Spring has sprung, summer is on its way, and that can only mean one thing… it’s time to ditch the concrete jungle and head to the great outdoors!
North Bay is only a short scenic drive from Toronto, but it’s a world of difference. Nestled between two of Northeastern Ontario’s most stunning lakes and surrounded by forests, this summer spot is the outdoor lover’s dream weekend getaway.
North Bay has tons of outdoor activities along with a vibrant arts community and drool-worthy culinary scene. They also have festivals and events happening all summer long – so you’ve got the perfect excuse to pack the car and get out of Toronto for a few days.
Here’s everything to do this spring and summer in North Bay.
Lake Life
Forget the city, summer is all about that lake life.
Lake Nipissing is North Bay’s summer hotspot, and it’s not hard to see why. Paddle through the waters, or hop aboard the Chief Commanda II for a leisurely cruise. Spend the day fishing if you’re an avid angler or set sail into the sunset with Blue Sky Sailing.
Lake life happens at the beach, so give kite surfing a try or just lounge in the summer sun and soak up the rays. You can also stroll, run, bike, or rollerblade along the picturesque Kate Pace Way for some exercise with a view. And those looking for an extra dose of charm can take a ride on the Heritage Railway and Carousel.
For the Foodies
You didn’t think we’d leave the foodies hanging, did you?
If you like vegan food, you’ve got options with innovative offerings at Blendz, Crossroads, and Opera Bakery to the hoppy delights at Gateway Brewery, serving up vegan-friendly brews.
If you’re craving global flavours, you can travel the world with your taste buds at the Himalayan Cafe, My Thai Palace, or Indra’s Curry House. North Bay also has a lot of traditional diners like Ivan’s, Fifty’s Diner, Terry’s Place and Hoagies. On the opposite side of the spectrum, you can sample the city’s fine dining scene at The Block, Churchills, Lot 88, MatchEatery or just unwind at a pub like Casey’s, Cecils, or Lou Dawgs Southern BBQ.
Summer Festivals
Nothing says summer like a community festival. The music is loud, the smell of kettle corn fills the air, and the sun keeps shining until late. Here’s the full schedule of all the summer festivals in North Bay this year – take some PTO and plan a long weekend!
- Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow-Wow – Saturday, June 8th
- Armed Forces Day – Wednesday, June 19th
- St Jean Celebrations – Saturday, June 22
- Strawberry Festival at North Bay Farmers’ Market – Saturday, July 6
- Shake the Lake RibFest – Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21
- Summer Concert Series – every Wednesday evening in summer
- Boatapalooza – Saturday, July 20th and Sunday, August 10th
- Mattawa Voyageur Days – Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28
- Hot Summer Night Music Festival – Friday, August 2nd to Saturday, August 3rd
- Corn Festival at North Bay Farmers’ Market – Saturday, August 17th
- Bay Block Party – Saturday, August 24th
Ready to plan your North Bay getaway?
VISIT NORTH BAY
Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not crafting killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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