MUST SEE AREA ATTRACTIONS

On top of our wonderful facilities our surrounding area has many popular "must see" attractions:

Stewart Coughlin riding Ranch: Pony Rides A trail guide on foot leads pony and rider on designated bush trails. Rides are 1/2 hour in length. Parents and or friends may accompany the walk. Cameras are a must to capture the rider's first equine experiences. As children age and become more confident they can go on a regular trail ride and either control their own pony or have a lead rope from the guide's horse to the pony's halter.

Trail Rides All horses are quiet and well - trained. Each ride is lead by an experienced trail guide. The ride includes basic instruction, walking and trotting throughout scenic groomed trails on the property. Helmets, shoes or boots with a heel must be worn by those under 18. (Ontario Legislation). Helmets of various sizes are available at the ranch.

olar Bear Express: There are only a few great rail excursions left in the world and this is one of them...the Polar Bear Express. Cochrane, where the Trans Canada Highway turns west, is the summer home of the Polar Bear Express and the departure point for this incredible 186-mile journey north to Moosonee. You'll travel along the Arctic Watershed crossing historic rivers like the Abitibi and Moose, once the highways of the fur trade. The Polar Bear Express will take you to a sparsely populated land of forests, tranquil lakes, and muskeg. A land living in near isolation from the rest of the world.

Santa's Village: Where it is like Christmas all season long! Santa's Village was established in 1955 as a tourist destination by a group of local citizens when the new Highway 11 was built and bypassed Bracebridge. These citizens felt that perhaps Santa would like a summer home in the most beautiful cottage area in Ontario which also happened to be conveniently located half way between the equator and the north pole, on the 45th parallel. Santa liked the idea so much that he had his elves build, not just a cottage, but a whole village to which he could invite everyone to come and experience the joy of Christmas all summer long. Under Santa's direction, the elves put in rides, games and an amphitheatre and prepared delicious food to please his guests. All of this is set in an enchanting natural woodland and watercourse environment. Here you will experience your favorite rides, games, shows and attractions, all set on spectacular Lake Muskoka. We offer 50 Acres of Family FUN!

The Heritage Railway Mini Train: When visiting the North Bay Waterfront, be sure to wander over to the Heritage Railway Company. This is a miniature railway which runs on 2700 feet of 15" guage track. We run both an actual steam engine and a diesel engine. You experience travel in an old fashioned way as you buy your ticket at the station and once on the train, the conductor punches your ticket just like the old days. The railway is completely run by volunteers, many of whom were old railroaders. Also be sure to take a ride on the Heritage Carousel, located directly beside the Mini-Train.

Science North: The mission of Science North in serving Northern Ontario is to create and market high quality science education and entertainment experiences and products which involve people in the relationship between science and technology and everyday life. Science North provides its customers fun, participatory experiences in English and French.

Dionne Quints Museum: Sixty years ago the world was amazed by the birth of the Dionne Quintsuplets on May 28, 1934. This amazement quickly turned to love for the five identical tiny girls. This museum is dedicated to them.

Chief Commanda: Wonderful cruise ship sailing from North Bay across Lake Nipissing to historical French River and Callander Bay. Chief Commanda I Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious meal aboard the Chief Commanda. Located besidethe North Bay Boardwalk.

North Bay Heritage Festival & Equisure Airshow:
Aug 3rd - 6th: BRING OUT THE CHILD!
It's an annual celebration of family and flight. The North Bay Heritage Festival & Airshow has evolved into one of the premiere tourist attractions and entertainment events in Ontario. This fabulous 4 day event includes a 2 day international airshow, headliner concerts during days & evenings, world renowned midway with 25+ rides, games & concessions, fireworks finale, craft fair with demonstrations, a petting zoo with 50 exotic and domestic animals, an antique car show, a heritage railway display & mini train ride, and other heritage & cultural demonstrations. Visit their web site and see what is in store for this year's Civic Holiday Weekend!