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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A great outing with friends and family – riding the Education Centre Trails in North Bay. Photo: Patrick Gilbert

Like its summer counterpart, fat biking trails come in many different varieties across a wide range of terrain. North Bay has them all! From machine groomed trails specifically for winter riding to shared trails with cross-country skiers and snowmobiles to wide open lakes and public lands that allow you to blaze your own trail.  Check out Discovery Routes Ride Winter Adventure for self-guided winter fat biking, skiing and snowshoeing suggestions in and around North Bay.

Need equipment? Reluctant to try it for the first time without guidance? Learn to ride like a local with Remedy Rides. Just a few pedal strokes away from the trailhead for the 20km groomed Stepping Stones trails in Corbeil, Remedy Rides offers full fat bike rental service, guided rides, bicycle transport and more.

Riding singletrack on the Education Centre Trails – photo: Patrick Gilbert

KATE PACE WAY

An easy start for beginners is the groomed section of the Kate Pace Way, right in the heart of North Bay. This multi-use trail is groomed from Lee Park to Marshal Avenue making this summer classic an accessible, easy trail to try out what will no doubt become a new favourite winter activity. As they say, get on a bike and good things will happen!

An easy ride on the groomed section of the Kate Pace Way

LAURIER WOODS

The main trail at Laurier Woods (orange trail) is another great choice for the beginner wanting to get out and play in the snow. The trail gets a lot of hikers in the winter so it is usually well-packed but also wide enough to respectfully pass the wildlife watchers strolling along this shared natural treasure in the city. For a little more challenging ride, the purple trail is more like a singletrack trail. It gets less foot traffic and has a few up and downs to add variety to the ride. It isn’t uncommon in Laurier Woods to see an tenacious wildlife photographer poised to capture a Pileated Woodpecker as it forages for winter grubs. A mutual respect for all trail users is one of the things that makes Laurier Woods such a special place.

Trails at Laurier Woods Conservation Area   – photo: Discovery Routes

THREE TOWERS TRAIL NETWORK

A rip on North Bay’s newest mountain bike trails; Three Towers Trail Network developed by the North Bay Mountain Bike Association really gives the feeling of being in the wilds of North Bay. Moderate in its challenge level depending on the snowfall and use prior to a ride, you may find yourself happily on a powder run. Because the singletrack trails are designed specifically for mountain bikers, late winter riding when the snowpack is beautifully deep as is the norm in the North you’ll need to watch for low branches made lower by the accumulated snow.

LAURENTIAN ESCARPMENT CONSERVATION

The network of trails that weave across North Bay’s escarpment at the Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area are an exhilarating, flowy, singletrack popular with local winter riders. While the trails aren’t officially maintained for fat biking, they get tons of use keeping them well-packed and a local favourite. Be aware that the trails can get busy with dog walkers and the occasional wayward downhill skier.

Singletrack trails in the Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area – photo: C. Hergott

EDUCATION CENTRE TRAILS

The Education Centre Trails accessed from the far end of Parking Lot 8 at the main campus of Nipissing University and Canadore College are an overlapping network of hiking and groomed cross-country ski trails for the Nipissing Lakes Nordic Ski Team. Fat biking is a welcome use on the trails but be careful not to bike on the track-set ski trails, that can ruin the efforts of the volunteer groomers. The wide trails groomed for skate skiing to the left of the track-set ski trails can be ridden if snow conditions are such that the fat bike is not leaving ruts. If it is, lower the tire pressure or move to the singletrack, snowshoe trails. There are some challenging hills on the Education Centre ski network so take heed of the signs if speed is not your thing. The singletrack hiking trails are extensive enough to fill an afternoon with views of Lake Nipissing from the lookout and Duchesnay Falls.

Riding the ski trails at the Education Centre – photo: Patrick Gilbert

TRAILS JUST OUTSIDE NORTH BAY

Just 10 minutes east of North Bay, the Stepping Stones Trails in the Mattawa River Provincial Park are the newest edition to North Bay’s Fat Biking repertoire. The trails are maintained year-round by volunteers and accessible from the Macpherson Drive Boat Launch in Corbeil. You’ll find a mix of smooth easy riding on groomed and snow-packed trails and challenging ups and downs on narrow trails through rocky terrain and forest. When the conditions are right, you’ll be able to ride across Long Lake and several small inland lakes on this unique ride. Ride for Jack is a growing Fat Bike charity ride in February attracting 40-50 riders each year.

