Thunderbay Canada Travel

Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Thunderbay, Canada. #Top Attractions

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Deciding to travel to Thunderbay, Canada? For the best things to do in Thunderbay Canada and the coolest places to visit in Thunderbay Canada. Scroll down for our top travel recommendations in Thunderbay, Canada. As a Web 3.0 travel startup, Wondrous Drifter has big plans to shake things up in the field.

Amethyst Mine 

Amethyst Mine Thunder Bay, Canada
Amethyst Mine Thunder Bay, Canada / James St. John / Flickr

Mine for Ontario’s gemstone, the Amethyst.

The geological history of the area around Thunder Bay is renowned. The appearance of spectacular amethyst veins east of the city is a result of much geological and volcanic activity.

Amethysts are traditional, gorgeous rock formations in a variety of colors. Thunder Bay is located in the heart of the amethyst region. 

Thunder Bay and the north side of Lake Superior are rich in rare jewels. Pick your own amethysts on a self-directed or guided tour of the open-pit mines. 

There are several fantastic amethyst mines to visit, including Diamond Willow and Purple Haze. Check out Amethyst Mine Panorama if you want to learn more about Amethyst and the history of the jewels in Thunder Bay.

Polished amethyst gift items and jewelry are available in several of the city’s and region’s gift shops.

Mine are these beautiful gems now when in Thunderbay.

Address: Thunderbay, Ontario, Canada

Canadian Lakehead Expedition

Canadian Lakehead Expedition, Thunder Bay, Canada
Canadian Lakehead Expedition is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

Experience this fair that showcases all the good things Canada has to offer.

The Annual Fair began in 1890 and is held on the grounds and buildings.

This fair aimed to bring urban and rural people together and provide a gathering place where they could share ideas and assist farmers in rearing better livestock and growing crops.

The fair happens in August when the city holds the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition. Is this possible?

The yearly fair is enjoyable for visitors, especially popular with families.

Take a stroll through the fair and check out the work of local artists and stores.

A carnival with games, fun rides, and delicious food is also available.

Also, a few buildings on the fairgrounds are open all year.

The Coliseum Building, Heritage Building, Sports Dome, and Silver City Theater are among these structures.

Make sure to plan a trip to Thunder Bay when the fair is up and running.

Address: 425 Northern Ave, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 2V7, Canada

Cascades Conservation Area

Cascades Conservation Area, Thunder Bay, Canada
Cascades Conservation Area is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

Stroll through this lovely conservation.

There are numerous spectacular waterfalls near Thunder Bay, ranging from Pigeon River to Aguasabon.

However, a frequently overlooked waterfall is located just on the city’s outskirts. 

Cascades Conservation Area is a lovely place to climb alongside a series of minor waterfalls while admiring the spectacular stone of the Canadian Shield.

The walk gives breathtaking countryside views, but the Cascade River rapids are the primary attraction. 

The location has a pavilion with information about the area’s natural history. It is a great place to have a picnic lunch or dinner.

Come for the day or the afternoon; you’ll have a wonderful time in this gorgeous natural setting.

The seaside is only a short drive from Cascades Provincial Park.

It’s also a popular outdoor destination for both locals and visitors, thanks to the easy hiking trails.

Make sure you have good rubber-tread running shoes with you.

The rocks, particularly those near the waterfalls, can be treacherous.

Visit the beautiful Cascades Conservation Area now.

Address: 1157 Balsam St, Thunder Bay, ON P7G 1Y2, Canada

Centennial Botanical Conservatory

Centennial Botanical Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Canada
Centennial Botanical Conservatory is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

A leafy oasis in Thunderbay

As a Centennial project, the Centennial Botanical Conservatory originally opened in 1967. The conservatory has amazing gardens with a variety of plants, trees, and shrubs from all over the world.

Inside, you’ll find exotic plants from all over the world that bloom regardless of the season. If you’ve ever spent a winter in Northern Ontario, you know how nice it is to get away from the cold! 

There are benches around the park, as well as a waterfall and a wishing pond. A community garden and bee hives are also available at the conservatory. 

You should schedule a guided tour of the conservatory if you want to understand more about the plants and the conservatory itself.

Throughout the year, there is excellent programming. It’s a stunning location to visit, with lots for people of all ages to enjoy.

