+10 Unique Things to do & Hidden Gems in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is a true gem of a destination in Northern Ontario! Best known for the abundance of outdoor adventures both in and around the city, there are also plenty of hidden gems in Thunder Bay that deserve your attention.
After visiting Thunder Bay a number of times and checking off all the popular attractions over the last 20 years. I was keen to go beyond the popular places on my recent trip to share with you some hidden gems and unique things to do to make your next visit a memorable one. This guide offers a mix of outdoor gems like Anemki Wajiw – a mountain lookout, and cozy cafes in unusual buildings – like a church!
Plus, within an hour’s drive you’ll find more unique experiences that include everything from walking across a canyon to digging for literal gems at an amethyst mine.
So, pack your suitcase – but leave room for some cool souvenirs, and get ready to start planning a memorable trip to Thunder Bay.
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Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay)
Standing tall over Thunder Bay is Anemki Wajiw (also known as Mount McKay). Located on the Fort William First Nation Reserve, the Ojibwe name translates to Thunder Mountain.
There are two ways to access the Mount McKay lookout. You can take the scenic and steep winding road leading up to the Mount McKay lookout. Or via a hiking trail.
Just be aware that there is a $10 entrance fee that you can pay in cash or by card.
The lookout sits on a plateau of the mountain and is nearly 1000 feet above the city. The sweeping views from the lookout let you see everything from the city down below to the waters of Lake Superior and Sleeping Giant in the distance.
Mount McKay is one of the best lookouts in Thunder Bay! I loved how peaceful it was up there as we watched the sun set behind the mount.
But beyond the lookout, take time explore the plateau. There’s a memorial for Aboriginal veterans and a large carved eagle holding a fish. Plus, it’s where they hold their annual Pow Wow in early July.
Interesting fact: The naming of the city of Thunder Bay comes from the Ojibwe word, “Animikie”, meaning thunder. As early French fur traders were told by the Indigenous people that the area was known as Animikie, they called it “Baie du Tonnerre” (translating to Bay of Thunder).
International Friendship Gardens
One of my favourite hidden gems in Thunder Bay is the International Friendship Gardens. The 15 acre park celebrates the city’s multicultural heritage with 18 unique garden memorials to different ethnic groups.
Wandering the tree lined paved pathways winding through the park you’ll find memorials to Italians, Scottish, Dutch, Chinese, Finnish and more.
We went in the morning during the week and there were only a few locals. One sitting watching the ducks in the pond and another chatting to a friend.
The International Friendship Gardens were built in 1966 and are the perfect place to take a stroll, enjoy a picnic or enjoy some fun photo-ops.
Trowbridge Falls
One of the most popular attractions in Thunder Bay is Kakabeka Falls, known as the Niagara of the North. But did you know there are plenty more waterfalls in and around Thunder Bay?
A less popular waterfall that should be on your list is Trowbridge Falls. Located in Trowbridge Falls Park and Campground; it’s a beloved spot in the summer for many locals and mountain bikers.
The park is roughly 15 minutes north of downtown and is free to visit. And the serene waterfall is made up of a series of cascading rapids along the Current River. It can be accessed after a short 5 minute walk from the parking lot.
You can also enjoy the Yellow Trail and Adventure Loop with is an approximately 45 minute hike.
Fun fact: Trowbridge Falls is said to be one of the most haunted parks in Ontario! There have been sightings of a variety of ghosts, like a woman in white and one known as the undertaker.
Hidden Coffee Shop in a Pharmacy
The caffeine nut in me is always on the hunt for coffee! So, I was thrilled to find one of the many coffee shops in Thunder Bay is a hidden gem.
Located in a pharmacy, Evergreen Pharmacy, near Kakabeka Falls, you’ll find a cute cafe called Early Refill Coffee.
We went in search of coffee and vegan donuts that they sell from a local company called Donut Run. They were out of donuts at both of their locations (the other one is in Rosslyn, 15 minutes away) but we loved our unique flavoured lattes. I tried a Crème de Banana iced latte which was amazing!
Early Refill Coffee uses Detour coffee, a popular Ontario coffee roaster. And you can grab your drinks to go on your way to Kakabeka Falls or enjoy it at one of their tables.
