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Taste of Thunder Bay

The Lighthouse Keeper

Get Out on the Largest Fresh Water Lake

Urban Base Camp to the Great Outdoors

Bringing Life to History at Fort William Historical Park

An Angler’s Dream

Ancient Rock, Fossils, and Arctic Tundra

Ski Like a Local

Experience Indigenous Culture

Taste of Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay enjoys an eclectic culinary scene intimately connected to the surrounding nature, making it the envy of small cities across Canada. Culinary influences span the globe, including Indigenous, European, Middle Eastern, African, and Asian traditions. A strong local farm community supplies many restaurants with fresh produce and agricultural products that delight the palate. The city is known for Persian, smoked trout, world-class gouda cheese, HeartBeat Hot Sauce, and a thriving craft beer scene featuring four local breweries. Local products are plentiful for anyone seeking a true taste of Thunder Bay.

The Lighthouse Keeper

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a lighthouse keeper on Lake Superior? Enjoy an experience like no other. Take a short road trip from Thunder Bay to Silver Islet, then cruise with Archie’s Charters over to Porphyry Island on Black Bay. There, you will discover the Porphyry Island Lighthouse, the second-oldest lighthouse, built in 1873. Experience peace and tranquility as you hike the nature trails, explore unique vegetation, get up close to wildlife, enjoy beaches of black volcanic rock, and learn about the island’s fascinating history.

Get Out on the Largest Fresh Water Lake

Ever wonder what it’s like to be in a boat on Lake Superior? The largest of the Great Lakes and the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior offers breathtaking sights and sounds. Head out on the lake with Sail Superior aboard one of their vessels, including the sailboat Frodo, the high-speed zodiac known as the Superior Rocket, or the luxurious catamaran Welcome. You can choose from a variety of Big Lake adventures, from a harbour or wine-and-cheese cruise, to exploring the Welcome Islands, or even spending the day at the Sleeping Giant. Custom itineraries and charters are also available, offering pure bucket-list adventures on the Inland Sea.

Urban Base Camp to the Great Outdoors

Located on the edge of the world’s largest contiguous boreal forest, Thunder Bay and the surrounding area boast ample hiking and cycling trails. Bikers can enjoy the Trowbridge Trail system, including Shuniah Mines, Centennial, and Trowbridge Trail Park. Thunder Bay is a year-round cycling destination, known for rural road routes as well as extensive mountain and fat biking trail networks and events. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore some of Canada’s best-known provincial and national parks, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers seeking paddling, hiking, or climbing challenges.

Bringing Life to History at Fort William Historical Park

Ever wonder what life was like at the height of the Canadian fur trade? Travel back in time at Fort William Historical Park, where costumed characters re-enact the 1816 fur trade era. While exploring the park, you’ll learn about the North West Fur Trade Company and the important relationships between Indigenous peoples, French voyageurs, and Scottish company owners. Visit the many authentically recreated buildings that make up the inland fort, which includes the ornate Great Hall. Time your visit to witness the arrival of fur traders by canoe or voyageurs dancing and singing in the main square. The David Thompson Observatory, named after the famed cartographer who mapped much of Canada, offers an entertaining and educational way to explore the stars.

An Angler’s Dream

Some of North America’s best freshwater fishing is found right here in Northwestern Ontario. Thunder Bay serves as the urban basecamp for hundreds of area angling lodges and a variety of fish species that attract sport and conservation anglers from around the globe. Drive to a full-service fishing lodge or take an iconic float plane trip to a remote wilderness lodge or outpost cabin. Walleye, trout, and muskie are among the most popular species. In spring, enjoy fantastic trout fly-fishing opportunities right within the city at one of the numerous creeks that feed Lake Superior, while salmon, trout, and walleye are just some of the 80-plus species that call the Big Lake home.

Ancient Rock, Fossils, and Arctic Tundra

Ancient rocks, fossils, and arctic plants can be viewed from platforms at two provincial parks, all within 45 minutes of Thunder Bay. Located 20 minutes west of the city, Kakabeka Falls—known as the Niagara of the North—offers paths leading to viewing platforms where you can enjoy the roar and mist of the 40-metre (131 ft) high waterfalls. Along the rock walls of the Kaministiquia River, you can also see some of the oldest fossils in the world, believed to be 1.2-billion-year-old. An hour’s drive east of Thunder Bay brings you to Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park. During an easy one-kilometre hike, you will arrive at two viewing pods overlooking the canyon, where you can look deep into the rock of the Canadian Shield and discover arctic plant species normally found 1,000 kilometres to the north.

Ski Like a Local

Thunder Bay residents love Nordic skiing, and nestled in the trees on the edge of the city are two popular ski areas: Lappe and Kamview Nordic Centres. With dozens of kilometres of Nordic skiing trails, there’s nothing better than spending an afternoon winding through the wilderness and boreal forest. For downhill enthusiasts, Thunder Bay also boasts two ski hills: Loch Lomond and Mount Baldy. With our strong Scandinavian heritage, the city is also known for its saunas. After an afternoon on the skiing, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a traditional Finnish sauna at Kangas Sauna. It’s the perfect way to work up an appetite and finish your adventure with one of the city’s amazing culinary experiences.

Experience Indigenous Culture

Thunder Bay is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinawbae Peoples of Fort William First Nation. Without the knowledge and guidance of Indigenous peoples regarding the land, plants, and waterways, the original settlers of Fort William would not have survived. Indigenous culture is present throughout the city in art, events, and culinary experiences. Located on Fort William First Nation, Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay) features amazing views of the city, a monument, and pow-wow grounds that come alive throughout the year with ceremonies. The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is home to one of Canada’s largest Indigenous Woodland permanent collections, while the Anishinaabe Art Gallery honors the legacy of the late Roy Thomas, showcasing his works as well as those of other regional Indigenous artists. Explore Indigenous businesses such as Mamakeesick Roots and Cree Stevens Designs in Goods and Co Market, Dene Cree on Red River Road.

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