Thunder Bay is the largest city in Northwest Ontario. It sits along Lake Superior and that has earned it its nickname the ‘Lakehead’. Thunder Bay is flanked by magnificent natural attractions such as Lake Superior, the Boreal Forest, the hills and mountains of the Canadian Shield etc. If you love the waters, be sure to tour the Thunder Bay Harbor so as to have an opportunity to see the Sleeping Giant, a landmass formation that resembles a man at rest. Art lovers have local art galleries and the Fort William’s fur trade post circa to explore. To make use of your time in Thunder Bay, you will need to explore most of the attractions if not all. The article below provides you with a list of the top best things to do in Thunder Bay, Canada. Participate in any of them so you can have the leisure of exploring everything this Canadian city has to offer.
1. Witness the marvelous Sleeping Giant
Have a glimpse of the Sleeping Giant, one of the top ‘Seven Wonders of Canada’. It is located within the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park which features some of the steepest and dramatic cliffs in Ontario, Canada. It is not literally a sleeping giant but a sill and mesa formation that looks like a giant sleeping. The cliffs at Squaw Bay will offer you panoramic views and while here you will enjoy a variety of activities like fishing, cycling, and hiking. Camping activities also available.
The Sleeping Giant
Address: R.R. #1 Pass Lake P0T 2M0
Website: Sleeping Giant
2. See the cascading Kakabeka Falls
Get lost in the beauty of the cascading Kakabeka Falls. It is located on the Kaministiquia River 30 km (18.6 miles) west of Thunder Bay. The attraction comprises a 40-metre (131.2 ft) high waterfall, the endangered Lake Sturgeon at the base of the falls, excellent views of the falls and gorge, a boardwalk, nature trails, the Kaministiquia River, and the rock formations facing the falls which features some of the oldest fossils. The name ‘Kakabeka’ is an Ojibwe word which means waterfall over a cliff.
Kakabeka Falls
Address: Box 252 Kakabeka Falls, ON P0T 1W0
Website: Kakabeka Falls
3. Dine at the iconic Hoito Restaurant
The Hoito Restaurant is among the oldest establishments in Thunder Bay and is designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. It is also the oldest restaurant to be established. The restaurant is best known for its Finnish-Canadian cuisine which includes Finnish pancakes served with maple syrup and strawberry sauce or sugar sprinkles. Visit this restaurant with your friends and family as you get to see one of Thunderbay’s landmarks.
Hoito Restaurant
Address: 314 Bay Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 1S1
Website: Hoito Restaurant
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 8am - 7pm; Mon - Wed: 8am - 3pm; Sun: 8am - 6pm
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4. Enjoy the tranquility of Current River Greenway
The Current River Greenway is a massive green area that sits along the Current River in the north end of the city. It is a great place to go to enjoy the scenery and tranquillity. It offers a large variety of recreational choices including a skate park, children’s playground, soccer fields, five baseball diamonds, a football field, and tennis courts. It also features a conservation area with hiking trails and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy some wonderful views at the Greenway’s Bluffs Scenic Lookout, as well as the sandy beach and picnic tables at the Boulevard Lake Park.
Current River Greenway
Address: 450 Dewe Ave Thunder Bay, ON,
Website: Current River Greenway
5. Experience skiing at Loch Lomond
If you happen to be in Thunder Bay in the winter, make sure you participate in this activity. Loch Lomond boasts 17 ski runs divided to accommodate everyone. Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate or advanced you will enjoy skiing here. You can also go hiking, tubing, snowshoeing, and bike riding.
Loch Lomond
Address:1800 Loch Lomond Road Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1E9
Website: Loch Lomond
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
Price: See website
6. Enjoy the picturesque views from the Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout
Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout, which is located on the outskirts of the city and boasts of spectacular views of Thunder Bay. It sits in a park and overlooks Highway 17 and the city. The monument marks the spots where the famous athlete, Terry Fox, ended his run. There is also a tourist information centre on site where you will get to learn more about the story of the monument.
Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout
Address: Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada
Website: Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout
7. Marvel at the artworks of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Thunder Bay Art Gallery is an interesting attraction located on the campus of Confederation College. It specialises in contemporary works of the artists across Northwestern Ontario and also works with both the local and regional artists. The gallery features three galleries that change its exhibitions every six weeks and hosts both permanent collections and travelling exhibitions.
