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9 Coffee Shops in Thunder Bay That Can Brighten Up Your Day
Thunder Bay is one of the most laid-back cities in Ontario, with its harbour-side location, historical parks, and natural landscapes. It’s also fitting that it’s home to tons of relaxing and hangout-worthy coffee shops that deliver in both drinks and cozy vibes.
This is also why one of our favourite things we did (things to do in Thunder Bay) during our stay here was coffee shop hunting, as there seemed to be a cafe on every corner. We certainly uncovered a lot during our one-week stay here!
So, if you’re like us and you can’t function without caffeine or you’re simply looking for your next go-to spot, you’re in the right place! Continue reading to discover our favourites and what we think are the best coffee shops in Thunder Bay.
Up Shot Coffee House
Media credit: upshotcoffeehouse
Address: 111 1/2 May St S
Contact details: +1 807-475-5454
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $
Up Shot Coffee House is one of those rare instances where the pastries outshine the caffeinated drinks. It’s home to homemade and freshly baked vegan pastries, such as doughnuts, scones, brownies, and cookies.
Aside from being vegan, what makes these special is their flavours and presentation. For instance, they offer a strawberry rhubarb scone that’s picture-perfect, with its generous glaze of white chocolate on top.
Don’t be fooled, though, as their coffee selection deserves the same attention! They offer a wide variety of hot and iced coffee, from brewed to espresso-based, like cappuccinos, Americanos, and lattes.
Pro tip:
You can easily commute on the way here by taking the bus and leaving at the May & George station, which is across the street from Up Shot Coffee House.
Carlito’s Cafe
Media credit: carlitos.gamecafe
Address: 301 Simpson St.
Contact details: +1 807-577-5410
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $
After work hours, gamers from Thunder Bay seek shelter in Carlito’s Cafe, not just to enjoy their coffee, but also to revel in tabletop adventures. The cafe features one of the most impressive board game collections we’ve seen, carrying franchises like Star Wars and Pokémon.
These games double as the cafe’s decor, as they’re proudly displayed on the walls by the founder, whose aim is to foster a vibrant gaming culture. After several visits, it’s safe to say that he’s successful in this goal, as we always found it lively.
Carlito’s Cafe also knows how to satisfy one’s taste buds, as their selection of coffee and freshly baked pastries is fantastic—plus, the prices are cheap!
Pro tip:
If you’d like to try your hand at their various board games, you can check out their monthly schedule on the official Carlito’s Cafe website.
Rose N Crantz Roasting Co
Media credit: rnccoffee
Address: 905 Copper Crescent
Contact details: +1 807-627-1344
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $
Rose N Crantz Roasting Co. is a cozy hub for coffee lovers. It’s more than just a place where you can get your cup of joe, as it’s also the best spot in the city to get freshly roasted coffee beans.
However, we prefer to leave it to the experts, and that’s exactly what the people behind the bar are! Seeing them work the espresso machine, pour frothed milk on cappuccinos, and grind coffee beans is like watching an artist creating their magnum opus.
Aside from their coffee, you must try their cookies—these are huge, by the way! They’re baked perfectly, however, with a crunchy exterior and a fudgy interior.
Pro tip:
If you visit Thunder Bay during the holiday, one of the best drinks you can order is the cinnamon oat latte!
St Paul Roastery
Media credit: swellbakery
Address: 11 St Paul St.
Contact details: +1 807-344-3900
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $
St Paul Roastery holds a special place in our hearts because it’s where we sought shelter during heavy snow on our vacation at Thunder Bay. It immediately made us feel warm and welcomed, with its rustic interior consisting of exposed bricks and wooden floors.
It also helped that the aroma of freshly ground beans immediately offers relaxation! The roastery offers various espresso beans that feature different finishes and notes, and although we’re not ones to ask about coffee, we were impressed with their selection.
Kids and non-coffee drinkers will also enjoy St Paul Roastery because it offers tea and hot cocoa! The latter of which is perfect to drink on a snowy day in Thunder Bay.
Pro tip:
If you’re not a huge fan of espresso’s strong taste, order their cortado! This drink cuts the intensity by featuring lightly steamed milk.
The Habit Coffee & Bakeshop
Media credit: thehabit_tbay
Address: 308 Red River Rd.