Another fun trail system to check out, approximately 30 minutes from North Bay, is at the Canadian Ecology Centre within Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. It has a series of non-motorized, multi-use winter trails with groomed sections perfect for fat biking. One of the highlights is riding along the shores of the Amable du Fond River, it is nothing short of magic in the winter.

Fat Biking beside the Amable du Fond River on the Canadian Ecology Centre’s multi-use winter trails at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park – photo: C. Hergott

LAKE RIDING

And finally, no overview of fat biking in North Bay would be complete without mention of the countless lakes and waterways that increase the fat biking opportunities infinitely through the deep winter months. Lake riding isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s all grit with constant pedalling – eg. no restful downhills – across wide-open spaces, especially on Lake Nipissing, where wind speeds provide another level of challenge. Be sure to check the forecast before planning your lake ride, as weather can change quickly and whiteout conditions can make it easy to lose track of the direction you came from. A ride on Lake Nipissing to the Manitou Islands as the destination lends itself to one of Northern Ontario’s best sunset experiences. Be mindful of ice conditions, especially around creek outlets where water flows year-round.

Fat Biking to the backdrop of North Bay’s epic sunsets – photo: R. Bilz

Don’t be confined indoors this winter!  Fat Biking is a great way to stay fit and healthy, both mentally and physically through the winter months and North Bay is the perfect place to glide through the trails while embracing all of the joy this season has to offer! Fat biking may just be the best adventure you have yet to discover. Check out the number of accommodation options to start planning your next adventure today!

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Why Lake Nipissing?

When you think ice fishing in Ontario, Lake Nipissing must be in that conversation. This Northern Ontario Lake is only 3 hours north of Toronto and is full of Walleye, Perch, Northern Pike and Burbot. This wide range of target species is bound to keep you busy and our healthy cisco population will make up for any lulls in the target bite.

Fishing on Lake Nipissing is perfect day or night – credit: Mat Koprash

The local MNRF has done a great job protecting and growing the Walleye population with science backed slot sizes. Fish are plenty and the opportunity to harvest table fare is increasing annually. The larger year class fish have been showing up more regularly in the 27-30” range!

Ice Fishing is not only about the big catches is about sharing it with family – credit: @mantra_fishing

Lake Nipissing is over 60km long and 25km wide with an average depth of 15 feet. The lake is made up of a sandy basin filled with rock shoals and boulders which transition to mud flats in deeper depths. This is a recipe for a very healthy fishery for both numbers and size. Winter makes access and opportunities to target fish abundant with the City of North Bay being your host destination. North Bay has many opportunities to access the lake and has many local providers waiting to greet you.

Lake Nipissing Outfitters and Accommodation

Outfitters, Resorts, Hotels and Motels happily await your arrival and provide every option through fully outfitted services including on and off ice accommodations. Lake Nipissing Outfitters and many other ice huts/bungalows, machine/vehicle access and walk out opportunities are available for you to get your next bite. When you pull into town and get a glimpse of Lake Nipissing you will be amazed at how many huts are placed across the entire lake.

Aerial shot of many ice huts on Lake Nipissing – credit: Tourism North Bay

Ice fishing staples do the trick such as set lines, jig and a minnow, spoons, glide and rattle style baits. Local retailers include Lefebvre’s Source for Adventure and North Bay Outfitters with Billy Bob’s and Trapper Joe’s taking care of all your bait and tackle needs.

My Go To Set Up on Lake Nipissing

My go to set ups include the Abu Garcia Veritas Ice Combo’s including the 27” ML and 28” M which are great all-around ice rods. The Fenwick Elite Tech Ice 42” M is another great rod for larger species like Northern Pike and what is becoming my favourite species – Burbot. Bait recommendations include the Johnny Darter in perch or silver/blue finish, Johnson Splinter spoons and the Berkley Vibrato in Holo Greenie. Another staple is the Northern Tackle Supply Co. Chicletz which are made in North Bay along with many other great products.

