The Best Ways to Experience Winter in North Bay

What’s the best thing about Northeastern Ontario, you ask? Well, it could be that you can drive less than 10 minutes from any urban centre and find yourself in our #1 attraction: Nature.

Northeastern Ontario is a four-season destination, but with the onset of winter, we have a whole other playground to offer.

And when you choose to stay at Ramada Pinewood Park Resort, a local hotel, resort and conference centre, you have the opportunity to package with the following activities:

Battalion OHL home games/ Outdoor skating rinks

At an OHL hockey team, the North Bay Battalion, you can enjoy a fast-paced, exciting game at the North Bay Memorial Gardens. Or, bring your skates and glide along one of the many outdoor skating rinks. Click here for a list of available rinks around the city.

And upon your return to Pinewood Park Resort, wind down with a sauna, hot tub, or even a dip in the outdoor heated pool.

Snowmobiling

North Bay is a hub city for snowmobiling, right smack in the middle of 3,400 km of trails! The North Bay Snowmobile Club provides trail information and conditions to riders, but to get an avid snowmobiler’s insight on snowmobiling in the area, read his article here. 

Pinewood Park Resort is strategically located as a starting point for both the RAP (Round Algonquin Park) and RAN (Ride Around Nipissing) tours, and proves to be a snowmobile-friendly facility by offering the ability to leave vehicles and trailers on-site for days, by carrying permits and trail maps for your convenience, as well as by boasting a 24-hour secure snowmobile lockup with 12-foot fences.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding

With just a short drive from downtown North Bay, you can hit the slopes at the Laurentian Ski Hill, where rentals are available to skiers and snowboarders. First time? Hop on over to the bunny hill and receive beginner lessons.

Cross-country and snowshoeing

If downhill isn’t your thing, there are an incredible amount of trails in the area, and many cross-country clubs that offer snowshoe or ski rentals. Here is a sample:

• Canadore College Trail System
• North Bay Nordic Ski Club
• Wasi Cross-Country Ski Club
• West Nipissing Nordic Ski Trails
• Sturgeon River House Museum Guided Snowshoe
• Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge Trail System

Take the snowshoeing trek through red and white pines to the picturesque waterfall of the Eau Claire Gorge. Read this Backroads Bill article to learn more about its formation and the logging history.

Ice fishing

Take the kids ice fishing on Lake Nipissing in a rented hut, or a bungalow fully outfitted with the comforts of home. If you are new to the idea, looking to introduce a friend or trying to get the kids involved, check out my article about ice fishing on Lake Nipissing. You can also start by checking out this round-up of ice-fishing operators.

Horseback rides

Winter horseback trail riding is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful scenery with Von Doeler's Ranch, approximately 30 minutes from Pinewood Park Resort.

Check out these North Bay operators for other accommodation and package options:

Best Western (snowmobile-friendly)

Canadian Ecology Centre

Beaverland Camp

Big Moose Camp

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