Contact details: +1 807-768-8923
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: $
The Habit Coffee & Bakeshop is a passion project, and not just because of how good their coffee and pastries are. It’s run by hardworking volunteers who aim to provide a safe and cozy environment for all walks of life.
It’s also one of the most peaceful and unique-looking cafes in Canada as a whole because it was converted from an old church. You’ll even see its stained glass perfectly preserved in all its colourful glory.
As for its freshly baked goods, they’re all good, but you must try their homemade cookies because they taste like something straight out of your childhood! This, paired with any of their espresso drinks, is a match made in heaven (no pun intended).
Pro tip:
You can also grab your pastries and coffee to-go and take a relaxing stroll around Waverly Park, located just across The Habit.
Dolce Coffee House
Media credit: dolcetbay
Address: 345 Kingsway
Contact details: +1 807-622-3130
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $$
Dolce Coffee House is a great option if you’re looking to fill your hunger with something more than caffeinated drinks. It doubles as an Italian restaurant, where you can find the finest slices of pizza overloaded with toppings such as barbecue chicken, beef, pepperoni—the works.
Furthermore, since this is indeed an Italian-inspired cafe/restaurant, you can expect to taste authentic espressos! You can’t go wrong with any of their coffee drinks, but their hot cappuccino, complete with latte art, is hard to pass up.
Lastly, you can’t leave without trying one of their cakes, as they’re some of the most moist you’ll ever try in Thunder Bay. Whether you’re looking for something chocolate-y, nutty, or tart-y, you can find a slice of heaven from their fridge!
Pro tip:
Be sure to stop by their cookie baskets indoors before leaving, so that you can bring home a pack of their baked goodies while they’re fresh.
Bay Village Coffee
Media credit: thereal_bayvillagecoffee
Address: 221 Bay St.
Contact details: +1 807-286-0278
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Cost: $
Bay Village Coffee is one of the best cafes to check out if you love breakfast! It’s worth waking up early for because of its fantastic breakfast sandwich, which comes with hearty portions of bacon slices, egg, cheddar cheese, tomato, and bean sprouts.
They also serve some of the most moist muffins, and get this: they’re 100% gluten-free! You can either enjoy them on their own or drizzle them with Bay Village Coffee’s signature homemade maple syrup.
We also love the overall community-centric vibe of the cafe, as it feels notably more welcoming compared to hipster cafes. The walls are decorated with local paintings as well as the chalkboard menu, which further adds to the homey vibes.
Pro tip:
The cafe has ample parking, but if you run out during your visit, we recommend driving to Prince Arthur’s Landing for more spaces and an even prettier panoramic view.
Calico Coffeehouse
Media credit: calicocoffeehouse
Address: 316 Bay St.
Contact details: +1 807-766-9087
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $
Calico Coffeehouse will immediately allure you into entering its cozy space with its striking brick wall exterior and stencilled windows. Just go with the flow and head through its doors—just prepare to be met with the lingering aroma of coffee beans and an Instaworthy interior.
Usually, we’d order an iced latte when trying out a new cafe just to get a safe option. However, our eyes were immediately glued to their hot cocoa, as it looked and tasted like Christmas in a cup!
This isn’t to say that their coffee isn’t good! In fact, we prefer their iced lattes compared to other coffee shops because they’re not too sweet, making them great for pairing with their pastries/desserts, such as chocolate crinkles and mixed berry scones.
Pro tip:
If you were planning to chow on something healthier, you could get your meal at Rebel Salad first, located next door, before heading to Calico Coffeehouse for your cup of joe!
Café Ora
Media credit: cafeoratbay
Address: 30 Cumberland St S
Contact details: +1 807-286-7790
Operating hours:
- Monday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $
If you’re meeting up with your friends in your well-thought-out OOTDs, then Café Ora should be on your radar! It offers a retro-style interior with hints of modernism, from the wooden floorboards to the high ceilings, antique decor, etc.
It’s more than just a looker as well, as it offers a diverse menu consisting of sweet treats and filling savoury meals. You can mix and match them as well if you want to try a bit of both, and order a corned beef sandwich and cream puffs!
As drinks, it’s hard to try to recommend a single one, but gun to our head, we’d definitely go for their blueberry matcha latte because of its tartness and mild sweetness compared with that signature Earthy taste.
Pro tip:
Always try to check out their soup of the day because it can pair perfectly with your sandwich and coffee. If it’s the potato soup, order it in its full size, especially if you’re ordering their tuna sandwich.
