One of the most spectacular times to get out and take a drive around North Bay is mid-September to late October, the best time to see the fall colours.
Situated on the Canadian Shield, North Bay lies within the boreal forest, the largest forest region in the province, with a mix of coniferous (softwood) and deciduous (hardwood) tress. Species include black and white spruce, jack pine, balsam fir, tamarack, eastern white cedar, poplar, and white birch – this diversity creates a vibrant palette of red, emerald, yellow, orange and gold hues that blanket the forests.
Image: Duchesnay Falls
Brilliant canopy of colour
Whether its canoeing, hiking, countryside drives, cycling – travellers love to get out with a cup of hot coffee when the weather gets crisp, the coloured leaves start falling to the ground, and there’s the smell of pumpkins in the air, all as Halloween closes in.
North Bay is surrounded by pristine lakes, such as Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, which reflect the colorful foliage in the water, enhancing the overall beauty.
Image: Laurier Woods
North Bay: Largest forest region in the province
The region also has several trails, such as the Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area (85+ kilometres of hiking trails; 60 metres high) and Duchesnay Falls, cascading down the escarpment into Lake Nipissing, which offer excellent vantage points for checking out the leaves.
Kate Pace Way, North Bay Mattawa Conservation Trails, bikeways and walkways via Discovery Routes Trails Organization, there’s no shortage of options for people who prefer to be active when they travel. North Bay has multiple tours created just for the fall, including Aerial Tours, Boat Tours and Harvest Farm Tours.
Less crowds means a more peaceful experience
Travelers can also take a day trip to Restoule, Mikisew, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, or the northwestern access point to Algonquin Provincial Park, to max out the views.
Compared to more well-known fall foliage destinations in southern Ontario, like Algonquin Park or Muskoka, North Bay tends to be less crowded this time of the year. Less crowds mean a more peaceful, relaxing experience as you take in the scenery along the highways and back roads while hiking or driving.
Laurentian Escarpment
Highway 11 and Highway 17, which pass through North Bay, offer breathtaking drives during the fall. You can also explore smaller roads leading into the rural areas surrounding North Bay, providing panoramic views of the changing leaves in a tranquil setting.
Since North Bay is the gateway to Northern Ontario, that means easy access to the untamed wilderness, where the traveller can experience the most dramatic fall foliage in the province. The natural beauty here feels more rugged and untouched, making the fall experience even more striking.
This is the time of the year when North Bay hosts seasonal activities and events that enhance the experience, such as farmers’ markets, harvest festivals, and nature walks.
The combination of vivid colors, serene lakes, and accessibility to both urban conveniences and wild nature makes North Bay an exceptional location for enjoying the autumn season.
Top photo by Steve Philpott on Unsplash
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