11+ Things to Do in Thunder Bay on Your Northern Ontario Drive
Are you looking for the best things to do in Thunder Bay? If you are planning a road trip across Canada, Thunder Bay is a great place to explore and take a break from the long drive.
On the western side of Lake Superior, close-ish to the Manitoba border, Thunder Bay is worth an overnight stop, and there is no shortage of things to do.
We’ve had the chance to visit Thunder Bay twice, both as a multi-day stop on our cross-Canada road trips, and we LOVED the town so much.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite things to do in Thunder Bay.
Is Thunder Bay Worth Visiting?
Yes! Thunder Bay is worth a stop on your Canadian road trip. If you’re driving across the country, it makes the perfect place to pause, explore, and recharge. We stopped in Thunder Bay on both of our cross-country road trips, staying three nights each time—and we loved it.
There’s a lot to see and do here. The city sits on the shores of Lake Superior, with stunning views and easy access to nature. You can hike at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, visit the Terry Fox Memorial, or explore the region’s history at Fort William Historical Park (our family’s favourite tourist attraction in Thunder Bay). The waterfront is also great for walking, grabbing a bite, and letting the kids run around.
We recommend spending at least two nights in Thunder Bay. It gives you time to enjoy the area without rushing. This northern Ontario city is a great stop on any Canadian road trip.
Find more tourist attractions in Thunder Bay on this Cross-Canada Road Trip Map:
1. Fort William Historical Park
Fort William Historical Park is a reconstruction of the Fort William fur trade post in 1816. Fort William was the headquarters of the fur trader company, the North West Company in the 19th century.
This is our favourite thing to do in Thunder Bay with the kids. We visited twice, and both times, we spent almost an entire day walking around the fort and exploring the different buildings.
Located on the banks of the Kaministiquia River, the park is a living history site featuring numerous reconstructed buildings, a recreated Ojibwa village, and a small farm.
There are many buildings (more than 40) to enter where you can interact with costumed historical interpreters who recreate Fort William of 1816. They bring to life the various roles and cultures involved in the fur trade, including Scottish fur traders, French Canadian voyageurs, and native hunters and trappers.
This historic park is a fantastic learning experience for families. Here, you’ll learn how French voyageurs lived on the Fort by trading fur and European goods.
⏰ You’ll want to plan a whole day to explore this historic park fully.
2. Amethyst Mines Panorama
💡 If you’re considering visiting Amethyst Mine Panorama, it’s best to stop on your way to Thunder Bay, as it’s about 45 minutes east of Thunder Bay, just off the Trans-Canada highway. You’ll drive on a dirt road for 5 kilometres with a big steep hill.
Visiting Amethyst Mine Panorama is a fun family activity. You’ll get to dig up your own amethyst stone for a souvenir or a perfect travel gift. The process can be messy and muddy, so appropriate clothing is needed. You can also participate in one of the guided tours to learn more about this mine and its geology.
There is an entrance fee of $10.00 per person (free for kids under 5 years old) to access the site and take a small guided tour of the mine. Then, you can search for the perfect amethyst gems to bring back home. It costs $5.00 per pound.
3. Finnish Bay & Algoma Historical District
With a population of over 10,000 Finnish Canadians, Thunder Bay has the largest population of Finnish people outside Finland.
Dive in the Finnish heritage and eat Finnish pancakes, maybe at Niva’s (376 Lisgar St.), Kangas Sauna (379 Oliver Rd), or any other Finnish restaurant you’ll find in the Bay & Algoma Historical District.
We tried the Timberjack special at Niva’s to try the famous Finnish pancakes. They were delicious. We also tested some suolakala from Kangas Sauna. It’s similar to Swedish gravlax. It’s cured fish flavoured with salt, dill, vodka, or gin, served on rye bread and sprinkled with green onion. It was good!
4. Mount McKay Lookout
Mount McKay is a prominent mafic sill on the Indian reserve of the Fort William First Nation just outside Thunder Bay. It’s the highest and most northern peak of the Nor’Wester Mountains.
The mountain has a rich history and is traditionally known as “Thunder Mountain” (Animikii-wajiw in the Ojibwe language). The Ojibwe has used it for sacred ceremonies for generations.
The mountain offers a lookout on its lower eastern plateau at an elevation of 300 meters, providing a panoramic view of Thunder Bay and its harbour.
The lookout is 500 feet below the top of the mount and offers the perfect spot for pictures. The Mount McKay Lookout provides breathtaking panoramic views of Thunder Bay and its harbour and a nice view of the Sleeping Giant.
There is a vehicle entrance fee of $10.00 to access the lookout.
5. Prince Arthur’s Landing
Also called Marina Park, Prince Arthur’s Landing is a great park by the waterfront. It is perfect for a picnic or to admire the sailboats. In the summer, some festivals and events occur in the park.
Prince Arthur’s Landing is a mixed-use waterfront redevelopment district. It incorporates a marina, parkland and trails, public art, restored heritage buildings, and the Delta Hotel.
There is so much to do and see at Prince Arthur’s Landing. First, you can visit the Baggage Building Arts Centre public gallery, a restored circa 1900 building, the Water Garden Pavilion.
Then, kids will love spending time at the skateboard park and splashing around at the water park. There are also many walking and biking trails around the park and marina.
The area was named in honour of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, son of Queen Victoria.
6. Terry Fox Monument and Lookout
The Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout is located on the outskirts of Thunder Bay, just outside the city center. It’s one of the famous Canada roadside attractions. It commemorates the cancer research activist Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope.
Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. Terry was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) in 1977, leading to the amputation his right leg above the knee.
