Just east, outside of North Bay are the ski loops of North Bay Nordic. These are pleasant, wide, well-maintained cross country, skate and snowshoe trails that wind through the evergreens. The area slopes up slowly to higher ground as you work your way into the outback.
For the beginners, there are short Yellow, or Purple loops that avoid much of the climbing. Not until you break off onto the Red, Blue or mega Green loop (18 km) do you start climbing for about 3 km. It all seems gradual and you may hardly notice the incline.
As it levels off on top, the paths wind over rolling terrain with a few views of small lakes. On the way back there is a steeper long descent that could be tricky for some if icy. Speaking of ice, you may see some on cliffs high above at this point.
At the bottom there is an odd three-way short split to get you to the chalet. From Easy Way Out or Cook’s Mountain to the more fun but twisty advanced S-turn.
Snowshoers have a few loop options to try. The Beaver Meadow is a a short 950 metres, or beyond the paths go to the Ridge or the Lookout loop for another few more kilometres. The entrance to the trail is not so obvious but once on your way, they are a pleasure to traverse with lots of variety.
If you wish to try Nordic skiing or Snowshoeing there are rentals at decent prices and lessons too.
Night skiing is offered till 9 pm daily on the fairly flat Yellow and Gold trails for about 3.3 km.
I can tell this is a well run club that takes pride in offering great Nordic Skiing and Snowshoe trekking. Pay them a visit one day.