I loved that the shop also sells locally made items, like pottery. If I wasn’t travelling with a carry-on I would have grabbed one of their adorable mugs.
Thunder Bay Country Market
If you love shopping at local markets then you’ve got to add the Thunder Bay Country Market to your itinerary! This is an awesome gem that only locals know about.
As someone who frequents local markets, this is one of the best year-round markets in Ontario that I’ve been to. With two over 50 vendors across 2 floors, there’s something for everyone.
The market is located on the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition grounds in the Dove building. Just follow the crowd of locals, honestly!
Inside you’ll find a mix of food and artisan vendors with most things grown and made within in the Thunder Bay area. There’s produce, locally made food – including vegan cheese, unique crafts and a kid’s zone to play in.
A few of my favourite vendors:
- Hoito for fresh Finnish pancakes (you can sit & eat them) or take-home mix
- Boreal Bakery for the best bagels!
- Big Lakes Pasta for the best pasta that’s shaped like Lake Superior!
- Thunder Oak Cheese Farm for the best cheese curds
- Sleeping Giant Biscotti Company for Persian flavoured biscotti!
When: Saturdays between 8 am to 1 pm and Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Looking for more foodie stops? Check out my list of the best places to eat in Thunder Bay!
Goods & Co. Market
Another gem when it comes to places to go shopping in Thunder Bay is Goods & Co Market.
This unique market is located downtown in the old Eaton’s building with its stylish art deco exterior. Inside you’ll find a mix of take away food, local produce, home décor, artisans and more.
Be prepared to spend at least an hour or more, with over 25 vendors there’s lots to browse. And there’s an art gallery too!
A few of my favourite shops at Goods & Co are:
- Peace & Quiet Candle Co – stop and smell their amazing candles which come in Thunder Bay scents like Sleeping Giant, Persian & Boreal Forest
- Clay Collective NOW – a collection of pottery from local artists that includes mugs, beautiful serving trays and even an adorable Lake Superior ornament
- Mamakeesick Roots – incredible Indigenous art by Jessica Mamakessick that you can hang on your wall or wear
- Sugar Shack – for all your sweet needs! Grab a bottle of their Northern Ontario maple syrup and try one of the chocolate bars from various Canadian brands
- Loud Women Collective – everything from feminist books to fun stickers and other unique pieces
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
If you’re looking for indoor things to do or just appreciate art, then head over to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.
This small but impactful gallery has a collection of First Nations contemporary art. During my visit there was an interesting exhibit called On A Silver Platter by Kris Goold that showcases animal skulls in armor and is a reflection on the loss of Boreal species.
I was also delighted to see a Benjamin Chee Chee exhibit with a lot of his early works that I’d never seen before.
It’s a great gallery to return to every visit as exhibits change every few months.
Hillcrest Park
If you’re looking for a free lookout in Thunder Bay that’s a hidden gem – head to Hillcrest Park!
I first stumbled upon this park on my second visit back in 2017 and I still remember the epic views! The best part is that you don’t even need to leave your car to soak in the views, thanks to the on-site parking.
Hillcrest Park is located in the north end of the city. From the park you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Thunder Bay and Sleeping Giant in the distance.
It’s a great spot to enjoy the sunset. But if you go during the day, you can enjoy the gardens, have a picnic, check out the war memorial, or let the kids take advantage of the playground.
Unique Things to do in Thunder Bay
Cross Eagle Canyon Suspension Bridge
Adventure and view seekers will love Eagle Canyon! Located in Dorion, roughly 45 minutes east of Thunder Bay, Eagle Canyon is home to the longest suspension bridge in Canada!
Eagle Canyon is perfect if you’re looking for unique things to do in Thunder Bay. It’s home to 2 suspension bridges. The shorter one is 300 feet long and sits 125 feet above the canyon floor.
But the other, the longest in Canada, is 600 feet long and hangs 152 feet above the canyon floor. And after you’ve done both you take a set of stairs down into the canyon and hike along the river back to the parking lot.