Reeling in a large Walleye- credit Mat Koprash

North Bay is truly an ice fishing town where friends and family take to the ice making memories every weekend. Everywhere you go you either see signs of people commuting to or from the lake, telling stories of caught fish or the trophy that got away. So come join us! Grab a spool of line, split shots and a pack of hooks and make plans to experience everything Lake Nipissing and North Bay have to offer this Winter!

Family and friends ice fishing on Lake Nipissing – credit: Tourism North Bay

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Chelsea’s love affair with fishing began in late 2015 when she crossed paths with her boyfriend Nik, an avid angler. Despite growing up in North Bay surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, fishing hadn’t been a significant part of her life until then. A camping trip that included brook trout fishing changed everything. Catching multiple brook trout in the four to five-pound class ignited a spark within her, setting the stage for a journey that would lead her to become a prominent figure in the fishing community.

Chelsea’s love affair with fishing didn’t begin until she met her boyfriend Nik who is also an avid angler!

It wasn’t until June of 2016 that Chelsea ventured into musky fishing, which became a pivotal point in her angling journey. Within her first week of musky fishing, Chelsea hooked up, but it was a long road thereafter, not landing another musky until 2017 when she landed a 48 incher. Although musky fishing posed a challenge—requiring patience, persistence, and resilience—Chelsea was captivated by the thrill. She embraced the challenge and quickly found herself hooked on the exhilarating pursuit of muskies.

As her passion evolved, Chelsea expanded her horizons to embrace a variety of fish species. From early-season smallmouth bass and walleye to pike and lake trout, her experiences grew broader. Chelsea’s fishing territory extended from Lake Nipissing to other exciting locales, adding to her portfolio of angling accomplishments.

The fishing world has long been perceived as a male-dominated industry, but Chelsea is changing that narrative. She has become an influential presence within the industry through social media, becoming a beacon for other female anglers seeking representation and recognition. In her early days, Chelsea noticed the scarcity of female anglers on social media. However, over time, she witnessed a significant surge in the number of women who shared her passion.

Chelsea’s journey in fishing led her to a landmark moment when she, alongside fellow female anglers, became the first female panel for Musky Canada’s Muskie Odyssey event with Jessie Baker, Ashley Rae, Lauren Kozak, and Meg McGregor. This platform allowed her to discuss her experiences as a female angler and shed light on the challenges and triumphs she encountered while Musky fishing. Chelsea has played an instrumental role in building a robust community of female anglers who support and uplift one another.

Sitting down with Chelsea we got to discuss her seasonal fishing trips in North Bay on Lake Nipissing:

Top 5 North Bay Seasonal Fishing Trips:

1. Burbot: January kicks off Chelsea’s fishing year with burbot fishing, including multiple ice fishing trips on Lake Nipissing. What started as a reluctant pursuit has transformed into an adrenaline-packed venture. The burbot’s impressive fight and the opportunity to catch the Ontario record make it an enticing winter ice fishing adventure. The area has limited opportunity in the early season to target larger sized fish like lake trout through the ice, and burbot fill that gap.

The burbot puts up an impressive fight and makes for an enticing winter adventure!

1. Brook Trout: As winter transitions into February, Chelsea sets her sights on brook trout. Remote back lake exploration and the search to find native wild brook trout keeps her driven and motivated to find her next bite and potential trophy. The exhilaration of catching these wild beauties, coupled with the picturesque winter scenery, creates an unforgettable experience.

Remote back lake exploration allows Chelsea to find native wild brook trout!

1. Northern Pike: Transitioning to spring, Chelsea enjoys pike fishing. The unpredictability of pike fishing, combined with the potential for catching trophy-sized fish, keeps her engaged. Chelsea notes that seasonal temperature fluctuations can present ideal opportunities to catch trophy-sized Northern Pike in the area with her largest to date being a 46.5” monster.

The unpredictability of pike fishing, combined with the potential for catching trophy-sized fish, keeps Chelsea engaged!

1. Bass and Walleye: Once May Long weekend arrives, Chelsea changes her focus to bass and walleye. She enjoys the break from her pursuit of trophy-class fish and goes for numbers which has often has quality fish mixed in. This is the “break” in her season mentally as she can unwind a bit more and just enjoy catching. Chelsea notes that catch and release is a top priority for her, harvesting very few fish throughout the season.

Enjoying a break from trophy-class fish Chelsea goes for numbers with quality fish mixed in but keeps catch and release top of mind!

