Welcome to North Bay, where nature, history and flavour come together beautifully. Known as the Gateway to the North, this lakeside community is full of friendly faces, scenic views and a food scene that blends local pride with global inspiration.
This list is designed to help you make the most of your visit, whether you are exploring for a full weekend or just two days. We have organized it by options for each part of the day so you can mix and match your own delicious North Bay adventure.
Breakfast Options in North Bay
Whether you are starting your day with homestyle comfort or diner-style nostalgia, North Bay’s breakfast spots serve up the perfect morning fuel.
Option #1: Breakfast at Syl’s Neighbourhood Kitchen
Where: 850 McKeown Ave Bldg C, North Bay, ON (View Map)
Syl’s Neighbourhood Kitchen has been a North Bay favourite since 2017, known for its welcoming atmosphere and chef-driven comfort food. Run by husband and wife team Sylvain and Becky Rivet, this bright and bustling spot feels like the heart of the community, where regulars and first-timers are greeted like old friends.
The menu celebrates the joy of simple, satisfying food. The Montreal Smoked Meat Eggs Benedict is a must-try, layered with tender smoked meat, deliciously poached eggs and silky hollandaise, all served with golden home fries. Fluffy pancakes and classic breakfast plates round out the morning offerings, while a fully licensed bar and hearty lunch options make it the kind of place you can enjoy any time of day.
Option#2: Breakfast at Hoagie’s Diner
Where: 1128 O’Brien St, North Bay, ON (View Map)
For a taste of nostalgia, Hoagie’s Diner delivers with retro charm and home-cooked comfort. This 1950s-style diner, proudly run by owner Kate Kuntz, has been a North Bay staple for years.
Inside, red leather booths, checkered floors and the hum of conversation set the tone. The breakfast menu is timeless with fluffy waffles, classic eggs and bottomless coffee that warms the soul. Before heading out, browsing the shelves of old-fashioned candy is a must, a sweet reminder that simple pleasures never go out of style.
Lunch options in North Bay
From hearty pub classics to creative bites in the heart of downtown, North Bay’s lunch scene is all about flavour and local flair.
Option #1: Crossroads Convenience
Where: 348 Algonquin Ave, North Bay, ON (View Map)
Located inside the historic Demarcos Confectionery building, Crossroads Convenience offers more than a morning caffeine fix. The retro wood panelling, cozy booths and scent of freshly brewed coffee make it feel like a piece of North Bay’s history.
Locals love it for its inventive sandwiches like the kimchi turkey melt and roasted carrot and halloumi sando. On this visit, we kept it simple with an iced caramel latte and a chocolate cookie, a fantastic pick-me-up before a morning outdoors.
Option #2: The Block Public House
Where: 122 Main St W, North Bay, ON (View Map)
Lunch in downtown North Bay leads to The Block Public House, where history meets modern creativity. Housed in a 1911 building that once served as the city’s first hardware store, the restaurant combines rustic charm with a love for good food and Ontario craft beer.
The duck wings are a local favourite, crisp on the outside and tender inside. The bison burger arrives stacked high with all the fixings, paired with golden poutine for a satisfying midday meal. To drink, the Blind Alley Lager is an easy choice, though the smoked tequila sour might just steal the show. Made with tequila, lemon juice, simple syrup and aquafaba, then finished in the smoker, it is a cocktail that adds a touch of theatre to the meal.
Other Things to Do
A culinary adventure is even better when paired with a little exploring. Take time to see the sights, learn about the local history and experience the natural beauty that makes North Bay such a special place to visit.
Hike Duchesnay Falls
Where: Yellek, ON (View Map)
Just minutes from downtown, Duchesnay Falls offers one of the most scenic outdoor experiences in North Bay. The trail winds through a peaceful forest along Duchesnay Creek before leading to twin cascades that flow with power and grace. Every season transforms the landscape, from the rushing waters of spring to the fiery reds and golds of autumn.
