Cross-country skiing is the oldest form of skiing evolved from a need to travel over snow-covered terrain and developed as a sport at the end of the 19th century when fun replaced function. Today the activity attracts athletes and outdoor enthusiasts of every age and ability for good reason. North Bay and the area around has every type of ski trail you would ever want, for the competitor, the recreationalist, the backcountry trail blazer and the solitary wanderer. And that is why it is one of the top five winter activities here in North Bay.

North Bay Nordic Ski Club

Cross Country Skiing is a favourite family activity

Experience the pure joy of gliding over the frozen, winter landscape at North Bay’s premier Nordic ski centre, North Bay Nordic Ski Club, affectionately known as Nordic to its membership of over 600 strong. With a combined distance of 50 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing on trails through forest, past wetlands and to ridge lines with fantastic wilderness views, it’s no wonder winter lovers flock to these trails. Nordic is a family-friendly club with an active Jackrabbit Ski League for the little ones and Bunny Rabbits Program for the wee ones, which instills a life-long love of skiing and the great outdoors. Add to Nordic’s appeal the 2.5 km of lit trails for night skiing, a full stock of rentals in all sizes, a welcoming Nordic family in the heated clubhouse, and you’ve got community.

Education Centre Ski Trails

Cross country skiing is great for all ages and skill levels

Nipissing University atop North Bay’s escarpment grooms 3.75 km of cross-country ski trails for both traditional and skate ski – free to use and accessible by public transit! As the training grounds for the Nipissing Lakers Nordic Ski Team, the trails are homologated or, in other words, course approved for competition by the FIS International governing body. The FIS set the standards for difficulty for different age and race categories such as length, maximum and total climbs. And talking about descents, the young university athletes racing on these trails can get up to 60km/hr on the downhill. Now that will get the adrenaline rushing!

Nipissing Lakers Nordic Ski Team

The best access to the ski trails are the far end of Parking Lot 8 at the main campus of Nipissing University/ Canadore College. There is a small shelter with a trail map, bench to gear up and fire pit to warm the toes. The latest trail conditions are on Twitter @NipissingTrails.

Wasi Cross Country Ski Club

Wasi Cross Country Ski Club

The Northern Ontario wilderness is alive at Wasi Cross Country Ski Club just 15 minutes south of North Bay. Boasting 43 km of classically groomed and track set trails and 7.5 km of double track, this volunteer-run club tucked in the corner of rural Astorville is just one more reason to head North. The ski trails loop around an active beaver pond shared with a playful family of otters that can sometimes be seen sliding along the banks. A resident moose has also been seen wondering through the trails. There is often a fire blazing in the outdoor fire pit where friends, old and new, meet-up. For chillier days the heated clubhouse is appreciated. Day passes can be purchased ahead of time online or for onsite passes – bring cash or cheque.

Almaguin Community Trails

Almagiun Community Ski Trails

A 40 minute drive south of North Bay to South River will bring avid skiers to a quiet and growing network of community-based trails. Many of our local trails develop through the energy and passion of a few, and this network currently at 7 km keeps expanding with added and improved trails every season with just a small handful of volunteers. Like most cross-country ski trails in Northern Ontario, the trails are lovingly maintained by these dedicated folks that are running grooming equipment in the wee hours of night and are the first out after a wind storm through all the seasons. Check their Facebook Page @AlmaguinCommunitySkiTrails for current conditions.

Backcountry Cross-Country Skiing

Backcountry cross country ski trails

To feel real freedom, backcountry cross-country skiing is an option that takes skiers across frozen waterways and forest trails through wilderness spaces unequaled in their peaceful beauty and quiet solitude. Backcountry skiing needs proper equipment that allows you to glide over deep, fresh snow. Try Loxton Beaver Trail or Callander’s Trans Canada Trail for a real wilderness experience. Not entirely backcountry, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park has been grooming the park roads the past few winters to invite winter explorers to the park during its non-operating season.