1. Musky: From July to November, Chelsea’s focus turns to musky fishing. This apex predator is a true challenge, demanding patience, skill, and dedication. Musky season is characterized by intense adrenaline and anticipation, with every outing holding the promise of a new personal best, which she hit this summer with a 51” giant. Her season includes multiple week-long island camping trips and targeting them every chance she gets because you never know when the right fish will bite.

Catching a musky is a true challenge, demanding patience, skill and dedication!

Chelsea’s journey from a fishing novice to a respected angler has been one of discovery, challenges, and growth. Her experiences on the water have taught her invaluable life lessons. Patience, perseverance, and humility have become her guiding principles both in fishing and in life. Chelsea’s journey has shown that determination and a positive mindset can lead to rewards beyond one’s imagination.

As Chelsea continues to push her boundaries, she encourages others to do the same. Her story serves as an inspiration to anglers of all backgrounds, and particularly to female anglers who seek to break down barriers and excel in a field that has long been dominated by men. Chelsea’s love for fishing is not just about the catch; it’s about the connection with nature, the camaraderie of the fishing community, and the personal growth that comes from embracing challenges head-on.

So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just dipping your toes into the fishing world, Chelsea Lynn’s journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the thrill of the chase here in North Bay.

The post Top 5 North Bay Seasonal Fishing Trips appeared first on Tourism North Bay.

Lake Nipissing Map – credit: North Eastern Ontario

Spring, Summer and Fall Fishing

The lake opens on the third Saturday in May, with the shallow water bite kicking off immediately. This ensures fun for the whole family no matter the age as you can troll, cast a bobber, drag a jig or work a presentation to entice a bite. This also allows for boats big or small to access fishable water, along with many shoreline locations. May through July is usually the best time to target shallower Walleye, Pike, and Bass, which have an early open season compared to our neighbors in the south.

Spend a summer day on Lake Nipissing fishing with the family

The regulation changes and lake monitoring program have shown great success, with anglers reporting significant numbers of catches, including more keeper-sized Walleye than in the past ten years. We have an extremely healthy population of fish in the 16-21” range, which offer an amazing fight, and catches in the 24” plus range are showing up more and more frequently. The chance for a 28” plus trophy Walleye is better than ever!

Best Fishing Spots for Walleye, Northern Pike and Bass

Callander Bay and the northeast shoreline are great places to start your search, focusing on sand flats and rock to sand transitions for some of the best Walleye fishing in Ontario. Trophy Northern Pike can be found in the shallow weed beds and usually the first break off if they aren’t actively feeding. Largemouth Bass will be found throughout these areas as well and offer a great fight, with Smallmouth Bass always showing off their acrobatics. Many presentations can be offered to get bites, but the Lake Nipissing staples are a jig and live bait like minnow/worm/leech, worm harness, flicker minnow/shad, jerk/twitch baits, and spinner baits.

Head over to Lefebvres Source for Adventure, North Bay Outfitters, Northern Tackle Supply Co, Bay Tackle Supply, Billy Bobs, or Trapper Joes for all your local bait and tackle needs!

Tackle options at Billy Bobs Bait & Tackle Shop

Beaches, Islands and Rivers

Lake Nipissing is a large inland shallow lake with many islands, channels, and areas to explore while out fishing. Sometimes the boating can be as nice as the fishing. Taking a ride out to the Manitou Islands and stopping at the beach for a swim, traveling across the lake to the French river and exploring its vast beauty along with keeping your eyes out for a wide variety of predatory birds from bald eagles, osprey, and hawks will just complement the amazing fishing.

Take a day trip out to Manitou Islands – credit: Paul Meyers

Family-Friendly Fishing Adventure

Fun for the whole family awaits your arrival at the boat ramps, including the North Bay Marina and La Vase River, which have excellent park facilities for the kids, a dog park along with The Boat restaurant. What beats coming off the water with great fish stories than sitting down lakeside for a bite to eat and a cold drink, or letting the family get their pent-up energy out while getting the boat ready to head back to your accommodation.

Take in a sunset at The Boat after a day out fishing on Lake Nipissing

The city of North Bay and its surrounding communities are extremely friendly and have a natural beauty that needs to be experienced! If there is a wind or weather day, North Bay has many different activities to keep you busy and still enjoy your stay. Keep Lake Nipissing in mind for your upcoming trip – you will not be disappointed!

