Equipped with retractable bleachers, the gymnasium provides flexible seating configurations to accommodate various event sizes and formats, making it an ideal venue for tournaments and championships. The facility’s multi-sport capabilities include basketball, volleyball, badminton, indoor soccer, and pickleball, with the versatility to host additional court sports and recreational activities. This adaptability allows tournament organizers to configure the space for single-sport events or multi-sport competitions, maximizing venue efficiency and scheduling flexibility.

Modern amenities include men’s, women’s, and gender-neutral changerooms, ensuring inclusive facilities that meet the needs of all participants and comply with contemporary standards for equity and accessibility. The gymnasium’s friendly and professional staff provide equipment support and deliver top-quality customer service, assisting event organizers with setup, logistics, and day-of-event coordination to ensure smooth operations.

Situated on Canadore College’s scenic Education Centre Campus, which sits on a stunning 650-acre wooded escarpment overlooking North Bay, the gymnasium benefits from ample parking, easy campus access, and proximity to additional college facilities. The shared campus arrangement with Nipissing University creates unique opportunities for multi-facility events, combining the gymnasium with nearby athletic venues like the RJ Surtees Athletics Centre and outdoor sports fields. This integration positions the Education Centre Gymnasium as part of a comprehensive sports complex capable of hosting large-scale tournaments and multi-day events.

The gymnasium’s central location provides convenient access to North Bay’s accommodations, dining, and attractions, while the college’s commitment to student success and community engagement extends to supporting high-quality sporting events and tournaments. With its versatile spaces, modern facilities, professional support staff, and scenic campus setting, the Education Centre Gymnasium offers event organizers an excellent venue for a vast variety of court competitions and other opportunities.

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The main Cranberry Trail stretches roughly 2.5 km one-way. It winds through mixed forest, marshland and cranberry bogs and ends with a rewarding view over Lake Nipissing‘s Callander Bay. Choose the Cranberry Trails for easy access to classic Northern Ontario scenery in all seasons – summer, winter and fall.

The wide gravel surface is suitable for all fitness levels and ages which is a perfect choice for children, families and older adults. Come pick cranberries at the annual Fall Cranberry Festival. Bring your binoculars for bird watching all year-round. It’s a nice lunch spot in summer for cyclists riding by on the Kate Pace Way.

Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing

Just south of North Bay in Callander, the Cranberry Trail offers some of the most accessible winter hiking trails and snowshoeing trails in the region. Wide, gently rolling paths make this network a natural choice for winter activities like snowshoeing, winter hikes, fat biking, and family walks in winter with kids in tow. From quiet weekday snowshoeing to fun weekend getaways with family or friends, this easy trail network showcases the best of winter near North Bay.

With interpretative signages, benches along the way and parking conveniently located at the end of Cranberry Road adjacent to the Osprey Links Golf Course, the year-round Cranberry Trails rank among the top places to visit in summer, winter and fall for both visitors and locals.

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The main gymnasium is a showpiece of modern sports infrastructure, featuring nearly 17,000 square feet of versatile space that accommodates eight volleyball courts, eight badminton courts, twelve pickleball courts, and six basketball courts (two main courts plus four side courts). Advanced automatic gym dividers allow the space to be configured in half or quarters, providing exceptional flexibility for simultaneous tournaments or multi-sport events. With a seating capacity of approximately 1,200 spectators, the facility is equipped with five high-definition cameras and an impressive 11 x 17-foot video board, ensuring professional-quality broadcasting capabilities for competitions and events. The gymnasium serves as home to the Nipissing Lakers varsity basketball and volleyball teams competing in Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and U Sports.

Nipissing University’s campus overlooks Lake Nipissing and the RJS Athletics Centre offers convenient access to North Bay’s north end with ample parking. The bright, clean, modern facility features professional-grade amenities including varsity change rooms, fitness centre, and flexible spaces ideal for tournaments, training camps, championships, and multi-day sporting events. The centre’s combination of cutting-edge technology, versatile court configurations, substantial seating capacity, and professional amenities makes it an exceptional venue for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and pickleball tournaments seeking a world-class facility in Northern Ontario.

