What to Do in North Bay During the Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, North Bay, Ontario joins the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Canada Celebrates — a free, public fan festival at Nipissing University and Canadore College coinciding with a World Cup semi-final match. But North Bay is far more than a one-day stop!

Bordered by Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake in the heart of Northeastern Ontario, this city of 50,000 is a four-season destination with standout hiking, a vibrant lakefront, craft beer, world-class paddling country, and a ring of spectacular provincial parks within easy distance. Whether you're rolling in for the weekend or making it the start of a longer Northern Ontario road trip, here's everything you need to know.

North Bay, Ontario Weekend Itinerary: FIFA World Cup 2026 Edition

You've got a FIFA semi-final on Saturday and a whole city to explore before and after. Here's how to spend the weekend in North Bay, Ontario.

Friday evening: Check in, walk the Waterfront, grab a patio seat at Average Joe's Eatery + Patio on Trout Lake for dinner and a sunset. Head downtown after for drinks at Cecil's Brewhouse.

Saturday morning: Hike Duchesnay Falls, then head to the Farmers' Market (open Wednesday and Saturday in summer) for snacks and local goods.

Saturday afternoon: FIFA Canada Celebrates fan festival at Nipissing University and Canadore College — free, all-day, semi-final match screening.

Saturday evening: Downtown dinner at The Block Public House or Moose's Cookhouse, then live music at the Capitol Centre.

Sunday: Morning swim at Kinsmen Beach or The Cove on Trout Lake. Museum morning at the North Bay Museum, Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence, or the Dionne Quints Museum. Afternoon paddle or day trip with Driftwood Paddle or go fishing with Lake Nipissing Outfitters!

Your North Bay, Ontario FIFA World Cup 2026 Weekend Questions Answered:

What are the best hikes and outdoor activities in North Bay, Ontario?

Start with Duchesnay Falls. Ask any local where to take a visitor and this is almost always the first answer — a beautiful, accessible loop trail to a dramatic 70-meter waterfall off Highway 17, with parking right at the trailhead or a longer, more scenic approach through the Education Centre Trails. It's easy enough for families. Tourism North Bay's top-10 list puts it at number one, full stop.

For a longer outing, the Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area offers rugged terrain above the city with sweeping views, while Laurier Woods is a peaceful urban forest reserve ideal for birdwatching and quiet wildlife walks. The Kate Pace Way, a 12 km paved multi-use trail, winds from the waterfront all the way to the historic village of Callander, flat enough to ride a rented bike from the Boathouse Rentals stand on the waterfront. See more outdoor adventures at Tourism North Bay.

Where are the best beaches in North Bay, Ontario?

Kinsmen Beach on Lake Nipissing is the city's signature summer beach with wide sandy shores, calm shallow water suited to families, and plenty of space. It's a natural gathering point for summer mornings and afternoon swims. For a more tucked-away experience, The Cove on Trout Lake is the spot locals direct friends to: quieter, out-of-the-way, and utterly lovely. If you want to combine a swim with a stroll, the North Bay Waterfront on Lake Nipissing anchors the city's park and trail network and is walkable from downtown.

Here's the full summer activities guide.

What museums and art galleries can I visit in North Bay, Ontario?

North Bay punches well above its size for cultural offerings. The Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence is the only museum of its kind in Canada, dedicated to Canada's air defence history from WWI Zeppelin hunters to the underground NORAD complex. With nearly 10,000 artifacts — including a Soviet flying suit, a CT-133 "T-Bird" cockpit you can sit in, and a German battle flag from a downed Zeppelin — it's one of the most fascinating stops in Northern Ontario. Located at 22 Wing/CFB North Bay on Airport Hill. 

The North Bay Museum, housed in a historic 1903 Canadian Pacific Railway station on the waterfront, preserves and showcases the region's history through exhibits on logging, mining, and Indigenous heritage. It offers interactive displays, artifacts, and educational programs that bring North Bay's cultural identity to life.

The Dionne Quints Museum tells the story of the world-famous quintuplets born in the North Bay area in 1934, an unusual and fascinating piece of Canadian history. 

The Capitol Centre, a beautifully restored 1929 theatre in the heart of downtown, hosts concerts, theatrical productions, film screenings, and comedy throughout the year, and houses the WKP Kennedy Gallery, which is free to visit and features rotating contemporary and historical exhibitions. And the Whitewater Gallery, a contemporary artist-run space downtown, showcases emerging and established Northern Ontario artists with a reputation for experimental work.

Find all the arts, culture & history listings in North Bay

Where should I eat in North Bay, Ontario?

North Bay has a surprisingly diverse dining scene, showcased by its Taste the Bay culinary initiative, which celebrates local restaurants and seasonal Northern flavours.

A few standouts:

Average Joe's Eatery + Patio, North Bay's only year-round lakefront restaurant, accessible by land and water on Trout Lake, is a gorgeous setting for a long lunch or dinner on the water.

