Why North Bay?
North Bay is nestled between two of Northeastern Ontario’s most breathtaking lakes and surrounded by expansive forests. Just 3.5 hours north of Toronto and 4 hours west of Ottawa, this vibrant city offers a blend of local charm, nature, art, and culture. Together, these qualities make North Bay a distinctive and well-rounded place to pursue your higher education and perhaps settle down afterward.
Discover Stunning Scenery, Exciting Activities and Events
Enjoy Breathtaking Views
North Bay’s scenery offers beautiful natural landscapes and scenic views throughout the area. The expansive Lake Nipissing offers wide-open views and easy access to water activities. Duchesnay Falls features a series of cascading waterfalls set against striking rock formations—a favourite spot for hiking and photos. Along the North Bay Waterfront, landscaped parks, walking paths, and lake views create a welcoming space to relax, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.
Duchesnay Falls
Waterfront
Mattawa River Provincial Park
Activities and Events
North Bay features 73 parks and green spaces, 43 beaches and lake access points, and more than 100 km of trails and multi-use pathways as of 2024.
In the warmer months, the lakes are used for swimming, boating, paddling, recreational fishing, and kite-boarding. Seasonal events include the Summer Concert Series, Movies in the Park, Arts and Culture Nights, Ribfest, the North Bay Farmers' Market, and the North Bay Film Festival, among other community events.
In winter, Laurentian Ski Hill offers downhill skiing and snowboarding. Cross-country ski trails are maintained both on campus and throughout the city. Snowmobiling, fat biking, dog sledding, kick sledding, and ice fishing are common seasonal activities. Winter events include the North Bay Winter Carnival, the bi-annual North Bay Follies, Outdoor Winter Markets, and more.
There are many year-round activities to enjoy right on campus too. From viewing the beautiful fall colours along Duchesnay Falls in September, to snowshoeing in winter, you’ll have every opportunity to enjoy 20 kilometres of trails right in the heart of Nipissing University.
North Bay's Farmer Market
Chief Commanda II
Museum of Aerospace Defence
Discover more of North Bay
Upcoming Events
Whether you are planning a long weekend or looking ahead to summer, North Bay’s local events offer plenty of opportunities to get involved and explore what interests you.
Places to Eat
If you're after the essentials, we’ve got you covered with a variety of options—from local pizza joints and fantastic diners to delicious food trucks, you'll find plenty to satisfy your cravings.
Plan Day Trips
Located in the heart of Ontario, North Bay’s location makes it easy to reach nearby destinations: Toronto or Ottawa for the city scene, Quebec for a cultural getaway, Sudbury for a quick change of pace, and Temagami when you want a nature getaway.
Find More Resources
Unlock Shorter Commutes and Affordable Housing
lower than the Ontario average commuting duration
In 2021, the Government of Canada reported that the average commute time in North Bay was 15.6 minutes. That is approximately 40% shorter than Ontario’s average and about 34% shorter than the Canadian average. With short travel distances and minimal traffic congestion, you gain back valuable time each day for study, work, family, and recreation.
lower than the Ontario median housing costs
In North Bay, the median cost of a home is around CAD 450,000. This is significantly lower than the Ontario median of approximately CAD 835,000 and the Canadian median of CAD 679,000. This difference makes it an appealing option for buyers seeking more affordable real estate.