You Be The Judge Tour!
You Be The Judge Tour is your chance to experience North Bay through the eyes of the judges who will evaluate our city nationally in 2027.
STOP 1
kiwanis Bandshell
The Kiwanis Bandshell is one of North Bay's most recognizable waterfront landmarks and a cherished community gathering place. Overlooking Lake Nipissing, it has hosted free public performances and celebrations for generations, making it a symbol of the city's vibrant community spirit.
Located on City-owned waterfront parkland, the bandshell is owned and maintained by the City of North Bay, while the Kiwanis Club of Nipissing is recognized for its legacy contribution to its development.
Throughout the warmer months, the bandshell brings residents and visitors together for free concerts, cultural performances, festivals, Canada Day celebrations, outdoor fitness programs, and other community events. Its scenic setting and welcoming atmosphere continue to make it a focal point for recreation, entertainment, and community connection.
STOP 2
City Hall
North Bay City Hall is the civic heart of the community, serving as the centre of municipal government and public administration. Located in the downtown core, it houses City Council, administrative offices, and public services, while providing a place where residents can participate in local decision-making through council meetings, public consultations, and civic events. As the home of local government, City Hall plays an important role in shaping the city's growth, services, and future. The building and surrounding grounds are maintained by dedicated City staff who keep the area clean, safe, and beautifully landscaped, creating a welcoming civic space for residents and visitors alike.
STOP 3
Memorial Park
Memorial Park is one of North Bay's most significant cultural and historical landmarks. Established in 1923, the park was created to honour local residents who gave their lives in military service and remains the city's principal place of remembrance. Home to the historic Cenotaph, the Wall of Honour, and other military memorials, it serves as the focal point for Remembrance Day ceremonies, military commemorations, and community gatherings.
Owned and maintained by the City of North Bay, Memorial Park is cared for year-round by dedicated municipal staff who maintain its gardens, seasonal flower displays, mature trees, lawns, pathways, and monuments, ensuring the park remains a respectful and welcoming public space. More than a memorial site, it is a place where history, heritage, and community come together, preserving the stories of those who served while providing a beautiful setting for reflection, education, and civic pride.
STOP 4
CGB Community Garden Hub
Meet Jess, the Garden Manager! She'll take you on a tour of the garden and share the story of how this vibrant community hub came to life. Along the way, you'll discover how the space has grown into a welcoming place where people can grow food, learn new skills, connect with others, and help build a stronger, greener North Bay.
STOP 5
Tree Nursery
The Tree Nursery on Second Street is a unique community green space dedicated to growing native trees and shrubs that help expand North Bay's urban forest. Established in 2004 through a partnership between the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority and volunteers from Trees for Nipissing, the nursery was created with the vision of making North Bay a greener, healthier, and more resilient community. Thousands of trees grown here have been planted throughout parks, public spaces, and waterfront areas across the city.
Today, the nursery is maintained by dedicated volunteers from Trees for Nipissing in partnership with the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority. It serves not only as a place to cultivate native trees but also as an outdoor classroom where residents, schools, and community groups learn about environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting and enhancing North Bay's urban canopy. The nursery stands as a living example of how community volunteers can create lasting environmental benefits for future generations.
STOP 6
Miskwaadesi Ampitheatre
The Miskwaadesi Amphitheatre is a unique outdoor gathering space that celebrates Indigenous culture, environmental stewardship, and community connection. Located along the Chippewa Creek EcoPath, the amphitheatre is centred around Miskwaadesi, the Ojibwe word for Painted Turtle, a powerful symbol of Turtle Island and the Anishinaabe Creation story.
Created through a partnership between the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, the site features a granite turtle petroform, native plantings, interpretive signage, and seven stones representing the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth. The amphitheatre brings people together for Indigenous ceremonies, cultural celebrations, educational programs, performances, and community gatherings, while also providing a peaceful space for reflection and learning.
Maintained through the ongoing partnership of the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, the Miskwaadesi Amphitheatre is a welcoming place where culture, nature, and community come together to foster understanding, celebrate Indigenous traditions, and strengthen connections for generations to come.
STOP 7
Downtown North Bay
Downtown North Bay is a vibrant destination where history, culture, shopping, dining, and the city's beautiful waterfront come together. Home to locally owned boutiques, restaurants, cafés, galleries, and historic buildings, the downtown offers a welcoming atmosphere that reflects North Bay's unique character and small-city charm.