Wander around this beautiful conservatory now to see all the beautiful plants.

Address: 1601 Dease St, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5H3, Canada

Dorion Tower and Pinnacles

Dorion Tower and Pinnacles, Thunder Bay, Canada
Dorion Tower and Pinnacles is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

Feel on top of the world when you climb the beautiful Dorion Tower.

This trail leads to a breathtaking panoramic view. The granite formation is known to hikers as The Pinnacles and climbers as The Dorion Tower is the primary attraction.

Climbers have been enjoying mounting this slender pinnacle for more than 30 years…and now it’s your time! You don’t have any climbing gear? Don’t be concerned about it.

Although some climbing expertise would be beneficial, it is not essential to enjoy this magnificent excursion. Although we cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit, the climb itself is rather easy, making it suitable for ambitious first-timers.

The entrance to the parking area is rocky and requires a high-clearance car. The hike up and out is not simple, with many slopes and boulders to cross and fairly technical sections. Some have described it as more difficult than climbing the tower itself. But the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel from completing this task is priceless.

So, if you’re the type who enjoys getting outside for a real adventure, join now and experience the Thunder Bay region’s world-class climbing.

This is definitely a must-do for adventure lovers, so visit now!

Address: Dorion, ON, Canada

Fort William Historical Park

Fort William Historical Park Thunder Bay, Canada
Fort William Historical Park Thunder Bay, Canada / Sajith T S / Flickr

Learn about the history of Thunderbay and how the fur trade played a crucial role in the area.

Fort William Historical Park, which opened to the public in 1973, is an accurate replica of the old fortified transportation and fur trade post center established in this precise location in 1816.

The attraction, which is considered a “living history” site, is located near the city center going west and includes 42-period buildings that have been reconstructed, which can be toured, with guides in costume performing the many different tasks that are usually from that time period, such as processing and curing furs, blacksmithing, canoe construction, and carpentry.

There are 250 acres of old buildings and newly constructed modern structures dedicated to conserving and bringing history to life. You may discover all about life during the peak of the fur trade at the Fort.

Discover the history of the North West Company and its impact on the region. You can stay for a day or come back to see everything. Throughout the year, the Fort provides a variety of programming, including classes and even overnight trips!

Learn more about the ways of life of long ago at this park now.

Address: 1350 King Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7K 1L7, Canada

Founders Museum and Pioneer Village

Founders Museum and Pioneer Village, Thunder Bay, Canada
Founders Museum and Pioneer Village is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

Travel back in time when you visit this location.

The Founders’ Museum & Pioneer Village in Thunder Bay is a fun outing for families. This charming pioneer hamlet, just off Highway 61 and a short drive from the city center, contains many old relics, automobiles, and beautifully reconstructed period structures.

The Founders’ Museum and Pioneer Village are located just outside Thunder Bay, Ontario. The village is made up of 12 structures that resemble a pioneer settlement.

Each structure houses items that would have been found in a pioneer settlement between the late 1800s and 1949. For example, the town hall, school, and church are all historic structures in the Oliver Paipoonge area. The train station, general store, and farmhouse are all reconstructions constructed on the spot. 

Highlights include vintage railway cars and a railway station, blacksmith and mechanics shops, and a classic general store, emphasizing the kind of “hands-on” history that youngsters like.

The village provides tourists with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk through history and see how our forefathers lived. From May through September, entry is by donation on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 4:30 pm.

Visit the Founders Museum and Pioneer Village to learn more about the city’s history.

Address: 3190 Hwy 61, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 4V2, Canada

Hoito Restaurant

Hoito Restaurant Thunder Bay, Canada
Hoito Restaurant Thunder Bay, Canada / robin_ottawa / Flickr

You don’t have to be in Finland to have Finnish Pancakes.

Immigrants from Finland played a significant role in Thunder Bay’s development. Locals didn’t comprehend the intricacies of logging in this northern region when the town was initially formed.

Many acres of land were set aside for Finnish loggers to settle and contribute their knowledge to the area. As a result, the city became a microcosm of Finnish culture. Thunder Bay, in reality, outside Finland, Thunderbay has the biggest Finnish Population.