Sitting on the ancient Laurentian Escarpment, which stretches all the way to Georgian Bay, this spot is a true showcase of Northern Ontario’s natural beauty. A good pair of shoes, a camera and a little curiosity are all you need. The trail is short, rewarding and the best way to connect with the wilder side of the city.
Pack smart: Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Stay on the marked paths, watch your footing on wet rocks and take your time. The views are worth every step.
Explore North Bay Museum
Where: 100 Ferguson St, North Bay, ON (View Map)
To add a touch of culture to the afternoon, the North Bay Museum is well worth a visit. Located inside a beautifully restored Canadian Pacific Railway Station, the museum offers an engaging look into the city’s past through interactive exhibits and local stories that connect visitors to North Bay’s roots. It is the ideal indoor stop for a fall day, inviting you to slow down and explore.
Pro tip: Right next door, Ever Cool Ice Cream is a warm-weather favourite to remember for summer visits. Known for creative sundaes and classic scoops, it is the coolest stop before a stroll along the waterfront of Lake Nipissing, one of Ontario’s largest lakes. In the summer, the sunsets glow across the open water, while in winter, the frozen surface turns the shoreline into a stunning icy landscape.
Dinner Options in North Bay
Whether you crave Latin-inspired warmth or refined fine dining, North Bay’s dinner options bring the day to a perfect close.
Dinner Option #1: Churchill’s Prime Rib House
Where: 631 Lakeshore Dr, North Bay, ON (View Map)
For those looking for elegance, Churchill’s Prime Rib House delivers an unforgettable experience. Ranked among Canada’s Top 50 Restaurants, it balances classic fine dining with Northern Ontario character.
We ordered the grilled Ontario rack of lamb served with barley risotto and braised lamb shoulder, followed by the BarCultura Caesar with grilled vegetables, Manchego dressing and hickory sticks presented under a smoke-filled glass dome. For dessert, the pavlova was light and sweet, the showstopping finale to a memorable evening. With an extensive Canadian wine list and a view of Sunset Park, Churchill’s remains a cornerstone of North Bay’s dining scene.
Option #2: Northern Himalayan Cafe
Where: 113 Main St E, North Bay, ON (View Map)
Northern Himalayan Café offers an experience that feels both comforting and uplifting, serving dishes that are made from scratch each day with care and intention. Stepping inside, the aroma of spices fills the air, setting the tone for a meal that celebrates the vibrant flavours of Nepal.
We started with the handmade momos, soft dumplings filled with savoury meat and vegetables that were steamed and full of flavour. The pork chow mein was another highlight, tossed Nepali-style with tender pork belly and noodles that carried just the right amount of spice. The safale, a golden, flaky pastry stuffed with seasoned ground chicken and herbs, brought everything together with its rich and warming taste.
What truly sets this café apart is its spirit. Lakshmi, one of the owners, shared how every dish is prepared with mindfulness and gratitude, a reflection of the belief that food carries energy and connection. Each bite felt like an act of care, nourishing both body and soul, a true taste of hospitality from the Himalayas to Northern Ontario.
Option #3: La Casa de Maria
Where: 110 Main St E, North Bay, ON (View Map)
La Casa de Maria offers a lively taste of Latin America in the heart of downtown. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, inviting guests to linger over drinks and shared plates.
We began with margaritas, one classic and one with chamoy for a sweet and spicy twist. The Peruvian lomo saltado was rich and flavourful with tender steak, peppers and golden fries, while the quesadillas de birria were stuffed with juicy beef and melted cheese. A side of guacamole and queso tied everything together. The meal felt celebratory, full of colour and connection.
North Bay, You’ve Been a Treat!
Our North Bay adventure wrapped up amazingly, filled with flavour, community and unforgettable moments. From cozy breakfasts to globally inspired dinners, this city truly earns its title as the Gateway to the North.
Ready to plan your own foodie getaway?
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