Contact Tourism North Bay to discuss your event needs.

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The facility features a versatile gymnasium with 25-foot ceiling height accommodating three volleyball courts, three badminton courts, and one basketball court, providing flexible spaces for sports programming, tournaments, and recreational activities. The aquatic center, recently renovated with a $700,000 investment from the City of North Bay, offers year-round swimming programs including swim lessons, aquafit classes, lane swimming, and recreational swimming, maintaining the YMCA’s legacy as the developer of Canada’s first nationally recognized aquatic programs in 1931. Modern fitness rooms equipped with cardio and strength training equipment, warm-up rooms, and large change rooms support diverse fitness needs and wellness goals for members of all ages and abilities.

The YMCA provides extensive programming including group fitness classes, drop-in sports programs, youth development activities, childcare services, day camps during school breaks, and community wellness initiatives. The facility offers flexible membership options including Y Experience Memberships (full facility access including fitness classes, pool, courts, and early registration) and Y Fit Cards (fitness center and gymnasium access), with enhanced change-room amenities available for adult members including premium facilities for those seeking additional comfort. With ample parking, accessible facilities, and professional staff committed to member success, the YMCA serves as both a vital community resource and an excellent venue for sports events, tournaments, and group activities.

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The centre features twin ice surfaces built to NHL regulation standards, perfect for seamless tournament scheduling with minimal downtime and ideal for hockey, ringette, figure skating, and tradeshows. Fourteen flexible change rooms, all barrier-free, include eight convertible rooms that transform into four enlarged spaces to accommodate teams of varying sizes or special accessibility needs. Climate-controlled viewing areas provide warm, comfortable spectator spaces with excellent sightlines ensuring an enjoyable experience even during the coldest Ontario winters. An upper-level walking/running track offers multi-use space for warm-ups, cool-downs during events along with overall health and wellness while a large community room provides versatile space for coaches’ meetings, tournament briefings, team meals, registration, and awards ceremonies. Over 400 parking spaces, including dedicated bus spaces for traveling teams, plus transit pick-up and drop-off at the main entrance, ensure convenient access for all visitors.

Situated in Northern Ontario with easy highway access, the facility is part of the premier Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex, creating unique opportunities for multi-sport events that combine ice sports with outdoor field activities. The fully accessible, barrier-free design throughout ensures inclusivity for all participants and spectators. Tourism North Bay provides comprehensive event planning assistance, from accommodations and dining to entertainment options for teams and families, delivering our proud hosting legacy and genuine Northern Ontario hospitality.

Contact Tourism North Bay to discuss your tournament or event needs.

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The facility features six sheets of meticulously maintained ice, renowned for exceptional quality under the expertise of Head Ice Technician Bruno Bin, providing ideal conditions for competitive tournaments and recreational play alike. Modern amenities include well-equipped change rooms, a fully stocked pro shop, comfortable lounge areas, and a professional Curling Stadium streaming system that allows fans worldwide to follow the action. The club successfully accommodates curlers of all ages and abilities through organized leagues, instructional programs, tournaments, and special events. Beyond curling, the Granite Club offers four seasons of recreation with five outdoor tennis courts and two outdoor pickleball courts, plus versatile hall rental spaces perfect for tournament banquets, awards ceremonies, and special events.

With over 600 combined members served by professional staff and passionate volunteer leaders, the North Bay Granite Club delivers exceptional hospitality and proven tournament infrastructure. Located in North Bay’s east end with ample parking and easy access, the facility sits near the city’s waterfront attractions, dining, and accommodations. The club’s 75-year track record of hosting major curling events, combined with world-class ice conditions, experienced event management, and warm Northern Ontario community spirit, makes it an ideal destination for curling tournaments, bonspiels, and championships of all levels.

Contact Tourism North Bay to discuss your event needs.

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Waterfalls – there are few things that possess such a rugged, awe-striking power. Here in North Bay, we reside amongst one of them. In Northern Ontario, the contrast of land and water is plentiful, lending itself to some truly beautiful areas. This part of the province is a complex maze of lakes all connected by their tributaries, be it creeks or rivers. As the elevation drops and water is forced to navigate tough terrain, we are left with everyone’s favourite natural feature: waterfalls.

