TRAVEL ITINERARIES
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque landscapes and charming communities of North Bay, Ontario, with our carefully crafted travel itineraries. Begin your exploration by soaking in the natural beauty of Lake Nipissing, where opportunities for fishing, boating, and lakeside relaxation abound. Dive into the region’s rich history with a visit to the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence, showcasing the area’s military heritage and the pivotal role it played in Canadian history. Explore the vibrant arts scene by strolling through the downtown core, dotted with galleries, boutiques, and local artisan shops. For outdoor enthusiasts, a hike along the Laurentian Escarpment offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding forests and shimmering lakes below. Wind down your day with a delicious meal at one of North Bay’s eclectic eateries, serving up everything from hearty Canadian cuisine to international fare. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, North Bay promises an unforgettable escape filled with diverse experiences for every traveler.
Select a one day to a full week itinerary or simply build your own from the following suggestions:
GET DOWN ON THE TOWN – #1
SEASON: SPRING, SUMMER, FALL
Breakfast: Fuel up with a specialty coffee and breakfast at Twiggs Coffee Roasters; a local staple.
Mid Morning: A guided mountain biking experience with North Bay Mountain Bike Association at Three Towers; the home of excellent flow, unique rock features, and extremely fun riding.
Lunch: Enjoy a cold, refreshing beverage, apps and snacks or a full meal along the shores of Lake Nipissing at The Boat.
Mid Afternoon: Cruise on Lake Nipissing and discover the five Manitou Islands when you board the Chief Commanda II for a fun afternoon.
Late Afternoon: One of North Bay’s treasured landmarks is the lovingly restored Heritage Carousel and Heritage Railway via mini train providing old fashioned for everyone young at heart.
Dinner: The evolution of Cecil’s Brewhouse and Kitchen continues with signature and seasonal beers for your drinking pleasure, brewed naturally, on site.
Evening: Get your camera ready and a witness a breathtaking sunset over Lake Nipissing.
adven-tour – #2
SEASON: SPRING, SUMMER, FALL, winter
Breakfast: Start your day off right at this unique 50’s style diner called Hoagies Diner.
Mid Morning: Brush the horses, learn to rope, visit the cows or try the Buckin’ Barrel at Von Doelers Ranch.
Lunch: In the morning, pick up a pre packed lunch from a North Bay grocery store like Orchards Fresh Food Market, or try some fast food options at TK’s chipstand in Rutherglen.
Mid Afternoon: Hike the Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Trails, where the Amable du Fond flows between steep rock walls in a dramatic series of rapids and waterfalls.
Dinner: Dine at The Block Public House is located Downtown North Bay and they are excited to host and share their journey of the carefully selected menu.
Evening: Take in a show at the Capitol Centre.
HIKiNg THROUGH HISTORY – #3
SEASON: SPRING, SUMMER, FALL, WINTER
Breakfast: Grab your morning espresso fix at the Opera Bakery Cafe then head over to The Culture Club for fresh sourdough bread and delectable cookies to enjoy on their private café patio. Walk the painted alleyways and take in the historic charms of North Bay’s Main Street West block by visiting the many boutique shops before heading over to Good Glaze Dessert Bar for great vibes and a sweet treat.
Mid Morning: The North Bay Museum is located in the historic Canadian Pacific Railway station and with a guided tour you can discover the people and places of North Bay’s past and present.
Lunch: Take in some southern food in a northern town at Lou Dawgs – it’s the perfect spot to get some BBQ.
Mid Afternoon: Directly off Highway 17 there is a hidden little gem called Duchesnay Falls with natural beauty and never-ending cascading waterfalls. Enjoy a short yet picturesque trail loop geared for any level of hiker.
Dinner: Enjoy treats like warm mixed olives with smoked sausage or Italian fries followed by one of their blistered crust pizzas at Arugula.
Evening: Settle in for the evening at New Ontario Brewing Co and try some local beers made from fresh ingredients combined with creativity and craftmanship.
paddle, shop & learn – #4
SEASON: SPRING, SUMMER, FALL
Breakfast: Enjoy a classic breakfast spread or opt for their famous Breakfast Poutine) at Ivan’s Restaurant. First opened in 1945, Ivan’s continues to honour the time-tested traditions and recipes that have made it a long-standing North Bay tradition
Mid Morning: SISU Adventures offer a self-guided northern kayak wilderness adventure with a focus on building meaningful connections and memorable experiences.
