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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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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The Laurentian Escarpment’s extensive network of trails is open to the public year-round offering spectacular views of the city and mixed terrain.  The trails are popular with local hikers, dog walkers, runners, fat bikers, snowshoers and mountain bikers. The trail network is actively managed by the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority and the North Bay Mountain Bike Association. Trail markings, parking and trail enhancements are ongoing as part of the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails Project.

Hiking the Laurentian Escarpment in winter is an extraordinary adventure that showcases the rugged beauty of North Bay. As snow blankets the escarpment, the trails that wind through this majestic terrain offer a thrilling and picturesque experience for winter hikers. The towering cliffs, frozen creek, and panoramic vistas create a dramatic backdrop against the glistening white landscape.

The rocky terrain of the escarpment is transformed by the deep snow which levels out the steep areas, making for a great snowshoeing experience. Snowshoe rentals are available at Laurentian Ski Hill. The grooming of trails in winter for fat biking make for a welcoming day of winter biking suitable for all levels.

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Amid the city’s urban energy, Laurier Woods offers a 240-acre natural haven at its heart. Dedicated citizens from the Friends of Laurier Woods along with the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority actively preserve and protect this cherished space.

Winding through the landscape, a network of looped trails invites exploration in every season. The provincially significant wetland shelters an incredible diversity of life—birds, flora, fauna, and countless wetland species that thrive year-round.

Exploring Laurier Woods in All Seasons

Each spring and summer, weekly guided hikes offered by the Friends of Laurier Woods and the Nipissing Naturalists Club reveal the woods’ hidden wonders – be sure to add your sightings to the trailhead list of birds spotted in the marsh.

Don’t miss the free annual Louise de Kiriline Nature Festival that brings together naturalists and nature lovers from around the region on the third Saturday of August.

Winter is a captivating experience in Laurier Woods showcasing the beauty of North Bay in a unique and enchanting way. As snow blankets the forest, the trails of Laurier Woods take on a serene and peaceful atmosphere, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

The trails meander through the pine, birch, beech and tamarack filled woods, providing hikers with the opportunity to witness towering trees draped in white, the crisp winter air and the crunch of the snow underfoot. Keep an eye out for the resident deer, beavers, foxes and porcupines, active during the winter. You may see wildlife tracks imprinted in the snow, adding an element of intrigue and discovery to the journey.

From the gentle rustle of tree branches to the sighting of winter birds, Laurier Woods in the winter months offers an immersive and serene hiking experience for nature lovers.

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Four Season Trial Network

In spring, the trail comes alive with fresh greenery and migrating birds along Lake Nipissing. Cyclists, runners, walkers, and inline skaters enjoy the gentle terrain and wide paved surface, ideal for families and casual riders. Summer brings warm breezes and vibrant waterfront activity, as the path winds past beaches, playgrounds, gardens, and the bustling marina.

When autumn arrives, the Kate Pace Way becomes a colourful corridor framed by brilliant reds, golds, and oranges—making it one of the most picturesque spots for fall cycling and photography in the region. Its accessible layout and lakeside views make it a favourite for locals and visitors looking to soak in Northern Ontario’s seasonal beauty.

Winter transforms the pathway into a peaceful, snow-dusted route perfect for walking, fat biking, and kicksledding. Maintained sections ensure it remains usable in colder months, offering a safe and inviting way to stay active outdoors. With its wide space and gentle grades, it’s a great option for all ages and activity levels, even in snowy conditions.

Whether you’re exploring North Bay on two wheels, taking a sunset stroll, or enjoying a year-round family outing, the Kate Pace Way provides a welcoming, scenic, and accessible experience connecting North Bay to Callander. Add this four-season paved pathway to your itinerary and discover why it’s one of the region’s most cherished recreational routes.

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The trail is also home to the 3.2 km Chippewa Creek Eco Path that winds along the creek, showcasing wetlands, wildlife, and interpretive signage about local ecosystems between Thompson Park to Lake Nipissing. This eco-friendly segment allows visitors to experience North Bay’s natural heritage up close while enjoying a serene, accessible pathway for walking, running, or cycling. It is this section that also connects to the Kate Pace Way via a free-span bridge over Main Street East.

A highlight along the Kinsmen Trail/ Chippewa Creek Eco Path is the Miskwaadesi Painted Turtle Amphitheatre, a culturally significant site celebrating Indigenous heritage. Featuring a granite turtle petroform, interpretive signage, cedar posts in Medicine Wheel colours, and seven stones representing the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the space offers visitors a chance to reflect, learn, and connect with the land and Indigenous culture while enjoying the natural surroundings.

In every season, the Kinsmen Trail offers something special. Spring and summer bring vibrant greenery and wildlife, autumn paints the trail with fiery reds and golds, and winter transforms it into a quiet, snow-covered path perfect for snowshoeing.

Whether you’re seeking a scenic outdoor adventure, a family outing, or a quiet place to connect with nature, the Kinsmen Trail, including the Chippewa Creek EcoPath and the Miskwaadesi Amphitheatre, delivers a welcoming, year-round experience that highlights both North Bay’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

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Winter Walks

Black Forest Park is a quiet, family-friendly option for winter hikes just minutes from North Bay, ideal for visitors seeking gentler winter activities and locals wanting a peaceful walk in the snow. Towering red and white pines line a well-marked loop, creating a sheltered environment that feels calm and inviting on even the chilliest days. The trail is relatively short and rated easy, making it a welcoming choice for kids, new hikers, and anyone looking to try winter hiking trails without committing to a full-day adventure. While often highlighted as a warm-weather favourite, the Black Forest Park trails truly shine in winter when its soft, rolling terrain becomes a serene setting for snowshoeing and relaxed winter sports at your own pace.

Interpretive signs add interest for curious families and help turn a simple walk into an outdoor learning experience. With convenient access from Highway 11, this North Bay hiking trail is one of the best places to visit in winter when you want a nearby escape into nature that still feels safe, simple, and manageable for all ages.

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