Thunder Bay lies at the far northwestern point of the Great Lakes of North America. It is a transportation bridge between the rich agricultural Prairies of Canada and the rest of the world, via the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway which connects it to the Atlantic Ocean. In 2021, it had a population of approximately 109,000.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
European settlement in the region began in the late 17th century with a French fur trading outpost on the banks of the Kaministiquia River. It grew into an important transportation hub as its port was an important link in the shipping of grain and other products from western Canada, through the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway, to the east coast. Forestry and manufacturing played important roles in the city's economy. They have declined and been replaced by a "knowledge economy" based on medical research and education.
Thunder Bay isn't known for being a walkable city. This is largely due to its Twin-Cities heritage which causes the city to be very spread out. Until 1970, the city was two separate large communities (Fort William and Port Arthur) separated by a swamp that has since been built up into an area of suburban big-box stores, shopping malls and chain restaurants known as "Intercity". City council seems to be developing the north end (Port Arthur) into an entertainment district with the Marina Park as its centrepiece, and the south end (Fort William) into a business district.
1 Fort William Historical Park, 1350 King Road, info@fwhp.ca. Hours vary by season. A recreation of the days of the North West Company and the Canadian fur trade circa 1815. Over 40 buildings on 225 acres, it offers a look at fur trade life, culture, rafts, medicine, business, domestic life and heritage farming. The site also has a campground, operating from May to October (as of 2026). Reservations can be made online. Campsites: $25 + tax (non-serviced); $40 + tax (serviced) Guided tour: $18 (adult admission, July to early September), $16 (outside peak season). Discounts for seniors, youth, military and Indigenous people available).
The area has a large Finnish population, so saunas are common and popular. 1 Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (take Highway 11/17 east and turn south on Highway 587). Enjoy a hike along one of the beautiful trails at Sleeping Giant. Take Top of the Giant, a challenging 25-km return trail to a spectacular lookout over Tee Harbour, Lake Superior, and a rugged cliff's edge. There are many other hikes of varying lengths and difficulties. In March, Sleeping Giant hosts the Sleeping Giant Loppet, a Thunder Bay tradition. Day use pass $15.25 per vehicle. (updated Sep 2021) 2 Silver Islet, Highway 587 (east of Thunder Bay, off Highway 11/17 through Sleeping Giant PP, at the end of Highway 587).
1 Cronos Cafe, 433 Syndicate Avenue South (2 blocks south of Arthur St), ☏ +1 807 622-9700. Wed–Sun 4–8PM. This is a Greek restaurant that has strayed from a core-Greek menu to include decent burger-and-fry combos. The chicken souvlaki with fries or Greek salad is delicious. They're light on the fries though, so you might want to ask them to double up. You should specify thick for the milkshakes. Popular with high school students and business people alike at lunch, due to its proximity to public and Catholic high schools, city hall and the civic centre. ~$12.
1 International House of Tea, 899 Fort William Rd, ☏ +1 807 626-0130. Loose leaf tea. 2 Steepers, 122 May Street N (2 blocks northeast of Victoriaville), ☏ +1 807 476-0698. A tea house. (updated Aug 2017) 3 Seattle Coffee House, 588 Arthur Street West, ☏ +1 807 577-3355. Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM, Sat Sun 9AM-6PM. A local coffee house that serves espresso-based coffees. A wonderful café experience with cosy fireplaces and bench seating. (updated Sep 2021) 4 Sleeping Giant Brewing Co Taproom, 712 Macdonell St, ☏ +1 807 344-5225. Noon-7PM. Taproom connected to the craft brewery. Beer and snacks for sale, outside food is allowed. (updated Aug 2021)
Thunder Bay has the highest homicide rate in Canada, driven by declining industries, drug use and a large, socioeconomically deprived First Nations population. However, most of the violent crime involves drug dealing and does not target visitors.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Oct, Thunder Bay typically sees ~13°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.
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