Paddling Paradise: 5 Ways to Get Out on the Water in North Bay

It’s hard to imagine a better place to visit for a paddler than North Bay. This vibrant city in Northeastern Ontario is surrounded by bodies of water large and small, including sprawling Lake Nipissing and the historic Mattawa River. All told, the city boasts more than 40 beach access points to satisfy all sorts of aquatic adventures.

If that’s not enough, world-class canoeing destinations like Temagami, Algonquin and the French River are all barely an hour’s drive away. With so many options for a quick escape on the water or to set off a longer sojourn into quintessential Canadian wilderness, it’s hard to believe that North Bay is only a three-hour drive north of Toronto.

Whether you’re a canoeist, kayaker, standup paddleboarder or a swimmer, here are some of the best places to get out on the water in North Bay.

1. Shabogesic Beach, North Bay

North Bay’s largest beach is the ideal spot to catch some rays, take a dip, build a sandcastle or float on your SUP. Shabogesic Beach is located on Memorial Drive, and it’s a perfect destination for an afternoon with your family on the waterfront. Shabogesic Beach has lifeguards in July and August and a gradual, sandy dropoff into clear waters. There are also volleyball courts and a 1 km walking trail. The company has fun Finnish names for its entire fleet of stable sit-inside and sit-on-top recreational kayaks and beginner-friendly paddleboards.

You can walk to the beach from these great places to eat, stay and visit in North Bay:

• You can rent a kayak and SUP on the Lake Nipissing waterfront from Boathouse Rental Co.
• Get a different take on the Lake Nipissing shoreline aboard the Chief Commanda II, which offers sunset dinner tours from Shabogesic Beach to Callander Bay.
• Check out gd2go for a healthy lunch and Lou Dawg’s Southern BBQ for a scrumptious dinner.
• The Homewood Suites by Hilton North Bay is located mere minutes from the waterfront on Oak Street West.
• The North Bay Museum is a worthwhile attraction on Ferguson Street. Also check out the Heritage Railway and Carousel Company for a restored carousel and a unique model railroad experience by the waterfront.
• Enjoy waterfront dining at The Boat—a historic spot offering classic Canadian dishes.

2. Sunset Park Beach

From its name alone, it’s easy to appreciate why Sunset Point is a prime destination for an evening outing on Lake Nipissing. On a calm night, rent a standup paddleboard or kayak from Sisu Adventure Rentals and glide along the city’s waterfront, admiring the sunset over Ontario’s third-largest lake. Heading north takes you towards the city’s downtown and the sugary sands of Silver Beach and the Eva Wardlaw Conservation Area, while a short southbound paddle leads to Champlain Park. 

How to have a day on the water via Sunset Park Beach:

• Admire the Lake Nipissing sunset from offshore on an evening cruise with the Blue Sky Sailing Club.
• There are plenty of options for accommodations nearby, including the Sunset Inn on the Park.
• Check out the Churchill’s for dinner when you’re done.

3. Trout Lake

Trout Lake may not be as big as Lake Nipissing, but it makes up for it with a diverse shoreline and plenty of islands that are best experienced from a canoe, kayak or SUP. Olmsted Beach and The Cove both provide convenient access that's minutes from downtown. From here, you can pack a lunch and plan a day trip into hidden coves along Trout Lake’s southern shore, east to Dugas Bay and Hemlock Island. Pull off the water at Elks Lodge #25 Family Conservation Area (another possible access point) for a break along the way. North Bay’s Shockwaves Paddle offers canoe and kayak instruction and guided tours on Trout Lake.

Go further:

• In the mood for a bite? Paddle right up to Average Joes or The Green Store for fresh food and beverage options.
• Trout Lake is the headwaters of the Mattawa River, forming an ancient water highway between the Great Lakes and the Ottawa River. You can reconnect with the past along the 60-km route from North Bay to Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, an excellent trip for novice to intermediate canoe trippers with backcountry camping experience.
• Mattawa River canoe outfitting packages are available from Algonquin North in nearby Bonfield.

4. La Vase Portages Conservation Area

The historical link between Trout Lake and Lake Nipissing hopscotched between several small lakes and ponds by way of the La Vase Portages. The North Bay Regional Conservation Authority maintains a portion of the area with easy access from Highway 17, where it’s possible to hike some of these ancient paths. Dedicated paddlers can make the entire trek following the detailed notes of the volunteer Friends of La Vase Portages organization. Expect plenty of challenges like beaver dams and tough portages on the 14-km route from Brandy Lake to Lake Nipissing at Champlain Park.

Other attractions near La Vase Portages Conservation Area:

• Camp at Champlain Tent and Trailer Park at the mouth of the La Vase River on Lake Nipissing.
• Terry’s Place on Lakeshore Drive is known amongst locals for its hearty breakfasts, perfect for fueling a day on the water.

5. Callander Bay

The community of Callander is set alongside a sheltered nook of Lake Nipissing, just south of North Bay. Get on the water in Centennial Park and trace the shoreline into the peaceful, northern portion of the bay. More experienced canoeists and kayakers can paddle about 4 km along the shore to the Callander Bay Wetland Conservation Reserve, a great spot for naturalists to see shorebirds, waterfowl and a variety of songbirds. Local rentals are available from Cranberry Canoes.

There’s more in Callander:

• The Callander waterfront is also home to the popular 1886 Lake House Bistro.

• Callander is an outstanding destination for cyclists, too, with access from downtown North Bay along Kate Pace Way.

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