Extend Your Business Trip: A Winter Weekend in Thunder Bay

Rise and shine early to make the most of your day.

Start with a classic breakfast at The Sal in Westfort before heading to Kamview Nordic Centre for a morning of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Equipment rentals are available, so all you need to bring is appropriate winter clothing (pro tip: dress for the air temperature, not the windchill).

Kamview is operated by a not-for-profit organization and is home to one of Canada’s largest ski clubs, with more than 1,700 members. Their hard-working crew maintains over 30 kilometres of groomed classic and skate ski trails, along with more than 20 kilometres of snowshoe trails.

The chalet is often buzzing with activity, but you’ll quickly find solitude once you head into the forest. Before leaving, reward yourself with one of Kamview’s famous cookies to tide you over until lunch.

From Kamview, follow Highway 61 south along the picturesque Nor’Wester Mountains toward Kakabeka Falls.

For lunch, stop in the village at The Early Refill, located inside a pharmacy (get it?). They serve excellent sandwiches and hot bevvies—we recommend the turkey and havarti panini paired with a cappuccino. Another local favourite is the Metropolitan Moose, the village’s longest-running restaurant. Known simply as “the Moose” by locals, it’s famous for hearty soups, sandwiches and freshly baked treats, including excellent butter tarts.

Both locations also offer a selection of locally made gifts, from jewellery to pottery, so you can check souvenir shipping off your list while you wait for your lunch.

A few minutes farther down the road, you’ll arrive at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. The falls are particularly striking in winter, when snow and ice transform the gorge into a dramatic frozen landscape.

If you’ve kept your rental gear for the day, you can explore the park on skis or snowshoes. Alternatively, maintained pathways and viewing platforms provide easy access to spectacular views from both sides of the gorge.

At 40 metres tall, Kakabeka Falls is Ontario’s second-highest waterfall. The falls are part of the Kaministiquia River system, which eventually flows into Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Sometimes, bigger really is better.

After a day outdoors, you’ve earned some relaxation.

Kangas Sauna has been a Thunder Bay institution since 1967. The facility offers 16 private saunas of various sizes, available for 90-minute rentals. Each includes a change room and shower, and towels are available for a small fee.

For dinner, you can stay and eat downstairs at Kangas’ restaurant. The Finnish pancakes and quiche are classic comfort food choices. Alternatively, head to the Waterfront District, where you’ll find a diverse range of dining options, from Italian favourites, such as La Casa Nostra and Nook to Indian restaurants, like Indian Bistro. If Caribbean flavours are calling, Island Spice Jerk House is another excellent option. Foodies will enjoy Tomlin Restaurant, one of the city’s most celebrated and consistently voted favourites; they only accept reservations for groups of six or larger, but you can wait for your table and enjoy a cocktail at their nearby sister establishment, Barkeep.

With dinner behind you and relaxation achieved, it’s time for a night out.

Thunder Bay punches well above its weight when it comes to arts and culture. For a big-city entertainment experience in an intimate setting, check out a production at Magnus Theatre, a performance by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra which is celebrating its 66th season, or an event at The Auditorium.

Then it’s back to your hotel for a well-earned night’s sleep.