Restaurants & Breweries Archives - Tourism North Bay

12 Fun Ways to Explore North Bay In Summer

Admin Tourism North Bay — Fri, 30 May 2025 18:26:08 +0000

Planning a fun summer getaway in Northern Ontario? Look no further than North Bay—a vibrant city that perfectly balances outdoor adventure, rich history, and lakeside relaxation. Just 3.5 hours from Toronto and 4 hours from Ottawa, North Bay offers easy accessibility with big-city amenities and small-town charm. Whether you’re seeking exciting water sports, family-friendly attractions, or cultural experiences, this complete guide reveals the 12 best things to do in North Bay this summer.

Paddle the Historic Mattawa River

The Mattawa River isn’t just any waterway—it’s a designated Canadian Heritage River where Indigenous peoples and fur trade voyageurs once traveled the same routes you’ll paddle today.

Best for: Intermediate paddlers and history enthusiasts

Perfect Paddling Day Trips:

Beginner route: Pimisi Bay to Talon Chutes (2-3 hours)
Must-see highlight: Paresseux Falls cascading through ancient rock formations
Full-day adventure: Pimisi Bay to Samuel de Champlain Park (6-8 hours with easy portages)

Pro tip: Book guided tours through local outfitters for historical insights and equipment rental.

Paddle the Mattawa River – credit: Ed Regan

Chase Waterfalls at Duchesnay Falls

No summer trip to North Bay is complete without visiting Duchesnay Falls. This series of multiple cascading waterfalls carved into the Laurentian Escarpment is easily accessible via a short hike from Highway 17 and offers beautiful forest hiking trails that are perfect for nature lovers and amateur photographers alike.

Photography tip: Visit early morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

Discover Local Flavours at the North Bay Farmers’ Market

Get a taste of local life at the North Bay Farmers’ Market, where you’ll find fresh produce, artisan goods, baked treats, and handcrafted gifts. Held weekly in the downtown core, it’s the perfect way to support local and enjoy a community vibe.

When: Every Wednesday from 9:30am to 1:30pm and every Saturday from 9:00am to 1:30pm during the months of May to October

Where: In front of the North Bay Museum, 100 Ferguson St.

Insider tip: Arrive early for the best selection and bring reusable bags to support local sustainability efforts.

Catch Live Music Under the Stars

North Bay’s summer music comes alive with weekly free outdoor concerts at the Kiwanis Bandshell as part of the Summer Concert Series on Wednesday evenings or the Arts and Culture nights on Tuesdays. Check out our events calendar for full details.

What to bring: Picnic blanket, snacks, and your camera for stunning sunset photos over Lake Nipissing.

Venue spotlight: Check local pubs and eateries that offer weekly live performances and emerging Canadian talent, like Cecil’s Brewhouse & Kitchen, The Fraser Tavern, Lou Dawgs, Match Eatery & Public House, The Block Public House and Gateway City Brewery.

Soak Up the Sun on North Bay’s Beaches

North Bay is home to some of Northern Ontario’s most beautiful freshwater beaches on the sandy shores and clear waters of Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake.

Highlights:

Perfect for freshwater swimming
Sandy shorelines perfect for beach volleyball and sandcastle building
Water sport rentals (kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats)
Beachside amenities
Quieter and more secluded beach experiences
Excellent for fishing

Explore the Kate Pace Way by Trike or Bike

Explore the scenic Kate Pace Way, a paved multi-use trail that stretches from North Bay’s waterfront all the way to Callander. The popular trails celebrates Olympic skier Kate Pace and is also designated as part of the Trans Canada Trail.

Unique experience: Rent fun trike bikes for a memorable family adventure

Alternative activities: Cycling, rollerblading, walking, or jogging

Scenic highlights: Waterfront views, forest sections, and small-town charm in Callander.

Cruise Lake Nipissing Aboard the Chief Commanda II

Experience North Bay from the water aboard the Chief Commanda II, a local favourite activity aboard a 320-passenger, all-aluminum twin-hull vessel. The ship is equipped with two bars, accessible washrooms, snack bar, and open-air BBQ.

