Ultimate Visitors Guide To Thunder Bay, Ontario
At Bordersology We Aim to create Quality Travel Guides Based on Our Own lived Experiences. We have been blessed to call Northwestern Ontario home for over 20 years.
See Below Advice For The Best Things To Do in Thunder Bay
*Updated February 2024*
Sleeping Giant From Thunder Bay Marina
table of Contents
Where is Thunder Bay, Ontario?
Why Should I Visit Thunder Bay?
Getting To Thunder Bay
Is Thunder Bay Safe For Female and Solo Travellers?
Annual Schedule Of Events/Festivals
Best Things To Do In Thunder Bay
Support Local Thunder Bay
Best Restaurants in Thunder Bay
Nightlife/Bar Guide To Thunder Bay
Best Thunder Bay Cafes/Coffee Shops
Other Thunder Bay Travel Tips & Interesting Facts
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Where Is Thunder Bay?
Location: Thunder Bay is located in Northwestern Ontario, Canada.
Thunder Bay is located on the West end of Lake Superior along the marine transportation route which allows boats to travel from the Atlantic Ocean, up the Saint Lawrence River, and through the Great Lakes. The city of Thunder Bay is located along the Trans Canada Hwy 11-17 with long distances between nearby major cities. Winnipeg is located 700km west of Thunder Bay, with the summer tourism hotspot of Kenora along the way at 500km. Sault Ste Marie is located at the East end of Lake Superior, 700km to the East of Thunder Bay.
Geographical Location: Located at the northwest end of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay sits at a crossroads between the Great Lakes, the Boreal Forest, and Western Canada. The Sleeping Giant Peninsula creates a natural bay where ships from around the world can arrive at the port of Thunder Bay.
What Is Nearby? 30km to the West is Kakabeka Falls, a beautiful natural wonder where Dog Lake flows towards Lake Superior through the Kaministiquia River. 100km to the east, the Lake Nipigon watershed empties into Lake Superior through several popular fishing rivers like the Nipigon, Black Sturgeon, and Wolf River. 100km to the South-West the Pigeon River system connects Lake Superior to Quetico, Rainy River, and Lake of the Woods through a system of portages. 300km to the North, Armstrong provides float plane access to the untouched boreal forest in Wabakimi Provincial Park and serves as the closest stop on the cross-Canada railway passenger railway.
Why Should I Visit Thunder Bay?
Nature & Land-Based Tourism: Thunder Bay is an excellent location for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure tourism. You can easily plan, or hire a local guide, for fishing, hunting, hiking, sailing, foraging, rock climbing, water sports, etc.
Indigenous Tourism: Celebrate the resilience of Anishinaabe culture, and ancient teachings that Indigenous peoples have preserved and shared for millennia. Begin your journey of Two-Eyed Seeing, a concept that Mi'kmaq elder Albert Marshall describes as “learning to see the world from one eye with the strength of Indigenous knowledge, and from the other with settler knowledge”.
Support Local: Thunder Bay is connected to international supply chains through rail and marine trade, however, a thriving Buy Local culture has been rapidly expanding since the early 2000s. You could plan an entire vacation to Thunder Bay with almost everything locally sourced or run. Read on for dozens of local recommendations for food, restaurants, activities, arts, etc.
Food & Restaurants: Thunder Bay has a very strong selection of amazing, locally-owned restaurants and bars. As world travellers and foodies at heart, we truly believe Thunder Bay has elite culinary options that can satisfy anyone’s appetite.
Entertainment & Events: Thunder Bay hosts dozens of yearly events from music to food and culture. Read on for ideas and a schedule of annual events.
Getting To Thunder Bay
*Flying: Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is how many visitors choose to arrive in the city. When flying to Thunder Bay in 2023, you have four airline options: 1) Westjet through Winnipeg 2) Air Canada through Toronto or Winnipeg 3) Porter through Toronto or Ottawa 4) Flair through Toronto. >Check out your flight options at Trip.com <
Driving: Thunder Bay is 500+ km from neighbouring large cities. Driving West you will get to Kenora in 500km or Winnipeg in 700km. Driving East you will get to Sault Ste Marie in 800km or Toronto in 1400km. Driving South into the US state of Minnesota you will find Duluth in 300km or the Twin Cities in 600km.
