Destination: North Bay

THE EARLY YEARS OF TOURISM

Fishing

The early years of tourism in North Bay were fueled by access to fishing, hunting, camping and beaches. Many camps, cottages and small resorts developed along Lake Nipissing and the French River.

Access to North Bay was limited to train travel and a poor road system connected with southern Ontario. This all changed with the birth of the Dionne Quintuplets in 1935, when North Bay and area became an international destination. International press and radio coverage created “Quint Mania.”

& Hunting

The provincial government created Quintland to handle the 3,000+ visitors who came daily for the next five years. This surge created a huge development of tourist cabins, restaurants and souvenir shops along Lakeshore Drive and in Callander. Highway improvements greatly eased travel.

The Second World War slowed the growth of tourism. After the war, North Bay once again became a draw for tourists offering boating, beaches, fishing and hunting and the natural beauty of the country.

What to do

Did You Know…

• The operation of tourist camps on Lake Nipissing and the French River relied on the employment of Indigenous guides from Nipissing and Dokis First Nations who were experts in the environs and wildlife of the lake they grew up on.

• Sunset Park Cabins and Campground at Champlain Park opened in 1938 in response to the Quintland traffic. It is still going strong today.

• Lyle Evans, a retired Callander policeman, remembers directing traffic in downtown Callander at the corner of Main Street and Lansdowne Avenue, where Quintland visitors turned to Corbeil. On weekdays, in the summer, about 3000 visitors passed; on weekends the figure rose to over 4000.

Tourist Information Pamphlets (1936–1972)

North Bay Museum Collection

Quintland

Remember When…

These quotes were written by various tourists writing home to describe their time in North Bay.

“Will pen you a few lines while I am waiting at North Bay, Province of Ontario. Will arrive at Temiskaming, Province of Quebec tomorrow, a short distance but a long wait to get to my destination in the silver mine country.

“J. Coombs,” (c.1910)

“Dear Elena: Came here on Monday and Oh is it a swell place. Having a grand time. Going down to Ottawa tomorrow or Wed. Hope all are well, love

“Elsie & Bill,” (1939)

“Hi Mother: We are having a good time, but it is very hot. Ed & Mary took us to see the CF-100 Jet and the beach. Will soon be home, love

“Gert & Russell” (c.1955)