The word of Thunder Bay’s remarkable food and drink scene is spreading across North America. The message is clear – if you love food, visit Thunder Bay.

The variety of dishes found in Thunder Bay will impress foodies from any major centre. Award-winning chefs collaborate with regional producers, while international cuisines, unique culinary events, and an exceptional selection of local craft beers have all combined to reinvent Northern flavours.

  Bakeries

Satisfy your cravings with a treat from a local bakery. Many have been around for decades and many more have opened up in recent years – each has their specialty. Whether you’re seeking cookies, cakes, pastries, breads, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls or the Thunder Bay classic persian, our local bakeries have got you covered.
 Bars, Clubs And Pubs
Throughout the city you will find a variety of bars, clubs and pubs. Many are gastropubs featuring a menu of tasty dishes ranging from traditional pub fare to upscale cuisine; many are made with local ingredients. Get together with friends at a sports bar to catch the game over a plate of wings, or relax and unwind at a wine bar sharing a charcuterie board.
 Coffee Shops And Roasteries

For many, coffee is a requirement for life and those folks will be happy in Thunder Bay. Local coffeehouses can be found across the city. Local roasters have popped up in recent years and are providing fresh, locally roasted beans to local shops. Grab a bag to take home with you.
 Craft Beer
We may be biased, but in Thunder Bay we believe that Lake Superior water makes the best beer. There are a number of craft breweries with inviting taprooms to sample local brews, such as Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, Dawson Trail Brewery, Lakehead Beer Company, One Time Brew Co and Prospector Brew House. Most local bars and restaurants will feature one or more local beers. Sleeping Giant Brewing Company beers are available for sale at their retail store and at LCBO locations in Ontario.

Quite possibly the best way to sample the quality and variety of craft beer from Ontario is at BrewHa! – the annual craft beer festival held on Thunder Bay’s beautiful waterfront.
 Delis
Locals know that when you need lunch on the run, a sandwich from a local deli is just what you need. Choose a classic from the menu or go custom – choose your bread, meat, cheese and toppings; make it as big or as small as you want, and pay by weight.
 Familiar Chains
Thunder Bay is home to many of your favourite franchises. Pizza, coffee, fast food and restaurant chains can be found on the north and south sides of the city, as well as in the Intercity area.
 Famous Foods
Some of the most well-known things about Thunder Bay are the persian, Finnish pancakes and Heartbeat Hot Sauce, all of which can be found at many locations in Thunder Bay. The persian is a local favourite and has a long history in the city – a cinnamon-roll-like treat topped with a sweet berry icing. Finnish pancakes are thin, buttery delights that have crispy edges that hang over the sides of the plate. Heartbeat Hot Sauce produces hand crafted and fermented habanero hot sauce, and has garnered attention across the globe from those looking for some serious heat!

Want to take some Thunder Bay favourites home with you? The Hoito Pancake mix is available at various locations around Thunder Bay, as well as online.
 Farmers’ Markets
While you might not expect to find a rich farming community near the boreal forest on the Canadian Shield, the farmers and producers in and around Thunder Bay will change your mind. Find local produce, meats, dairy and cheeses as well as hand-crafted items, art, crafts, natural products and much more at local farmers’ markets. There are markets at various locations in the city throughout the year; the Thunder Bay Country Market, the area’s largest market, is open year-round Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, in the Dove building on the CLE grounds.
 Food Trucks

In the warmer months, you will see mobile food vendors on the streets of Thunder Bay. Serving everything from hot dogs and burgers to salads and tacos, lunch from a food truck is a great way to enjoy the sun while still enjoying a delicious meal.
 Ice Cream & Desserts
There is no shortage of bakeries and cafés across the city, offering unique sweet treats. In fact, Thunder Bay is home to two unique desserts: the persian, and the Sally Ann.

If ice cream is your favourite treat, there are terrific options city-wide. The north end of the city offers Merla Mae – a 1950’s drive-in style ice cream parlour specializing in homemade ice creams, including the classic “twin cone.” Head to the Waterfront District to Prime Gelato for those craving an authentic Italian-style treat made with local ingredients. On the south side of town is TJ's Ice Cream Shoppe, where you can choose from numerous flavours, all made in-house. One of the newer members to the ice cream scene is Kool Kats Ice Cream, located in the Westfort Village area.

For those who love the nostalgia of dessert on wheels, Epic Cones serves up eye-popping ice cream treats at various locations throughout the city in the summer, as does the Mini Donut Shoppe with their bite sized sweets.

In search of Italian pastries instead? Look no further than Nucci’s Bake a Deli or Dolce Coffee House.
 Patios
The outdoor patio scene thrives in Thunder Bay, with many restaurants, bars, and dessert shops offering the service. During the summer months, patios can be found throughout the city – including the Waterfront District, where patios have become more popular in recent years. Many restaurants also offer take-out service – grab a meal and enjoy it at a local park. Marina Park is an ideal spot for a picnic with views of the waterfront.
 Restaurants And Eateries
From vegan to barbecue, greasy spoon to upscale bistro and everything in between, Thunder Bay is home to well over 100 restaurants and eateries offering something to please every palate.

Thunder Bay Culinary Delights

Enjoy Thunder Bay's many culinary delights! There are so many great options for take out and delivery from Thunder Bay restaurants and local producers.

 

Culinary partnerships

For more information on local food sustainability visit the Thunder Bay Food Strategy.

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