Location: Thunder Bay
Top Things to do in Thunder Bay
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Thunder Bay, Canada
A vacation in Thunder Bay is about immersing yourself in natural splendor. Lake Superior, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, and all manner of outdoor sports are at your disposal here. Fort William Historical Park’s costumed interpreters bring the region’s history to life for kids.
Restaurants in Thunder Bay
1. Terry Fox Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 744 reviews
Reviewed By mdos7 - Ottawa, Canada
Terry has a pretty special place in the hearts of most Canadians. It's pretty emotional just driving along the highway, and seeing the distance markers reflect his journey. The monument is wonderful. Just a quick stop is essential, though it looks like a nice place for a picnic.
2. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 379 reviews
Located on a rugged peninsula of thick Forests, several lakes, and high granite cliffs, this scenic wonderland offers nature walks, camping and fishing activities.
Reviewed By SnoMan56623 - Baudette, Minnesota
The Park and the Silver Islet are a enjoyable way to spend warm, sunny summer days with a cool breeze off the lake. Area is fairly remote & emergency services not easily available. Cell phone service sporatic and not many park staff to be found.
Takes about 45 minute or longer from Thunder Bay.
3. Fort William Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 423 reviews
Reviewed By Donna R - Elliot Lake, Canada
What a wonderful co-incidence to have a historical re-enactment taking place the weekend we decided to visit Thunder Bay and the Fort. The staff and actors were simply amazing - quick on their feet to answer questions staying in character all the while. During the re-enactment there were many actors infiltrating the crowds to give a close up and personal experience. I thought one actor was going to lose composure when she ran up to a group I was standing close to and cried "Oh my God - they're going to kill us and our children!" (Referring to the American invasion . . . ) Being who I am I threw my purse to the ground ran over to her and shouted "Muskets, bring muskets for everyone!" She paused, but only for a second and with the beginning of a smile as she ran off to interact with others. Sadly, the other observers did not think my ad lib and looked away. Ah well.
At another area of the Fort I sat with aboriginal ladies and English Gentlewomen and threaded beads on sinew all the while chatting about our lives and other daily banalities - all in character. The uniforms, outfits and actors were spectacular and the staged siege is very well done not to be missed.
The only drawbacks was 1) the burger we had at the restaurant. They were IQF preformed mundane patties - I was hoping for something more related to the era - at the very least a hand formed patty and 2) because the reenactment was active the hands on musket firing activity was cancelled. Dang, I had my heart set on that :(
I heartily encourage anyone considering a visit to Thunder Bay not to hesitate a day at the Fort but try to get timing to coincide with a reenactment. You won't be sorry.
4. Thunder Oak Cheese Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By cns1201 - Dauphin, Canada
A local cheese making farm. They make Gouda cheese in different flavours. There is a sample counter that you help yourself to. The store also has some Dutch treats and other items. The cheese is very good and some of the better Gouda I have had. If you like cheese you should try this. We did get a hello when we entered the store but that was it. No one offered to tell us something about the cheese or the process of making it. There are a couple windows you can see where they make it. Over all it is just a cheese store.
5. Hillcrest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By unclespike18116 - Baden, Canada
This is a great spot to unwind, relax and get an outstanding review of the Sleeping Giant and Lake Superior. Very relaxing and while small feels much bigger. Kids enjoyed themselves rolling down the hill, running the stairs and playing on the limited playground equipment. For a nice break with a spectacular view I would highly recommend here!
6. The Blue Point Amethyst Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By Linda M - Saint Paul, Minnesota
We visited here twice this summer (2017) and both times it was great. We had young children with us. (8, 7, and 6) The owner is friendly and accommodating. It's free admission and very low cost for the amethysts one picks up. A very fun experience for both kids and adults.
Other reviews mention bugs, but there were none either time we were there.
7. Centennial Botanical Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By Debbie C
While I am used to larger conservatories, this one while small had a large variety of plants from throughout the world. As it was cool and raining outside, this was a welcome respite. Many of the plants are still not marked (name and location), but we were informed they were working on that. Well worth spending 30-45 minutes looking and wondering at everything.
8. Marina Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By Raven59 - Thunder Bay, Canada
The Marina Park in Thunder Bay has been an evolving project for a while. In the last couple of years, things have really picked up. The area is constantly being upgraded. There is a lot to see, with space to walk around. In the summer, the marina itself is filled with colourful sailboats. You can see them out on the lake. You are likely to see a "Laker" or a "Salty" on the water if you are lucky. Spectacular! There is an old train station with a gift shop and restaurant to visit too.
There is a fantastic restaurant on the waterfront called Bight. Myself and others have reviewed it. If you can, make an effort to eat there. You will not be disappointed.
The Marina Park is a great place for one person to large groups. Summer is an "easier" visit due to the temperature and weather in general, but please visit in the winter. On a day where the temperature is no too cold, the views are marvellous. The lake takes on completely different character. Cracked ice, icicles hang from the rocks, snow drifts shaped by the wind. Do yourself a favour. Dress warmly and venture out to see the lake.
9. Mount McKay
Overall Ratings
4 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By Ideasculptor - Rosslyn
If you're into photography, take a shot from the lookout at Mount McKay. The Sleeping Giant watches over the big lake, and the city is on display from edge to edge. Admire the indigenous works, all for only a $5 per car pass. Will be magnificent with fall colours!
10. Cascades Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By tom k - Thunder Bay, Canada
First of all you must be a good swimmer or bring a PFD. It is a summer party area so bring good shoes as well as water shoes. The sad part is that people leave their garbage and there is broken glass in places on the rocks.Bug spray is a must . There are areas of natural whirlpools.As well Waterfalls and rapids. Be careful and have fun.
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