How to get to North Bay
We are closer than you think!
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or making the familiar journey back to see family and friends, getting to North Bay is easier than you might think. Located in Northeastern Ontario, it can be reached by several transportation options. North Bay is a natural gateway to Northern Ontario and travellers can drive via Highway 11 or Highway 17, fly into North Bay Jack Garland Airport (YYB), take a coach operated by Ontario Northland, or soon travel by passenger rail on the returning Northlander connecting Toronto with Northeastern Ontario.
However, you choose to travel—by car, plane, train, or bus—the journey to North Bay is part of the experience. With scenic landscapes, peaceful lakes, and welcoming communities along the way, travelling here offers a glimpse into the beauty of Northern Ontario before you even arrive.
Driving to North Bay, Ontario
For many visitors, a road trip is the most popular way to travel to North Bay. The city sits at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 17, two major highways that connect Northern Ontario with the rest of the province.
Driving to North Bay is convenient from several major cities:
- From Toronto – approximately 3.5 hours north
- From Ottawa – approximately 4 hours west
- From Sudbury – about 1.5 hours east
Along the way, travellers are treated to classic Northern Ontario scenery—towering rock cuts, winding rivers, dense forests, and small towns that make great stops for coffee or a meal.
And for many returning locals, the moment you catch a glimpse of Lake Nipissing means you’re almost home.
Flying to North Bay
If you’re travelling from farther away, flying into North Bay Jack Garland Airport (YYB) is the fastest way to reach the city.
Located just minutes from downtown, the airport offers convenient regional connections that make North Bay accessible from across Canada. Visitors arriving by air are often greeted with incredible aerial views of the region’s lakes, forests, and rugged Canadian Shield landscape.
Propair runs a five day a week route that links Rouyn-Noranda, North Bay and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport – meaning reaching the Gateway to Northern Ontario for downtown Torontonians has just become even easier.
Launching in June 2026, WestJet will be flying twice weekly from Calgary to North Bay and return. Making it even easier for Canadians to experience Northern Ontario.
Bearskin Airlines run a 6 day a week route that links Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, Thunder Bay and more regional locations to North Bay.
Within a short drive of the airport, you’ll find hotels, restaurants, waterfront trails, and the vibrant downtown core.
Additionally, car rentals are available at the airport, and short and long-term parking is on-site.
Bus Service to North Bay
Another easy way to travel to North Bay is by coach. Ontario Northland operates regular bus services connecting destinations across Ontario with North Bay.
Direct routes make it possible to travel to North Bay from cities including Toronto, Sudbury, and communities throughout Northern Ontario. For many travellers, taking the bus offers a relaxing way to arrive—sit back, enjoy the scenery, and let someone else do the driving.
Passenger Train Service Returning Soon
Rail travel will soon add another convenient way to reach North Bay in late 2026. The return of the Northlander passenger train will reconnect the city with rail service between Toronto and Northeastern Ontario.
Once operational, the Northlander will offer a comfortable and scenic journey through the forests and lakes of Ontario’s north. Train travel is expected to provide an additional transportation option for both visitors and residents travelling between the region and southern Ontario.
Your Gateway to Northern Ontario
Thanks to its central location and multiple transportation options, North Bay has long been known as the Gateway to Northern Ontario. Whether you’re arriving by planes, trains or automobiles, the city is easy to reach and perfectly positioned for exploring the surrounding region.
And once you arrive, you’ll discover why so many people return year after year—from the stunning sunsets over Lake Nipissing to outdoor adventures, local restaurants, and welcoming Northern Ontario hospitality.
However you travel, your journey to North Bay is the beginning of something memorable.
Getting Around the City
North Bay Transit can also provide a public, accessible transportation and cost effective option.