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Address: 1080 Keewatin St, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6T7
Website: Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 12pm - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: Pay what you can (suggested 5 USD)
8. Go back in time at the Thunder Bay Historical Museum
This is an old museum that displays artefacts about Ojibwe culture, fur trading, and military history. It offers visitors a glimpse of the region’s 10,000 years of human history. It is situated in the former Fort William Police Station and offers six galleries of local, regional, and national heritage. It is suitable for all visitors including children and adults. Within its collections are interesting dolls, pictures, maps, and plans, making it perfect for both adults and children.
Thunder Bay Historical Museum
Address: Thunder Bay Museum 425 Donald St. E. Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5V1
Website: Thunder Bay Historical Museum
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
9. Discover the Downtown Thunder Bay South
Explore Thunder Bay South; also known as the South Core, which is situated on Victoriaville Civic Centre. It is home to a number of landmarks including government buildings, major employers, and numerous cultural attractions like the Brodie Street Art Gallery and the Thunder Bay Public Library. You will also find many places of worship including the Gothic Revival St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
Downtown Thunder Bay South
Address: Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5K4
Website: City of Thunder Bay
10. Discover the city's economic past at Fort William Historic Park
Visit the Fort William fur trade post situated in the Historical Park and learn about the city’s economic past. The post features reconstructed buildings and historians dressed in period clothing, reenacting what life was like during the fur trade industry. The historical park is now home to one of the largest amphitheatres in the country.
Fort William Historic Park
Address: 1350 King Road Thunder Bay, Ontario P7K 1L7 Canada
Website: Fort William Historic Park
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: See website
11. Rejuvenate your soul at Quetico Provincial Park
Quetico is a famous, unique park that features waterfalls, spruce forests, rock cliffs, and beautiful rivers and lake. It is a famous destination for canoeing, camping, hiking, skiing, wildlife viewing, and angling. This friendly small community is rich in culture. Public events happen here during the summer. Enjoy spending time with your loved ones in this park with stunning rugged beauty.
Quetico Provincial Park
Address: Highway 11, Atikokan P0T 1C0
Website: Quetico Provincial Park
12. Soak in the dazzling view at Mount McKay
The adventurous will enjoy participating in this activity. The activity involves driving to Mt. McKay Scenic Lookout and start the hiking in the gravel area. The trail leads you up to the mountain where you will enjoy scenic views of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay City, and the countryside. You will also get to discover rare plants like sugar maple, yellow birch, poison ivy, and dwarfed jack pine. Be sure to enjoy this activity.
Mount McKay
Address: Thunder Bay, ON
Website: Mount McKay
13. Try the Gouda cheese at Thunder Oak Cheese Farm
This is a favourite spot for cheese lovers in Ontario. It is the first farm in Ontario that produces Gouda, a traditional Dutch cheese. Not only will you find cheese but also other Dutch products ranging from cookies, candy, spices, and liquorice to ceramics and tea towels. Taste their products and also surprise your loved ones with their gift baskets that go from the price of 40 USD.
Thunder Oak Cheese Farm
Address: Boundary Drive, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 4V2, Canada
Website: Thunder Oak Cheese Farm
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
14. Sit 'under the stars' at Fort William Historical Park's Observatory
Welcome to David Thompson Astronomical Observatory, home to one of the largest telescopes in Central Canada. The observatory allows you to marvel at the space and offers an array of experiences at different times of the year. It offers a variety of events where casual observers get to have fun and serious astronomers get to study the galaxy. Explore the cosmos using the observatory’s telescopes to see galaxies, planets, nebulae, and more!
The David Thompson Astronomical Observatory
Address:1350 King Road Thunder Bay, Ontario P7K 1L7 Canada
Website: The David Thompson Astronomical Observatory
Price: 10 USD
15. Grab top-notch craft beer at Red Lion Smokehouse
Spend time at Thunder Bay’s new favourite hangout, Red Lion Smokehouse. It features a warehouse-style space with exposed pipes, industrial cool and cosiness and great food. There is a two-page beer menu that includes locally brewed Sleeping Giant as well as British and American brews. You will also find home-smoked dishes such as burgers and pulled pork. Get to Red Lion Smokehouse with your friends or better half to have an unforgettable experience.
Red Lion Smokehouse
Address: 16 Cumberland St S, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2T2, Canada
Website: Red Lion Smokehouse
Opening hours:Mon: 5pm - 10pm; Tue - Thu:12pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 9pm
16. Go bird watching at the Mills Block Forest
Mills Block Forest features a 4km (2.49miles) hiking trail, a few neat benches along the way and a beaver dam. Walk through the trail and get to discover amazing wildlife. There are a few awesome windy, flowy singletrack trails of decent length, some great climbs and descents and a fun pump track. Enjoy the soothing sound of the birds along the trails as you also get to watch them fly from one tree to the other.