Located on Nipissing First Nations land Duchesnay Falls is a natural wonder, captivating the minds of all who hike towards it, holding them in its majesty. Located just minutes from downtown North Bay, this glacial formation is a popular destination for even the most modest of hikers. It’s beauty summons photographers, hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful escape. It is accessible and it goes on and on and on….

Resting atop the Laurentian Escarpment, behind Nipissing University and Canadore College, the Duchesnay Creek carves through the Canadian Shield, weaving and flowing downward to Lake Nipissing. Duchesnay Falls begins in a modest fashion as a series of low, mesmerizing cascades before decisively parting into two branches. As the river continues to slope downwards along the west branch, the age-old battle of water versus gravity intensifies, erupting into an endless display of serene power with a scenic backdrop. After several smaller cascades fail to halt the surge of rumbling water, the battle reaches its climax. As the water reaches the bottom of the river, it faces its biggest adversity yet: a 20-meter plummet followed by a 10-meter drop, resulting in one of North Bay’s most picturesque spots.

Accessible from multiple spots, Duchesnay Falls and the Education Centre Trails are a hikers delight. Surrounded by hardwood forest amongst the maples, oaks, birches, and pines, this entire area is a four-season wonder. Venturing on a waterfall hike during he spring run-off provides a jaw-dropping experience to witness the sheer volume of water passing through. In the summer, the forest is alive with local flora and fauna displaying the rich and healthy local environment. The fall colours are breathtaking in this forest, painting the sky with yellow and red. A fall hike on the Education Centre Trails is mandatory for any outdoor enthusiast.

Duchesnay Falls in Winter – Stunning!

Duchesnay Falls is one of the most iconic North Bay hiking trails and a must-see destination for winter activities in Northern Ontario. In the colder months, this waterfall and forested valley turn into a snowy playground, perfect for winter hikes and snowshoeing trails that weave along Duchesnay Creek and through mature hardwood forest. Frozen cascades, icy rock formations, and views over the Canadian Shield create a stunning backdrop for couples, families with kids, people with dogs and friends looking for memorable winter sports close to the city. 

The winter hiking trails link Duchesnay Falls with the Nipissing University & Canadore College Trails, giving visitors the flexibility to choose shorter family-friendly loops or longer adventures that feel wild yet remain easy to access and close to downtown North Bay. 

With multiple trailheads near the university and adjacent to Highway 17, this is one of the easiest places to visit in winter if you want to combine fresh air, scenic views, and an authentic North Bay winter experience. Whether you are snowshoeing, hiking or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll through the trees, Duchesnay Falls delivers a classic Northern Ontario winter outing.

Whether you choose to hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski, this is a family-friendly opportunity you simply cannot pass up. This free-to-use trail network is a local gem where you can go birding, likely catch a glimpse of some wildlife, and escape the urban hustle without going far at all!

Consistently thought of as one of the best four-season waterfall destinations in Ontario, come see it for yourself! With so many vantage points to explore and photograph from and the dramatic seasonal changes to witness, this is one waterfall that will not disappoint you.

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Built in 2018 to replace the previous natural grass surface, the Nipissing University artificial turf soccer field represents a significant upgrade to North Bay’s sports infrastructure. Located adjacent to the Robert J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre at 100 College Drive, this modern facility serves as home to the Nipissing Lakers men’s and women’s varsity soccer teams competing in Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and U Sports, as well as the Lakers lacrosse team during the fall months.

The FIFA-standard field measures 100 x 64 meters, providing a regulation-sized playing surface that meets international specifications for competitive soccer while accommodating other field sports. The state-of-the-art artificial turf enables usage regardless of weather conditions, offering consistent playing quality and durability that natural grass cannot match. This all-weather capability makes the field an ideal venue for tournaments, training camps, and special events throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons without concerns about field maintenance or weather-related cancellations.