Port of Thunder Bay: Recently around a dozen cruise ships have been coming into Thunder Bay every spring/summer and docking in the Port of Thunder Bay for single or multi-night stops. Cruise ship visitors are helping to fuel the growth of a strong culinary and local business scene in the Waterfront district of Thunder Bay.
*Rental Cars: If you are planning to explore Thunder Bay, a rental car will save you time and money! >RentalCars.com< is the best place to compare rental rates from all the major companies.
Taxis in the city are expensive and unreliable. Uber does not operate in the city but there is a locally owned app called U-Ride that works just like Uber.
Is Thunder Bay Safe For Female & Solo Travellers?
While some locals enjoy complaining about crime in the city, from our experiences travelling and living abroad, Thunder Bay is as safe as any other major North American city you would consider visiting. Thunder Bay is actually safer than most American cities due to gun control and a lack of firearm-related crimes. Most areas of concern listed below have families and schools in the area and are safe during the day.
As with any city, there are areas that tourists should be mindful of avoiding. Thunder Bay Police and Ontario Provincial Police have a strong presence in the city, monitoring the streets and highways. Areas to be mindful of or that have a reputation are . . .
The East End (Simpson St, Mckenzie St, Ogden St, Donald Street E)
Picton Park Area
Limbrick Street Area
Downtown Westfort
Prints Inspire Photography- Canada Portfolio Thunder Bay Marina
Annual Schedule Of Events/Festivals In Thunder Bay
>Detailed List of Events< made by Tourism Thunder Bay
Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds Air Show (June)
Canada Day Celebrations (July 1)
Teddy Bears Picnic - Family Event (July)
Brew-Ha Beer Festival (July)
Festival of India and Festival of Colours (July)
Wine-Oh Food and Drink Festival (August)
Live On The Waterfront - Free Concerts (Wednesday nights during July-August)
Movie Nights In The Park - Free Outdoor Cinema (Thursday nights in August)
Thunder Bay Bordercats Baseball Games (all summer)
Thunder Bay Country Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Thunder Bay Speedway Races (Spring through Fall)
Rock The Fort Music Festival (July)
Rib-Fest (Late August)
Canadian Lakehead Exhibition - Carnival rides and games (Early August)
Wake The Giant Music Festival (September)
North Delights Fall Harvest - Food Festival (September)
Craft Revival - Arts and Crafts Festival (November)
Winter Fun Days (January through March)
Sleeping Giant Loppet Ski Festival (March)
Lakehead Thunder Wolves Sports - Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball (Winter)
Thunder Bay Chill FC - Live Soccer Games (Summer/Fall)
Best Things To Do In Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay has attractions for everyone, from family friendly to adventures!
Eagle Canyon Suspension Bridge
Thunder Bay Marina
Mount McKay Scenic Lookout
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Fort William Historical Park
Thunder Bay Museum
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Boulevard Lake Trails
Mine your own Amethyst
On The Links Virtual Golf
10+ Golf Courses In The Region
Tilted Turret Pinball Pub
Afloat Spa
Gammondale Family Farm
Centennial Park Hiking Trails
Mission Marsh Conservation Area - the best place to see deer
Cascades Conservation Area - hiking + best place to go swimming
Sail Superior Tours - enjoy views from Lake Superior
Thunder Bay Marina, Waterpark, and Skateboard Park
Trowbridge Falls Campground, Shuniah Mines Mountain Bike Trails
Boulder Bear Rock Climbing Center
Wacky Wings Arcade & Game Room
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and Concert Hall - Events
Adventure/Nature Tourism:
Eagle Canyon
Mount McKay Summit Hike
Skiing @ Loch Lomond or Mount Baldy
Regional Fishing Derbies
Hunting (deer, moose, bears, birds)
Trapping (rabbits, martins, beavers)
Rock Climbing and Ice Climbing
Down-Hill and Cross-Country Skiing
Wolf River Waterfall + Camping
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Silver Falls Provincial Park
Ouimet + Eagle Canyon - ziplines and suspension bridges
Wabakimi Provincial Park - escape to the untouched boreal forest
Neys Provincial Park - the best camping and beach in Northwestern Ontario
Arrow Lake and River - cottage country and camping
Best Beaches, Lakes, and Swimming Spots
Wolf River Falls
Dog Lake
Sandy Beach - Lake Superior
McKenzie Point - Lake Superior
Wild Goose Beach - Lake Superior
Silver Harbour - Lake Superior
Kakabeka Beach - Kam River
Cascades Conservation Area
Wolf River Falls
Silver Falls Campground
Oliver Lake
Support/Buy Local Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is connected to international supply chains through rail and marine trade, however, a thriving Buy Local Culture has been rapidly expanding since the early 2000s. You could plan an entire vacation to Thunder Bay with almost everything locally sourced or run. See Tourism Thunder Bay’s >business directory< by clicking here.
