- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Thunder Bay
Discover Fort William Historical Park, the world's largest reconstructed fur trade post, showcasing 19th-century life. Explore the unique Art Deco and Beaux-Arts buildings in the Waterfront District. This rich history is what is Thunder Bay famous for, revealing its past as a vital Great Lakes port.
Explore Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, rising 250m from Lake Superior. Hike trails offering panoramic views of the world's largest freshwater lake. See the Terry Fox Monument. For evening, enjoy stargazing at Boulevard Lake, truly among the top attractions in Thunder Bay for natural beauty.
Savor local flavors like the iconic Persian bun, a sweet, cinnamon-swirl pastry unique to Thunder Bay. Don't miss fresh Lake Superior whitefish, often pan-fried. These culinary delights are a genuine reason why visit Thunder Bay, showcasing its distinct community taste.
- Thunder BayCanada
- Thunder BayCanada
- Thunder BayCanada
- Thunder BayCanada
Quick Travel Essentials
- May-Jun & Sep-Octmild, moderate crowds
- Jul-Augwarm, peak tourism
- Wintercold, snowy
- #WarmClothing
- #WaterproofJacket
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #Backpack
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with side trips and outdoor activities
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- English & French
- Both are official languages
- #KakabekaFalls
- #SleepingGiantProvincialPark
- #ThunderBayArtGallery
- #FortWilliamHistoricalPark
- #MountMcKayLookout
- #ChippewaPark
- Explore Kakabeka Falls
- Hike the Sleeping Giant
- Visit Fort William Historical Park
- Tour Thunder Bay Art Gallery
- Enjoy local craft beer
- Relax at Chippewa Park
Things to do in Thunder Bay
Discover
Venture into Thunder Bay's charm, featuring landmarks like Sleeping Giant, Fort William Historical Park, and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Discover breathtaking views at the Mount McKay Lookout and feel nature's beauty all around.
Experience
Join the action by experiencing things to do in Thunder Bay, from hiking the nearby trails to cycling along Lake Superior. Participate in Thunder Bay cultural activities including music festivals, craft workshops, and seasonal events year-round.
Sleeping Giant
Stunning natural formation with hiking trails.
Fort William Historical Park
Reconstructed fur trade post showcasing history.
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Art gallery focusing on Indigenous and regional works.
Mount McKay Lookout
Panoramic views of Thunder Bay and Lake Superior.
Thunder Bay Waterfront District
Vibrant area for strolling, events, and sightseeing.
Terry Fox Scenic Lookout
Beautiful views and dedicated space honoring Terry Fox.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To reach Thunder Bay, fly into Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT). The Thunder Bay airport to city center route is covered by taxis and pre-booked shuttles.
Getting Around
For local transit, public transport in Thunder Bay relies on city buses; consult schedules online. For exploring beyond the core, consider a car rental. Walking covers downtown, but distances to attractions are often significant.
Local Essentials
When driving in Thunder Bay, especially outside the core, watch for wildlife. Winter driving conditions are challenging; ensure your vehicle is equipped. Purchase tickets for popular attractions ahead online to ensure entry.
Where to Stay in Thunder Bay
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Thunder Bay offers authentic food like perogies, bison burgers, and butter tarts, reflecting local cuisine. Cafés thrive with welcoming patio culture, while the evening calls for hearty meals at best restaurants in Thunder Bay.
Enjoy
For prime dining, try Caribou Restaurant for fine cuisine, and enjoy vibrant drinks at The Foundry, a popular spot with outdoor seating. Don't miss Bight Restaurant, one if the best restaurants in Thunder Bay. Reservations recommended to secure a table.
Caribou Restaurant & Wine Bar
Contemporary Canadian dishes with fine wine pairings.
Prospector Restaurant
Steaks and hearty dishes perfect for a casual dinner.
Bight Restaurant & Bar
Fusion cuisine with picturesque waterfront views.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Discover Thunder Bay cultural activities rooted in local heritage and Indigenous inclusion. The Wake the Giant Festival in September is a must-see celebration of culture and community, while Terry Fox Run tells a story of the national hero.
Enjoy
Experience modern Thunder Bay attractions through dynamic arts and music. Discover major performers at the Wake the Giant Festival. The Artisans Northwest Art Show and other diverse events provide memorable things to do for all visitors.
Wake the Giant Festival
Major September music and cultural inclusion festival at Marina Park.
Bay Street Film Festival
Independent film screenings and workshops.
Artisans Northwest Art Show
Annual fine craft and art show in November, featuring regional artists.
Thunder Bay Country Market
Year-round market (Wed/Sat) featuring local food, baking, and crafts.
Terry Fox Run
Charity run honouring a national hero.
Sleeping Giant is absolutely worth it
The views from the top of the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park are something else. Trails are well-marked and the scenery the whole way up is stunning. Great spot if you love hiking and being out in nature.
Winter in Thunder Bay hit different
Came for the cross-country skiing and was not disappointed. Trails around Lappe Nordic Ski Centre are well-groomed and the whole area feels so peaceful. Cold, yes, but that's part of the fun. Locals are super welcoming too.
Best lake views I've seen in Canada
Lake Superior is massive and honestly a bit surreal to stand next to. Visited Kakabeka Falls too - way more impressive than I expected. The city itself is easy to get around and not overcrowded. A solid destination for nature lovers.
Loved the Finnish food scene here
Didn't know Thunder Bay had such a strong Finnish heritage until I tried a Beaver Tail pastry and stumbled into the Finnish Labour Temple. The local food spots on Bay Street are great and not overpriced. Very chill city with a lot of personality.
Perfect fall colours around the city
The fall foliage around Thunder Bay in October is absolutely wild. Every road out of the city looks like a painting. Terry Fox Monument is a must-stop - it's moving and the view of Lake Superior behind it is incredible.
Great summer getaway by the lake
Spent a few days here in summer and the waterfront along Lake Superior is genuinely lovely. Cool breezes even in July which was a nice break from the heat back home. Marina Park is great for just relaxing and watching the boats. Calm, friendly city.