North Bay is one of those northern cities that is just far enough north to have lung-shockingly clean air while still being very comfortably close to the larger urban Ontario cities of Ottawa and Toronto. It's far enough to make for a nice stress-relieving motorcycle ride, but not so far that you can't make a really nice weekend trip out of it.

The jewel in North Bay's crown, the Waterfront; everything you can wish for on the shore of Lake Nipissing

There are multiple routes to North Bay from any Ontario starting point, and any of those routes can be as quick or as as meandering as you wish. From southwestern Ontario towns such as London, Kitchener, or Cambridge, you can work your way up the Bruce Peninsula through Wiarton and take the Chicheemaun ferry from Tobermory over to Manitoulin Island. After landing on the island it's a straightforward, breathtaking ride to North Bay.

Park the bike for a few hours and cruise North Bay's Chief Commanda

What do you do once you get to North Bay? This city has everything that any major city has, and it has a whole lot more because not many major cities have the excellent fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities that are easily accessible in this extremely tourist-friendly (and motorcyclist-friendly) city. There are major restaurant chains, of course, but also some local gems such as The White Owl Bistro and  Churchill's. For theatre and live performances that will make for a great way to spend a Saturday night, the Capitol Centre has a wide variety of performances scheduled that suit every taste.

Much more than just fresh produce and meat... but they've got that too - North Bay Farmer's Market

You will find a wide variety of hotels and motels to suit every style and budget in North Bay. You will also find that uniquely northern Ontario hospitality which is small town friendly and full of the kind of good humoured energy that seems to be part of the environment. Like any town that counts on tourism for a good part of its livelihood, North Bay has a sort of inclusive feel to it for anyone who passes through for a few hours or a few days.

Excellent Japanese food, right here in North Bay - Kabuki House Restaurant

If you go to North Bay in the fall, you may want to park your motorcycle for a day and take the Dream Catcher Express train ride to see the endless vistas of coloured foliage that surrounds this town from the comfort of a train.

The Clarion Pinewood Park Resort is a perfect stop after a long ride

Most importantly, the motorcycle riding in and around North Bay is unrelentingly scenic. The traffic is light compared to the cluttered metropolitan areas further south. There are plenty of well maintained roads, so while you are surrounded by rugged unspoiled natural beauty you are able to travel through it in relative comfort. You can explore to your heart's content and go straight back to your hotel for a nice relaxing evening where many other like-minded motorcycle riders have already discovered this must-visit destination.

Just west of North Bay, you must ride out to see this amazing natural phenomenon - Duchesnay Falls

- all pictures Courtesy of the City of North Bay Economic Development Department