Professional amenities include a fully functional press box for media coverage and broadcasting, along with an outdoor lighting system that accommodates evening games and events, extending programming flexibility beyond daylight hours. The field’s versatility extends to multiple sports and recreational activities including flag football and ultimate Frisbee, making it a multi-purpose facility for various tournament formats and community events. Its location on Nipissing University’s scenic campus overlooking Lake Nipissing provides an attractive setting for sporting events, with convenient access to campus facilities, parking, and the nearby RJS Athletics Centre for indoor training and events.

The combination of FIFA-standard dimensions, professional lighting, press facilities, and all-weather artificial turf positions this field as an excellent venue for soccer tournaments, lacrosse competitions, and multi-sport events seeking reliable, high-quality outdoor facilities in Northern Ontario. The field complements North Bay’s comprehensive sports tourism infrastructure and provides event organizers with a modern, versatile outdoor venue backed by university support services.

Contact Tourism North Bay to discuss your event needs.

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The centre features a full-size gymnasium with 37-foot ceiling height that accommodates three volleyball courts, four badminton and pickleball courts, and one basketball court, providing excellent versatility for tournaments, training camps, and multi-sport events. Dedicated squash courts host an active league and community programming for racquet sport enthusiasts. The facility’s aquatic centre is a 25-metre competition-standard swimming pool equipped with starting blocks, diving board, and Tarzan rope swing, creating an engaging environment perfect for aquatic programs including LSS swim lessons, aquafit classes, lane swims and recreational activities. Additional amenities include a rock-climbing wall, sauna, comprehensive weight and cardio room featuring modern equipment and free weights, warm-up rooms, and meeting spaces for tournament briefings and event coordination. Outdoor facilities include a softball diamond, athletic field, and track; as well as tennis and pickleball courts.

Professional, friendly staff maintain the facility to exceptional standards and provide top-quality customer service, offering various fitness programming and recreational sessions throughout the week. The centre operates with public membership and walk-in options available. Named in 2023 to honour Master Corporal Jean-Pierre Legault, who served with distinction in the Royal Canadian Air Force before perishing in a 1995 aircraft accident, the facility represents both athletic excellence and military heritage.

Located on CFB North Bay with ample parking and only ten minutes from downtown North Bay, the 22 Wing Fitness and Wellness Centre offers tournament organizers and sports groups a unique opportunity to utilize comprehensive military-grade facilities that rival any civilian sports complex in Northern Ontario, combining professional amenities with community accessibility.

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The facility features a full-sized FIFA regulation soccer field with Act Global synthetic turf that can be divided into three smaller fields using modular netting, enabling simultaneous games and maximum scheduling efficiency. Each partial field measures 55 meters by 29 meters, perfect for youth tournaments or training sessions. Two multi-purpose courts and a dedicated high-performance training area. The facility can accommodate, volleyball, baseball, tennis, badminton, pickleball, ultimate frisbee, cricket, softball, soccer, track and field, and sport conditioning activities. The remarkable flexibility allows the dome to host up to twelve teams simultaneously across different sports, making it ideal for large-scale tournaments and multi-day events. Players’ benches, bleacher seating, scoreboards, and scoring tables provide professional amenities for organized competitions, with spectators welcome to bring lawn chairs for additional seating during crowded events.

The attached 6,200 square foot clubhouse features modern change rooms, a dedicated instructional and meeting space, and gender-neutral washrooms, ensuring comprehensive support facilities for athletes and event organizers. The dome utilizes innovative technology that captures thermal energy from engines to heat the facility during winter months, demonstrating environmental sustainability alongside athletic excellence. Friendly, professional staff maintain the facility during all operating hours, providing equipment support and event coordination assistance.

Located at Canadore’s Commerce Court Campus with ample parking and easy access, the Sportsplex serves as a community recreation hub open to public rental on a fee-for-use basis. Its year-round availability eliminates weather-related cancellations, while the climate-controlled environment ensures consistent playing conditions regardless of season. The facility’s capacity to host large community events, tradeshows, and conferences in addition to sporting competitions makes it one of North Bay’s largest and most versatile indoor venues, significantly enhancing regional tourism and sports hosting opportunities.

Contact Graham Loyst at graham.loyst@canadorecollege.ca for booking inquiries.

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