Let’s get this out of the way… North Bay isn’t just “somewhere north of Toronto.” It’s the city where fresh air, sparkling lakes, and endless green space meet all the perks of urban life. Summer in North Bay Ontario is where it’s at. Sitting right on the shore of Lake Nipissing, it’s got that perfect mix of nature, history, and community energy that keeps pulling me back. Three times in the past two years, I’ve found myself in North Bay.
My most recent visit to North Bay was spent at the tail end of a huge summer road trip that my kids and I took through Parc national d’Opémican in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and then continued through the Abitibi-Ouest region of Quebec, culminating in a Bucket List Northeastern Ontario Family Travel adventure.
North Bay’s story kicks off much earlier than you’d think. Long before trains or tourism, the Anishinaabe and Algonquin peoples used the waterways here as their lifeline, trading and exploring this lush, lake-filled land for centuries.
Fast-forward to 1882, when the Canadian Pacific Railway finally broke through the Canadian Shield’s thick forests and swamps to reach what we now call North Bay. That’s when the settlement began to take shape. Cabins went up, a sawmill turned on, a post office opened, and just like that, the name “North Bay” stuck, thanks to its position on Lake Nipissing’s northern shoreline.
North Bay first grew as a railroad hub, and later, its airport played a big role during the Cold War. Starting in the early 1950s, the Royal Canadian Air Force set up a massive base here. It wasn’t just any base—it shielded Canada and North America’s skies as home to NORAD operations, complete with underground bunkers built to withstand bomb strikes, and later on, even tracked satellites in space.
These days, it’s more about bikes, boats, breweries, and beaches. Yes, beaches in Northern Ontario.
Summer in North Bay Ontario
Summer in North Bay, Ontario, is pure magic. Picture long, golden sunsets over Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, endless trails and beaches to explore, and that unmistakable feeling of being at the gateway to the North.
You know when you hit that perfect summer stride? Sun’s shining, your hair’s still damp from the lake, and your day’s wide open for adventure? That’s North Bay for me
Let’s break down the adventures and dive headfirst into everything this city serves up in the warmer months. If you’re chasing paddling, hiking, nature, history, or a good plate of food with a view, North Bay delivers in spades. North Bay is where nature and outdoor energy meet a mid-size city in the best possible way.
Where is North Bay?
North Bay sits in Northeastern Ontario, Canada, on the north shore of Lake Nipissing. It’s about 3.5 hours north of Toronto and 4 hours west of Ottawa, making it the perfect weekend road trip in either direction. Surrounded by lakes, forests, and trails, it’s the Gateway to the North—the last stop for city comforts before you head deeper into Ontario’s wild spaces.
Driving is the easiest way to reach North Bay, especially if you want the freedom to explore the lakes, trails, and breweries at your own pace. From Toronto, take Highway 400 north to Highway 11 — it’s about 3.5 hours without too many snack stops. From Ottawa, follow Highway 17 west for about 4 hours, hugging the Ottawa River for part of the drive.
Ontario Northland runs bus service from multiple Ontario cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, and Sudbury, straight into North Bay’s downtown terminal.
Fun Things To Do In North Bay In Summer
One of the first things I did in North Bay in 2023 was meet up with Cycle Works, get geared up, and get ready to ride. My first time on the trails on a mountain bike. Should I be nervous? Nah, I have a hybrid bike and ride trails, how hard can this be?
The crew from the North Bay Mountain Bike Association met us with e-bikes, helmets, and all the encouragement a beginner rider could need. Aside from the rainy weather, we were all set up. They met us at The Three Towers, a new trail network full of fun rock features and smooth flowy lines. It was the right kind of thrill, challenging enough to get your adrenaline going, but not so technical that you’re white knuckling it the whole time.
I was fortunate enough to ride with Connie for our time. She was awesome. Super encouraging and patient. I think I fell off just once, but there was definitely a side swipe with a tree. I explained to her that I was used to Toronto biking, and the concept of biking in the woods was foreign to me. Her thoughts were the exact opposite and said that the trees and rocks don’t move, they’re predictable. It’s traffic – cars and trucks that are unpredictable and create the dangers.
Heritage Railway & Carousel Company
Once the rain had let up and we were showered, we were down at the Heritage Railway & Carousel Company, where my inner child got a full workout. These carousels are works of art. They are hand-carved, hand-painted, and completely whimsical. I rode a horse on one and a moose on the other, then toured a bit around the miniature railway with my travel companions.
It was the kind of feel-good fun that makes you forget what year it is (and how old you are). I wasn’t with my kids on this trip, but it would have been something they would have enjoyed for sure.
Train Ride at Von Doeler’s Ranch
Von Doeler’s Ranch is the real deal. This ranch is the kind of place that feels straight out of the Wild West, complete with real cowboys, wide-open fields, and that fresh country air. A 4th-generation operation running for over 100 years, they know how to deliver an unforgettable ride.
We saddled up for a beginner-friendly trail that took us through gorgeous scenery all the way to Talon Chutes on the Mattawa River. It was an incredible morning. I hadn’t been on a horse in a while, but our trail ride was totally beginner-friendly, and the scenery? Think open pastures, shady forest trails, and views that stretch out forever. It’s one of those “breathe deeper” and take your time kinds of places.
If you’re feeling adventurous, they do custom ranch stays here.