Cecil's Brewhouse and Kitchen is the go-to for locally brewed beer alongside solid pub food in a lively downtown setting.

Churchill’s is an award-winning North Bay institution serving Canadian fine dining with an impressive 5,000-bottle wine cellar.

Visit The Station Tap House & Steak Co. for modern steakhouse experience set in a restored historic train station.

Lot 88 Steakhouse & Bar is a sleek, modern dining space known for premium steaks and refined flavours.

The Block Public House is a farm-to-table operation in a beautifully restored heritage building.

25-year institution Moose's Cookhouse is famous for made-to-order chicken wings with 100+ sauce choices; the patio overlooking Main Street is a classic North Bay experience.

Farina Ristorante on Lakeshore Drive is the pick for Italian.

The Boat is a historic vessel converted into a pub at King's Wharf and has the best waterfront patio in the city.

For world flavours, La Casa de Maria brings Colombian and Mexican cooking downtown, My Thai Palace has been a reliable fixture for years, and Marigold Unique Flavour on Lakeshore specializes in Indian, Indo-Chinese, and Thai cooking with excellent vegan and gluten-free options. The summer Farmers' Market is worth a morning stop for fresh local produce and snacks.

Check out the full dining guide for all the flavours.

What are the best bars and craft breweries in North Bay, Ontario?

North Bay's craft beer scene is small but solid. Cecil's Brewhouse and Kitchen (Main Street) and Gateway City Brewery are the two local taprooms producing a range of ales, lagers, and seasonals brewed in-house — both worth visiting to taste the lineup before taking bottles home. For pub atmosphere, The Crown and Beaver is a beloved British-style pub with a shaded patio perfect for a summer afternoon pint. The Boat at King's Wharf has a landmark waterfront patio well suited to the World Cup vibe. The Block Public House also maintains a solid cocktail and local beer list alongside its kitchen.

TIP: With the FIFA semi-final screening July 11, expect downtown North Bay to be buzzing. Book restaurant reservations in advance wherever possible, as the city will be at capacity.

What are the best paddling and boating options on Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake in North Bay, Ontario?

Lake Nipissing is a vast, beautiful freshwater lake with excellent boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Trout Lake is a more intimate option; quieter, surrounded by cottages and forest, and home to The Cove beach. 

Boathouse Rentals on the waterfront handles kayak, paddleboard, and bike rentals if you haven't brought your own gear. The historic Chief Commanda II offers cruise tours on Lake Nipissing, one of the more relaxed ways to take in the scale of the lake (and its epic sunsets!).

Find more paddling spots in Tourism North Bay's activities and attractions listings.

Where should I stay in North Bay, Ontario for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

North Bay has a solid range of hotels concentrated along Lakeshore Drive, close to the waterfront and a short drive from Nipissing University and Canadore College where the Canada Celebrates festival is being held. The Best Western North Bay Hotel & Conference Centre and the Super 8 North Bay are both on the lake. The Fairfield Inn & Suites North Bay and Homewood Suites by Hilton North Bay are well-regarded mid-range options. Travelling with a group or on a budget? The Residence & Conference Centre at Canadore College puts you directly on the festival grounds.

Full accommodation listings in North Bay

If you'd rather base yourself outside the city, the region around North Bay offers cottages, cabins, campgrounds, and fishing lodges at every price point. In Mattawa, Le Voyageur Inn has a classic, welcoming vibe, while Mattawa River Resort offers a full riverside experience with fishing, paddling, and beach access. For a true wilderness lodge, Smoothwater Outfitters & Lodge in Temagami is one of the finest canoe-country outfitters in Ontario. Nature's Harmony Ecolodge is a quieter, off-grid option for those who want to disconnect. Luxury glamping domes at Otter Pointe Resort offer waterfront views on Lake Nipissing between North Bay and Mattawa.

Full accommodation listings outside North Bay

TIP: July is the height of Northern Ontario summer. Accommodation across the region fills fast, especially the weekend of July 11. Book hotels, campgrounds, and park sites well in advance.

I'm bringing my kids: What activities will kids enjoy in North Bay?

North Bay is a fantastic summer destination for families. Ride the hand-crafted Heritage Carousel and take a miniature train ride along the Lake Nipissing shoreline at the Heritage Railway & Carousel Company on Memorial Drive — a classic, volunteer-run waterfront gem that kids absolutely love. 

No kid's summer in North Bay is complete without ice cream. The Dock Shoppe Ice Cream Parlour sits right on Lake Nipissing on the pier, which is perfect after a spin on the Heritage Carousel or a walk on the beach. The Green Store on Trout Lake Road has been a local favourite for generations, with over two dozen flavours and a big patio. Watch for EverCool Ice Cream, North Bay's roaming ice cream truck, at the farmers' market and city parks, or head west to Jocko Point where Moose Crossing Ice Cream serves up dozens of flavours roadside, with picnic tables and trails nearby.

