Thunder Bay, Ontario is the second largest city in Northern Ontario with population of more than 109,000. It is the largest city in the Northwestern Ontario region. The city takes its name from the immense bay at the head of Lake Superior, known on 18th century French maps as "Baie du Tonnerre". The city offers a wide variety of things to see and do, especially the area of cultural attractions, which include the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, which presents a full range of classical music; the Magnus Theatre, which puts on six stage plays each season; the Thunder Bay Historical Museum, which presents local and travelling exhibitions and houses an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, paintings, documents and maps in its archives; and the Bay Street Film Festival, an independent film festival that features local, national, and international films with the theme "Films for the People." The festival is held in September on 314 Bay Street in the historic Finnish Labour Temple.
Things to do in Thunder Bay
Amethyst Mine Panorama
Dig your own amethyst at Amethyst Mine Panorama. We provide the pails, digging tools and running water. Guided and self-guided tours of the mine site are offered. The Amethyst gift store and picnic area can be found on site. The Amethyst Mine Panorama has been operating since 1960 and is a CAA/AAA approved attraction Call 807-622-6908 for more information.
Children’s Museum
The Children's Museum features an interactive educational museum facility for children of all ages. It is located in the CN Station in Marina Park on Water Street and is open daily from June - September. Call 807-345-2222 for more information.
Definitely Superior Art Gallery
The Definitely Superior is a community-based, artist run centre and gallery. Featuring ongoing exhibitions throughout the year; gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday noon – 4pm; Call 807-344-3814 for more information.
49 South Cumberland Street, Thunder Bay, ON
Eagle Ridge Trout Ponds
Fishing for rainbow trout in this relaxing park setting provides all with a good chance of catching something! You pay only for the fish you catch and you do not need a fishing license to fish in our pond! On site you will also find picnic sites, campfire pits, rod rentals also available. The gift store carries a large selection of Canadian and Thunder Bay souvenirs. Open May - October 10am – 8pm; closed Wednesday. Call 807-964-9933 for more information.
Fort William Historical Park
This Park has been billed as "the world's largest fur trade post," Fort William brings to vivid life the fur trade activities of the North West Company in the early 1800s. Costumed staff portray fur traders, voyageurs, artisans & aboriginals. This massive site features 42 re-constructed buildings including a working farm, a First Nations encampment & artisan area. Open mid-May - mid-October with select programs & events throughout fall & winter. Located at Vickers Heights in Thunder Bay. Call 807-577-8461 for more information.
Founders' Museum and Pioneer Village
A walk through the past will let you experience pioneer life in this unique Northwestern Ontario Pioneer Village. You will find a large collection of artifacts that are a part of lifelike indoor and outdoor displays portraying the early 1900's life. Our Pioneer Home, School, General Store, Church, Train Station, and Trade Shops are expecting your visit. Call 807-475-5114 for more information.
Historic Architectural Walking Tours
History buffs will enjoy taking architectural tours of Thunder Bay. We offer two scenic walks in both the north and south cores that feature Thunder Bay's rich heritage and architecture. Schools, residences, businesses and other public buildings are showcased as well. Look for a brochure at dozens of locations throughout the City. Call 807-625-2238 for more information.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Known as Niagara of the North, Kakabeka Falls plunges 40 metres over sheer cliffs and some of the oldest fossils in the world. Get a bird's-eye view from jutting platforms and trails along the gorge or trace voyageurs' steps around the falls in this history-rich park. The Park also features full service camping. Explore the gorge and the historic portage route and read all about the legend of Maiden of the Mist. Call 807-473-9231 for more information.
Lakehead Visual Art Gallery
The Gallery features exhibitions of local artists; open daily 11am – 9pm June - September. Call 807-577-1256 for more information.
Magnus Theatre at The Dr. S. Penny Petrone Centre for the Performing Arts
Celebrating over 30 years of live, professional theatre in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. Magnus Theatre combines works from the classical and international repertoire with the development of new Canadian works. In addition to six mainstage productions each season we also feature a summer production. Programs such as Theatre in Education, New Play Development, and Touring Productions are also offered. For more information on performances, tickets, subscriptions and theatre school, please call us directly. Call 807-345-5552 for more information.
10 South Algoma Street, Thunder Bay, ON
Moccasin Trail Tours
Moccasin Trail Tours offers extraordinary tour packages that will help you understand the first nations culture. Experience Polar Bear viewing on the coast of Hudson Bay along with cruise ships in the Lake of the woods. Call to find out more about our packages for your unforgettable lifetime trip to Northern Ontario. Call 866-844-0497 for more information.
710 Victoria Avenue, Suite 200, Thunder Bay, ON
Mosaic Gallery
This Gallery provides an excellent cross section of Thunder Bay's art scene. The four partners, Linda Brown- jewellery designer, Sharon Breckenridge- basket weaver, Debbie Metzler-visual artist and Vic Germaniuk-furniture designer, all invite you to drop into the gallery during business hours and see many more local artists such as John Books-sculptor, Jane & Bill Eames-Aardvark pottery, Kathleen Baleja-mixed media and Les Barrow-carver. The freshness of the gallery is being maintained by new work coming in continually and by participating new artists. So come on in and see all the changes. Open Tuesday – Friday 11am – 5pm; Saturday 10am – 5pm; or by appointment; closed Sunday & Monday. Call 807-345-5446 for more information.
