milkshakes”, Belly ice cream from Muskoka, more pastry, more doughnuts and cakes and indoor seating. “It will be very trendy but welcoming, a fun space for families or groups of friends to get together and have a good time. We want to bring a vibrant space to downtown where people can access the other amazing businesses we have and make a day out of it. We wanted to stay downtown to be part of the change. You can’t wait until everyone else does what you would like to see being done. We think downtown has a great potential to be a destination for surrounding communities and hopefully we can make everyone prosper in that area.”

To keep updated on Good Glaze’s daily menu, follow their Instagram and check out their website for pre-ordering holiday treats! Their shop at 370 McIntyre Street W is open Wed-Fri 11-5 and Saturday 11-3. But be warned these doughnuts sell out quickly, so you should definitely ditch work early to secure a six-pack of your favourite flavours and recruit a friend to join you in doughy debauchery.

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SPRINGHILL FARMS

Based in Trout Creek, ON, Springhill Farms has an assortment of hearty winter lettuces, herbs and greens. Make a big stir fry with bok choy or a fresh-as-summer salad with their lettuces, arugula and microgreens.

Springhill can grow year-round with their season extending greenhouses and hydroponic growing methods. If you are curious about how they manage hydroponic greenhouses in Northern Ontario, check out their YouTube channel and tour the farm virtually. Find them at the farmers market year-round and follow them on Facebook to keep up to date on new crops, pre-orders and CSA registration.

MIDLOTHIAN VALLEY FARMS

Midlothian Valley Farms knows you cannot survive a near-north winter on salad alone and they’ve got you covered with beautiful root vegetables, onions and squash. After harvest, their veg is carefully stored in cellars to extend the life and preserve the freshness of their crops. Their 7-acre family-run farm is located in Burks Falls, ON and uses organic and sustainable farming practices.

EARTH AND SOUL FARM

Earth and Soul Farm from East Ferris also uses greenhouses to extend their growing season in the early spring to late fall and stores vegetables like cabbages and squash in winter coolers. Year-round, they use vertical arrays to grow microgreens in a temperature-controlled indoor space. “The farm has maintained a weekly supply of microgreens to the North Bay Farmers’ Market during the last four winter Market seasons. A visit to the market would typically find up to eight different varieties of microgreens such as beets, arugula and favourites such as pea shoots. A variety of textures such as crispy and crunchy provide a bonus to the taste experience. These tender Greens are harvested and chilled quickly to preserve freshness and then sold to customers the very next day. A huge surprise for many is the long shelf life you get when you buy fresh.” – Donovan Daniel, Earth and Soul Farms

UGLY BARN FARM

Mushrooms are crucial for winter stews, risottos and pasta. Ugly Barn Farms from Markstay have an amazing selection of cooking and medicinal mushrooms you can’t get at the grocery store.

“Each mushroom we offer has a different flavour than the next. Shiitakes are very earthy and savoury. These are very flavourful. Chestnuts are very similar to the shiitakes in the amount of flavour but have a nutty kick. Oysters are very mild and versatile; they carry a mild almond flavour. Lion’s mane is very meaty and has a mild shellfish flavour. Enoki is another mild flavoured mushroom with a slight citrus flavour. Beech is very mild, similar to white buttons.”

“As for the year-round growing capability, in 2015 we received a grant from NOHFC to construct our 1200 square foot building that contains a lab, incubation room, two fruiting rooms, and a certified kitchen. The building is heated primarily by a wood boiler, but the mushrooms produce quite a bit of their heat through incubation and the building is well insulated, so we have fewer inputs than we had originally expected. In our experience, we like our mushroom quality best when they are grown at around 15 Celsius; keeping the building cool during the summer has proved to be an even larger hurdle. We grow indoors largely to regulate temperature and conditions during winter months, but also as a measure of pest control. Insects love eating mushrooms. We have a strict regime of cycling our mushrooms and cleaning the fruiting rooms to ensure they are kept pest-free and we can avoid using any sort of pesticides. The mushrooms are grown on sterilized woodblocks.” – Ugly Barn Farms.

Ugly Barn Farms does not just offer fresh mushrooms, they also sell grow-your-own mushroom kits and inoculated dowels to make your own mushroom logs. Even if you cannot make it to the market every weekend, you can still have fresh mushrooms. Check their website and follow their Instagram and Facebook to stay informed on product availability and seasonal additions!

The North Bay Winter Farmers’ Market is held indoors every Saturday at 300 Lakeshore Drive from 10 am-2 pm. Arrive early in the day to ensure you get your favourite veggies and while you are there check out the other amazing local vendors. Grab your locally farmed meat, stock up on small-batch preserves and satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade donuts, pies and baklava!

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