A Guide to Hosting Your Next Conference in North Bay, Ontario

If you’re looking for a setting for a meeting or small conference that blends functional workspaces with nature and unforgettable experiences, think North Bay, Ontario. 

The city has a population of around 50,000 and offers a natural but connected setting to celebrate your staff, work on team-building, get some serious work done, or a combination.

Why North Bay is the Perfect Place To Host Your Conference or Meeting

North Bay, the “Gateway of the North”, is between three and a half and four hours driving distance from Toronto or Ottawa, making it a refreshing change of scenery without having to go too far.

Whether you’re looking for a modern lecture hall or a more rustic setting to host your group, the city and surrounding area have a variety of spaces to rent, perfect for small to medium groups.

Plus, North Bay delivers outdoor opportunities year-round that you can’t find in larger cities—think hiking to waterfalls in the fall, dogsledding, snowshoeing and ice fishing in winter, or paddling Lake Nipissing on warm summer days.

The city’s dining scene is also a highlight, offering everything from delicious plant-based cuisine to the local favourites at well-loved establishments such as Cecil’s Brewhouse & Kitchen, Average Joe’s, and Twiggs Coffee Roasters.

How To Get to North Bay, Ontario: Driving, Train and Flight Options

From Toronto, North Bay is less than a 4-hour drive north along Highways 400 and 11, with Highway 11 offering a smooth, four-lane route that makes the trip more comfortable.

From Ottawa, it's less than 4 hours driving north-west on the Trans Canada Highway.

You can also fly directly to North Bay’s Jack Garland Airport in just over an hour from Toronto.

And coming soon, travellers will have another convenient option—the return of the Northlander passenger train, connecting Toronto and Northeastern Ontario communities, including North Bay. Learn more at Ontario Northland. 

Where To Stay in North Bay for Conferences and Small Groups

There’s a varied selection of accommodations in North Bay, including chain hotels, motels, cottages and bed and breakfasts.

Some outside-the-box options include modern waterfront cottages perfect for a small group, a hotel with an 18-hole golf course, a lakeside motel, and much more. 

If your group prefers a campus-style setting, both Nipissing University and Canadore College provide residence and conference accommodations during the summer months (mid-May to early August).

Top Team-Building and Group Activities in North Bay: Enhance Your Event with Unforgettable Experiences

In the North Bay area, there are plenty of unique experiences for group team-building or individual exploration.

Book your team for a sunset cruise on the Chief Commanda II, a 320-passenger boat with an open top deck and BBQ.

Take a hike to the Duchesnay Falls—a picturesque natural wonder close to downtown. Or catch the rare sight of the Laurier Woods’ tamarack changing colours in the fall. It’s one of the few “evergreens” to change colours and shed its needles.

In warm weather, head out on Lake Nipissing or some of the smaller lakes and rivers to angle for more than 44 species of fish.

If your meeting is in the winter, you’re in luck, because North Bay has been named the top ice fishing destination in Canada. Local outfitters can hook your group up (no pun intended) with the equipment you need, a guided fishing experience, and even overnight fishing bungalows.

The city is also the perfect spot to try some ethical dog-powered sports, like kicksledding (similar to dogsledding, but humans help propel the sled), or skijoring (like cross-country skiing, with the help of a pulling dog). Try Northbound Huskies to book an experience. 

For something fun and lighthearted, take a self-guided tour of some of the places where holiday movies have been filmed around North Bay.

Top Conference Venues and Meeting Spaces in North Bay, Ontario

Whether you’re looking for a modern lecture hall, a meeting area with pickleball courts for team-building, or a full banquet facility, North Bay, Ontario offers a variety of excellent conference and meeting venues, including:

The North Bay Granite Club –  A Sports-Focused Conference Venue on Trout Lake Road

Location:  2624 Trout Lake Rd., North Bay, Ontario

Get your sport on at the Granite Club, where the lounge and arena are available to rent for special events, meetings and corporate events.

The club features six sheets of curling ice, five outdoor tennis courts, two pickleball courts, a large lounge, a full kitchen and a licensed dining area.

The Grande Event Centre – A Downtown North Bay Conference and Banquet Facility

Location: 300 Wyld St., North Bay, Ontario

For a working breakfast, lunch or dinner, look to The Grande Event Centre.

The venue has an elevated experience with uniformed servers. Plus, it can accommodate a variety of seating options, including classroom (when note-taking is needed), theatre (lecture-style presentations), boardroom, U-shape (for connection and group participation in smaller groups), or banquet style.

The Davedi Club  – Italian-Canadian Event Venue and Conference Hall in North Bay

Location: 313 Airport Rd., North Bay, Ontario

This Italian-Canadian club has space for up to 300 guests, with catering options ranging from snacks to fully catered lunches.

The venue can be booked for half days up to multiple-day events. Meeting and seminar spaces as well as a hall with a stage, projector, microphone and podium.

Elks Lodge #25 – Affordable Community Conference Hall in North Bay, Ontario

Location: 325 Elks Lane, North Bay, Ontario

The volunteer organization offers affordable rentals of its venue, conveniently located off Hwy 17. 

With a small and large hall, it can hold up to 380 people, and has a full kitchen to accommodate your guests' needs. 

Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU) Student Centre  – Modern Conference and Lecture Spaces near Jack Garland Airport

Location: 100 College Dr., North Bay, Ontario

Located a 10-minute drive from North Bay’s Jack Garland Airport, the university offers modern and functional spaces for groups of various sizes.

This includes the gymnasium, student centre, classrooms and lecture halls. On-site accommodations are an option from mid-May to early August.

Best Western North Bay Hotel & Conference Centre – Full-Service Hotel and Meeting Venue

Location: 700 Lakeshore Dr., North Bay, Ontario

Conveniently located across from Lake Nipissing, the Best Western features flexible meeting rooms, banquet facilities, and full catering and accommodation packages—ideal for conferences or retreats. The largest meeting and convention hotel in the city, it offers guests amenities like a giant heated indoor pool, spa, and on-site dining at the Farina Ristorante and FAB Lounge, with easy access to the waterfront and downtown dining.

Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens – Arena-Style Venue for Large Events and Conferences

Location: 120 Golf Club Rd., North Bay, Ontario

This local landmark offers a bright, spacious setting and on-site amenities for everything from conferences and trade shows to banquets and large gatherings. The arena-style venue can be transformed to suit your needs, with plenty of room for exhibits, dining setups, or team-building activities. 

Plan Your Event in North Bay

Ready to book? Email hello@tourismnorthbay.com to get more information about how to bring your group to North Bay. 

Find more things to do and places to stay in North Bay!

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