The Hoito Restaurant opened in 1918 and is Thunder Bay’s oldest restaurant. It is also, possibly, the country’s oldest establishment!

The restaurant provides Finnish-Canadian cuisine and is housed on the bottom level of the old Finnish Labour Temple. Its Finnish pancakes are what it’s most known for, which come with sugar sprinkles, maple syrup, or strawberry sauce.

The Finnish Labour Temple workers’ halls used to be one of Canada’s biggest and is also a landmark. It has been classified as a Canadian National Historic Site.

Bring your friends and family to this restaurant to witness one of Thunderbay’s icons.

Address: 314 Bay Street, Thunderbay, ON, Canada

Kakabeka Falls

Kakabeka Falls Thunder Bay, Canada
Kakabeka Falls Thunder Bay, Canada / Sajith T S / Flickr

It’s regarded as the “Niagara of The North.”

The beautiful Kakabeka Falls are only a 25-minute journey to the west part of Thunder Bay.

The Kaministiquia River originates in the same named settlement and goes down 40 meters through a spectacular gorge.

The falls, dubbed the Niagara of the North because of their enormity, is easy to reach and safe, making them ideal for families traveling with children.

A simple boardwalk hike leads from the parking lot to the falls’ top, where you will see the gorge’s spectacular views.

Moreover, you can try to check out several nature paths that were once part of the original Voyageurs’ fur-trading route.

Those who prefer cross-country skiing can access lots of the same trails in the winter.

See these falls, which are just as beautiful as Niagara.

Address: Oliver Paipoonge, Ontario, Canada

Loch Lomond Ski

Loch Lomond Ski, Thunder Bay, Canada
Loch Lomond Ski is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

This is the perfect place to brush up on your skiing skills.

The Loch Lomond Ski Area is about 15 minutes to Thunder Bay’s south.

It is a famed year-long destination for those outdoor lovers of different ages and skills.

Visitors can choose from their three chairlifts courses in the wintertime, ranging from slopes for beginners to runs for those advanced, which are about 2500 meters.

There is also a great facility for snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoe tracks. Equipment and locker rentals are available as well.

Moreover, during warmer days, the hills are usually dominated by bikers.

Also, numerous marked alpine trails attract hikers.

Although it may not be as popular as Loch Lomond, but Mount Baldy Ski is also a must-visit.

Beginners and families who wish to learn how to snowboard or ski before moving on to the more difficult terrain can try Mount Baldy first.

Don’t forget your ski outfit on your next visit to Thunder Bay, and have lots of fun.

Address: 1800 Loch Lomond Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario

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Marina Park

Marina Park, Thunder Bay, Canada
Marina Park is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

A beautiful park to match an even more beautiful city.

Marina Park is a must-see as the centerpiece of Thunder Bay.

In fact, it has been a rehabilitation of Thunder Bay’s waterfront district for decades.

This lovely open space is close to the city’s historic northern downtown core.

It offers the most excellent views of the Sleeping Giant and also Lake Superior.

Moreover, you can just stroll around the area and immediately see the public marina’s docks, play spaces for children, and picnic places.

Also, there are other notable sculptures, monuments, and historic structures like the old CN Rail station.

Overall, this park is perfect for solo travelers and families who want pure fun through nearby activities and scenic views of nature.

Stroll through Marina Park now and see all the beautiful sights Thunder Bay can offer.

Address: Unnamed Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Mission Island

Mission Island, Thunder Bay, Canada
Mission Island is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

Go on some “learning trails” to learn more about this location.

Mission Marsh Conservation Area is a pleasant area to visit for families and travelers who value accessibility. It is accessible via road bridge from downtown Thunder Bay.

It’s a popular tourist destination because of its various waterfowl and fish populations and its pristine native vegetation. The best parts are accessible by a long boardwalk route that provides an up-close view of nature’s bounty.

Various self-guided “learning trails” allow nature lovers to learn more about what they’re witnessing.

An informative pavilion has also been built, which contains a wealth of information on the island’s human and natural history.

Recreational walkers, nature enthusiasts, animal photographers, naturalist clubs, and education groups should visit Mission Island Marsh.

The Mission Marsh Interpretive Pavilion features colorful displays on water and the area’s history.

Have a wonderful time strolling around Mission Island. Visit now.