Want to know more about Lake Nipissing then check out this blog: 8 Things You Didn’t Know About Lake Nipissing.

North Bay Waterfront & Marina

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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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Tournament Director Don McGrath says Nipissing University is a perfect place to host this event.

“The facilities that we hold the event in completely suit the needs of this kind of tournament. The space is big enough to support the game fields, a practice field and the team pit areas all in one area which makes it easier for the teams to transition from their pits to the playing field.”

North Bay Robotics Competition at Nipissing University – credit: Patrick Gilbert

Twenty nine teams of high school aged students from across the province will showcase the robots they have been working on and developing for the past two months and testing those robots in a variety of games and competitions during the two-day event while at the same time, the competitors get a firsthand look at Nipissing University, and the City of North Bay itself, as a possible place to come pursue their post-secondary education.

FIRST Canada Robotics Competition at North Bay in previous years – credit: Patrick Gilbert

“You don’t get this kind of environment down south,” says McGrath. “This is a nice open location, situated in the middle of a beautifully natural area on campus.  North Bay is an ideal hosting location as it’s centralized so that teams from southern Ontario and northern Ontario can make the trip. Having previously hosted the event here at Nipissing University, teams always look forward to returning to North Bay for this competition.”

This tournament receives high praise from participating schools. In a letter read during the events official launch received from a school on Manitoulin Island said, “Wiikwemkoong Robotics, Team 5672 considers the North Bay Robotics Competition at Nipissing University their ‘home’ event.  The letter went on to share how welcoming, gracious, and professional this event really is for new teams.

Other Ontario Robotics teams consider the North Bay Robotics Competition their ‘home’ event.

North Bay, located just three hours north of the provincial capital of Toronto, has been the host of this major event in the Robotics competition schedule many times over the last decade and there are plenty of amenities in the surrounding area, to make the trip enjoyable and memorable for participants and viewers alike.

For anyone looking to stay the weekend,  there are plenty of accommodation options yet those closest to the competition venue would be the brand new Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott which and  the Hampton Inn by Hilton North Bay on McKeown Avenue.  Both are less than a five-minute drive from where all the action is taking place.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is located close to Nipissing University

Several restaurants are also in the surrounding area including those that can accommodate big groups. For starters, Boston Pizza North Bay is also located on McKeown Avenue and provides a family friendly environment and a terrific selection of menu items  On your way in or out of town, you can also visit the family owned and operated North Bay staple Burger World, providing comfort foods like all-day breakfast and steak pies  with a second Burger World location operates on Algonquin Avenue, and both are less than a 10-minute drive from Nipissing University, but also provide take-out and delivery options.

Beautiful Downtown North Bay – credit: Patrick Gilbert

You can also head into North Bay’s downtown core and feast on some southern BBQ at Lou Dawgs North Bay. which also offers Live Musical entertainment or North Bay’s newest downtown gem, The Block Public House.

The FIRST Canada Robotics competition is set to be an action-packed event, with plenty more to see and do while in North Bay for the weekend.

Non stop fun at the FIRST Canada Robotics Competition – credit: Patrick Gilbert

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Situated just three hours north of Ontario’s capital city of Toronto, North Bay boasts a wide variety of entertainment options all year long, but from the beginning of the fall to the end of the spring, the Battalion really holds the city’s attention, and for good reason.

The Battalion finished as the runners-up in the Eastern Conference in 2021-22 and they show plenty of signs that the 2022-23 season, and beyond, are years that fans will have high expectations for.

Ty Nelson #24 in a game against the Ottawa 67s. Photo by Tom Martineau

Seven of their players are National Hockey League draft prospects. That includes Ty Nelson, who was selected 1^st overall in the OHL draft just a few years ago and immediately became one of the league’s most exciting young defensemen before the Seattle Kraken selected him in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft.

Captain Liam Arnsby #11 battling for the puck along the wall. Photo by Tom Martineau

Other drafted players include Captain Liam Arnsby who was drafted by the Florida Panthers, Goaltender Dom DiVincentiis, drafted by the Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers prospect Matvey Petrov, Justin Ertl is a prospect with the Dallas Stars, Tnias Mathurin with the Detroit Red Wings, and joining Nelson in Seattle is Kyle Jackson.