Cross Country Ski on Lake Nipissing, North Bay – credit: Pat Stack

By late January, the lakes have snowmobile traffic that also make great trails for skiing if you don’t have backcountry skis. On still days when the winds have eased and the skies are clear, Lake Nipissing offers countless opportunities for skiing with the chance of a beautiful sunset to close the day. Trout Lake is also a great alternative.

So without further ado – get outside and glide your way to good health and happiness and come discover North Bay this winter.

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Photo Credit: Pinewood Park Golf Course

Pinewood Park Golf Course

Pinewood Park Golf Course is an 18-hole, 56 par course located right off Highway 11 on Pinewood Park Drive. The course has a driving range, practice putting green and operates right on the same grounds as the Ramada by Wyndham North Bay. This course offers travelers a chance to golf, dine and stay all in one location as are across the street, providing immense entertainment value with several amenities in close proximity.

Photo Credit: Pinewood Park

Osprey Links

Not far from Pinewood Park, Osprey Links is an 18-hole par 71 course located just a few minutes south of North Bay in the community of Callander. Boasting two very different styles of courses, the front nine sets players up with a traditional links style that includes eight ponds. The back nine is almost completely cut out of the forest with tree-bordered fairways and varying levels of elevations. The unique design makes this a memorable course, only 10 minutes away from amenities such as the Best Western and their Italian inspired restaurant Farina and The Crown and Beaver Pub which offers dine-in and outdoor Seating.

Photo Credit: Osprey Links

Laurentide Golf Course

Set in Sturgeon Falls, Laurentide is an 18-hole, par 70 golf course which curves along the picturesque landscape of the Sturgeon River. Originally designed by local hockey star and former Member of Parliament, Moe Mantha Sr., the course can be fun and challenging with the front nine bordered by a natural forest and the back nine a wide-open Links style course. Laurentide features a driving range and a practice putting green and has on-site licensed dining. The course is just 25 minutes west from North Bay, a perfect day trip to make if you’re staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott North Bay. The hotel is right on Highway 17 and is surrounded with plenty of restaurants to choose from including Beyond Sushi and Twiggs Coffee Roasters.

Photo Credit: Laurentide Golf Course

Highview Golf Course

Located in Powassan, Ontario Highview Golf Course is another 18-hole, par-72 course cut out from the forest with varying degrees of elevation and hazards spread out among the holes to keep players on their toes. The course is a short 15-minute drive south from North Bay if you’re staying at one of several hotels along Lakeshore Drive such as the Sunset Inn on the Park which has direct access to Lake Nipissing so you can finish your golf day with a swim in freshwater before catching a bite to eat right next door at Churchills, one of North Bay’s premier fine dining restaurants.

Photo Credit: Highview Golf Course

Clear Springs Golf Course

Situated in Chisolm Township, Clear Springs was voted as the 6^th best course on the Golfers’ Choice 25 hidden gem courses to play in Canada in 2022. Nestled in a picturesque northern Ontario backdrop, the course will test players accuracy with narrow fairways, water hazards and sand traps. Clear Springs is an 18-hole, par 72 course that received a 4.6 out of 5-star rating by NBC Golf Pass that you don’t want to pass up on playing the next time you’re in the area. Easily accessible within a 30-minute drive from downtown North Bay, where you can stay at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Inn, just steps from Shabogesic Beach next to Lake Nipissing and 15 minutes from Jack Garland Airport. Staying downtown also provides access to great city dining options such as The Block Public House, located right on Main Street and offers three levels of fine dining and an option for a private dining experience in their Barrel Room.

Photo Credit: Clear Springs Golf Course

Whether you are an experienced golfer looking for a new test, or a beginner discovering all the joys the game of golf has to offer, the Gateway City has a golf course waiting for you this summer. With plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from and whilst you are here check out 10 other fun things to do in North Bay.

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