A great tip for those that can’t walk far: they offer free shuttle service to and from the bridges. Because it’s a steep walk up to the first bridge from the parking lot. Not long but steep.
As someone who is not a big fan of heights, I did it! I found the first bridge manageable but the long bridge a tough one. If you find that you want to do the first bridge but not the long one, there is a trail back to the canyon floor after it.
With Ouimet Canyon located just up the road, I highly recommend checking out both in the same day.
Eagle Canyon Suspension Bridge is open mid-May through mid-October.
Dig at an Amethyst Mine
One of the coolest and unique things to do in Thunder Bay is mine for your own amethyst! Yes, you can dig for your own hidden gems!
There are a number of amethyst mines near Thunder Bay. But after a lot of research, we decided to visit Amethyst Mine Panorama, which is roughly 1 hour from downtown.
If you’re looking for family friendly activities in Thunder Bay this is one of the best! The mine is owned and operated by the same family for the past 40 years.
From the shop you can opt for a guided or self-guided tour where you’ll learn about amethyst, how it’s formed and about the quarry (which is still actively mined).
How does it work? After the tour and a peek at the mine from the lookout, grab a pail then head over to the 5-acre digging site.
There’s plenty of amethyst all over the place but pick a spot and start digging and place the ones you want in the pail. Then take your haul to the washing station. After you’ve scrubbed the dirt off your gems, decide which are keepers.
Then head into the shop to weigh your load. These are some of the cheapest souvenirs in Thunder Bay – my bag was $5. (The amethyst is $6 per pound)
The Amethyst Mine Panorama is open seasonally June to October 1st, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Hike the Top of the Giant Trail
Whenever some asks my favourite hike, it’s an easy answer – the Top of the Giant Trail in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park!
Nowhere in Ontario will you find epic view like at the Top of the Giant!
However, this is no easy hike. The total is approximately 24 km round trip. And it’s not a loop. The total trail takes between 6 to 9 hours.
While the first part is easy, mostly flat, it does include a rocky path that you’ll likely feel more on the way back. Half the hike though is up hill with multiple switchbacks that make it challenging.
While demanding, there are multiple viewpoints along the way. But the final view, from the tallest cliffs in Ontario looking out over Lake Superior, is spectacular!
I first hiked the Top of the Giant Trail in 2017 with my 70 year old aunt and was thrilled to tackle it again on my recent trip. And it still remains my favourite hike – and I’ve hiked in Italy, Scotland and Iceland!
Enjoy Coffee in a Church
If you’re like me and love unique coffee shops then you’ll love the Habit Coffee & Bakeshop! It’s located an over 100 year old church.
Enter through the side door and you’ll be in awe as soon as you see the four stained-glass windows behind the counter. I was blown away by how kind and welcoming the staff was.
We ordered coffees and went to sit in their quirky booths that look like pews with an interesting curved table top. In addition to coffee and tea they have a selection of baked goods that they make on site.
The Habit Coffee & Bakeshop a non-profit that helps provide funds to Urban Abbey programs, which include two 20-bed shelters. So, you can feel good knowing your coffee and pastry purchase is doing good – more than just satisfying your appetite.
Start Planning your Trip to Thunder Bay today
Whether you’ve been there a dozen times or it’s your second trip, this guide to hidden gems in Thunder Bay will ensure you explore like a local.
For those travelling from southern Ontario and planning a Toronto to Thunder Bay road trip, I recommend taking your time. But make sure to plan for at least 3 to 5 days in Thunder Bay.
But if you need a place to stay, there are a number of hotels in Thunder Bay for every budget. A couple of my top picks are:
Delta Thunder Bay – This was a gorgeous hotel in downtown Thunder Bay. The Delta Hotel in Thunder Bay is located along the waterfront, making it ideal for exploring the city. Rooms are spacious with water views. Plus, there’s an on-site restaurant, café and gym. Check availability
The Courthouse Hotel – If you like a hotel with history then book your stay at the Courthouse Hotel. Located in a former courthouse, the rooms are stylish and breakfast is available. This budget friendly option is still close to all the shops and restaurants downtown. Check availability
This post is in partnership with Visit Thunder Bay, though all opinions expressed are my own.
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