15 Must-Visit Attractions in North Bay—You Can Get to by Bike

The city of North Bay has become a cycling hot spot over the past several years. Multiuse paved trails, bike lanes on many city streets, always improving cycling infrastructure, and some excellent bike shops make it a great place to ride. The city also has many attractions to see that are easily accessible by bike.

You can choose to link all these attractions together in one big self-guided tour of the city, or pick out the ones that interest you most and visit them over the course of your stay. However you choose to do it, we’re sure you’ll love these top 15 bike-accessible attractions in North Bay.

Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch is a must-stop photo op spot when visiting North Bay. The arch, now a heritage site, was first built in 1928 and spanned Highway 11B until the North Bay Bypass was completed in 1953, moving the highway east of the city. The land surrounding the arch is now Lee Park. Easily accessible by bike, the arch is located just off of the Kate Pace Way multiuse trail.

Kate Pace Way

The 12-kilometre pathway, Kate Pace Way, is named in honour of Olympic skier Kate Pace, who was originally from North Bay. The multiuse trail is open for walking, jogging, cycling and inline skating, and provides a safe and enjoyable way to travel through the city. The trail passes through quiet forested areas, along paved shoulders of city streets and alongside the beautiful North Bay Waterfront area. The Kate Pace Way is also a part of both the Voyageur Cycling Route, and the Trans Canada Trail.

Kinsmen Trail

The Kinsmen Trail is a six-kilometre paved pathway that winds its way through the heart of North Bay alongside the banks of Chippewa Creek. It connects to Kate Pace Way and provides an off-road route to travel north or south across the city. A 3.2-kilometre section of the Kinsmen Trail is known as the Chippewa Creek EcoPath. There are a few short tunnels and a pedestrian bridge located along the trail.

Lee Park

Both the Kate Pace Way and Kinsmen Trail pass through Lee Park, making it a very easy location to access by bike. The park is home to the Gateway Arch, the CF-100 Canuck Memorial, a playground, a picnic area and washrooms. The park hosts dozens of events throughout the year, so check to see if anything fun is going on during your visit. The park is also home to the Trans Canada Trail North Bay–Memorial Drive Pavilion.

North Bay Museum

The North Bay Museum is located in downtown North Bay off Oak Street, but can also be accessed by bike from the Kate Pace Way via a short trail behind the building. The museum was opened in 1973 within a historic Canadian Pacific Railway station that was built in 1903. The museum features many interesting and informative displays, sharing the history of the city of North Bay and surrounding area. Tickets can be purchased for $4 for adults/seniors and $3 for students/youth. Children aged five and under are free.

North Bay Farmers’ Market

From the May long weekend to Thanksgiving each year, the North Bay Farmers’ Market is held outside the North Bay Museum on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Visitors to the market will find a variety of local produce, baked goods, arts and crafts, clothing, food vendors, musicians and much more.

North Bay Waterfront

The flagship attraction in North Bay is its stunning waterfront area. Located along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Nipissing, the public waterfront area spans over three kilometres. Many of the city’s main attractions can also be found along the waterfront. Travelling by bike to the North Bay Waterfront is easy. Simply follow the Kate Pace Way, which branches into two trails here, one right along the shoreline and another across the street—or you can ride your bike along marked bike lanes on Memorial Drive.

King’s Landing Wharf

Located along the North Bay Waterfront, the King’s Landing Wharf stretches out into Lake Nipissing and is a lovely spot to go for a walk, or even ride your bike. The Dock Shoppe Ice Cream can be found along the wharf and is the perfect spot to get a cool treat on a hot day. King’s Landing is also one of the best spots in the city to watch a famous Lake Nipissing sunset.

Laurier Woods Conservation Area

Laurier Woods Conservation Area is one of the most popular outdoor spots in the city. Visitors can explore the conservation area’s many trail loops, lookouts and beautiful nature. Cyclists can access the conservation area by following the Kinsmen Trail and then riding a short distance along city streets to either the main entrance at the end of Brule Street, or another entrance at the end of Laurier Avenue. Leave your bike at the trailhead and go for a hike—or, if your bike can handle trail riding, some of Laurier Woods' trail loops are suitable for cycling.

Gateway City Brewery

The award-winning Gateway City Brewery is the perfect spot to stop for a refreshment during or after a hot day on your bike. The brewery crafts interesting and approachable beers and hard seltzers. They offer weekly events and have fun pinball machines for customers to play with. Gateway City Brewery can be found on Gormanville Road, a short distance off Main Street West which has a multiuse paved trail for pedestrians and cyclists alongside it.

Heritage Railway & Carousel Company

The Heritage Railway & Carousel Company is a very unique attraction in the city that is not to be missed. Located along the North Bay Waterfront, visitors will find two beautifully painted and crafted carousels and a miniature railway complete with a replica steam engine that are open for rides during the summer months. The carousels have been used as film locations for several films and TV shows, including some Hallmark Christmas movies. Ride tickets are $2 each, three for $5 or seven for $10.

North Bay’s Beaches

Situated between the Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake shorelines, it is no surprise that North Bay has a lot of public beaches. In fact, the city has a total of 43 beach access areas. Many of its beaches are located along the shores of Lake Nipissing and are just a short bike ride off the Kate Pace Way. Cool down or take a break during your ride at some of the most popular beaches, including Shabogesic Beach, Golden Mile Beach, Amelia Beach,= and Kinsmen Beach.

The Chief Commanda II

The Chief Commanda II docks at the King’s Landing Wharf at the North Bay Waterfront. The Chief offers boat cruises around Lake Nipissing. When the boat is docked, you can ride your bike out and view the 320-passenger, all-aluminum, twin-hull vessel in all its glory.

The Boat

Before the Chief Commanda II, there was the first Chief Commanda, which now sits permanently at the marina along the North Bay Waterfront. Retired from service on the water, the Chief Commanda still sees many visitors each year as it now operates as a restaurant called The Boat. Guests can dine outside on the patio or inside this very unique eating establishment.

CF-100 Canuck Memorial

North Bay is home to the 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base (CFB) North Bay, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)’s central wing for guarding North American air sovereignty. The RCAF Station North Bay first opened on September 1, 1951. On display in Lee Park, right across from the Gateway Arch, is the CF-100 Canuck Memorial. The memorial is dedicated to the men and women of 414 Squadron, 406 Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force and to the citizens of North Bay for their support. It was erected by 406 Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force Association.

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