Popular cruise options:

Manitou Island exploration: Learn about Indigenous history and local ecology
French River sightseeing: Discover pristine wilderness and historic fur trade routes
Callander Bay sunset cruises: Romantic evening excursions with dinner options

Booking tip: Reserve sunset cruises early—they’re North Bay’s most popular summer activity!

Chief Commanda II – credit: withlove_duquettes

Enjoy Family Fun at North Bay’s Waterfront District

North Bay’s waterfront is a summer highlight for all ages. Stroll through lush flower gardens perfect for photos and peaceful strolls, let the kids loose at the beachfront playground at Shabogesic Beach, and don’t miss a ride on the nostalgic Heritage Carousel and Mini Train, operated by volunteers with love.

Accessibility: All attractions are wheelchair accessible and family-friendly.

Explore North Bay’s Rich Military and Cultural History

A variety of museums can be found in North Bay providing a glimpse into the region’s rich history, cultural and heritage.

Must-visit are:

North Bay Museum: Local history from Indigenous peoples to modern times
Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence: Interactive exhibits showcasing Canada’s military aviation history and NORAD operations
Dionne Quints Museum: Step inside the original 1930s home of the famous quintuplets and learn their remarkable story

Take Free Self-Guided Tours with Driftscape

Download the Driftscape app and discover North Bay with free self guided tours at your own pace, with GPS navigation and audio commentary included in both French and English.

Two of the most popular tours are:

Holiday Film Tour: Visit locations where popular Christmas movies were filmed
North Bay Public Art Tour: Discover murals, sculptures, and installations throughout the city

Shop Local & Support North Bay Artisans

North Bay is filled with boutiques, vintage shops for your one-of-a-kind treasures and antiques, art galleries, and great eateries including farm to table and craft breweries.

Best shopping district: Downtown core offers walkable access to multiple shops, restaurants and the waterfront.

Join North Bay’s Vibrant Summer Festival Scene

North Bay’s summer festival calendar is packed! Don’t miss these favourites:

Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow Wow: Indigenous culture celebration with traditional dancing, music, food and vendors

Boatapalooza: Waterfront festival featuring boat displays, live music, and family activities

Bay Block Party: High-energy street festival with live bands, food trucks, and local vendors

Planning tip: Check the complete summer events calendar when booking your visit

Ready to explore

North Bay perfectly combines outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and small-town hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping water sports, peaceful nature escapes, or vibrant community festivals, this Northern Ontario gem delivers unforgettable summer memories for everyone.

Start planning your North Bay adventure today and discover why this hidden gem is becoming Ontario’s must-visit summer destination.

Sunsets over Lake Nipissing – credit: Scott Edworthy

The post 12 Fun Ways to Explore North Bay In Summer appeared first on Tourism North Bay.

Discover Outdoor Dining in North Bay

Jessica Huras — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 14:27:03 +0000

From lakefront views to urban gardens,

these sunny patios are open for business!

article updated: June 2023

If there’s anything better than getting outside to soak up the summer sun, it’s savouring a delicious meal and an ice-cold drink at the same time. Make the most of the warm weather by checking out these top North Bay patios, where you can safely get some much-needed vitamin D, along with some of the city’s best sips and nibbles. Whether it’s a lakeside view or a downtown vibe you’re after, North Bay’s vibrant outdoor dining scene has got you covered.

Here is a sampling of our many restaurants with patios to check out in North Bay.

Cecil’s Brewhouse & Kitchen

With its bright red umbrellas offering pleasant shade, the patio at Cecil’s Brewhouse & Kitchen is a wonderful spot for enjoying the fresh air while sipping on a house-brewed beer. House-made brews range from easy-drinking lagers to fruit-forward options like the Wyld Blueberry Wheat Ale and the Ruby Red Radler. The crowd-pleasing menu features pub classics like nachos and sandwiches, as well as entrees like beef bourguignon. Stop by on Saturdays and Sundays to take advantage of their special prime rib dinner deal.

Average Joe’s

The restaurant’s name may be Average Joe’s but the beautiful views of Trout Lake visible from its rustic patio are far from average. Channel lakeside vibes by ordering a plate of potato-crusted pickerel, or opt for the hearty prime rib burger or the beef and mushroom pasta. Don’t miss the restaurant’s weekend brunch, which features dishes ranging from breakfast poutine to sweet crepes.

