If you’re looking for things to do in Thunder Bay, Ontario I’m excited to share my favourite activities and local adventures for Thunder Bay. Having lived in Northern Ontario for many years and still having family in the area, Thunder Bay has become a go-to spot for running errands and seeking out local activities around the city. Enjoy!
Visit Belluz Farms
Belluz Farms is an incredible place if you’re visiting in the summer because they have a pick-your-own fruit and vegetable fields. If you don’t have the time or aren’t interested in picking your own, simply visit their farmstand for some fresh veggies, herbs, berries and more. They also have different workshops that you can do where you can learn how to pickle cucumbers or veggies, how to make chutney or relish. If you happen to be visiting in the fall, they offer an awesome corn maze, pumpkin bowling, petting zoo where you can even take a pony ride. It’s really an incredible place especially if you have kids that love to be outside and explore.
Wander The Waterfront
The waterfront remains one of my favourite places to walk and enjoy a beautiful day in Thunder Bay. The trail along the waterfront goes for kilometres and you can see the boats, tanker ships and even often a cruise ship in the harbor. If you’re visiting in the summer there is an ice cream and food truck so you can easily grab a treat. There is a splash pad for kids to enjoy with plenty of benches surrounding it so you can easily watch your kids and rest your legs. There’s is also some incredible park areas to bring a picnic or sit and enjoy the view. It’s really a great place to visit in Thunder Bay.
If you are there in the winter, the splash pad turns into a little outdoor skating rink which is really festive and beautiful during the holidays.
Sleeping Giant Brewery
If you’re a craft beer lover or simply looking to experience local Thunder Bay beer, I highly recommend heading to Sleeping Giant brewery. They have a really neat taproom where you can sit and enjoy a beer and some food like pizzas and other snacks. They also allow you to bring in take out from another restaurant or you can order food to be delivered right to the brewery. The taproom has a very industrial feel and really cool vibe. They also have a patio and gift shop where you can buy beer and other merch and local products.
Go To Thunder Bay Farmer’s Market
The Thunder Bay Country Market is an amazing place to discover and support local artisans, bakeries and businesses. The market is open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm and Wednesdays from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. Our favourite thing is to grab a coffee and cinnamon bun and wander the vendors and look for gifts. The last time I was there I found this gorgeous travel pottery mug from Canadian pottery artist, Be Natural Pottery.
Eagle Canyon Ziplining & Suspension Bridge
If you’re looking for an adventure and are a thrill seeker, you’ll want to check out Eagle Canyon Adventures. This is where the longest zip line in Canada is located. It’s only one hour outside of Thunder Bay. This is a great way to see more of the Thunder Bay landscape and enjoy not only Canada‘s longest zip line but also Canada‘s longest suspension bridge.
When I went to Eagle Canyon Adventures, I was only aware of the zip line. What was funny was that I had no idea crossing the suspension bridge would end up being the scariest and most challenging part for me. But I’m always up for pushing my boundaries so doing this adventure could be right up your alley as well.
Centennial Conservatory Thunder Bay
The Centennial Conservatory is a unique local experience and thing to do in Thunder Bay. If you are visiting in the winter, you’ll appreciate the warmth and humidity of this tropical space. It’s not a huge conservatory but has a few water features and benches to sit and take it all in. It’s a really enjoyable activity, especially if you love plants and a peaceful environment. Cost to enter is by donation to help them maintain the gardens.
Terry Fox Memorial & Lookout
The Terry Fox memorial and lookout located just outside of Thunder Bay is a really incredible place to learn more about Terry Fox, see the incredible monument and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Superior. It’s really a great place to stop and stretch your legs and honour the incredible achievements of Terry Fox. Thunder Bay is where Terry Fox was forced to end his run across Canada, called the Marathon Of Hope, because his cancer had spread to his lungs. He had been running for 143 days, 26 miles per day, across Canada with one prosthetic leg in an effort to raise awareness and money for cancer research. His run started in St. John’s, Newfoundland where there’s also a really beautiful monument placed in his honour.
Local Insider Tip: There are bathrooms at this lookout
Visit An Amethyst Mine
Thunder Bay is home to the beautiful purple amethyst stone. There are locations just outside of Thunder Bay that you can stop and learn more about amethyst and mine for your very own gemstones. This is a great activity for kids and adults alike.
Visit A Local Coffee Shop
We definitely recommend heading to one of the many awesome Thunder Bay coffee shops to grab a fresh brewed coffee and baked good.
Eat A Persian
You might not be aware of an incredible baked good called a Persian. Odd name I know but persians is a local delicacy and baked good that originated in Thunder Bay. It’s the ultimate local Thunder Bay experience because it’s unlikely you’ll find persians any where else. Persians are a mix between a doughnut, a cinnamon bun, and the most delicious icing ever.
Local Insider Tip: If you really want to eat it like Northern Ontario locals do, cut the persian in half (lengthways) put that two sides together with the icing in the middle like a sandwich, butter the sides and grill it like it’s a grilled cheese. Incredibly delicious! That’s a local northerners insider tip.
To buy persians, head to the family-owned and operated The Persian Man on 899 Tungsten St.
Visit Vanderwees Garden Gallery
Vanderwees Garden Gallery is such an awesome place and one of our top recommendations for things to do in Thunder Bay. They have so many different activities for all ages. They have a full nursery and greenhouse, incredible gift shop and clothing store. I was surprised when I found what has become one of my favourite skirts there! They also have an animal farm that’s open year-round, mini golf course and they have an area called Funland. It includes a corn maze, pillow jumper, and track where you can ride bikes. They also have a café on site so you can grab lunch or a coffee. It’s truly an incredible place for the entire family.
Shop Local At Goods & Co.
Goods & Co. is one of the best places in Thunder Bay to discover, support and see what local Thunder Bay artist and business owners are up to. What was previously the Eaton’s building has been completely transformed into a local shopping hub. Here you’ll find products from over 25 local vendors. It’s truly an incredible way to shop local Thunder Bay businesses all under one roof.
Street Art & Murals
After grabbing your coffee, if you start wandering around downtown Thunder Bay, you’ll start to notice the incredible murals and street art around the city. You can even go on a self-guided art walk to see Thunder Bay’s art collection.
Walk The Trails At Local Parks
Another one of our favourite things to do in Thunder Bay is to walk the trails at one of the local parks. Thunder Bay has a lot of trails and city parks to enjoy. One of our favourites in Centennial Park. It’s a fairly large park with over 147 acres of land that make up the walking trails, playgrounds and farm animals.
Visit An Alpaca Farm
Another fun outing is visiting the alpaca farm that’s just outside of Thunder Bay called Old School Alpaca Farm. You can learn more about it in our Ontario alpaca farm guide.
Take A Pottery Class
If you’re looking to get crafty and have the time to take a pottery class, check out the Lakeside Pottery Studio. They offer a one night class where you can give pottery a try and make a small bowl. You can check their website for availability. They also have stained glass workshops.
If you’re looking to simply do some pottery painting, you can head to The Hive and get started painting a pottery piece. This is a great rainy day activity. After you’re done painting, they have to fire your pottery piece in their kiln. Your pottery is available a few weeks later so please keep this in mind if you’re only visiting for a short period.
I’ll keep adding to this list of things to do in Thunder Bay, Ontario but this is a great start of local activities to enjoy.
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