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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.