Thunder Bay is widely regarded as one of Canada’s premier outdoor cities, combining its intimate connectivity to its natural environment with an eclectic urban culinary and cultural vibe spanning global and Indigenous influences.
Thunder Bay is forging its reputation as a global port on the rise for hosting expedition and discovery cruise ships. In 2024, twenty-two vessels stops are scheduled including turnarounds and day stops from both Viking and Ponant as well as day visits by Pearl Seas and Hapag Lloyd’s Hanseatic Inspiration. Passengers can enjoy popular shore experiences including Silver Islet, Fort William Historical Park, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, the Thunder Bay Museum, and popular shops and culinary gems of the Waterfront District.
With over 50 kilometres (30 miles) of cycling trails in the Trowbridge Forest, a pump track, and new staging area, Thunder Bay is carving out a national reputation as an emerging year-round cycling destination for mount, fat and gravel cycling enthusiasts from all over the continent and beyond. 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. Mountain and fat bikes are available to rent during your visit which will allow you to enjoy the trail systems around Thunder Bay.
After a day of adventure, head towards the Waterfront District for a night of food, drinks, and entertainment. With Thunder Bay’s culinary scene carving out an international reputation for the seemingly endless collection of eclectic international flavours savoured in our small city, new additions to the area include Norteno’s Cantina, The Bop Shop Korean Cuisine and Cardinal Chocolates. Located within the historical Central School, Magnus Theatre is set to re-open with a second venue after a multi-million-dollar expansion. Home to the only professional theatre company between Sudbury and Winnipeg, the expansion includes a second venue, a theatre in the round and expanded lounge and back of house facilities that will bring more opportunities to experience live theatre for visitors and residents alike. The Theatre is also home to an outdoor theatre with summer performances.
Thunder Bay’s location upon the traditional lands of the Anishnawbae Peoples of Fort William First Nation supports 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. Visitors 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.
For more information on some great new adventures in Thunder Bay as well as restaurants and accommodations, visit us at http://www.visithunderbay.com.
Photos by Andrew Dobson and Tim Banfield