Address: 106th Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Mount Mckay

Mount Mckay Thunder Bay, Canada
Mount Mckay Thunder Bay, Canada / Sajith T S / Flickr

It’s a must-see on any travel, so be sure to include it in your plans to visit Thunder Bay.

Mount McKay, also locally known as Anemki Wajiw, is on the boundaries of the Fort William First Nation.

It is the northern and tallest peak in the Nor’Wester Mountain range, standing at 305 meters.

About 1,100 million years ago, this reserve was known to be established.

And since then, it has provided humanity with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area, that include the well-known series of mesas, the Sleeping Giant.

On the other hand, when you visit the Scenic Lookout of Mount McKay, you will be greeted with the most outstanding views of the area.

Additionally, there is a thin trail climb atop Mount McKay for those who desire to reach the summit.

Although this route should only be attempted by experienced hikers, it is definitely worth it.

Mount McKay’s entrance charge includes access to the pow wow grounds, and the Thunder Bay overlook.

Climb these ancient grounds and appreciate the beauty that Thunder Bay offers!

Address: Mount McKay, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada

Ouimet Provincial Park & Eagle Canyon

Ouimet Provincial Park & Eagle Canyon Thunder Bay, Canada
Ouimet Provincial Park & Eagle Canyon Thunder Bay, Canada / Sharon Mollerus / Flickr

There’s so much to do and see at this location.

Ouimet Canyon, 60 kilometers northeast of Thunder Bay, is also outside the city.

The gorge is 200 meters long, 100 meters wide, and 100 meters deep.

Moreover, you can take a walk around Ouimet Canyon and be amazed by the breathtaking environment.

There are numerous routes above the canyon that provide breathtaking views.

Note that it is a day-use-only park. So be sure to hike early in the morning.

All in all, the views you’ll get from touring the canyon are phenomenal and extraordinary.

Don’t forget to take a lot of photos!

Take a trip to Quiment Provincial Park and Eagle Canyon now. 

Address: 275 Valley Road, Dorion, Ontario

Prince Arthur’s Landing

Prince Arthur's Landing Thunder Bay, Canada
Prince Arthur’s Landing Thunder Bay, Canada / Michel Curi / Flickr

For a quick stop, this location is a perfect stop if you’re running on limited time!

This lovely waterfront park (also known as Marina Park) stretches along Lake Superior by the city’s north end.

It offers year-round views of Sleeping Giant and Lake Superior.

There’s a fountain and a sleek splash pad for kids and the young at heart in the summer, which transforms into a skating rink by the lakeside in the winter.

Relax in brightly colored chairs or take a walk or jog through the many sites.

You can check out  Alexander Henry Museum Ship, public art installations, tai chi garden, boat and watercraft tours, and the Spirit Garden that has won awards.

A concession shop and trucks that sell food are also available, as well as the elegant Bight restaurant and the laid-back café Windy Shores, all of which have seating in the patio.

Depending on the season, you might see massive container ships entering and leaving port, beautiful sailboats gliding across the water, free events, live concerts, and festivals.

Moreover, you can take a nice walk up to Cooke Street and see the “art alley” filled with vivid murals that are contemporary and snap a photo or two.

Visit this landing now to see all the beautiful sights in Thunder Bay!

Address: Sleeping Giant Pkwy, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 0E7, Canada

Sleeping, Giant

Sleeping Giant Thunder Bay, Canada
Sleeping Giant Thunder Bay, Canada / Sharon Mollerus / Flickr

See the majestic Sleeping Giant.

Not literally, but the Lying Giant is a mesa and sill structure that resembles a giant sleeping on its back.

The Provincial Park of Sleeping Giant opened in 1944 and is a fantastic place to get up close and personal with Thunder Bay’s most famous monument.

This 244-square-kilometer park is around the Sibley Peninsula.

It is a lovely one-hour drive from downtown that attracts hikers, sightseers, and some campers with its amazing natural splendor.

The park has hiking paths that are nearly 100 kilometers, with the Top of the Giant Trail being the most popular.

It’s not for the fainthearted or the inexperienced, and the round-trip that is 22 kilometers can take several hours.

Other routes for hiking lead to remarkable geological structures, such as the Sea Lion, a distinctive arch formed by rock erosions.

