Thunder Bay Tourism Newsletter

Volume: 1 Issue: 3

Special Thank You

A Special thanks to the Valhalla Inn (http://www.valhallainn.com) for sponsoring local accommodations for the Movingmuscles Ride 2008 (http://www.movingmusclesride.ca), a cross Canada cycling journey to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy research.

Major Events

Mark your calendars.  The Annual Thunder Bay Blues Festival July 4-6th at Marina Park.  This world-class 3-day event features the best names in Blues entertainment with a line up including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and The Fabulous ThunderBirds.  For more information visit http://www.tbayblues.ca.

Events

In July come out to Chenier Fine Arts, the purple gallery at 8 Court Street South which will be featuring “Ocean Insipirations – New Ceramics” by internationally recognized artist Shane Norrie and original jewellery – “Art to Wear” by local artist Anne Winkworth.  Chenier Fine Arts, sells original art by emerging and established Canadian, regional and international artists in a diverse range of art styles from classic and traditional to contemporary, transitional, modern and abstract.  For more information visit http://www.chenierfinearts.ca.  

Between July 3-6 come out to the Canada Games Complex and enjoy some great swimming at the Ontario Junior Provincial Championship Swim Meet hosted by the Thunderbolts Swim Club.  Come cheer on swimmers all across Ontario and watch future Olympians as they compete for Gold!  For more information visit http://www.thunderbolts.ca or call (807) 344-9802.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery will be holding the following exhibits for the month of May:  For more information visit http://www.theag.ca
Roy Morris: My Great Grandmother’s Gifts, The Art of Roy Morris until Sept 14
John Swartwout: KITSCH, The Art of John Swartwout Until August 31
From the Permanent Collection of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery Until August 31
Garden Tour 2008 – Sunday July 20 from 1-4pm.  7 diverse gardens including the Garden of Hope at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and the Monty Parks Centre.

Grab your blanket or lawn chair and come out to enjoy live entertainment at Marina Park every Wednesday evening for this summer’s “Summer in the Parks” from 6:30-9:30.  For more information visit http://www.thunderbay.ca/sitp or call 1-866-336-7386.   

Join the Heart of the Harbour every Wednesday for Art of the Harbour during Summer in the Parks at Marina Park. Come and view local art on display as well as for sale.  The Heart of the Harbour Business District offers audio, Visual and Entertainment, Banks, Business Services, Clothing Stores, Gifts and Specialty Stores, Health and Beauty Facilities, Restaurants and Nightclubs, Hotel, Artists, as well as extraordinary views of the Sleeping Giant.   For more information visit http://www.heartoftheharbour.ca.

The Thunder Bay Historical Museum will be holding the following exhibits or events:
“The Big Picture – Then & Now”  The exhibit will include close to 100 then and now subjects from Thunder Bay’s past, along with unique panoramic Photographs from 1906-1908. 
“All aboard: Our Railway Heritage” The exhibit pays tribute to our extensive railway heritage here in Thunder Bay.  The exhibit includes various artifacts and photos and builds on the permanent exhibit on the first floor.

The Museum will also be holding 9 weeks of summer theme camps for children between the ages of 6 and 12.  For more information visit http://www.thunderbaymuseum.com.

The Lakehead Conservation Authority will be holding the following events.  For more information visit http://www.lakeheadca.com or call (807) 344-5857.
July 6th - Family Fishing Day from 9am to 12 noon at Hazelwood Conservation Area.  Canadians do not require a fishing license this weekend.
July 20th – Lake Superior Day Family Picnic from 12 noon to 4pm at Silver Harbour Conservation Area.  Tours onboard Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Cape Chaillon, water activities and much more.

Between July 7th-19th come out to the Definitely Superior Art Gallery (250 Park Ave) to view it’s “Post Spring Art Fling” an exciting convergence of multi-arts exhibitions featuring 20th Anniversary Definitely Superior Art Gallery Members Exhibition, 2008 Confederation College Graduate Film Screening, and “Road Runes”.  For more information visit http://www.definitelysuperior.com.

On July 10-14, everyone is invited to join Fort William Historical Park in welcoming the 2008 David Thompson Brigade as special guests during The Great Rendezvous.  Roughly 160 paddlers, including David and Robbie Bates of Thunder Bay, who have been paddling more than 3600 kilometres over 63 days, having departed from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta as part of bicentennial celebrations commemorating one of Canada’s greatest explorers.  Come join the Fort and dozens of fur trade re-enactors from Canada and the U.S. in extending some warm Thunder Bay hospitality for the David Thompson Brigade.
More excitement is in store July 26th and 27th as re-entactors from the U.S. and Canada re-create battlefield tactics from the War of 1812 during the Battle of Fort William.   

On July 11-14 come out to The Wilderness Supply Company for their first ever Kayak Symposium!  With a kick off on Friday night at the Finlandia Club with live music.  There will be demos, lessons, tours and much more.  For more information visit http://www.wildernesssupply.ca/symposium.

