The Best Hiking Trails in North Bay, Ontario

North Bay is known as the “Gateway City” or “Gateway of the North”. Perched on the edge of Northern Ontario, it can be the perfect day trip or weekend trip for those visiting from either Southern Ontario or Northern Ontario.

It’s no secret that North Bay is the home of outdoor activities and spectacular nature. Naturally, this makes it a fantastic destination for hiking adventures. I’m going to show you the best places to go hiking in North Bay that will keep you returning to the city time and time again.

Duchesnay Falls

Duchesnay Falls is a stunning cascading waterfall within the city of North Bay. It’s located just off Highway 17, and it’s easy to incorporate into any visit to North Bay. Parking is free and the waterfall/trails are free to visit.

Flowing from Duchesnay Creek, Duchnesnay Falls isn’t one large waterfall, but a series of smaller cascades. There are many smaller drops, and the larger waterfalls stand at around 15 feet tall.

There are a number of hiking trails at Duchesnay Falls. Viewing the waterfall doesn’t require much hiking at all. From the main parking lot, it’s only a short walk on the East Duchesnay Falls Trail to see one larger section of falls.

If you only hike one trail, make sure it’s the West Duchesnay Falls Trail. There are numerous vantage points to witness multiple cascades of the waterfall. Please note that there aren’t any bridges or crossings from the West Falls Trail to the East Falls Trail.

To extend your hike, start on the East Duchesnay Falls Trail and make your way towards the Lookout Trail. From the lookout point, enjoy an amazing view of Lake Nipissing and the Manitou Islands. Take a look at the map of trails here, created by Discovery Routes.

Laurier Woods Conservation Area

For another great hike within the heart of North Bay, be sure to incorporate Laurier Woods Conservation Area into your hiking plans. It’s a 250 acre property featuring protected wetlands, upland forest, and a sanctuary for migrating birds and woodland creatures.

Laurier Woods Conservation Area is home to over 10km of hiking trails, including boardwalk paths and marshy viewpoints. There are a few interconnected loop trails, making it possible to embark on a lengthier trek or choosing a shorter stroll in the forest.

There are events at Laurier Woods from time to time, like guided walks by The Friends of Laurier Woods. These are usually two hour walks on Saturday mornings throughout the summer months. These hikes are led by naturalists and nature experts who provide plenty of expertise and insightful observations on the trail.

Be sure to check the Laurier Woods Conservation Area website for a trail map and information about guided hikes. There’s also a trail map at the park’s trailhead. Laurier Woods has a large parking lot, and it’s free to park and visit.

Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area

Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area is owned by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA). The Trails are located on a ridge (Laurentian Escarpment) with beautiful views of North Bay, Lake Nipissing and the surrounding area.

The area around the escarpment was originally logged in the 1880s for farmland. While little old growth forest remains, the region has since been returned to nature and some of the trees are now decades old.

The McNutt Family Trail is 1.9km long (around 40 minutes to walk) and the Richardson Ridge Trail is 6.4km and takes around 3 hours to complete. You’ll follow either yellow or orange trail markers to stay on the path. There are many other trails in this area not maintained by the NBMCA, so make sure you follow the coloured blazes to stay on track.

Kate Pace Way

Kate Pace Way offers a leisurely waterfront stroll and up to a 12km adventure! It’s a multi-use trail throughout North Bay that can be used for walking, cycling and more.

It meanders through North Bay’s waterfront, city parks, residential areas, forests, and roadways. This is a great way to experience multiple areas of North Bay when you visit, including the scenic shoreline of Lake Nipissing.

The trail honours Kate Pace, the Olympic skier, and celebrates the city’s love for sports and athleticism. Here’s a full map, courtesy of the NBMCA, so you can plan your trip.

Kinsmen Trail

Kinsmen Trail is a 6km paved path that follows the edge of Chippewa Creek. A portion of this trail is the Chippewa Creek EcoPath, a 3.2km section between Lake Nipissing and Thomson Park.

There are educational signs along the journey, and it was created as a partnership between the City of North Bay, Heritage Gardeners, Trees for Nipissing, the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre.

Some sections of this trail include the city streets and other areas are paved paths, in order for the trail to remain continuous across town. Feel free to walk or cycle the Kinsmen Trail.

Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area

Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area is unfortunately closed until further notice due to storms in 2025. However, when the park reopens, it’s a gorgeous one to visit.

There’s a 1.9km interpretive trail that also includes a historic log slide and dam from the 1870s. There’s also a reconstructed log cabin on the path, too. The gorge itself is the star of the show, showcasing dramatic rock walls, as well as rapids and small waterfalls.

For updates, please check the NBMCA website about Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area.

Corbeil Conservation Area

Corbeil Conservation Area is home to the Corbeil Nature Trail, a 1.8km path through the forest. You’ll have the opportunity to walk across boardwalks through woodlands and wetlands, as well as inspect unique rock formations on the way.

The rugged rocks and cliffs were created by glaciers during the ice age. Check the NBMCA website for a trail map, though it’s a pretty easy to follow loop trail.

La Vase Portages Conservation Area

While La Vase Portages Conservation Area is known primarily for its paddling routes, there are some trails here, too. It’s a short hike at the northern edge of the park where hikers can experience the waterways once used by Voyageurs between Trout Lake and Lake Nipissing.

The portage route was once a route for Indigenous, Metis and European explorers. It’s a series of three portages and 8km of waterways used thousands of years ago. It’s part of the Canadian Heritage River System.

Fred Gunter Hill Trail

The Fred Gunter Hill Trail is a favourite among North Bay locals. While this one does offer some elevation and is a bit of a tougher hike by comparison to others in the area, the views are well worth the effort.

Hike up the rugged Canadian Shield of the Fred Gunter Hill to enjoy sweeping views of nearby lakes and forests. It’s a 3km loop trail but can take anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours due to the steep inclines.

Black Forest Trail

Black Forest Trail is a seasonal hiking trail, available between May and October. It’s a 1.5km trail through a forested path surrounded by red and white pine trees. There are interpretive signs with information about the forest’s history and the wildlife that calls this region home.

Provincial Parks Near North Bay

While North Bay isn’t home to any provincial parks, there are quite a few within a short drive. If you’d like to get your Ontario Parks fix, these parks are a great day trip from North Bay:

• Algonquin Provincial Park
• Restoule Provincial Park
• Mattawa River Provincial Park
• Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
• Mikisew Provincial Park
• French River Provincial Park
• Marten River Provincial Park
• Grundy Lake Provincial Park