Station Tap House & Steak Co.

Set behind the handsome brick building that houses its indoor dining area, Station Tap House & Steak Co’s wood deck patio has a down-to-earth vibe. With 20 beers and two wines on tap plus a variety of other wines and cocktails available, the restaurant’s extensive line-up ensures you can while away many sunny afternoons on their patio without running out of new drinks to try. Burgers made with tender Canadian prime beef patties are the restaurant’s specialty, but the menu also features a range of sandwiches, salads, and bar bites.

The Boat

True to its name, The Boat is set on a retired 99-foot steel-hulled boat, which ran from 1947 to 1974. Perched on Lake Nipissing, the unique restaurant is known for its picturesque sunset views and approachable menu of bar snacks and seafood staples like chowder and fish and chips. Diners can choose between colourful benches or tables for seating, both of which are sheltered by patio umbrellas and illuminated by rows of string lights after dark.

Casey’s Bar Grill

This popular family-owned bar and grill has been welcoming hungry diners in North Bay for more than 35 years. After a massive patio renovation during the 2021 lockdown, Casey’s is back with loads of new outdoor seating atop a custom-made deck by Complete Carpentry. Known for their fresh, innovative salads (the Spicy Thai Chicken Salad is a must-try) and hearty entrees like back ribs and sirloins, this is a great place to enjoy an upgraded, spacious patio this summer.

The Crown and Beaver Pub

This cheerful neighbourhood spot specializes in British pub staples, ranging from chicken madras curry served over cinnamon-infused rice to beer-battered haddock. The Crown and Beaver Pub‘s pretty patio is dotted with plantlife is a lovely spot for soaking up the sun while indulging in a platter of nachos and a crisp lager.

gd2go

Whether you have special dietary needs or are just looking to incorporate better-for-you foods into your diet, gd2go has you covered with its menu of wraps, salads, bowls, and other wholesome eats. The restaurant’s offerings are free of GMOs, white sugar, white flour, and canola, plus they have lots of options for vegetarian, vegan, and paleo diets. Enjoy these light, healthy eats out on the restaurant’s expansive sunny patio, which is decorated with multi-hued umbrellas and chairs.

Moose’s Cookhouse

Moose’s Cookhouse has been a downtown North Bay mainstay for almost a quarter of a century, known for its made-to-order chicken wings. The restaurant’s popular wings are seasoned by hand and served with a choice of over 100 sauces in flavours ranging from honey garlic to inventive combos like Stompin Tom, which is a mix of maple BBQ and Hickory BBQ. Dig into a plate of wings paired with a beer while dining outdoors on their delightful patio overlooking Main Street.

Arugula

Head to Arugula to dine on handmade, Neapolitan-style pizza while admiring the views on their leafy patio. The restaurant’s pizza is made using authentic ingredients, like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian Caputo double 00 flour, and cooked in a traditional, wood-fired pizza oven. Their menu also features sandwiches, salads, and plenty of vegan-friendly dishes, plus lengthy lists of wine, beer, and cocktails. The sunny side patios offer guests a relaxing spot to enjoy some classic al fresco dining.

East Side Mario’s

East Side Mario’s is a North Bay favourite and luckily the sunny front patio overlooking Lakeshore Drive is open for business. Order your favourite Italian dish (calamari anyone?) and soak up the sun in their signature red chairs. Kids will love their new Unicorn Chillers (smoothies topped with sprinkles and a sugar cone) while adults can enjoy innovative Italian cocktails and Canadian craft beer.

Bay Bistro

One of the newest additions to the North Bay Patio scene is the Bay Bistro located inside the NUSU Student Centre on College Drive. It is open to all the public and is already hit with its diverse menu featuring vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the sun and the forest views and who knows you may be able to spot some furry or feathered friends while your there.

Other notable patio’s in North Bay are: Match Eatery & Public House, Lou Dawgs, Boston Pizza, Fox & Fiddle, Lot 88 Steakhouse and Marigold Unique Flavours on Lake Nipissing.

So come up stay the weekend and kick back at one of North Bay’s vibrant patios to enjoy the sunshine!

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