Local Brands:
Heartbeat Hot Sauce
Prime Gelato
The Persian Man Pastries
Thunder Oak Cheese
Ontario Fresh Fruit Stands
Eat Loco Tacos
Belluz Farms
B&B Farms
Nor’wester Maple Company
Local Shops:
Goods Co. Craft Market
Thunder Bay Country Market
Ungali Clothing
Mars Clothing
The Loop Clothing
Fresh Air Bicycle Shop
Vanderwees Garden Center
3 Ride BMX Shop
Maltese Grocery and Deli
Agostino’s Deli
Cheese Encounter Fromagerie
D & R Outdoor Sporting Goods
Dough Bagel Co.
Gear Up For Outdoors
Rollin’ Thunder Bike and Ski
Sweet North Bakery
The Bannock Lady
Local Breweries
Sleeping Giant Brew Co.
Dawson Trail Brewery
Lakehead Beer Co.
Locally Owned Cafes
Saint Paul Roastery
Bay Village Coffee (Website)
Bean Fiend Cafe
Calico Coffee House
Dolce Coffee House
Habit Coffee and Bakehouse
Kappa Java
Metropolitan Moose Beanery (Kakabeka)
Rose N Crantz Roasting Co
Up Shot Coffee House
Best Restaurants in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay has a very strong selection of amazing, locally-owned restaurants and bars. As world travellers and foodies at heart, we truly believe Thunder Bay has elite culinary options that can satisfy anyone’s appetite. Listed below are some of our favourite restaurants and descriptions of the elite-tier options in Thunder Bay.
Tomlin Restaurant + Barkeep + Lakehead Beer Co.
Nook
Caribou
The Foundry + Goods Co. + Woodside Bar
Lot 66
El Tres
Roosters Bistro
Red Lion Smokehouse
Thai Kitchen
Prospector Steakhouse
The Sal
Bonobos
Growing Season + Rebel Salad
In Common
Wacky Wings
Eat Local Pizza + Eat Loco Tacos
Wasabi
Nomad
Both Hands Pizza
Beefcake’s Burger Factory
Daytona’s Kitchen
Nortenos Tacos
Osaka Sushi
Prospector Burger Barn
Sovereign Room
Merla Mae Ice Cream
Tomlin: Many locals agree that when it comes to high-quality, locally-owned food & drinks Tomlin sets the standard in Thunder Bay. Tomlin restaurant has a forever-evolving menu that changes with the season and the availability of locally sourced food. Some customer favourites that stay around throughout the year are Pork Belly, Beef Tartare, & Dry Aged Ribeye Beef. Start your culinary experience at Tomlin off with the best signature cocktails in town. Tomlin’s mixologists will happily serve you a seasonal signature drink or fan favourites like the Sloe Gin and St Paul (espresso martini). The bar staff will usually also mix whatever type of cocktail you ask of them. For wine lovers, check out their long list of imported and Ontario wines.
