Living the life of Riley
One of the great advantages of living in the Near North is that no matter where you are, the natural beauty and opportunities offered by our abundant lakes and forests are never far away. Located a short distance north of traditional "cottage country" in Muskoka, it would seem that early on the area surrounding North Bay became well known for its outdoor activities year round.
As new transportation routes improved access to the area, new visitors have found their path to the Near North and its numerous attractions. For many, both historically and today, these attractions start and end with the many lakes teaming with fish and the dense forests filled with game.
The major first transportation route cutting through the area was the Canadian Pacific Railway which arrived in North Bay in 1882. Over time, the city became an increasingly important stop on the railway and new railway lines arrived bringing more people and activity. As a growing railway hub, North Bay saw the establishment of the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway (T&NO), later to become the Ontario Northland Railway in 1902 and the construction of their head office.
Once they had arrived in the area, many visitors made use of tourist camps. Some of these were easily reached by road while others were based in more remote areas such as the French River. Some such as those operated by the Kervin family were floating camps based on houseboats which could put the visitor right in the heart of the "action". Others with idyllic names such as the "Promised Land Tourist Camp" offered mroe traditional accomodations.
And so, in the words of one of our visitors back in 1937, "Here is where we are hanging out. Just living the life of Riley"