On July 14th – August 2nd, Magnus Theatre welcomes everybody’s favourite Slobjevian comedian back to the stage in “Best of Ivanka”.  You’ll be rolling in the aisles as Ivanka dishes up a generous helping of her characteristic wit, wisdom and trademark humour in what promises to be another smash hit!  Pull out your best polyester, put the perogies on hold and call the Box Office for tickets at (807) 345-5552 or visit http://www.magnus.on.ca for more information.

On July 15th bring your child and their teddy bear along with a picnic basket, and blanket and join the City for the 25th Annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Vickers Park between noon and 3pm.  Enjoy live entertainment featuring, from Treehouse TV, The Smudge Fundaes and Jaime and Bob of Flipper Flanagan.  Also take in games, crafts, a Teddy Bear Parade and so much more.  For more information visit http://www.thunderbay.ca/picnic or call Dean at (807) 625-3791.

Joyce Seppala of Thunder Bay is one of 17 texile artists chosen to be a part of a show honouring traditional and contemporary Finish and Sami inspired textiles.  She would like to invite you down to the Tweed Museum of Art at the University of Minnesota in Duluth between July 15-October 5 to view her work. For more information visit http://www.joyceseppaladesigns.com or call (807) 624-0022

Chippewa Park will be hosting the Lake Superior Days July 20.  For more information call (807) 623-5111.

North of Superior Tourism would like to invite you to come down to the Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic between July 31-August 3.  North of Superior Tourism will be hosting a booth where they will be promoting the City of Thunder Bay and region. For more information visit http://www.northofsuperior.org or call 1-800-265-3951.

On August 22nd, music video pioneer and long acknowledged as one of the leading female rock vocalist, Pat Benatar will be performing live at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.

General Tourist Information

Fort William Historial Park is open daily from 10am to 5pm.  Embark upon daily walking tours that take you to unique and fascinating places around the Fort including the Native Encampment, artisans’ area and the working farm.  Hop aboard a wagon ride or grab a paddle and head down the “Kam” for a canoe ride for some hands-on fun.  For more information visit their website at http://www.fwhp.ca, e-mail info@fwhp.ca , or call (807) 473-2344.

Come out to Gammondale Farm with your family and friends to celebrate summer. Gammondale Farm is offering Gammondale Farm Parties along with Farm Fun Packages throughout the summer months. To book an event for your group or for more information about what is happening on the farm visit http://www.gammondalefarm.com or call (807) 475-9609.

The Comfort Inn Thunder Bay celebrates summer with great savings!  Check in for great rates and great service.  Our professional, hospitable staff awaits your arrival.  Plan your get away by calling (807) 475-3155 and ask for your special “E-news rate”.

Stay in touch via e-mail while you’re in town.  All locations of the Thunder Bay Public Library offer free public internet access computers and wireless (WIFI) service.  For more information, including locations and hours of operation, please visit our Virtual Library 24/7 at http://www.tbpl.ca.

Travelers may enjoy a unique experience while visiting Thunder Bay by staying on the scenic campus of Lakehead University.  The Lakehead University Summer Guest Accommodations is open for the season and offers a variety of accommodations to meet all your travel needs at affordable rates.  They offer single, double rooms, townhouses, and apartments.  For more information call (807) 343-8485.

Come out and join in the fun at the Children’s Museum for Thunder Bay, The Imagination Station.  We are open for general admission on Sundays from 1-4pm.  We will be having workshops this July and August.  Pre-registration is required for the workshops.  The workshops are from 9am until 1:45am and are for children between the ages of 4-9.  The Museum also offers birthday parties as well as group visits.  For more information e-mail childrensmuseumforthunderbay@yahoo.ca or call (807) 345-2222.

The Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame & Museum features a variety of exhibits celebrating the sports history of the region, including a new display entitled “The 10 Mile Road Race – a Rich and Proud History”.  During the month of July the Hall of Fame will be open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 until 5:00.  For further information call (807) 622-2852 or visit http://www.nwosportshalloffame.com.

Located right by Intercity Shopping Centre.  Come by for a visit to see Ontario’s largest air-filled dome structure at 87,000 sq ft of family fun and entertainment.  The Thunder Bay Sports Dome offers a wide variety of sporting activities including mini-putting, basketball, tennis, badminton and much more.  Check out http://www.thesportsdome.ca for upcoming events, golf, walking and preschool schedules and much more.

Sail Superior.com Bed and Breakfast on a Yacht is now open for business. Guests can stay for $129/night for two and $149/night for four. They are located in beautiful Marina Park, a great view of the Giant and just a short walk from the attractions such as Magnus Theatre, Charity Casino and downtown restaurants. Take a harbour sailing tour with us and receive a 10% discount on your B&B on a yacht stay.
Club Sail has launched its first Cal 20 sailboat. You now no longer need to own a boat to sail. Members sail for $3/day for the season. A great way to experience and learn the joys of Lake Superior. Come see us at Pier 3 Marina Park. Take a lesson and get out on the water.
For more information for either the Bed and Breakfast, harbour sailing tours, or lessons visit http://www.sailsuperior.com.