Outside of a strong returning cast of players, the Battalion are also excited about their young prospects, looking to make an impact with the team as early as this season.

It starts with Ethan Procyszyn – who was General Manager Adam Dennis’ 1st round selection (20th overall). The 6’2” 182-pound forward had an impressive season with the North Central Predators scoring 52 points in 27 games, with the production split right down the middle with 26 goals and 26 assists.  He’s expected to be joined by Jacob Therrien, a third-round selection (44th overall) who is a hardworking, physical forward. On the blue line, the team is looking at Brayden Turley, another third-round selection who, at 6’6” and 185 pounds, was an attractive piece to add to the Troops defense corps.

Ty Nelson #24 with Avery Winslow #8 trying to clear the puck. Photo by Tom Martineau

Some of the top players in the world come out of the Ontario Hockey League, and you may only have a few chances in your lifetime to see them up close. Back in March of 2015, Connor McDavid was heading into his NHL draft year and 4241 fans packed the Gardens to get a glimpse of the future face of the NHL.

The Major Junior Hockey experience doesn’t get any more authentic than in the 50,000-person community of North Bay.

With the capacity to host over 4,000 people per game, the Battalion home games at Memorial Gardens are an exciting, fun filled event where fans can get right up close to glimpse the next stars of professional hockey. There’s no shortage of young fans lining up for high fives in between periods or waiting outside the dressing room post-game hoping for an autograph from their favourite players.

Whether you’ve been to Major Junior games in the past or are looking to cross that off your bucket list, taking in a North Bay Battalion game at Memorial Gardens is something you should look to fit into your itinerary on your next trip through northern Ontario.

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Whether you arrive in North Bay by plane (Jack Garland Airport – YYB), or automobile you will immediately be in awe of the natural beauty of North Bay, nestled between two lakes and at the foot of the stunning Laurentian Escarpment.

While North Bay is a four-season wonderland, in the winter it is truly enchanted.  Here, the lakes freeze and become ice fishing meccas, the forests become blanketed in snow and are calming and serene in their splendour.  Area snowmobile trails are exhilarating as adventure seekers see back-country that few people get to experience. Check back here often as we’ll tell you more about these North Bay winter adventures.

Your drive to Laurentian Ski Hill will take you through some of North Bay’s toniest neighbourhoods, where you will see homes built to withstand temperature fluctuations from -40C to +40C.  When you arrive at the top of the ski hill, the first thing you will notice is that your day of adventure will be with the backdrop of the city of North Bay, and its expansive Lake Nipissing and Manitou Islands.  Be sure to stay late enough in the day to experience Lake Nipissing’s world-class sunsets.

Laurentian is considered a great family-friendly hill with a 300-foot vertical with a variety of runs.  It is popular with both beginner and advanced skiers and is a snowboarding mecca. It has a modern quad lift for five different runs, a beginner’s hill conveyor and “the best” terrain park in Northern Ontario with its own handle tow. The terrain park features range from mini rails and a beginner box to a 30-foot shotgun rail, a new 30-foot DFD Hubba Tube and a 30-foot jump, with a fully stocked equipment rental department.

Programs with certified trainers serve all ages, such as the Adventure Camp for shredders and boarders ages five to nine years old and ‘Squirrels and Chipmunks’ for skiers three to five years old. Grom is a program for skiers and snowboarders 10 years old and up offered on weekends and holidays. This program starts each day with a morning-long lesson, lunch and is followed by riding for the rest of the day supervised by hill staff.

North Bay’s Laurentian Ski Hill has provided the foundation for several extraordinary athletes including, Tyler Nicholson (Olympian and X-Games Silver Medalist), Kate Pace (Olympian and World Cup Medalist) and Steve Omischl (Olympian and World Cup Medalist).

If you prefer a calmer experience, be sure to take in the forest trails adjacent to the ski hill.  Here you will find snowshoe trails for the beginner and experienced alike.  The trails take you through a Jack Pine forest among the elevation changes of the escarpment.  After freshly fallen snow this is a peaceful and calming experience like no other.

For information about day and season pass rates, or to rent equipment including snowshoes, as well as promotional packages, visit laurentianskihill.com, call 705.494.7463 or email info@laurentianskihill.com. Be sure to check with and abide by current covid protocols before you go.

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