Located on Lake Superior's northern shore, this Canadian city draws visitors to its hiking trails, winter skiing, and cultural sites like Fort William Historical Park.
Thunder Bay stretches along Lake Superior's shoreline, where you can watch massive cargo ships dock at the port or walk through Fort William Historical Park to see blacksmiths forge tools and Indigenous interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts. Try Finnish pancakes at local restaurants, climb the trails at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park for views of Lake Superior, or spend an evening listening to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, the only professional orchestra between Toronto and Winnipeg.
Lake Superior Waterfront
You can stroll the marina boardwalk at Prince Arthur's Landing, watch sailboats, or step aboard the Alexander Henry, a retired Coast Guard icebreaker. Kids splash in the water pad in summer, while winter brings ice skating from December through March. Stop for fresh Lake Superior fish at the waterfront restaurants, visit the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, or stay at the Delta Hotel overlooking the harbor.
Parks and Recreation
You'll find 15 community centers across Thunder Bay, including the Current River Community Centre with its indoor track and fitness facilities. Six indoor ice rinks host hockey leagues and public skating, while 84 outdoor rinks pop up in neighborhoods during winter. Walk or cycle the 5.5-kilometer trail around Boulevard Lake Park, or climb to Hillcrest Park for views across the city to Fort William. Play a round of golf at Chapples, Strathcona, or Municipal Golf Courses.
Cultural Scene
The 31-member Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra performs regular concerts at the Community Auditorium. Magnus Theatre runs plays from September to May, mixing contemporary works with classics. At the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, you'll see contemporary Indigenous art, including pieces by regional artists. Each August, the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition fills the CLE grounds with agricultural displays, live music, and carnival rides.
Local Food
Step into the 1910 building housing the Hoito Restaurant for Finnish pancakes and karjalanpiirakka (rice pies). Browse local produce, meat, and prepared foods at the Thunder Bay Country Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays year-round. Sample ales made with regional ingredients at Sleeping Giant Brewing Company and Dawson Trail Craft Brewery, or explore the Bay Street area's cafes and restaurants serving Lake Superior fish and dishes made with local ingredients.
Fort William Historical Park
Walk through this reconstructed 1815 North West Company fur trade post, where interpreters in period clothing demonstrate blacksmithing, canoe building, and 19th-century cooking methods. Explore 42 historical buildings spread across the grounds, including a working farm and Indigenous encampment areas.
