Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thunder Bay, the largest city in Northwestern Ontario, is situated along Lake Superior, earning it the designation of the ‘Lakehead.’ The city serves as a vital link between the Canadian Prairies and the Atlantic Ocean, acting as a gateway to the region.

As possibly the most frequented city in Northern Ontario, Thunder Bay presents a diverse range of offerings. Visitors can find an abundance of options, from breathtaking natural landscapes to captivating historical architecture.

Outdoor enthusiasts, shoppers, culinary aficionados, and history buffs will all find enjoyment during their stay in the city. Regardless of interests, here are the 15 premier activities to undertake in Thunder Bay:

1. See a Sleeping Giant

The name “Sleeping Giant” refers to a geological formation resembling a giant lying on its back, not to an actual giant. Optimal views can be enjoyed from the cliffs at Squaw Bay.

The Sleeping Giant ranks among the esteemed ‘Seven Wonders of Canada.’ This wonder can be found within Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, which features some of Ontario’s most dramatic and steep cliffs.

The park offers a multitude of activities, including fishing, cycling, hiking, and camping, with over 200 campsites available throughout its expanse.

2. Learn about the Fur Trade

Discover the reconstructed Fort William fur trade post to gain insights into the city’s economic history. Originally established in 1816, this site has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

The trade post is part of Fort William Historical Park, which functions as a living museum. Visitors can wander through reconstructed buildings and encounter historians clad in period attire, reenacting life during the fur trade era.

At its zenith, the trade post was a hub for various tradesmen, and today the historical park houses one of the largest amphitheaters in the nation.

3. Enjoy the Views

Experience stunning views of Thunder Bay from the Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout, conveniently located on the city’s outskirts. The monument overlooks Highway 17 and the city itself.

The memorial commemorates the spot where the renowned athlete concluded his cross-country run, subsequently relocated approximately four kilometers to its current site.

This monument portrays Terry Fox on a pedestal that lists the various locations he traversed during his journey. A tourist information center is also available on the premises.

4. Surround Yourself in Greenery

The Current River Greenway encompasses 263 hectares along the Current River in the northern region of the city. This expansive green area provides a peaceful escape to appreciate the natural beauty.

The greenway consists of several sections, including Birch Point Park, Current River Park, and Evergreen Park. It additionally features a conservation area (Cascades Conservation Area) with hiking trails and picturesque landscapes.

Visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas from the Bluffs Scenic Lookout in the greenway, open year-round, as well as a sandy beach, playground, and picnic facilities at Boulevard Lake Park.

5. Be Entranced at a Waterfall

The Kakabeka Falls, cascading at 40 meters, is a mesmerizing natural wonder. Located 30 kilometers west of Thunder Bay along the Kaministiquia River, it captivates visitors with its grandeur.

The falls have earned the moniker ‘Niagara of the North’ due to their impressive size and accessibility. The term ‘Kakabeka’ translates to ‘waterfall over a cliff’ in Ojibwe.

This area boasts ancient fossils, with the rocks enclosing the falls dating back approximately 1.6 billion years. Due to the rock’s sensitivity, access to the gorge beneath the falls is restricted.

6. Explore the City Centre

Downtown Thunder Bay South, known as the South Core, represents the city’s vibrant center, highlighted by the Victoriaville Civic Centre and a variety of landmarks.

This area features numerous government buildings and prominent employers but is also rich in arts and culture, home to attractions such as the Brodie Street Art Gallery and the Thunder Bay Public Library.

The South Core showcases a multitude of places of worship, highlighting the city’s diversity, including the Gothic Revival St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

7. Surround Yourself in History

The Thunder Bay Historical Museum is housed in the former Fort William police station, an exquisite example of Classical Revival architecture. The building itself is a magnificent work of art, as is the collection it hosts.

Upon entering the museum, visitors can explore various facets of local history, with exhibits that include dolls, furniture, photographs, maps, and extensive records.

The museum boasts a collection of over 150,000 photographic images depicting the city’s evolution over time. Additionally, there is a historic fire truck worth viewing.

8. Go to the Fair

This opportunity arises each August during the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, an annual fair that attracts visitors of all ages, particularly families.

Stroll through the fair to appreciate regional artists’ work or shop in the diverse concessions. A midway featuring games, rides, and food stalls provides additional entertainment.

On the exhibition grounds, several buildings remain open year-round, including the Heritage Building, Coliseum Building, Sports Dome, and a Famous Players Silvercity Theater.

9. Dine in an Iconic Restaurant

Hoito Restaurant stands as one of Thunder Bay’s oldest dining establishments, dating back to 1918, and is often considered the oldest in the nation.

Located in the lower level of the historic Finnish Labour Temple, the restaurant specializes in Finnish-Canadian cuisine, notably its Finnish pancakes served with maple syrup, sugar sprinkles, or strawberry sauce.

The Finnish Labour Temple is a historical landmark, once serving as one of Canada’s largest workers’ halls and is recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada.

10. Stare at Art

Although compact, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery offers profound interest, specializing in contemporary works by First Nation artists from Northwestern Ontario.

This gallery is located on the Confederation College campus and features both a permanent collection and traveling exhibitions.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is dedicated to supporting local and regional artists, showcasing three galleries that rotate exhibitions every six weeks.

11. Spend the Day in a Park

Centennial Park doubles as both a recreational space and a living museum, featuring replicas of early 20th-century logging camp equipment and houses.

Beyond the historic logging camp, Centennial Park offers recreational trails, a craft shop, and a playground, including an indoor picnic area.

Summer visitors can enjoy rides on the Muskeg Express Train or visit the animal farm, while winter offers activities such as cross-country skiing or tobogganing.

12. Go Skiing

This activity is exclusively available in winter, but Loch Lomond also accommodates hiking and mountain biking in other seasons.

Loch Lomond features 17 ski runs evenly distributed among beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The longest run measures 2.4 kilometers, and the highest vertical drop is 229 meters.

Whether a novice or an experienced skier, all can find enjoyment on these slopes, which also offer tubing, snowshoeing, and fat bike riding activities.

13. Look at Flowers

Since 1967, the Centennial Conservatory has welcomed the public. Plant and flower enthusiasts should not miss this destination.

Stroll through the greenhouses to admire tropical flowers, plants, and trees, including a dedicated cactus room.

The conservatory provides pathways equipped with benches and a wishing well filled with coins from hopeful visitors.

14. Canoe in Wilderness

Travel west from Thunder Bay to Quetico Provincial Park, celebrated for its exceptional canoeing opportunities. This expansive 4,760 square kilometer wilderness park lies along the southern boundary of the Superior National Forest.

Quetico Provincial Park is stunning and offers some of the premier canoeing experiences globally, featuring over 2,000 campsites spread across 600 lakes, creating a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

The park is home to diverse wildlife, with potential sightings of moose, bobcats, cougars, and black bears, as well as raccoons, chipmunks, rabbits, beavers, and bald eagles.

15. Walk Through a Canyon

Located about 60 kilometers northeast of Thunder Bay, Ouimet Canyon showcases a significant gorge measuring 100 meters deep, 150 meters wide, and 2,000 meters long.

Strolling through Ouimet Canyon allows visitors to marvel at its breathtaking scenery. There are also trails above the canyon, providing stunning viewpoints.

This canyon is believed to have formed approximately a billion years ago as a result of glacial activities. Nearby, the privately owned Eagle Canyon offers a zip line and two footbridges for additional adventure.