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The 10 Best Things To Do in Thunder Bay – Local-Approved Activities for Every Visitor!

Clever Canadian Written By: September 2025

Anyone who lives or has been in Thunder Bay is lucky. This city, located on the north side of Lake Superior, is full of wonders, picturesque vistas, historical museums, and heavenly treats.

So, where should you start? How can you enjoy this beautiful city? We’ve got you covered because after numerous visits to Thunder Bay, we finally narrowed down our favourite things to do!

Check them out below, whether you’re a tourist or a local, and explore the stunning mountains, taste local cuisine, and shop for handcrafted goods! Get ready to discover what Thunder Bay has to offer!

Reach the top of the Sleeping Giant

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Trailhead: South Kabeyun Parking Lot
Operating Hours:

  • Park – Year-round, 24/7
  • Gatehouse: Friday – Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm; Sunday – Thursday: 9 am – 6 pm

Best For: Experienced hikers craving for a challenging trail
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We’re starting outside of Thunder Bay. Why? Because, despite being an hour away from the city, it’s a popular activity—and for good reason! The views are breathtaking, and it’s well worth the effort!

Start at the South Kabeyun Trailhead. From the parking lot, a round-trip hike will take 22 km, taking at least 6 to 7 hours to complete. You can move things faster if you cycle the first part of the trail and leave your bicycle at the bike lock before you continue.

In this trail, you’ll reach the highest cliffs in Ontario, with one of the greatest vertical drops you’ll find in the province. The hike is mostly covered since you’re in the forest, but expect roots, rocks, branches, and stairs.

Once you’re at the top, take a moment to enjoy the lookout and appreciate what nature has to offer.

Pro Tip:

Bring water, and not just one bottle. Even as an experienced hiker, the trail is at least 6 hours long, so pack some snacks and extra water.

Visit the Fort William Historical Park

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Address: 1350 King Rd
Contact: 807-473-2344, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Best For: Families, couples, groups, and solo travellers who want a historical experience in Ontario
Tickets
Website

The Fort William Historical Park is one of the places you must visit in Thunder Bay. This living history museum will take you on a journey to the past! Once the headquarters for the fur-trading business North West Company, this is the place to see how the fur trade worked in the 19th century. 

You can watch the actors re-enact what life was like before, swing by the Astronomical Observatory to see meteorites, pop by the restaurant to refuel your body, and grab some souvenirs at the gift shop.

For travelling guests, or those with motorhomes, we suggest camping at the park. Enjoy your summer in a beautiful site near the Kaministiquia River, and relax in a campsite with plenty of modern amenities.

Pro Tip:

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes because you’ll walk the majority of the time.

Smell the roses at Centennial Conservatory

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Address: 1601 Dease St
Contact: 807-625-2195
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Best For: Individuals with a green thumb or those who want to see a wide variety of flowers and plants
Website

The Centennial Conservatory isn’t your typical greenhouse! This spot is also a gathering hub for the local community and tourists, as the entrance is free to the public, open year-round, and features community gardens!

It houses lots of plant and flower varieties, including local and international kinds. Admire the perennial and pollinator gardens and witness old and new plants—some are grown here to fill the pots all around the city.

This is one of the things you can do in Thunder Bay as a family. It’s not overwhelmingly huge for the little ones while offering a quiet place to visit that won’t tire you out.

Pro Tip:

Check for updates before visiting. You may catch facilities that are closed to the public, as some are open on a seasonal basis.

Shop at the Goods & Co. Market

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Address: 251 Red River Rd
Contact: [email protected]
Operating Hours:

  • Monday – Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday – Friday: 11 am – 6 pm
  • Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm

Best For: Individuals who want to support local products
Website

When in Thunder Bay, pay a visit to Goods & Co. Market, a space filled with vendors selling a wide variety of goodies. Located in the Waterfront District, this urban market has local vendors showcasing Canadian products.

There’s something for everyone here! You can taste the best of Thunder Bay’s cooking, find Indigenous crafts and art, see gorgeous pottery made by Canadian artists, and join workshops to learn new skills.

The best part? This market is easy to explore, and the fully accessible main entrance leads to all areas, where you can see all the vendors.

Pro Tip:

Check their Instagram for event updates. You can sign up for workshops or join classes and see what the local community is all about.

Go on a morning stroll at Prince Arthur’s Landing

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Address: Sleeping Giant Parkway
Operating Hours: Depending on the facilities and events
Best For: Families, couples, and groups craving for a quiet time at the marina

Naturally, we shouldn’t only stay inland when exploring Thunder Bay. Visit Prince Arthur’s Landing, a waterfront park offering various activities near Lake Superior.

Go on a little tour to see all the public art installations, join workshops at the Baggage Building Arts Centre, vibe with the music during summer concerts, or bring the kids for a day at the splash park.

It’s best to visit in the summer because, aside from peaceful walking, you can enjoy the fresh air and listen to the waves of the lake. Winter isn’t boring, though, because you can show off your ice skating skills at the rink!

