Tired of visiting the same, busy urban beaches year after year? Whether you’re looking for a paddling adventure or a place to relax by the water, the scenic city of North Bay, Ontario, Canada is a beach lover's paradise.
We've rounded up the top beaches to visit in the Gateway to the North—including the one you can only reach by boat—plus some ideal spots for camping. So get ready to swim in Lake Nipissing, explore North Bay hiking trails, canoe multiple lakes, and enjoy some relaxation time on a sandy, sunny beach with the people you love. Enjoy your trip!
There are 43 beach access points in North Bay alone, so here are seven to get you started!
This beach is beside the waterfront marina on Lake Nipissing and is one of the three supervised beaches in the town. You can typically take your kids down here in the summer for classes—at the same time, enjoy some quiet time for yourself! This beach has a long coastline of clean, white sand for visitors to stretch out on.
This is an incredible yet small beachhead with stunning views of Trout Lake. That’s right, this beach is not on Lake Nipissing! The Cove is still in North Bay town, it’s just on the opposite side from Lake Nipissing, which gives it some extra peacefulness and privacy—making it a great option if you happen to feel like you need some extra space. Additionally, Trout Lake is an excellent choice for the avid canoer. There is even a way to get to Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park via the various waterways joining the lakes. It’s adventure time!
Similar to Shabogesic Beach, Silver Beach Park has a long beachfront on Lake Nipissing. A tiny parking lot services the area, so you may need to time it right to find a spot. It’s worth squeezing in for the views alone, but take a look at the intentional woodland at the Eva Wardlaw Conservation Area when you’re here as well.
Another excellent family-friendly beach option on Trout Lake, Olmsted Beach has a safe playground, swing set, and teeter-totter available for the young ones. It’s located in the Birchaven neighbourhood, making it an easy journey to a restaurant when daytime activities have taken their toll and you need to refuel for the evening.
The name should be a giveaway here. This is a fantastic park for catching a glorious Northeastern Ontario sunset. The little park leads to a beach fronted by shallow waters that are ideal for launching windsurfing boards or getting going on a SUP. If you look out onto the water from between the many trees in the park, you’ll also see a rock that many visitors enjoy swimming out to. When you’re done with the water sports, grab a seat on one of the benches and watch the sun sink below the horizon over Lake Nipissing.
This unusual park is accessible only by boat and comprises four islands. A visit to the islands—which are made up of an eroded volcanic pipe—makes for a great day trip from North Bay. The beaches here are lovely, albeit only available for day use, and you can spend hours circumnavigating the islands by kayak, finding secret sandy beaches to relax on as you go.
Flanked by the Lavase River and a large park, the beach at Champlain Park is a favourite among North Bay locals. Hire a kayak or a boat and explore the river or simply frolic in the warm waters of Lake Nipissing, but be sure to make a day of it by bringing your BBQ along—the large park has plenty of space and amenities to enjoy a picnic.
If you're planning to stay overnight, for a long weekend, or want to enjoy an extended trip to this northern getaway, check out the city's amazing B&Bs and hotels as well as some campgrounds and RV options below.
