One of the best ways to enjoy the winter months is to grab a warm jacket, embrace the cold, and hit the slopes. North Bay skiing is some of the best that Ontario has to offer, and the area has earned itself a reputation for some of the most accessible and well-maintained ski runs in Northern Ontario.
Offering a diverse set of slopes, trails, hills and resorts, North Bay is an ideal destination for ski and snowboard enthusiasts of all skill levels. The town even offers amazing access to some of Northern Ontario’s best cross-country ski, snowshoe, fat bike, and snowmobile trails. (If you’re keen on the motorized side of things, be sure to plan a trip to Timmins for the ultimate snowmobile tour.)
After a long, cold day on the slopes, many of these North Bay Ski Clubs offer lush apres-ski amenities like great food, live music, and other games and activities so you can warm up and keep the good times going. Whether you wish to immerse yourself fully in nature, or ski all morning and stay up all night, there’s a ski club in North Bay that’s suited for you. Before you plan your North Bay skiing getaway, check out these ski clubs and resorts to choose the best option for you and your travel group.
Antoine Mountain is Ontario’s best-kept secret. The views at the mountain are incredible at every turn, luring in travellers from far and wide. Located in the Laurentian mountains between two elevated peaks, Antoine Mountain boasts 15 runs, one of which is the longest in Ontario at 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometres). Certified instructors are available for novice skiers looking to improve their performance, and there’s even a cozy ski lodge where you’ll find great food, local beer, and live music every Saturday for some apres-ski entertainment in North Bay.
North Bay’s Canadore Trails attract hikers and cross-country skiers from all over the world. These trails are nestled alongside Duchesnay Creek, offering beautiful views at every turn. There’s a strong chance you’ll see some striking wildlife along these trails, in addition to pristinely protected nature such as glacial remnants, fossils, and a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees.
You can even return in the summer and spring to mountain bike or hike these winding and pristine trails. Canadore Trails is a great option for skiers and snowshoers looking to enjoy the great outdoors and have a no-frills experience in nature.
North Bay Nordic Ski Club, nestled just north of Trout Lake, has 19.7-foot (six-meter) wide trails that can accommodate high volumes of cross-country skiers and snowshoers. When the club first opened nearly 50 years ago, the trails could only accommodate a single snowmobile. Now, this fast-growing cross-country ski club uses state-of-the-art snow grooming equipment to ensure the 31 miles (50 kilometres) of skate and classic ski trails are optimized for winter fun.
With a vertical height of 350 feet (107 meters), Laurentian Ski Hill is a popular option for winter lovers looking to ski in North Bay. The hill has a terrain park with its own dedicated lift and a snow school that offers lessons for those looking to learn or brush up on their skills.
After a long, chilly day on the slopes, on-site Laurentian Hill Cafe offers warm meals and refreshing drinks. It’s the perfect backdrop whenever you’re ready to hop off the trails and relax with great food and friends. The hill is groomed nightly to ensure fresh conditions for skiers to enjoy by the morning, and season passes are available for those who can’t get enough of North Bay skiing.
Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Wasi Cross Country Ski Club is a small, intimate North Bay ski club beloved by both tourists and locals to the area. This cozy club has 26.7 miles (43 kilometres) of well-groomed ski trails and five miles (eight kilometres) of snowshoe trails winding through a mix of deciduous trees, making it another strong option for skiers and snow lovers looking to connect with nature and immerse themselves in the outdoors. Both seasonal memberships and day passes are available.
Sturgeon Falls Rod and Gun Club is a non-profit member club of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) that spans 240 acres. This North Bay ski club offers cross-country skiing on the weekends only—so plan for your trip on a Saturday or Sunday if you’re not a key-holding member of the club. Both guests and members of the club can enjoy eight miles (13 kilometres) of groomed and tracked cross-country ski trails, in addition to 6.8 miles (11 kilometres) of snow-packed trails for snowshoeing, all in a setting dedicated to protecting Ontario’s wildlife and natural resources.
Although we love the snow, there’s more to North Bay than just winter activities. Take a look at our Northeastern Ontario Travel Guide to find out more about this year-round destination.