Pro Tip:

Bring Fido for a morning stroll. It offers plenty of walking opportunities if you need a quick exercise, and you’ll see many dog owners walking their furry friends.

Walk to the top of Kakabeka Falls

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Address: Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Contact: 807-473-9231
Opening Season: Year-round
Best For: Adventurers, nature lovers, or families who want to see the magnificent Niagara of the North
Website

Located half an hour from the city, Kakabeka Falls is a bucket-list destination in Ontario. After all, this is the province’s second-highest waterfall, reaching an impressive 40 m!

The cascading waterfalls are open for viewing during the summer and winter. And yes, you can see the falls from the top, since there are wooden stairs that will take you up high for the most impressive views.

There are different trails to choose from, including wheelchair-accessible ones. The shortest is the Boardwalk Trail, which is only 750 m, while the Poplar Point Trail takes about an hour to finish.

To visit Kakabeka Falls, you must purchase a vehicle permit at the gate. If you plan on hiking, pick the four-hour or full-day permit to give you plenty of time walking back to the parking lot.

Pro Tip:

Bring extra shirts because you’ll likely get splashed by the water droplets.

Dig deep at the Amethyst Mine Panorama

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Address: 500 Bass Lake Rd, Shuniah
Contact: 807-622-6908, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Best For: Individuals, families, and kids who want to try digging for treasures
Website

Your Ontario travel wish list should include a trip to the Amethyst Mine Panorama, situated just an hour from the marina. Digging for amethyst is one of the most unique things to do when in Thunder Bay, since you’re actually mining for quartz.

You read that right! Your experience will have you digging in the ground to find this crystal. But don’t worry, because you’re not going to go to a tunnel; instead, you’ll look for it on the ground, complete with tools.

This isn’t tough to do, making this a kid-friendly activity. Get ready for an exciting experience, especially once you find your first amethyst—there are tonnes of crystals in different shapes, sizes, and colours!

Pro Tip:

Wear comfortable clothing and running shoes, preferably ones you don’t mind getting muddied. Also, wear sunscreen to protect your skin since you’ll be outdoors the whole time.

Drive to the Silver Islet General Store

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Address: ON-587, on the coast of Lake Superior
Contact: 807-629-9829, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Depending on the season (click here for updated hours)
Best For: Locals and tourists who want to visit a piece of Thunder Bay history
Website

You’re probably asking, “Why should I go to a general store that’s an hour from downtown?” You see, Silver Islet General Store is a part of Thunder Bay history, as it was established in 1871 and considered Northwestern Ontario’s oldest business.

That’s not the only reason! This beloved store is popular among the community, serving up one of THE best cinnamon buns we’ve tried! It’s a small store for necessities and souvenirs—the most usable keepsakes for us are the tote bags and mugs.

Most people who stop by stay for the Tea Room. It’s where you can warm up with a cup of tea and replenish your energy with the baked goodies. Sitting inside the store is cozy, although we prefer the patio if it isn’t too windy for views of Lake Superior!

Pro Tips:

Before driving off, check their operating hours because they change every season.

Maximize your drive by visiting the Sleeping Giant first and then heading off to the Silver Islet for post-hike snacks.

Climb aboard the Transportation Museum

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Address: Sleeping Giant Parkway at Marina Park
Contact: 1-807-935-8974, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Depending on the season (check Instagram for the current hours)
Best For: Sailors at heart and individuals interested in Canada’s nautical history
Tickets
Website

You’ll find an unusual museum in Marina Park, Thunder Bay. The Transportation Museum will have you stepping aboard Alexander Henry, which used to be an ice-breaking fleet of the Canadian Coast Guard.

You’ll literally step inside the permanently docked ship, where guided tours will take you to several areas. See the equipment, machinery, and artifacts up close and learn about the city’s maritime history.

Just a heads up: Given that this is a ship, it’s not for wheelchairs. You’ll also have to navigate tight spaces and climb steep stairs, so it’s best to consider these restrictions before visiting.

Pro Tip:

Stick to comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes to move through freely. Apply sunscreen before your visit as well, for sun protection during the outdoor portion of the tour.

Pick fresh goodies at Thunder Bay Country Market

Media credit: tbaymarket

Address: CLE Dove Building – 425 Northern Ave
Contact: 807-622-1406, [email protected]
Operating Hours:

  • Wednesday: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am – 1 pm
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday: Closed

Best For: Locals and tourists searching for freshly baked pastries, farm products, and handcrafted items.
Website

Snagging locally made and fresh goods is a must when you’re in a new place. If you’re visiting Thunder Bay, one of the things you should do is stop by the Country Market, a local spot filled with farm-fresh products and handcrafted items.

There’s a mix of everything, from food to artwork. We must warn you, however, that you’ll most likely gravitate towards the food, as the smell of baked goodies will delight your senses!

Pro Tip:

Get there early, as soon as they open the door, especially if there are specific items you want to try. We found that pastries sell out quickly!

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