Lunch: Savour a taste of northern Mexican cuisine at Mr. Pancho. Opt for hard or soft tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, or a combination platter with slow-cooked cochinita pibil, a pulled pork specialty.
Mid Afternoon: Wander through Main Street and stop by a few local favourites like the FARM, Antiques at Deegan’s, Autumn Records or Cheapskates.
Late Afternoon: Stroll the Kate Pace Way along Lake Nipissing. This 14km+ paved pathway is named after former Olympic skier Kate Pace’s name and serves as a multi-use pathway for walking, jogging, cycling, and inline skating from North Bay to Callander.
Dinner: Enjoy a casual, relaxed dinner at Dave’s Green Papaya, a family-owned restaurant serving pan-Asian cuisines in a homey setting.
YEARN TO LEARN – #5
SEASON: SPRING, SUMMER, FALL, WINTER
Breakfast: Enjoy a coffee and one of their many delicious ‘all day breakfast’ options at gd2go.
Mid Morning: Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence strives to inspire within diverse audiences a deeper understanding and connection to Canada’s historical and current contributions to air defence by creating lasting connections to the history and artifacts.
Lunch: Accessible by land & water Average Joe’s is North Bay’s only year round lakefront restaurant on beautiful Trout Lake.
Mid Afternoon: Founded in 1987, the WKP Kennedy Gallery is a non-profit public art space (housed in the Capitol Centre) that’s free to visit year-round. The gallery features touring exhibits, artist showcases, special events, and opportunities to buy local art. Closed on weekends.
Late Afternoon: Learn about the 5 ladies who put Northern Ontario on the map at The Dionne Quints Museum in Downtown North Bay.
Dinner & Evening: A local favourite you must try Greco’s Pizza.
Walk or paddle to your own ‘beet’ – #6
SEASON: SPRING, SUMMER, FALL
Breakfast: Enjoy a large array of all day breakfast options at Syls Neighbourhood Kitchen.
Mid Morning: Visit the award-winning farmers’ market for some good old fashioned people watching and stock up your bag or cooler with treats for your picnic lunch. The summer market is located in front of the North Bay Museum on Wednesday and Saturdays and during winter the market can be found in the basement of The Kennedy building on Saturday mornings only.
Late Morning: Take a short drive south to the beautiful town of Callander.
Lunch: Against the backdrop of Lake Nipissing, 1886 Lakehouse is a casual cottage bistro with black & white photos, hand-crafted butcher block tables and barn board accents.
Mid Afternoon: Depending on your preference, either hire a kayak, canoe or paddle board from Cranberry Canoes and enjoy a leisurely paddle around the new lighthouse in Callander Bay (not available in winter) or enjoy a family-friendly hike on the Cranberry Trail and have a cute chickadee eating right out of your hands.
Dinner: You don’t need to be a gamer to come here and have a good time. Enjoy fine dining at Match Eatery and then take in some live entertainment afterwards.
Don’t Take the Rocks for Granite – #7
SEASON: SPRING, SUMMER, FALL,
Breakfast: Try a Crepe Breakfast Taco with shredded hashbrowns or homemade homefries at Terry’s Place.
Mid Morning: Experience the life of a voyageur at the height of the fur trade by paddling a voyageur canoe on the beautiful Mattawa River in Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. Tours are offered on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout July and August. Day use for hiking, biking, swiming and canoeing is available from May to October.
Lunch: Well known for their burgers, Burger World is a must whilst in North Bay.
Mid Afternoon: Located in the heart of the city, the 101 hectare (250 acre) Laurier Woods encompasses a provincially significant wetland, rocky outcrops and upland forest; and is a sanctuary to a broad range of wetland and woodland creatures, including migrating birds. A 10+ kilometre trail network spans the Woods offering excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. (Laurier Woods is open to discover all year round!)
Dinner: Indulge yourself in the rich aromas, bold spices, and delicate balance of flavors that make every dish delicious at My Thai Palace.
Evening: Imagine feeling the gentle breeze on your face, the soothing sound of water beneath, and the magic of nature painting the sky in vibrant colors when you set sail on Lake Nipissing with Blue Sky Sailing.