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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.