Visit the park’s visitor center for exhibits on the region’s fauna, including its cultural heritage.

Those who want to stay the night can hire one of the park’s rustic cabins that are full-serviced which are open all year or a seasonal campsite.

Address: R R 1, Pass Lake, Ontario

Terry Fox Memorial

Terry Fox Memorial, Thunder Bay, Canada
Terry Fox Memorial is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

Pay homage to one of Canada’s most famed icons.

You won’t miss this homage to a true Canadian legend, which is just 10 minutes outside of town along the Trans Canada Highway. 

Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete and cancer survivor, for those of you who are unfamiliar with his name. Despite having one leg amputated due to cancer, he ran a cross-Canada marathon in 1980 to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. 

His disease resurfaced during the Marathon of Hope, and he was forced to finish his journey early – quite near to the memorial site. On June 18, 1981, Canada lost an incredible individual when he succumbed to cancer.

A 9-foot-high bronze statue commemorates Terry Fox’s brave efforts throughout his brief stay on Earth at the Terry Fox Memorial. 

From the parking area, a little walking trail leads to the memorial and the picturesque view it occupies. A visitor’s center is also located here, where you may learn more about Thunder Bay.

Visit this memorial now and pay homage to the magnificent Terry Fox.

Address: Terry Fox Scenic Lookout, Canada

Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, Canada
Thunder Bay Art Gallery is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

See unique Canadian Art at this gallery.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery should not be missed by anyone interested in Canadian art, particularly the work of First Nations artists. 

The gallery has been home to one of Ontario’s biggest collections of contemporary First Nations works since it opened in 1976. It is now housed in Confederation College (a new multi-million dollar facility on the waterfront is under construction).

Over 1,600 works of art are in the permanent collection, ranging from classical art to contemporary multi-media pieces. Paintings, sketches, photography, beading, and sculptures will also be on show. 

Regular visiting art shows rotate every six weeks, and the gallery also offers educational themed workshops and classes for children.

A well-stocked on-site shop provides products and souvenirs relating to the gallery’s displays, and guided tours are also offered.

Walk through the halls and see local art at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Address: 1080 Keewatin Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thunder Bay Museum

Thunder Bay Museum, Thunder Bay, Museum
Thunder Bay Museum is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

Learn about the city’s history at this museum.

While Thunder Bay is known for its wilderness location and several nature-related tourist attractions, it also offers cultural events. 

Thunder Bay Museum is one of the top cultural attractions in the area.

The Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society (established in 1908) was founded the museum in 1972, and it is housed in a splendid old structure in the downtown center.

The museum’s three levels are packed with fascinating displays and exhibits about the area’s first human occupants as well as a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. 

Displays linked to Thunder Bay’s rich musical past, as well as its military roots, are also must-sees.

The Thunder Bay Military Museum and the Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre are nearby. They include other displays connected to the city’s military history.

To learn more about Thunderbay’s past, visit the Thunderbay Museum now.

Address: 425 Donald Street E, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thunder Oak Cheese Farm

Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, Thunder Bay, Canada
Thunder Oak Cheese Farm is one of the best places to go in Thunderbay, Canada

Support a local business while sampling some delicious cheese!

Thunder Oak Cheese Farm is Ontario’s only producer of Gouda. This creamy Dutch cheese has long been a favorite of cheese lovers worldwide.

This local cheese farm, which has significant Dutch roots, was the first in Ontario to create gouda cheese.

The Schep Family’s new showroom attracts a steady stream of customers seeking to stock up on the luscious, creamy Gouda that has made Thunder Oak renowned.

Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, located in the Slate River Valley, has produced outstanding Gouda cheese for over 25 years. Gouda is available in 13 distinct types at the farm store.

If you’re having trouble deciding which cheese is ideal, consider purchasing a gift basket with the best of everything.

If you can’t make it to the farm, you can find their Gouda products in eight different Thunder Bay supermarkets.

Support a local business by trying out these delicious cheeses in Thunder Bay.

You haven’t made up your mind to go to Thunderbay Canada yet, have you? Click here for all the reasons to visit Thunderbay, Canada, at least once in your lifetime here.

Address: 611 Boundary Dr, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 0C2, Canada

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