From the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples and the early days of the European fur trade, to the golden age of mining and forestry, Thunder Bay is steeped in history dating back centuries.

Step back into time as you explore one of the areas many museums, or discover more about our local history and heritage.

From the area's aviation history to its military past, or from its sports history to its maritime heritage, there is a museum for you to take a journey into the past. Explore our local museums and historical sites directory.

 Fort William Historical Park
“The Fort” is a Canadian Signature Experience; an accurate re-creation of the North West Company’s impressive inland headquarters. There are over 40 buildings to explore, including the artisans’ area and the working farm where you will find dozens of interpreters who never break character. Immerse yourself in 19th century life in the North as you encounter a cultural mosaic of Scottish fur traders, Ojibwa and Métis peoples, and French-Canadian voyageurs.

fwhp.ca

 Thunder Bay Museum

Located in what was once the Fort William Police Station and Court House, the history museum proudly serves Thunder Bay and Northwest Ontario. The museum features immersive local exhibits and travelling exhibitions bringing the world closer. Come learn about our region’s rich history, and don’t forget to check out the gift shop!

thunderbaymuseum.com

Thunder Bay Military Museum

As a tri-service – Navy, Army and Air Force – museum, with a selection of paintings from the Georg Hoegel Art Collection, the Thunder Bay Military Museum features displays of weapons, uniforms, and much more!

army.ca/inf/lssrmus.php

 The Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay

Climb aboard and adventure into the past on the Alexander Henry Museum Ship. This ice-breaking, buoy-tending lighthouse supply ship was built right here in Thunder Bay! Touch history and be guided on one of their interactive tours. The Alexander Henry can be found on Thunder Bay’s waterfront at Pool Six, next to Prince Arthur’s Landing.

tmtb.ca/alexander-henry

 Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park / The Duke Hunt Historical Museum / Russ's Garage

Take a walk through the past as you experience history at Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park!  Enter the Historic Conmee School, spend a quiet moment in the church, listen to the steam train pulling in at the Train Station, smell the wood in the carpenter’s shop or check out the lettering in the newsprint display, you will see the many buildings that have captured time with their furnishings and merchandise, just as they would have been in the early 1900’s.

The Duke Hunt Historical Museum preserves the memory of our early settlers, showing the hardships and pleasures they experienced in their new community.

Russ's Garage houses a vast selection of classic cars and race cars with history from the Northwestern Ontario area. Also displayed is an abundance of vintage car related kid’s toys and memorabilia. Everyone is amazed at this spectacular collection donated by the late Russ Wanzuk.

Seat yourself down inside the Brill Buses and visualize riding through Fort William or Port Arthur during the 1940’s or 1950’s. These buses were manufactured at the Canada Car Plant which was located in Fort William (now Thunder Bay). The buses served our citizens for a span of about 20 years.

3190 Hwy 61 S. Slate River, Ontario
807 475 7424
Opmuse2@tbaytel.net

Open May to the end of September. Check the dates and times at the information provided below.

oliverpaipoonge.ca/services/museums and ophp.ca - look for OLIVER PAIPOONGE HERITAGE PARK on Facebook, Instagram and Google maps.

 Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre

Explore Northwestern Ontario’s rich aviation history including bush flying and WWII airplane production at Canada Car. The centre hosts an impressive collection of photos, memorabilia and personal stories preserved for those interested in either remembering or learning about adventurous times.

noahc.org

 The Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall Of Fame And Museum

The Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame and Museum was established to preserve and honour our region’s rich and proud sports heritage. Thousands of historically significant artifacts have been preserved and displayed in a museum setting for citizens and visitors to take pride in and learn from.

nwosportshalloffame.com

 

 

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