A Pop of Colour: 5 Best Fall Foliage Hikes in North Bay
No matter what direction you're visiting from, North Bay’s fall colours are worth the trip. The lush forested hills that surround this scenic waterfront city make it the perfect place to experience Northern Ontario's massive boreal forest as it changes from summery green to a sea of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Not only is North Bay, Ontario known for its scenic beauty during all four seasons, but we also have the best hiking trails Northern Ontario has to offer. Visitors travelling here in autumn will get a glimpse of the region's incredible fall colours along with some stunning views of our bridges, gorges, and waterfalls. Picking a trail may be difficult but here are our top five to get you started.
1. Fall for Duchesnay Falls
Just a few steps outside North Bay on Highway 17 you'll find yourself at the base of North Bay’s most iconic trail: Duchesnay Falls. While anytime is a good time to hike here, you won’t regret a fall visit to check out the colours framing the waterfalls cascading down the escarpment–a view that every camera needs to capture at least once. Continuing along the 11+ km trail system, you'll find these sights everywhere you turn, and it will keep you wanting more. Experience some of the best views this trail has to offer from the top of the falls–the combination of the view, the colours and the fall breeze is incredible. After your hike check out nearby hot spot and enjoy a cold craft beer at Gateway City Brewery. You and your crew can quench your thirst and take a trip down memory lane with a game or two on one of their vintage pinball machines.
2. Historic Sights in Eau Claire Gorge
3. Dog-friendly Trails Along the Laurentian Escarpment
The Laurentian Escarpment is another hot spot in North Bay! Just a short drive up Airport Road you can find an extensive network of trails for all levels of hikers. The two most popular trails are the Fred McNutt Family Trail and the Richardson Ridge Trails. Both will lead you to amazing views of North Bay and the nature that surrounds the city. Bring your family, friends, and dogs to these trails; you will come here for the hike but stay for the views. Take in the fall sights overlooking the city and watch the sun disappear into Lake Nipissing atop of this escarpment.
4. Endless Views from Redbridge Lookout
A short 20-minute drive east on Highway 63 North is the Redbridge Lookout trail. This 4 km hike on rougher terrain may be the workout you're looking for. Although there are no obstacles throughout the trail, there is a steep incline that will get your muscles firing on this hike. This trail will guide hikers through the forest until you reach its vantage point. Once here, you'll enjoy a never-ending view of the forests surrounding North Bay and Redbridge as far as the eye can see!
5. The Easy Otter Lake Trail
Bonus: The Urban Nature Loop
A Forest Podcast for Your Travels
While you're out on the trail, check out a unique North Bay podcast and learn some forest science. Forest Talk Radio, Laurier Wood Edition, weaves together folktales and forest science for an old-fashioned radio comedy experience delivered right to your smartphone. Download the app, pop in your earbuds, and press play. It's the perfect accompaniment for your autumn stroll.
The hiking opportunities are endless in North Bay and this scenic region has so much more to see during fall. Take in the true beauty and scenery of North Bay and head out on our trails this fall season. You'll come back with memories that will last a lifetime. For more trails in and around the area check out Discovery Routes.