Day Itineraries

 Experience natural wonders

Experience views that are out of this world by exploring some of Thunder Bay's natural wonders.

Begin your adventure east of the city in 'Canyon Country'. Ouimet Canyon is 100 metres (330 ft) deep, 150 metres (490 ft) wide and 2,000 metres (2.0 km; 1.2 mi) long. Hike the short, handicapped-accessible trail to the two viewing areas.

Just a few minutes back down the road, check out Eagle Canyon Adventures and get your adrenaline pumping as you cross nearby Eagle Canyon on Canada's longest suspension bridge or slice through it on Canada's longest zipline.

Catch your breath at Amethyst Mine Panorama, while you hunt for your own precious gemstones. Amethyst is Ontario's Official Gemstone and is only found in this area of the province. Bring a sparkling souvenir home.

Travel west to the "Niagara of the North", Kakabeka Falls to discover the Legend of Green Mantle and feel the mist on your face as you witness the Kaministiquia River plunge over 40m (130ft) down the rock face.

End your day back inside city limits at Prince Arthur's Landing, on the shores of the world's largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior, for the most amazing views of the Sleeping Giant - Thunder Bay's iconic landmark.

 From the farm to the table

Begin your adventure at St. Paul Roastery for a cup of locally roasted coffee. Once sufficiently caffeinated, travel south to tour the Thunder Oak Cheese Farm and the Slate River Dairy and sample the various cheeses, milk and yogurt products being made right here.

Stop for lunch at AJ's Trading Post. The restaurant features a menu of mouth-watering items created with primarily local ingredients. The variety store also offers many locally and regionally-made products for you to purchase and enjoy later.

On Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, visit the Thunder Bay Country Market to visit dozens of farmers, producers, artisans and distributors of local products at the same time.

End your day with dinner at Bight restaurant at Prince Arthur's Landing. This fine, yet casual dining experience will offer you the chance to taste locally produced foods while basking in the views of the Thunder Bay waterfront.

 Sail the big lake and conquer the giant

Sailing on Lake Superior and hiking the Sleeping Giant is an Ontario Signature Experience and definitely something for the bucket list.

Begin your adventure at Prince Arthur's Landing, Thunder Bay's redeveloped waterfront. Make your way to Pier 3 and climb aboard one of Sail Superior's vessels.

As you sail past the Welcome Islands towards the Giant you will experience the crystal-clear waters of the world's largest freshwater lake. Once you arrive at Sawyer's Bay you begin the ascent up the Giant.

Experience views like no other as you reach the Top of the Giant, over 1000ft above the surface of the water.

Once you finish your hike and return to the boat, be sure to cool off with a dip in Lake Superior.

Finish your day with dinner on the outdoor patio at the fantastic Bight restaurant in the heart of Prince Arthur's Landing.

 10,000 years of human habitation

The residents and communities in Northwest Ontario have a strong connection to nature, the land and the region's Indigenous heritage. While in Thunder Bay, visit Hillcrest Park, once the original shoreline of Lake Minong, an ancient proglacial lake and the predecessor to modern day Lake Superior. At similar elevations near this ancient shoreline, tools and artifacts dating back thousands of years have been discovered. While at the park, enjoy one of the City's greatest views of the Sleeping Giant peninsula.

Afterward, travel back in time to 1816 with a visit to Fort William Historical Park, where you can meet and speak with fur traders, voyageurs and Indigenous people to discover the history of development in the region and how it contributed to the original economic development of Canada.

Just down the road from "the Fort", visit Fort William First Nation. Formed as a part of the Robinson-Superior Treaty, FWFN is located on Lake Superior adjacent to Thunder Bay. FWFN has many restaurants, gas stations and other businesses to check out and also operates the scenic lookout at Anemikii Wajiw (Mount McKay). Just a short drive up a steep but very well-maintained road will bring you to the lookout. With breathtaking views of Thunder Bay, Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant it is well worth a visit.

Head east of Thunder Bay to Nipigon, where you can drop your canoe in the water and paddle the same waters as the original travellers to view the pictographs from the area's Aboriginal people created hundreds of years ago.

 Step back in time

Start with a visit to the Thunder Bay Museum to learn the history of the communities of Port Arthur and Fort William and see how those two communities joined together to become the great city of Thunder Bay.

Walk across the street to the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame to see exhibits and memorabilia celebrating the extensive contributions of local residents to the sporting world.

If seeing exhibits isn't enough, immerse yourself in the past with a visit to Fort William Historical Park. When you walk through the gates you have officially entered 1816. The Fort is a living history museum complete with dozens of actors and interpreters (who never break character) working on an exact replica of the original Fort William. Meet and speak with fur traders, voyageurs and Indigenous people to discover the history of development in the region and how it contributed to the original economic development of Canada.

Head back to the present day and grab one of the many historical walking tour maps available from the city. Explore the historic downtowns of Port Arthur and Fort William, or the areas of Vickers Park and McVicar/Harrington. See where we came from and where we are today.

 Adventures in art

The art community in Thunder Bay has always been strong and we have produced many talented and world-renowned musicians, filmmakers, actors and artists over the years.

During your visit, take in a stage production at Magnus Theatre. Located in the historic Central School building, Magnus has been bringing professional live theatre to Thunder Bay for 45 years.

For the classical music lover, check out the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra play at the Community Auditorium. Performing nearly 50 shows a year in various styles including Classical, Pops, Family and more.

Experience local and regional contemporary and Aboriginal Art at one of the many art galleries in Thunder Bay.

Wander through Prince Arthur's Landing for unbelievable views of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant and to enjoy the dozens of public art pieces on a Public Art Walking Tour.

When the sun goes down, the fun gets going. Visit one of the dozens of live music venues offering music of every genre.

 Discover new heights

Reach the skies in Thunder Bay.

With some of the best cliffs for Rock and Ice Climbing in the country, Thunder Bay has a long history of climbing. Get out with Outdoor Skills and Thrills Inc. for a guided climbing excursion. With instruction available so even the beginner climber can get out.

Drive into Fort William First Nation and up to the lookout on Anemkii Wajiw (Mount McKay). The mountain, the largest in the Nor'Wester range provides unbeatable views of Thunder Bay, Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant.

Speaking of the Sleeping Giant, a discussion about climbing to new heights must include the trek to the Top of the Giant. The lookout at the top of the trail towers over 1000ft above the surface of the water and is one of the highest points in the entire province.

On your drive out to the Sleeping Giant, be sure to stop at the Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout. Here you will find spectacular views of the Giant as well as a monument memorial celebrating the life, work and inspiration of Terry Fox. The monument and lookout are located just minutes from the spot where Terry was forced to end his Marathon of Hope in 1980. While here visit one of the city's two information Centres to get information on what our city has to offer you during your stay here in Thunder Bay.