Mills Block Forest
Address: 130 Conservation Rd Thunder Bay, ON
Website: Mills Block Forest
17. Go ice fishing in heated cabins
The Lacs des Mille Lacs encompasses 5,000 ha (12,355.2 acres) of Mother Nature’s most spectacular beauty. Lac Des Mille Lacs is a perfect habitat for fish due to the tannic acid of the surrounding trees that makes the water dark. You will get to catch perch, whitefish, burbot, and ling among others. If you do not have a boat, you can get one which is available for hire. You will not only enjoy catching the fish but also enjoy the scenery, spy an eagle, or even get a glimpse of a bear.
Lac des Mille Lacs
Address: 110 Memorial Avenue Suite 328 Thunder Bay ON P7B 4A3
Website: Lac des Mille Lacs
18. Try stand-up paddle boarding in Chippewa Park
Stand-up paddle boarding is a fun and easy way to explore the waters and is perfect for those who want adventure. Chippewa Park is a waterfront park that gives you a chance to try paddle boarding. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate, you should try paddle boarding. If you are planning to go camping, Chippewa Park also offers you campground and camp activities. Plan your trip and get ready to be excited.
Chippewa Park
Address: 2465 City Rd Thunder Bay, Ontario P7J 1J7
Website: Chippewa Park
19. Push your limits by rock climbing at the Bluffs
The Bluffs climbing area is among the first areas that started the climbing bug in Thunder Bay. It is a popular spot to climb in the summer due to easy access and spectacular colours of mother nature. The highest point is 40 feet (12.2 m) and boasts an incredible view of Thunder Bay and its popular landmarks like the Sleeping Giant. The Bluffs is also perfect for hiking, biking, and walking. The area is accessible by a drive to the north side of Thunder Bay and a walk through a trail that leads to the Bluffs.
The Bluffs
Address: 98 Secord Street Thunder Bay, ON P7B 3E1 CA
Website: The Bluffs
20. Get on a helicopter for majestic views of Thunder Bay
Book a helicopter tour in Thunder Bay and enjoy sightseeing from the North Shore of Lake Superior. The heli-tours provide you with panoramic views of the North and South Shores. Among the famous helicopter tours is the WIskair Helicopters which provide reliable and trustable services. They are located on Thunder Bay Airport. A stop for a picnic at a remote location is included in the tour. Book a tour with them and get to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Wiskair Helicopters
Address: 520 Orville Wieben Cres.Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6M9
Website: Wiskair Helicopters
21. Go hunting for precious rocks in the heart of amethyst country
Amethysts are classic, beautiful rock pieces of different colours. Thunder Bay is in the heart of the amethyst country. You will find precious gems in Thunder Bay and along the north shore of Lake Superior. Visit the open-pit mines for a self-guided or guided tour as you pick your own amethysts. You can also grab polished amethyst gift items and jewellery from one of the many gift shops throughout the city and region.
Amethyst Mines
Address: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Website: Amethyst Mines
22. Have fun snowboarding in the terrains of Mount Baldy
Those of you who are visiting Thunder Bay in the winter and are winter sports enthusiasts should make time to visit Mount Baldy. You are able to purchase membership packages individually and for the whole family. There is also a chance for visitors during summer to sign their children up for a camp where they can enjoy various outdoor activities. So hit the slopes, get on the snow, and watch your holiday turn into an unforgettable experience.
23. Dig for your own amethysts at The Blue Point Amethyst Mine
Explore an amethyst deposit and collect your own at The Blue Point Amethyst Mine. It is an active quarry that produces rare and precious minerals like violet quartz, calcite, and barite. You can either take part in a guided tour or start mining on your own. You can also find extra amethysts already mined and cleaned by the staff. Plan your trip and watch your holiday get interesting.
The Blue Point Amethyst Mine
Address: Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 0S9, Canada
Website: The Blue Point Amethyst Mine
Opening Hours:10am - 5pm (daily)
Have a blast in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is perfect for families, friends, solo adventurers, and couples. It is a Canadian city that offers a ton of attractions all year round. Don’t make the mistake of leaving this place too early! Choose any of the activities above to make use of your time.