17 Amazing Things to do in Thunder Bay For Every Traveler
Thunder Bay is one of the best cities in Ontario for outdoor adventurers. Home to epic hiking trails, thundering waterfalls, and even Ontario’s very own Grand Canyon, there are tons of things to do in Thunder Bay for those who are looking for a slice of the great outdoors. Located on the northern shores of the expansive Lake Superior, Thunder Bay is full of such natural beauty you’ll fall in love with it quickly, as I did.
But don’t let its wealth of outdoor activities sway you if your interests are more akin to the arts, history, and great grub. Thunder Bay has something for everyone, even those on the hunt for street art. As someone who has a wide array of interests, I love that every time I visit Thunder Bay, I discover new treasures, cozy cafes, and incredible restaurants.
All of that is what you’ll find in this guide to Thunder Bay! I’m sharing all the best things to do, from outdoor adventures to fun foodie finds as well as places to visit for history buffs and art lovers. Plus, I’m giving tips to help you have the most incredible trip.
So, move on over Banff–there’s a gem of destination in Canada that has it all! Let’s start planning your trip to Thunder Bay.
Where is Thunder Bay?
Thunder Bay is located in northwestern Ontario and a great destination for a road trip from multiple places across Canada and the US. It’s located 3.5 hours from Duluth, Minnesota, 7.5 hour by car from Winnipeg, and 14.5 hours from Toronto.
The road trip from Toronto to Thunder Bay is approximately 1400 km. But taking your time (2 to 3 days) it’s one of the best road trip destinations in Ontario.
If you’re short on time, you can fly into the Thunder Bay Airport. There are multiple Canadian cities that offer direct flights like Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton.
Things to do Outdoors in Thunder Bay
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Hike Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
One of the top hikes in Canada can be found in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. The park is located an hour east of the city and home to the famous Top of the Giant Trail.
The Top of the Giant Trail is one of the many hiking trails in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. But it’s a long and difficult one! Taking anywhere from 6 to 9 hours and clocking in roughly 22 km, it’s worth it to stand on some of the tallest cliffs in Ontario. Oh, and the epic view!
There’s more to Sleeping Giant than just that one hike. It’s home to over 100 km of trails, stunning bays, boreal forest and stunning Lake Superior coastline.
Visit Ouimet Canyon
One of the most incredible Ontario hidden gems is also one of the best places to visit in Thunder Bay – Ouimet Canyon!
Forget a trip to the United States, this is Ontario’s Grand Canyon! The canyon stretches 500 feet across, 3 km in length and has over 350-foot vertical cliffs plunging to the canyon floor.
Interestingly, the canyon floor is home to rare Arctic flora that is usually found 1000 km to the north!
The canyon is located within Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, an hour east of Thunder Bay. It’s home to a short 1 km loop trail that takes you to two different viewing platforms overlooking the canyon.
See Kakabeka Falls
One of the top things to do in Thunder Bay is chase waterfalls! There are numerous waterfalls in and around Thunder Bay, but the most famous is Kakabeka Falls.
Kakabeka Falls is not only the most famous but it’s the biggest and affectionately dubbed – Niagara of the North.
The mighty waterfall is located 30 minutes west of the city in Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. It’s 230 feet across and plunges 130 feet into a gorge.
Fun fact: Kakabeka Falls is home to fossils that are over 1.6 million years old!
I love that surrounding the falls is one of the best boardwalk trails in Ontario! With various viewing platforms, the boardwalk stretches on both sides of the waterfall so that you can take it in from different perspectives.
Visit Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay)
For some of the best views in Thunder Bay head to Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay). Towering over the city to the west, the Mount McKay lookout sits nearly 1000 feet above the city.
Anemki Wajiw is located on the Fort William First Nation Reserve, and the Ojibwe name translates to Thunder Mountain.
After the scenic winding road that leads up to the lookout there’s a toll gate. It costs $10 to visit. But so worth it! And the best part is that the views are accessible, you don’t even need to leave your car to enjoy them.
Dig at an Amethyst Mine
Did you know that the most productive amethyst sites in Canada are in the Thunder Bay area?