In recent years, the downtown has undergone significant revitalization, creating a more accessible, attractive, and pedestrian-friendly environment while preserving its historic character. Improvements to streetscapes, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and public spaces have helped enhance the downtown experience, with future plans continuing to strengthen connections between the downtown core and the waterfront.
The City of North Bay takes great pride in maintaining beautiful and welcoming public spaces, with seasonal flower displays, decorative planters, landscaping, and streetscape enhancements adding colour and vibrancy throughout the downtown. These efforts help create a place where residents and visitors feel welcome year-round.
Located just steps from the shores of Lake Nipissing, Downtown North Bay offers easy access to the waterfront, parks, trails, events, and cultural attractions. With its blend of history, local businesses, and ongoing improvements, downtown remains the cultural and commercial heart of the city.
STOP 8
Waterfront Park
North Bay’s Waterfront Park is a vibrant community gathering space that celebrates the city’s connection to Lake Nipissing. Located along the waterfront, the park offers a welcoming place for recreation, culture, events, and relaxation.
The park features a variety of amenities, including the Rotary Splash Pad, playgrounds, walking paths, green spaces, picnic areas, a pump track, and outdoor courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball. These spaces encourage residents and visitors of all ages to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
Waterfront Park is also a hub for community connection, hosting events, celebrations, and the North Bay Farmers’ Market, where residents gather to support local farmers and artisans. The park is also home to the North Bay Museum, preserving and sharing the city’s rich history and heritage.
The City of North Bay takes great pride in maintaining this beautiful public space through dedicated staff who care for the landscaping, gardens, pathways, and amenities, keeping the area clean, safe, and welcoming. With ongoing improvements and future additions planned, Waterfront Park continues to grow as a place where the community can gather, celebrate, and enjoy one of North Bay’s most treasured locations.
STOP 9
Heritage Railway and Carousel
The Heritage Railway and Carousel Company is a beloved North Bay attraction that celebrates the city’s railway history while creating lasting memories for families and visitors. Established in 1994, the waterfront attraction was created through a community vision to preserve North Bay’s rail heritage and provide a unique recreational experience for all ages.
Located along the beautiful Lake Nipissing waterfront, the attraction features scenic miniature train rides and historic carousels that have become a cherished part of North Bay’s identity. The site is operated by a dedicated team of volunteers who run the rides, maintain the equipment, welcome visitors, and continue the tradition of community involvement that helped bring this attraction to life.
Future plans include renovations and site improvements to enhance the visitor experience, including upgrades to the kiosk, improved facilities, and additional enhancements to ensure this waterfront landmark continues to thrive for generations to come.
With its prime location near downtown, waterfront trails, parks, and other attractions, the Heritage Railway and Carousel Company remains a special gathering place where history, recreation, and community spirit come together. Now, enjoy a free ride on this treasured North Bay attraction!
STOP 10
Waterfront and Marina
North Bay’s Waterfront Park and Marina are at the heart of the city’s connection to Lake Nipissing, offering a beautiful space for recreation, boating, community events, and relaxation. The waterfront provides visitors with scenic views, walking paths, public gathering spaces, and access to the marina, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors throughout the year.
A major part of the waterfront’s beauty comes from the North Bay Heritage Gardeners, a dedicated volunteer organization that has been helping beautify the waterfront since 1987. What began as part of the original waterfront redevelopment has grown into a community effort involving more than 200 volunteers who care for 43 garden beds along the waterfront, including areas near the marina, Heritage Railway and Carousel, and boardwalk.
These volunteers design, plant, weed, and maintain the gardens throughout the growing season, creating colourful displays of flowers and greenery that enhance the waterfront experience. Their work reflects the strong community pride and volunteer spirit that helps make North Bay’s waterfront a welcoming and beautiful place for everyone.
The waterfront and marina continue to serve as a gathering place where people come together for festivals, events, boating, walking, sightseeing, and everyday enjoyment. With ongoing improvements and community-led projects, the waterfront continues to evolve while preserving its role as one of North Bay’s most treasured public spaces.
Thank you!
Thank you for joining us on this tour and experiencing some of the many places that make North Bay such a special community. You’ve seen firsthand the pride, care, and dedication that go into our parks, gardens, waterfront, and public spaces.In 2027, Clean, Green, Beautiful North Bay will proudly enter the Communities in Bloom competition as we aim for Gold! After achieving Bronze and earning a place in the Circle of Excellence, we are excited to showcase our incredible city to the judges.Thank you for being part of this journey and helping us celebrate what makes North Bay beautiful!