City of Thunder Bay

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On the Land

Step back in time with Fort William Historical Park

Travel back in time at Fort William Historical Park where voyageurs transport you back to the 1800’s, as they come alive and recreate the life of voyageurs and businessmen of the NorthWest Company through daily re-enactments, and hands-on experiences for people of all ages.

In 2023, Fort William Historical Park saw the return of the Great Rendezvous in July. The annual event recreates the summer gathering of French-Canadian voyageurs, Scottish businessmen, Indigenous Peoples, and other nations in the early 1800’s, where they would discuss business, share news and renew friendships over the weekend. In August Fort William Historical Park also hosts the Anishinaabe Keeshigun, the weekend event features exhibition pow wow, hands-on activities, and artisan demonstrations that celebrates Anishinaabe culture, traditions, language, and technology.

A Must Visit Cycling Destination

Thunder Bay is carving out a national reputation as an emerging year-round cycling destination for mountain, fat and gravel cycling enthusiasts.  Over 50 km of cycling trails in the Trowbridge Forest, a pump track and new staging areas, creates an IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) standard that attracts riders from all over the continent and beyond. We’ll be hosting the 2024 Canada Cup Mountain Bike Marathon in September 2024.  When the snow flies, we keep on rolling.  Considered Canada’s Fat Bike capital, Thunder Bay’s groomed fat bike trails at Trowbridge and Mount Baldy Ski area offer a new way to love winter.

Indigenous Tourism Experiences

Thunder Bay’s location upon the traditional lands of the Anishnawbae Peoples of Fort William First Nation brings significant Indigenous cultural influences that draws global interest.  Anemki Wajiw (Mount MacKay) is undergoing an expansion of the scenic lookout and Pow Wow grounds, offering increased cultural programming and stunning views of the city and Lake Superior.  The Thunder Bay Art Gallery features one of Canada’s largest collections of Wood land Indigenous art including originals by Norval Morriseau.  Guests can discover authentic Indigenous crafts at the Anishnawbae Art Gallery, Mamekeesick Roots, Cree Stevens, while Tea Horse and The Bannock Lady offer tastes of Indigenous culture.

Goods & Co Market

Goods and Co Market is a stylist and eclectic Waterfront District Market created out of a former 1940’s department store that has become the place for visitors to visit.  This women lead entrepreneur market includes over 25 vendor spots available, includes local culinary adventures, a local market store, as well as artisan crafts and gifts from clothing to jewellery. The Market recently welcomed wonderful new additions including Indigenous Artist Jessica Mamakeesick of Mamakeesick Roots, Korean restaurant The Bop Shop, and Rowan Tree Collective’s Both Hands Pizza.

On The Water

A Global Port on the Rise – Cruise Shipping Expansion

Thunder Bay is forging its reputation as a global port on the rise for hosting expedition and discovery cruise ships.  2024 will be a banner year with twenty vessel visits, including turnarounds and day stops from both Viking and Ponant as well as day visits by Pearl Seas and Hapag Lloyd.  Vessels are captivated by the stunning geography of the area and popular shore experiences include Silver Islet, Fort William Historical Park, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, the Thunder Bay Museum and the popular shops and culinary gems of the Waterfront District.

Enjoy the Largest of the Great Lakes with Sail Superior

Ever wonder what Thunder Bay looks like from the Water? Did you know that Thunder Bay’s welcome Islands are home to pelicans, cormorants and Bald Eagles? Sail Superior offers tours that offer you both daytime and twilight tours of the waterfront on their Frodo Sailboat, or you can step onboard their high-speed zodiac, the Rocket, and head towards the Welcome Islands where you will see the remnants of an old ship wreck, and view birds that call the islands home. For those larger groups, hear out on Sail Superior’s SV Welcome Catamaran for a one of a kind Caribbean Catamaran

On the Plate

Play Hard and Reward Yourself with Great Food and Drink

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 like Norteno’s Cantina, The Bop Shop Korean cuisine and Cardinal Chocolates add 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.

Rest & Relaxation

Rest Your Weary Head with Thunder Bay’s New Accommodations

After a day exploring, meeting, eating, and sporting, rest your head at one of Thunder Bay’s wide range of accommodation properties.  The Superior Shores Hotel by Best Western is a new hip 61-room Waterfront District Inn across from the marina and walkable to over 40 culinary experiences.  Home 2 Suites by Hilton opens its doors with 96 suites next to the Thunder Bay International Airport.