Map of North Bay

About North Bay

North Bay is a city in Northeastern Ontario with a population of approximately 53,000 residents, serving as the gateway between Southern and Northern Ontario. Located on the shore of Lake Nipissing, North Bay is a regional center for commerce, healthcare, education, and government services in the north. The city offers a blend of urban amenities and access to northern wilderness and outdoor recreation.

North Bay's economy is diverse, with strengths in education (Nipissing University, Canadore College), military (22 Wing Canadian Forces Base North Bay, which houses NORAD operations), healthcare, and retail. The city's downtown features heritage buildings, shops, and the scenic waterfront along Lake Nipissing. North Bay serves as a transportation hub with Highway 11 and Highway 17 meeting in the city, and railway connections. The area offers excellent fishing, boating, and winter sports opportunities.

Highway 11 runs north-south through North Bay, connecting to Toronto (approximately 340 km south) and northern destinations. Highway 17 (Trans-Canada Highway) runs east-west, linking North Bay to Ottawa (350 km east) and Sudbury (125 km west). The city sits on the western shore of Lake Nipissing, one of Ontario's largest lakes, providing extensive waterfront access. Main Street serves as the downtown corridor, while Algonquin Avenue and Lakeshore Drive are major routes. North Bay's strategic location makes it an important distribution and service center for Northern Ontario.