The Chief Commanda II is North Bay’s signature attraction — a 320-passenger cruise vessel that has been gliding across Lake Nipissing since 1975. She celebrated her golden anniversary in 2025.
The ship offers afternoon sightseeing tours, sunset dinner cruises to Callander Bay, and longer excursions to the Manitou Islands and the Upper French River. The top deck is open-air with panoramic views — ideal for watching Lake Nipissing’s legendary sunsets.
There’s a licensed bar, a BBQ grill, and a snack bar onboard. Locals simply call it “The Chief,” and for many visitors, it’s the single best way to experience North Bay from the water.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046661385553#; https://flic.kr/p/bZ53Vu, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