38A Court Street South, Thunder Bay, ON
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
This sheer-walled canyon shelters rare Arctic-alpine plants along its boulder laden floor where snow can often be seen until late spring. From two platforms and a network of boardwalks and trails, view this spectacular gorge and feel the air rising from the depths. Exhibits on the trails and viewing platforms on the massive canyon wall are easily accessible to all. Quimet is a day use park Call 807-475-1321 for more information.
Pioneer II
The Pioneer II is a classic 52’ Amsterdam touring boat. The layout of the boat encourages you to get acquainted with seasoned crew members who will pay attention to your needs. Offering a variety of cruise experiences including: a full commentary harbour tour, museum tug step off tour, family cruises, twilight & dinner cruises. The “Pioneer II” is weather enclosed, has comfortable seating, a liquor licensed snack bar and washrooms. Call 807-623-2628 for more information.
261 McCluskey Drive, Thunder Bay, ON
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
This beautiful, natural park offers nature trails and backcountry roads to cycle, walk or drive. Venture deep into its boreal forests to experience the backcountry or just follow the rugged trails to the top of the giant for unbeatable views of Lake Superior. You will spot deer, moose and other large mammals in the park’s vast forests and lowlands. Whether you are hiking along lush, green paths or gliding over snowy trails, the beauty of this park will leave you spellbound. Picnicking, swimming or camping are also offered on site. The Park is accessible from Hwy. 11-17, through Pass Lake on Hwy. 587, north of the City. You can read all about the legend of The Sleeping Giant and The Sea Lion of Silver Islet. Call 807-977-2526 for more information.
Stanton Cruise Lines
Explore one of Canada’s busiest international seaports and get close to lake & ocean freighters, grain elevators, harbour tugs and coal terminals. See the original 1803 site of Fort William as you explore the historic Kaministiquia River – Canada’s fur trade gateway to the west.
Terry Fox Scenic Lookout
The Lookout is found about 12 kilometres (7 miles) west of where Terry was forced to give up his Marathon of Hope. The highway was later renamed the Terry Fox Courage Highway. Plans were then made to name the lookout and erect a monument in his memory. Great care and thought went into the design of the Terry Fox Scenic Lookout, ensuring it was as unique as the monument and statue. The monument was officially dedicated June 26, 1982.
Terry Fox Statue
Terry Fox inspired this nation with his dream - his Marathon of Hope - a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research. Determined not to leave this "world of miracles" before a cure had been found, he planned his 5,300-mile marathon. Running 26 miles a day, Fox conquered five provinces by the time he had reached Ontario. In June at mile number 3,339, near this very site, recurring cancer forced him to give up his run. Through his perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, he inspired an outpouring of immense national pride and a flood of $24 million for cancer research. As Ontario's tribute to Terry Fox's contribution to his country, this statue and monument is dedicated to his memory on behalf of all Ontario citizens.
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
This is Northwestern Ontario's only public art gallery and it is located on the campus of Confederation College. The Gallery is open year round Tuesday – Thursday noon – 8pm; Friday – Sunday noon – 5pm; closed Monday. Call 807-577-6427 for more information.
1080 Keewatin Street, Thunder Bay, ON
Thunder Bay Charity Casino
Enjoy world-class gaming in an authentic northwestern Ontario setting at Thunder Bay Charity Casino. Lots of exciting table games action takes place here like Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let It Ride, Hold'em Poker, Roulette and Spanish 21 with table limits ranging from $5 to $100. Do not forget your favourite slot machines including Slotto, Monopoly and Wheel of Fortune. With 450 slot machines ranging from the popular 5-cent slots to $5 machines, our variety of slots offer thrills and non-stop gaming action for all. Located just 45 minutes from the U.S. Border Call 877-656-GAME for more information.
50 Cumberland Street South, Thunder Bay, ON
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
This impressive 1,500 seat performing arts centre has hosted more than 1,000 events with total attendance surpassing well over one million. It is considered to be one of the finest concert halls in North America with the Auditorium's acoustics being truly exceptional. Also home to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Call 800-463-8817 for more information.
450 Beverly Street, Thunder Bay, ON
Thunder Bay Museum
The Museum is located in the former Fort William Police Headquarters in downtown Thunder Bay South. Take the walking tour of this wonderful exhibit, through pre-history to the present day. The Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society is also found here. Call 807-623-0801 for more information.
425 Donald Street East, Thunder Bay, ON
Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra
The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is the only fully professional symphony orchestra between Toronto and Winnipeg. Music Director Geoffrey Moull and the TBSO present inspiring Masterworks and entertaining Pops concerts in the Community Auditorium; intriguing Classical Plus concerts at the lovely Hilldale Lutheran Church; Cabaret evenings in the relaxed setting of the Italian Cultural Centre; and Family concerts at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. The performance season runs from October - April. Please call the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra directly for performance line up and tickets. Call 800-463-8817 for more information.
Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda
One of the nation's most distinctive and controversial landmarks can be found at the foot of historic Red River Road and Water Streets. The Tourist Pagoda can rightfully claim its place in history as the oldest operating tourist bureau in Canada. In 1973 the Pagoda became one of the most controversial topics in Thunder Bay with talk of destroying the city-operated landmark to make way for urban renewal. The designation of the Pagoda as a historical site by the Ontario Heritage Foundation in May 1977 guaranteed its freedom from the wrecking ball. However, as time continued to take its toll, the Pagoda was declared structurally unsafe. On September 30, 1986 the building was closed to the public. Today the Pagoda is owned by the City of Thunder Bay and operated by the Visitors and Convention Bureau (Tourism Thunder Bay) and it has once again opened its doors to many visitors from across the world.