Tomlin only does reservations for parties of 6 or more, so it is best to show up and ask them to call you when a table opens up. While you wait, you have two Tomlin-owned options in walking distance! Barkeep or Lakehead Beer Co. Barkeep is a small cocktail bar, serving an entirely different menu of signature cocktails than Tomlin. If you are feeling snacky, order their meet & cheese board or house-made chips + dip. For craft beer fans, Tomlin has even entered that community by opening Lakehead Beer Co. in 2020-21. Stop by Lakehead Beer Co. to try their beer on tap, buy merchandise, or take canned beers home. Lakehead Beer Co. also hosts Subdivision, the best locally-owned deep-dish pizza in Thunder Bay. Subdivision is now also offering sub sandwiches and house salads for dine-in or takeout.
As you can tell from our enthusiastic recommendation of Tomlin, this is the restaurant to visit if you are only in Thunder Bay for a short stay. From our perspective, Tomlin sets the culinary standard in Thunder Bay and many businesses should aspire to compete with Tomlin’s quality of service, products, and experience!
The Foundry: Similar to Tomlin, The Foundry has multiple culinary businesses in the Thunder Bay downtown/entertainment area. The Foundry restaurant and bar is a hotspot for good food and great nightlife in Thunder Bay. Swing by the Foundry for lunch or dinner on their outdoor patio in the summer or dine inside during one of their weekly events. We recommend deep-fried pickle chips, nachos, and signature sandwiches. On Friday and Saturday nights, you can expect The Foundry to be packed near capacity from 11 pm-2 am making it one of the best places for a night out in Thunder Bay.
For a more relaxing, cocktail lounge atmosphere head across the street to Goods Co. Market & Woodside Bar. Goods Co. Market is open until 4 pm most days and features around a dozen local vendors selling everything from art, pottery, clothing, baking, Candy, and maple snacks. Woodside Bar is open later, serving up an extensive menu of signature cocktails to suit any palate. Feeling hungry? Grab a charcuterie board from Charcu, a burrito bowl from Paco Mas, or a roll of Sushi.
Nook: Nook is our favourite Italian restaurant in Thunder Bay for many reasons. First, their pasta and pizza are all hand-made. Second, they have the best selection of gluten-free pasta in Thunder Bay. Third, they have a rotating menu of daily special pasta and pizzas. During the summer you can dine on their spacious outdoor patio with lamps and heaters. The bartenders can mix signature and classic cocktails or recommend a wine to pair with your meal.
Caribou: Caribou is one of a few restaurants on this list not located in the Red River Rd downtown area. Located off the harbour expressway, Caribou offers fine dining in a central location of the city. Start your meal off with their great selection of signature cocktails or an extensive wine list. For an appetizer Bordersology highly recommends the gluten-free calamari. Caribou has a large selection of main courses from wood-fired pizzas, to pastas, or proteins (beef, chicken, duck, fish). Whatever you end up ordering, expect high-quality fine dining and excellent service!
El Tres: For those who love Mexican food and cocktails, El Tres should be your first choice in Thunder Bay. El Tres has the most flavourful, crunchy, & salty homemade tortilla chips we have ever had the pleasure of eating. Try the tortilla chips with guacamole dip, queso dip, and nachos, or combine it all by getting a queso-topped nachos with guacamole dip on the side. El Tres also has house-made tacos with four options; pork, beef, fish, or vegetarian. Taco orders come with four small tacos or a platter with one of each taco. Other items on the menu include chimichangas, burritos, mollates, and other fried tortilla dishes. Do not forget to try the cocktails! El Tres has one of the most well-balanced & consistent margaritas in town. Other notable drinks are the Fifty-fifty, Hibiscus Sour, and Pula.
Roosters Bistro: Roosters is arguably the best brunch restaurant in Thunder Bay and without doubt the best gluten-friendly brunch restaurant in Thunder Bay. Their well-labelled menu highlights what can and cannot be made gluten-free. Roosters serves everything from basic breakfast combos, omelettes, and sandwiches, to elite eggs benedict options. Bordersology recommends you try the breakfast poutine, Viking Benedict, or the Walleye Benedict.
Red Lion Smokehouse: Red Lion has the largest selection of craft beers on tap in Thunder Bay. Their rotating menu of craft beer on tap makes every visit to Red Lion different and exciting. You can always expect staples from Sleeping Giant and Lake of The Woods, complemented by a large selection of Ontario and imported beers on tap. Red Lion also has one of the best pub food menus in the city. Bordersology recommends fish tacos, deep-fried cheese curds, deep-fried olives, house-smoked ribs, pulled pork burgers or pulled pork nachos.