There are 3 different amethyst mines located an hour east of Thunder Bay that are open to the public. There’s Blue Point Amethyst Mine, Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine and Amethyst Mine Panorama.
I loved my visit to the Amethyst Mine Panorama! Your visit starts out with a tour and then you head to the dig pile in search of your own gems.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Thunder Bay with kids, a visit to an amethyst mine is one I highly recommend! I had so much fun digging from them, I felt like a kid on a treasure hunt.
Things to do in Thunder Bay for Art Lovers
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
While many know Thunder Bay as a city for outdoor adventurers, it also has a thriving arts scene. And the perfect place to start is at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.
The small gallery is home to over 1600 works of art and celebrates the work of contemporary Indigenous artists. You’ll find an array of pieces from paintings to sculptures and beadwork to drawings.
With exhibits being switched up every few months, it’s a great spot to return to every visit. During my visit they had an awesome Benjamin Chee Chee exhibit and an interesting film by Thunder Bay filmmakers Michelle Derosier and Zoe Gordon.
Whether you’re looking for things to do indoors in Thunder Bay or want to enjoy the richness of art, the Thuner Bay Art Gallery is the perfect spot to go.
Prince Arthur’s Landing Public Art
Along the lakeshore in downtown Thunder Bay, you’ll find the city’s largest series of art installations. These unique and thought-provoking pieces of art, in various mediums, will captivate and inspire you.
Pick up a flyer from the Thunder Bay Pagoda to guide you on a Prince Arthur’s Landing public art self-guided walking tour or grab a digit copy here.
From the towering Lanterns to the 2 Beacons who speak to each other, and the over dozen benches with poems, excerpts, and moving pieces that share the spirit of Northwestern Ontario’s culture.
This walking tour is a great way to end the day and appreciate the artistic spirit of Thunder Bay.
Explore Street Art
As a huge fan of exploring street art, I still remember my first visit to Thunder Bay when I discovered a whole lane way (much like Graffiti Alley in Toronto) full of it!
On my last visit I was thrilled to discover that there’s more street art and murals in Thunder Bay! And the best part is that there’s a mix of fun and colourful pieces as well as historical murals. I found the Fort William area of Thunder Bay had most of the historic murals.
A few top mural spots:
- Cooke Street (Thunder Bay’s Graffiti Alley) – across from Swell Bakery
- 226 May St. South to see a scene of Metis canoeists
- 119 May St N for a large historic piece
- 16 Cumberland St South on Red Lion Smokehouse
- 28 Cumberland Street South
- 226 Ambrose Street
Things to do in Thunder Bay for History Buffs
Thunder Bay History Museum
If you love digging into a place’s history like I do then plan a visit to the Thunder Bay History Museum.
Interestingly, the museum is located in a historic building that was once the police station and court house. Plus, for those you love ghosts – it’s said to be one of the many haunted places in Thunder Bay!
The museum is home to 3 floors of exhibits that highlight over 10,000 years of local history, the arts and military heritage. Plus, you can even see a small jail cell from when it was once a police station.
My favourite exhibit is the one that chronicles the area’s history on the first floor. Starting with the area’s first people, the Ojibway and Cree, through to a recreated boom town with shops, a salon and more.
Heritage Architecture Walking Tour
If you love architecture and history – I certainly do! –then you’ll love one of the self-guided heritage walking tours in Thunder Bay.
The city has put together a few different ones and you can pick up maps at City Hall or the Thunder Bay Museum. Each tour takes about an hour.
I really enjoyed the North Core Waterfront Tour. The tour features 23 stops that range from buildings dating back to the late 19th century to an art installation.
Some highlights for me were the Thunder Bay Pagoda, which is the oldest continually operating tourist booth in Canada, as well the Whalen Building, that’s exterior is covered in decorative carved art from animals to flowers.
There’s also a South Core Tour that features 24 historic buildings, like the museum, city hall and more.
Fort William Historical Park
One of the top historic attractions in Thunder Bay that should be on everyone’s list is Fort William Historical Park.
Fort William was the hub for the Canadian fur trade. And now it’s a living history museum that’s home to a reconstruction of the Fort William fur trade post just like it was back in 1816, along with an Anishinaabe Encampment, and the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory.