Day Trips From North Bay, Ontario: Temagami, Mattawa, Restoule And Beyond

What can I do on a day trip to Temagami, Ontario from North Bay?

Temagami is about 100 km north of North Bay on Highway 11 (roughly a 75-minute drive). The region is built around Lake Temagami, a deep, clear-water lake with over 1,200 islands and some of the world's oldest surviving stands of old-growth red and white pine.

The Temagami Fire Tower on Caribou Mountain is a free, renovated 100-foot lookout tower on Caribou Mountain with a panoramic view over some of the oldest boreal wilderness in Ontario. On a clear day you can see forever.

Paddlers will want to book a canoe rental through one of the local outfitters and get on the water; Finlayson Point Provincial Park and Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park both offer lake access. For hikers, the White Bear Forest trails wind through ancient pine stands unlike anything you'll find farther south.

TIP: Temagami is busy in July. If you're planning to paddle or rent a canoe, book ahead with an outfitter — same-day availability is not guaranteed in summer.

What is there to do in Mattawa, Ontario, and how far is it from North Bay?

Mattawa sits at the confluence of the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers, about 65 km east of North Bay on Highway 17, roughly a 45-minute drive. It's one of the most historically rich towns in Northern Ontario, a waypoint for Indigenous peoples, Samuel de Champlain, and generations of voyageurs who travelled the river highways.

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park is a stunning and undervisited park with the challenging Kag Trail Loop through red pine forest, and the park's most popular day trip: paddling to Talon Chutes, a gorgeous cascade only reachable by water. Drop into the Mattawa River Visitor Centre for context and a warm welcome. The Mattawa Museum covers the area's voyageur, logging, and Indigenous heritage in a compact but well-curated exhibit. Downtown, don't miss Big Joe Mufferaw — a giant wooden statue celebrating the region's legendary folk hero, Canada's answer to Paul Bunyan. For anglers, the Ottawa River is a world-class destination for walleye, pike, and bass.

More on Mattawa

If you time it right, the annual Mattawa Voyageur Days Festival brings live music, a canoe race paddling the historic North Bay-to-Mattawa route, and a tripling of the town's population to Explorer's Point Park every summer.

Is Restoule Provincial Park worth a day trip from North Bay, Ontario?

Yes! Restoule Provincial Park is about an hour southwest of North Bay and is widely regarded as one of Ontario's most beautiful parks, especially for paddlers and fall foliage. Paddle alongside ancient cedars at the base of a 100-metre-high cliff on Stormy Lake — breathtaking stretch of water. If you prefer dry land, the Fire Tower Trail delivers panoramic views over Stormy Lake and, in September and October, an excellent fall colour displays.

Mountain bikers will find over 8 km of double- and single-track trails, and the park offers everything from car camping and waterfront sites to backcountry in old-growth maple forest. It's an experience well worth the drive.

See all provincial parks near North Bay

What is there to do in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario on a day trip from North Bay?

Sturgeon Falls (officially part of West Nipissing) is about 40 km west of North Bay on Highway 17 — half an hour's drive along the north shore of Lake Nipissing — and is one of Northeastern Ontario's most rewarding day trips from North Bay. It sits within the traditional territory of the Nbisiing Anishinaabeg and carries deep Indigenous, fur trade, and logging history.

Start at the Champlain Bridge Lookout on the south side of Highway 17 for a view of the Sturgeon River and the historic hydro generating plant. This is the viewpoint that explains why people first settled here in the 1880s. The Sturgeon River House Museum on the west bank of the river is dedicated to the cultural heritage of the region's francophone and Indigenous populations.

The Laurentide Golf Club, designed by former NHL player Moe Mantha Sr., is a scenic 18-hole course right along the Sturgeon River. Minnehaha Bay on Lake Nipissing is a lovely waterfront area for a swim or picnic, and the town's access to Lake Nipissing makes it a solid base for fishing. If you're after produce, Leisure Farms sells fresh-picked berries, vegetables, homemade pies, and award-winning jams.

What can I do in Marten River, Powassan, and other communities near North Bay, Ontario?

Marten River Provincial Park, about 65 km north of North Bay on Highway 11 toward Temagami, is a gateway park ideal as a paddling and fishing base camp with calm lakes and forest trails. It is often a quieter alternative to the busier parks. It's popular with canoeists heading deeper into the Temagami waterway network.

Powassan is a small town about 35 km south of North Bay on Highway 11, tucked in rolling farmland on the edge of the Canadian Shield. It's a quieter, agricultural detour, good for a slow morning drive, farm stands, and access to hiking and the Seguin Trail system heading south toward Parry Sound, Ontario.

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