Spring Blossoms in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is widely regarded as one of Canada’s premier outdoor cities, celebrating its location upon the traditional lands of the Anishnawbae Peoples of Fort William First Nation.  The city, a proud Rainbow Registered destination, sits on both the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake and is on the edge of the planet’s largest contiguous boreal forest. Whether you are looking to get out and explore the great outdoors, enjoy unique locally curated culinary delight, visit a cultural attraction, or enjoy a live performance Thunder Bay has you covered. Thunder Bay can also act as your anchor point for exploring the region’s internationally recognized parks and protected areas. After that day of exploring, enjoy the urban experiences to reward yourself.

During your stay, head to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park to see water thundering over Ontario’s second largest waterfall, or plan a short hike to the Cascades Conservation Area to see flowing rapids making its way towards Lake Superior. The Mission Island Marsh Conservation area comes alive with the return of migratory birds to the area and offers great views of the legendary Sleeping Giant formation. Thunder Bay boasts some expansive urban parks such as Centennial Park, the Soroptimist International Friendship Gardens, Prince Arthur’s Landing, Hillcrest Park, and many others. If you love cycling, Thunder Bay has earned a national reputation as an emerging year-round cycling destination for mountain, fat and gravel cycling enthusiasts.  With over 50 km of cycling trails in the Trowbridge Forest, a pump track and new staging areas, Thunder Bay has created an IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) standard that attracts riders from all over can enjoy.

As summer approaches, many local and regional outdoor attractions begin to fully open including Fort William Historical Park, the area’s amethyst mines, Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, and many others.  For those desiring a cultural experience, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery and Thunder Bay Historical Museum are worth the visits. Learn more about Thunder Bay’s history at the museum that currently features three temporary exhibits including the Indian Day Schools in Canada, Ukrainian Matrix, and Climate Quest.  Exploring Thunder Bay’s rich architectural past is as simple as grabbing a coffee and dessert from Bay Village Coffee and downloading the Thunder Bay Tour App. The app allows you to not only explore the city’s art, culture, and architectural history among, but directs you to other hidden gems.

Thunder Bay shops offers visitors the chance to discover what Thunder Bay has to offer and grab a souvenir, locally created art piece, or something unique to bring home. Locally curated shops are found throughout the city, in several unique local shopping district. The Waterfront District is home to Goods & Co Market, a one of a kind market featuring over twenty-five vendor spots that includes local culinary adventures, a local market store, as well as artisan crafts and gifts from clothing to jewelry. The Bay & Algoma Historical District is home to shops and restaurants including many Finnish inspired locations such as Finnport, and the Kitchen Nook & Finnish Book Store.  Westfort Village’s working class roots manifest themselves in hearty dishes from the Sal, while the Westfort Village is home to Fresco’s authentic Italian Deli, East Coast Lobster, and clothing staple JB Evans.   The intercity Shopping Centre and Thunder Centre, located in the centre of the city, offer a wide range of nationally recognized retail experiences.

After a day exploring, reward yourself with great food and drink.  Thunder Bay’s culinary scene has carved out an international reputation for the seemingly endless collection of eclectic international flavours savoured in our small city.  New additions include Norteno’s Cantina, The Bop Shop Korean cuisine, Grotto Trattoria and Cardinal Chocolates, adding to an already impressive collection of culinary staples such as Caribou and Tomlin.  Dawson Trail Brewing Company’s new expanded location now includes the culinary flavours of Station 22.

Tourism Thunder Bay makes trip planning easy for you.  Check out our website at http://www.visitthunderbay.com to find detailed information on what to do, how to get around and even book your hotel, motel, B&B or hostel stay.