During your visit you’ll be able to step back in time and learn from costumed characters dressed in the early 1800’s wares.
Located just outside the city, the Fort William Historical Park is a great place to spend the day and perfect for families.
Terry Fox Monument
Standing on a hilltop 25 minutes from downtown Thunder Bay is a unique historic sight–the Terry Fox Monument.
For those who don’t know, Terry Fox became a national hero when he set out to run across Canada for cancer research back in 1980. At a young age he lost one of his legs to cancer, making this cross-country journey even more incredible.
He began his Marathon of Hope in St. John’s, Newfoundland, but sadly his journey was cut short just outside Thunder Bay, close to where his monument stands today. He died nine months later.
The Terry Fox Monument, and a must stop to pay honour to this incredible Canadian. On the hill, in addition to the statue of him, you’ll get panoramic views of Lake Superior and Sleeping Giant.
What to do in Thunder Bay for Foodies
Eat a Persian
The most iconic thing to eat in Thunder Bay is a Persian! But what is a Persian?
A Persian is a mouthwatering donut. Often compared to cinnamon buns, these tasty pastries are covered with a pink, strawberry-like, icing. And I think they are one of the top Ontario donuts!
When it comes to must-try Thunder Bay foods – a Persian is at the top of the list for me! I have one every time I visit.
You can buy them from The Persian Man, with two locations in the city to choose from.
Hoito Pancakes
Another must-try food is Hoito pancakes.
It all started in the basement of the historic Finnish Labour Temple in 1918. The Hoito Restaurant in the Temple was a community staple for not just the large Finnish population but for the rest of the residence.
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to enjoy their famous pancakes in that restaurant. Sadly, in 2021 the Finnish Labour Temple burned down. It was a devastating loss for the community.
However, on my recent visit, I was delighted that you can still enjoy these pancakes at the Thunder Bay Market. There’s a small Hoito Restaurant inside serving up these light and delicious pancakes.
Insider Tip: Another of my favourite restaurants in Thunder Bay – Rooster’s Bistro serves up Finnish pancakes too!
Thunder Bay Market
One of my favourite hidden gems in Thunder Bay that I discovered on my recent trip was the Thunder Bay Market. This is a beloved local spot to shop for all things local!
As I mentioned, you can eat Hoito pancakes at the market, but there’s a variety of vendors–over 50 across 2 floors. You’ll find everything from food to artisan vendors.
Everything is either made or grown in the Thunder Bay area. A few of my top picks for vendors to check out are: Boreal Bakery, Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, and Big Lakes Pasta.
More Places to Visit in Thunder Bay
The Habit Coffee & Bakeshop – One of my favourite coffee shops in Thunder Bay is the Habit. This unique coffee shop is located in an old church and serves fresh baked goods too. Have your coffee and treat in a pew enjoying the glimmer from the stained-glass windows.
Centennial Botanical Conservatory – If you love beautiful gardens then you’ll love Thunder Bay Conservatory. Now over 50 years old, the Conservatory is home to a wealth of plant species. Plus, it’s a great if you’re looking for free indoor things to do in Thunder Bay. (Update: Currently closed for renovations)
Where to Stay in Thunder Bay
If you’re looking for hotels in Thunder Bay there are plenty to choose from. But there are a few that stand out.
One of the most historic places to stay in Thunder Bay is the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel. Built in the early part of the 20th century by the Canadian Northern Railway, the hotel offers suites, a restaurant, and stunning architectural features.
It’s located downtown with some rooms featuring sweeping views of Lake Superior and Sleeping Giant, the Prince Arthur has everything you’re looking for, class, style, and the perfect location.
One of my favourite places to stay in the city is the Delta Hotels Thunder Bay. This stunning hotel has the perfect location, right along the waterfront, a restaurant and café. Plus, the rooms as comfortable and stylish, with many offering views of the water.
If you’re looking for a little something with charm than consider staying at The Courthouse Hotel. In, you guessed it, the old courthouse. This hotel has all the elegance but with a great price tag.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options there are a host of parks, like Sleeping Giant and Kakabeka Falls Provincial Parks, which offer camping options.
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