Thai Kitchen: Thai Kitchen is one of the most popular Asian restaurants in Thunder Bay. You can undoubtedly get Thai food for cheaper elsewhere, but the quality and dining atmosphere at Thai Kitchen is unmatched. For gluten-free and celiac customers, ask your waiter for options as the menu is not labelled with gluten symbols, but the food can be made gluten-friendly. Bordersology recommends gluten-free spring rolls and pad Thai.
The Prospector Steakhouse: Prospector has been a local favourite for decades. Expect high-quality steakhouse options and a fine dining atmosphere. Many Thunder Bay locals go crazy for their homemade buns that are served with dinner.
Prospector Burger Barn: Feeling like a burger? Check out Prospector’s locally-owned spin on fast-food burgers. Expect great burgers and similar prices to any corporate fast food.
The Sal: Almost all of the options listed in this restaurant guide are in the Red River Road downtown area. The Sal in Westfort is an exception. The Sal serves up budget-friendly, large servings of your favourite brunch dishes. For gluten-free customers, they have a gluten-friendly menu and gluten-free buns/toast. The list of things to try at The Sal is extensive, so you will have to go and try out their food for yourself.
Growing Season + Rebel Salad: Growing Season was the original trendsetter for locally grown, vegetarian, and vegan food in Thunder Bay. Growing Season has a more diverse selection of salad and drink options than their second location Rebel Salad. Rebel Salad allows you to design your own salad, choosing your base (rice, quinoa, greens), protein (chicken, lentils, cheese) and dressings! Both Growing Season and Rebel Salad are excellent locally-owned options for those looking for a healthy lunch in Thunder Bay!
In Common: In Common is an excellent lunch spot in downtown Thunder Bay. Choose from various soups, salads or sandwiches that are often locally sourced.
Hillcrest Park
Where To Stay In Thunder Bay
>Booking.com< is a great place to start when looking for accommodation in Thunder Bay.
>VRBO< is an excellent website for private rentals. Visitors to Thunder Bay should check VRBO, as you can often rent an entire house for the price of a single hotel room!
Listed below are some accommodations we recommend in Thunder Bay and surrounding area:
Haven Hostel
The Courthouse Hotel
Delta Waterfront Hotel
Best Western Plus Norwester Hotel
Cottage Rentals on Lake Superior, Dog Lake, Whitefish Lake
Campgrounds
Historic Port Arthur
Nightlife/Bar Guide To Thunder Bay
On Deck
Foundry
Nortenos Cantina
Red Lion Smokehouse
The Sovereign Room
Woodside
Barkeep
Lakehead Beer Co.
The Outpost
NV Nightclub
On The Links
The DaVinci
The Social
Madhouse
Thunder Bay Interesting Facts & Travel Tips
Place Names: Thunder Bay is a settler-colonial city that has had many names during the long history of this land. Before colonial Canada, the region was part of the Three Fires Confederacy and has been inhabited by Anishinaabe peoples for thousands of years. The Sleeping Giant was once known as Nanabijou, whereas Mount McKay was called Anemki-waucheu or “the place where Thunderbirds land”. Bordersology highly recommends a visit to Fort William First Nation to learn about the Indigenous history and culture that this land has supported for millennia.
Terry Fox ended his historic run near Thunder Bay. Check out the Terry Fox scenic lookout to learn more about his story and his connection to Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay has produced many players for the National Hockey League and the Stanley Cup has visited the city several times in the last two decades. Notable players include Eric Stall, Jordan Stall, Mark Stall, Taylor Pyatt, Robert Bortuzzo, Carter Hutton, Matt Murray, Tyler Tucker, and Mackenzie Blackwood.
Lakehead University and Confederation College are quality post-secondary institutions based in Thunder Bay. Both campuses have ranked in the Top 100 globally for the quality of programs and degrees offered. Students going to these schools bring millions of dollars into the local economy every year.
Thank you for taking the Time To Read Our Ultimate Visitors Guide To Thunder bay. We hope it helped you plan your visit!
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