Enjoy the water in North Bay this summer
After being docked for all of summer 2020, the Chief Commanda Two cruise ship is back on Lake Nipissing and tourists who spoke with CTV News really enjoyed their experience.
“We are actually from Mississauga, but we came up north for a couple days to a cottage. It’s definitely a new experience I haven’t been on a cruise ship for almost two years now, so it’s just different scenery that’s nice to see,” said one person riding the boat.
“I’m from Ottawa, I’m liking the water, and I’m also liking the islands,” said another tourist.
For Captain Rich Stivrins, it’s his 18th year steering the ship and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“People just enjoy being able to relax, whether it’s an hour and a half or a two and a half hour cruise. They’re going to enjoy the lake, grab a drink and a bite to eat and just socialize with family and friends,” he said.
“It’s just a nice way to spend the summer.”
On the other side of town, lies Trout Lake, where tourists and residents of North Bay are often found enjoying a bite to eat on the Average Joes patio, located directly on the lake.
“It’s an experience that’s very similar to being in the Muskokas,” said Average Joes owner James Bruce.
“Where they’re sitting outside, enjoying a good meal, with a great view and a lot of people moving around on the lake.”
Trout Lake also offers waterfront cottages and camps, and Average Joe delivers meals to all waterfront properties for those wanting to enjoy a meal at home.
“Once we determine the location, the Sea Doo staff actually put it in to their cell phone and it gives GPS routing. Then we call as we are about to leave the premise here and then they start heading out on the water,” said Bruce.
“As they get closer, the red dot on the GPS starts to expand so they know they’re in eye sight of where they need to go, and typically the people are on their docks waiting for the Sea Doos to arrive,” he added.
When it comes to spending the night on the lake, the Sunset Inn is encouraging people to book their stay.
“Weekends are always busy and looking good in North Bay. But we’re always encouraging locals to travel, especially around the province,” said Sunset Inn owner Chatel Petan.
“At least we’re supporting our economy, especially small businesses like mine, just got to keep them going and stabilize them to get us through these tough times.”
From individual hotel cabins, to having a private beach, Patel says there’s something for everyone to do without having to leave the resort property.
“You could stay put and just relax for the rest of your day. The water is shallow, it’s fresh water, and it’s safe. Everyone enjoys being by the water and that’s the main thing that attracts people to my place, there’s things to do.”
Between the trails, beaches, and bodies of water in the city, Tourism North Bay believes physical distancing can be applied to all the activities the city has to offer.
“One of the most important aspects of North Bay, is the lake and the water and the wide open spaces that we have, so really social distancing is in our nature so we invite people to take advantage of that,” said Tourism North Bay executive director Steve Dreany.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Oh my God, you're my brother': Man in his 70s discovers 6 unknown siblings
After receiving a DNA kit one Christmas from his son-in-law, Hugh McCormick soon discovered that he had six unknown siblings, with whom he shared the same birth parents.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Rates of cancer declining in Canada, but more work needed to save lives: projections
A new study projecting declining rates of cancer cases and deaths in Canada demonstrates the success of prevention and early detection programs, but also highlights areas where more work is needed to save and prolong lives, researchers say.
DEVELOPING Trump trial arrives at a pivotal moment: Star witness Michael Cohen is poised to take the stand
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
India's mammoth election is more than halfway done as millions begin voting in fourth round
Millions of Indians across 96 constituencies began casting their ballots on Monday as the country's gigantic, six-week-long election edges past its halfway mark. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third straight term with an eye on winning a supermajority in Parliament.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.