When I think of some of the great thingsabout snowmobiling in North Bay, it always seems to come back to the word “access”. The area is blessed with consistent and ample snowfall—the snowmobiling season often runs from December into April—where you’ve got access to the highest-quality, most well-managed trails of Northern Ontario’s vast snowmobile trail network. The city is next to a big open lake with an abundance of lakefront amenities, including incredible hotels, motels, private cottages, dining and entertainment, all accessible by snowmobile. All this is accessible via a well-serviced four-lane highway running straight up from Southern Ontario and its border crossings (you can get here from the Greater Toronto Area in just over 3 hours), North Bay’s motto as “the Gateway to the North” certainly rings true.
Hotels and motels here feature ample trailer parking, snowmobile lock up, and/or opportunities to park your sled directly outside your door with a lakefront view and a short walk to incredible restaurants. I was up earlier this month and stayed right on Lake Nipissing at the Sunset Inn.
From there, it was a short walk or ride to great restaurants like Churchill's next door, which had a very reasonable 3-course menu on for Taste the Bay.
Gateway to the North
North Bay is situated between two major lakes, giving sledders a lot of easy access. It is the perfect central hub, allowing you to have a home base with everything you need between incredible day trips like the Ride Around Nipissing (RAN) tour.
You can go every direction: north gets you access to Temagami and beyond to Temiskaming Shores; east to Bonfield/Mattawa; south to Muskoka/South River; or west to Sturgeon Falls. So, you can truly park yourself in North Bay for a week, and each day take yourself on a different tour with entirely different trail systems. Come back to North Bay for a hot shower and refuel at one of the iconic restaurants that cater to sledders trailside, like The Portage or Average Joe’s.
The region boasts over 3,400 kilometers of world-class snowmobile trails, with 1,900 kilometers within District 11 of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail system. These trails offer a mix of twisting forest paths with elevation changes, wide-open utility corridors leading to expansive vistas, and scenic lake trails. Notably, self-guided snow tours take riders to unique points of interest, such as the abandoned Mica mine and the picturesque Redbridge Lookout.
Explorers Snow Tour
The first morning I was in town, I went out with my buddy Jeff McGirr to check out the famed Explorers Snow tour which goes from North Bay to Mattawa and back and features 12 incredible, varied points of interest, from the Mica Mine to one of the jaw-dropping lookouts.
Click here for more on the Explorers Snow Tour.
The trails vary greatly in a tight area—within a small radius, you can find everything. My favourites were the vast hilly hydro cuts with ribbons of trail twisting up and down and in and out of the clearings and the tighter woods, it is a feast for the senses as you rush through the ever-changing landscapes. Having access to all of this, with a short ride home to your lakefront accommodations, is just such an absolute thrill.
Iconic Snow Tours
North Bay serves as an ideal base for several renowned snow tours:
- Round Algonquin Park (RAP) Tour: A bucket-list route encircling the iconic Algonquin Park, offering riders a comprehensive experience of Ontario's wilderness
- Ride Around Nipissing (RAN) Tour: This multi-day tour lets riders explore the majestic Canadian Shield, with its ancient rock formations, numerous lakes, and towering pines.
- Explorers Snow Tour: A 250-kilometer day trip that showcases the region's natural beauty, including must-see sites like the Mica Mine and Redbridge Lookout.
These tours highlight the pre-Cambrian Canadian Shield, home to some of the world's oldest rock formations, and provide riders with breathtaking landscapes and fresh northern air.
Community and Clubs
The snowmobiling community in North Bay is both active and welcoming. Local clubs, such as the North Bay Snowmobilers Club and the South Shore Restoule Snowmobile Club, play pivotal roles in maintaining trails and organizing events. Their dedication ensures that trails are safe, well-marked, and groomed to perfection. Engaging with these clubs offers riders insights into the best routes and upcoming events. Check out the Near North Trail Association to learn more.
Sled-Friendly Accommodations in North Bay
Understanding the needs of snowmobilers, North Bay offers a range of sled-friendly accommodations:
- Best Western North Bay: Features an on-site restaurant and ample parking across from Lake Nipissing.
- Quality Inn North Bay: Provides direct trail access, free sled and trailer parking, and proximity to essential amenities.
- Sunset Inn: Located adjacent to Lake Nipissing, it's perfect for combining snowmobiling with ice fishing.
- Glen Garry Motel and Cottages: Offers direct trail access and is ideal for groups and families.
- Homewood Suites North Bay: In downtown North Bay, right Lake Nipssing.
- Ramada by Wyndham: Also on Lake Nipissing, with free, secure parking for snowmobiles.
- Comfort Inn Lakeshore: Also on the lake, with easy access to the OFSC trails.
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites: All the comforts of a Holiday Inn right on Lake Nipissing.
Places to Eat and Things to Do While in North Bay
Cascades Casino North Bay: Try your luck at the Casino. Or check out one of their events.
The Portage: Locally known as the ‘Tage, this is a very sled-friendly place for a geat meal.
Gateway Brewery and New Ontario Brewery: live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, pinball, and of course, great beer.
Average Joe’s: Enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the view of Trout Lake.
Wacky Wings: What’s better than wings after a day on the trails?
Crown and Beaver: Offering a variety of Canadian craft beer, inspirational cuisine, in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Lou Dawgs: Brunch, lunch, dinner, live music, and late night eats in downtown North Bay.
Essential Information for Riders
Before embarking on your snowmobiling adventure in North Bay:
- Trail Permits: Ensure you have the appropriate Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permits and licenses.
- Safety First: Always familiarize yourself with local regulations, follow trail etiquette, and stay updated on weather conditions. Early season riding requires extra caution due to variable trail conditions.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check trail maps and updates from the OFSC and local clubs to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Join the North Bay Snowmobiling Community
For those looking to connect with fellow riders, the Let's Snowmobile North Bay Facebook group is a family-friendly platform for discussions, buy/sell opportunities, and event postings.
A Winter Wonderland Accessible to All
North Bay offers a unique blend of natural beauty, extensive trail systems, and a supportive community, making it an easy choice for snowmobilers. Whether it’s a week's stay for multiple day trips to exploring trails in every direction, or a weekend trip to get a powerful adrenaline rush, North Bay is a sure bet for adventure.