Paddle with Sisu Adventures
From the saddle to the bush, you can keep the outdoor momentum going with Sisu Adventures. What is the meaning of sisu? It’s a Finnish word that doesn’t translate neatly into English, but think determination, grit, courage, and an almost stubborn kind of willpower rolled into one. The funny thing is, you don’t really “learn” sisu from a definition. You feel sisu when you’re out there pushing through a hike, paddling against the wind, or tackling an adventure that tests your limits. It’s that fire inside you that keeps you going when the easy option would be to quit.
Sisu Adventures is a mobile outdoor adventure company based in North Bay with a simple mission: building wellness and community through nature, one bold adventure at a time. We took to the kayaks and paddleboards with Sisu Adventures on Trout Lake. Trout Lake is a spot that feels almost tucked away compared to the busier Lake Nipissing. If you’re looking for quiet paddles, lazy swims, or just some lakeside peace, this is where you’ll find it.
And, there’s nothing better than good friends and a good time on the water. Highly recommend if your soul’s feeling a little scrambled and needs a reset.
Visit The Beach for Swimming and Paddleboarding
Delaney Bay is one of those perfect North Bay spots where you can spend the whole day by the water. The sandy beach has a gentle, shallow entry for swimming, making it easy for the kids to splash around, while paddleboarders can launch right from shore and explore the calm waters connected to Trout Lake.
Pack a picnic, soak up the sun, and take in those wide-open lake views. If Ice Cream is your flavour, be sure to pick some up from the Chill Out. The beach at Delaney Bay is small, but it’s the kind of spot where everyone can just unwind. If you want to see the beach, it’s featured in a photo above in this blog post.
Duchesnay Falls Waterfall hike
Just outside of town, right off Highway 17 (towards Sudbury), Duchesnay Falls is an easy win for anyone craving a dose of nature without a full-on backcountry mission. Summer in North Bay is not complete without an excursion here.
Duchesnay Falls is one of those hikes where the payoff comes quickly. The loop trail is short and sweet, with cascading falls and shaded pathways. Tumbling waterfalls right at the start and forest trails that keep pulling you in. Also, this area and trail is kid-friendly (not stroller-friendly).
Fishing on Lake Nipissing
If you know me, you know I love time on the water. My kids and I went fishing with Lake Nipissing Outfitters on our most recent trip to North Bay, and we absolutely crushed it. Lake Nipissing is a legendary fishing spot, for both summer and winter, and anglers head here for walleye, northern pike, muskie, perch, bass, and even lake trout.
After a tour of the lake and the lighthouse, with Alan from Lake Nipissing Outfitters, my kids were reeling in walleye left and right, and honestly? That kind of fishing success should be illegal (kidding, but seriously… it was good). Being out there at magic hour and sunset was an absolute treat!
It’s one of those lakes where you never quite know what’s tugging on the line until it surfaces — which is half the fun.
Craft Beer in North Bay
My favourite was Gateway City Brewery. Not only did we get to tour the back, meet the owners, and sample their craft brews, but we also got the whole story behind each pour. There’s something about hearing how your beer was made straight from the brewer that makes it taste that much better. Spoiler: the Real Love Golden Lager? Summer in a glass.
The atmosphere? Perfectly chill for kicking back after a big day out.
Wrap it all up with a Pop-up Picnic
Here’s a hot tip from me to you: North Bay’s Pop-Up Picnic is the best way to slow down and savour your day. Order a curated meal from a participating restaurant, pick your picnic location… some suggestions include the lakefront, downtown park, or the Bandshell for live music – choose your adventure! Then, stretch out on the grass and take in the experience.
July and August don’t last forever! Might as well eat outside while you can.
Where To Stay in North Bay
I’ve visited North Bay three times and tried three very different places to stay, and each has its perks depending on your trip style.
My first visit was at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites North Bay, which was new, nicely appointed, and perfect for a single business traveller on the go.
On my second trip, I stayed at the Best Western North Bay Conference Centre while attending a conference. It’s a solid choice for conference attendees, but it’s a little farther from the main attractions in town.
My third visit was with my kids, and we stayed at Homewood Suites by Hilton — hands down my favourite spot in North Bay. The location can’t be beat: close to the waterfront, the carousel, and within walking distance to downtown. The hotel itself is fantastic, with a pool, an outside terrace for relaxing, and a breakfast that genuinely impressed. Plus, our suite gave my kids and me plenty of space to unwind after a full day of adventures, which made it the perfect family-friendly base for exploring the city.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in North Bay for your adventures, there are a lot of great options here:
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Final thoughts on North Bay in Summer
North Bay truly shines when the sun’s out. Between e-biking, trail riding, brewery hopping, waterfall hikes, and lakeside hangs, it hits every note I look for in a summer escape. If you’re craving a little adventure, a little chill, and a whole lot of nature, North Bay’s got you.
Summer in North Bay Ontario has this rare combination of energy and ease. Days start with golden sunlight bouncing off Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, filled with trails, paddleboards, and bike rides, and then drift into evenings of quiet beaches, vibrant sunsets, and friendly patios. Every corner of this city feels alive yet approachable, where outdoor adventure and small-town charm exist in perfect balance.
What I love most is how easy it is to switch gears — you can chase an adrenaline rush on the mountain bike trails in the morning, spend a peaceful afternoon on a paddleboard, and finish the day sampling local craft beer or strolling along the waterfront with your family. North Bay feels like a summer city that truly knows how to do summer right, and I can’t wait to go back for round two.
