Tip #40: Things to do in North Bay

Looking for a new way to see North Bay, besides the interior of its bars? I've complied a list of 10 things to do in North Bay. If you haven't checked some of these things out, you're certainly missing out!

1) The Heritage Carousal and Mini-Train: North Bay has two hand-crafted carousals, most of which were painted or carved right here in North Bay. Relive your childhood on this merry-go-round, or take a train ride complete with a mi nature road crossing and bridge! It's run by volunteers, and a ride costs $1 each.

2) Duschesnay Falls: Ever wonder where those trails in the back of the school lead? One leads to Duschesnay Falls, where you can walk along the waterfall. A photographer's heaven!

3) Grecco's Pizza and Pasta: Go for a meal at Grecco's Pizza and Pasta, located on Algonquin across from the Pro-Cathedral and on Lakeshore Drive. Their pizza is wonderful and doesn't skimp on the toppings. Students even receive a 10% discount at the Algonquin location with their student savers card.*

4) Discovery North Bay: Formerly the North Bay Area Museum, come and check out North Bay and Northern Ontario's history. There are also special exhibits. Most of the museum is interactive, which is fun for the old and young!

5) Capitol Centre: North Bay's downtown theatre hosts numerous shows throughout the year. If you're cash strapped, check out their Sunday Reel Big Shows featuring films that are out of theatre, but not yet released on DVD. Admission is only $5!

6) Burger World Breakfast: Another North Bay Classic, Burger World is a great place to get a cheap and hearty meal. Students also get a 10% discount with a Student Saver Card. Located on Algonquin and near the Northgate Mall.

7) Window Shop Downtown: North Bay's downtown core can be very cute, featuring stores such as "Noveltea," "Pearls," and "London Underground." Lots of these stores offer student discounts. Even if you don't plan to buy anything, it's fun to window shop. Near the end of November, downtown even hosts and old-fashioned Christmas Walk!

8) Picnic at the Waterfront: There's nothing better than a picnic at North Bay's waterfront, where you can walk the boardwalk, play in the sand, and watch a gorgeous sunset.

9) Take a ride on the Kate Pace Way: Did you know that there's a series of bike/roller blade trails in North Bay? Named after hometown hero and Olympian Kate Pace, paths zig zag across town!

10) Champlain Beach: My favourite spot to swim is by far Champlain beach. The bus does go there, but it's much easier to drive. It's located at the end of Premier Road and features a massive beach and great sand!

*You can pick up a Student Savers Discount Card at the NUSU office for free!

I originally wrote this article for the Student Spotlight, the Nipissing/Canadore Magazine!

Tip #14: Don't Let the Bus Rule Your Life

I figure while we're on the topic of buses, I might as well do my bus rant.

The buses are not all that frequent to the campus, and they will most likely be packed. Sometimes you will even have buses so full that they don't even pick up your stop. It happens, and there's not a whole lot you can do with it.

But in third year, I realized something that I could control. In first and second year, I used to time my life by the bus schedule - "oh sorry, can't talk I have to go catch the bus," or "I'll have to pick up my library books later, I have to get the bus or I'll wait another half hour for it," or even "oh when will this class let out, I'm going to miss the bus." But you really just have to go with the flow and not miss out on things because of the bus. Now, I just wait for the next bus if I have to - it's much less stressful.

And on another note - it's OK in my books to run for the bus. You will feel stupid but it's you might as well just do a quick jog down the student centre hallway instead of waiting a half hour for the next bus. You will feel stupid, but you won't miss anything by taking a little sprint, so that's OK in my opinion (others may disagree though).