The Marathon of Hope was Terry Fox’s ambitious cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. He started his journey on April 12, 1980, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to run across Canada. Terry ran an average of 42 kilometres (about 26 miles) every day, which is a marathon a day. He ran with an artificial leg, enduring physical pain and challenging weather conditions.
His determination, courage, and selflessness symbolized hope and resilience.
Unfortunately, Terry was forced to end his run on August 31, 1980, near Thunder Bay, Ontario, after running 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles) in 143 days. The cancer had spread to his lungs. He passed away on June 28, 1981, but his legacy lived on.
The monument, dedicated on June 26, 1982, offers a panoramic view of Thunder Bay and its surroundings. It marks the time when Terry Fox was forced to end his run.
7. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
🛂 An Ontario Parks pass is required to enter Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
After enjoying the views of the Sleeping Giant from the city, Mount McKay, or the Terry Fox Memorial, it’s time to go inside this provincial park and do some hiking.
There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, but here are a few that are suitable for children:
- Joe Creek Nature Trail: Just off Highway 587, his 1.4 km, mostly flat trail follows a series of cascades on the shore of Lake Superior.
- Sibley Creek Nature Trail: This 2.3 km loop trail is more than a simple hiking trail. Interpretive signs are located along the trail. It leads to a bridge over the picturesque Sibley Creek.
If your children are older, you might want to consider the Top of the Giant, one of Thunder Bay’s most epic and scenic places. It’s a 6.6-km out-and-back trail with a challenging ascent to the summit of the Sleeping Giant.
During our visit, it was pouring rain, so we decided to walk only the Joe Creek Nature Trail. It was beautiful, and the rain added something unique to the trail.
8. Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
🛂 An Ontario Parks pass is required to enter Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park.
In Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, the Boardwalk trail is a 750-meter, wheelchair-accessible walk that leads to a platform with a spectacular view of the falls. You can also walk down the stairs for another lookout.
If you have a little more time, the 1.5 km loop of Mountain Portage Trail, which is also wheelchair accessible, provides a nice view of the falls, the gorge, and the river.
You can also spend the afternoon at the beach in the provincial park. You’ll have to drive on the opposite side from the falls, and you’ll find the parking lot for the beach. There is also a kids’ playground.
9. Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
🛂 An Ontario Parks pass is required to enter Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park.
💡 If you’re considering visiting Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, it’s best to stop on your way to Thunder Bay, as it’s about one hour and fifteen east of Thunder Bay, just off the Trans-Canada highway.
Ouimet Canyon is a large gorge in Dorion. It is 100 meters deep, 150 meters wide, and 2,000 meters long. The canyon is protected as part of Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, which covers an area of 7.77 square kilometres.
You can walk on the short 1-km loop trail when you get to the park parking lot. It’s a walkway consisting of boardwalks and trails that lead to viewing platforms overlooking the canyon. One section of the trail is accessible.
Then, you can enjoy the breathtaking views.
We had no luck when we visited, as it started to rain heavily and we started to hear thunder. We sadly didn’t get to stay long, but it must be amazing on a sunny day.
10. Thunder Bay Oak Cheese Farm
The Thunder Oak Cheese Farm is Ontario’s first farm to produce Gouda cheese.
You’ll learn the cheese-making process and experience the tradition of Dutch cheesemaking with the Schep family. The farm produces Gouda cheese on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On those days, you can see the entire cheese-making process.
If you’re visiting on another day, a short informative video will still help you learn about the process.
Make sure to buy from Gouda cheese for your next picnic or hiking snack.
11. Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park
The Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park features a historic village where you can see a Pioneer Home, Carpenter Shop, Newsprint Shop, Cobbler Shop, Blacksmith Shop, the Village General Store, a replica of the Upsula Train Station – including a caboose, a Church, a one-room School and Teacherage.
All village buildings are furnished and stocked with merchandise you would expect to see in the early years before 1949.
You can also visit the Duke Hunt Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Olivier Paipoonge municipality.
Finally, you can visit Russ’ garage to see a collection of vintage cars, race cars, kids’ pedal cars, toys and numerous memorabilia from auto and racing events.
Heritage Park has a $5.00 admission fee, but it’s free for children under 13.
Planning your stay in Thunder Bay
Where to Stay in Thunder Bay
There are many hotels in Thunder Bay to choose from. Booking at one of the hotels near Prince Arthur’s Landing is ideal, but other options exist. Here are our top 2 hotels in Thunder Bay:
Hampton Inn and Suites Thunder Bay
We first stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites Thunder Bay, which was great. It was really clean; they offered a complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool (which is a big win when travelling with kids).
Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay
We then stayed at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay, which was AMAZING. This hotel is located by the waterfront, so it’s easy to leave the hotel and start walking around. There is no pool at this hotel, but there is a nice new spray park just outside the hotel for warm summer days (or evenings).
Where To Eat In Thunder Bay
Here are a few restaurants if you’re wondering where to eat in Thunder Bay:
Bight Restaurant
Bight Restaurant is a dining spot near the Thunder Bay marina, a short walk from the Delta Hotel. The restaurant offers a kids’ menu and a relaxed atmosphere. The patio faces the waterfront and the splash park. The burrata is delicious.
Niva’s Restaurant
Niva’s Restaurant offers a cozy setting ideal for families looking for a casual dining experience. It’s perfect for breakfast. With a diverse menu featuring comfort food, there’s something for everyone, including kid-friendly options. The welcoming staff adds to the family-friendly vibe. I recommend trying the Timberjack special, a plate with Finnish pancakes, eggs and bacon.
Nomad on Bay
Nomad on Bay is a trendy spot that also welcomes families. It specializes in savoury crepes and deluxe sandwiches. You can create your lunch with many options. Note that the sandwiches and crepes are sold by weight. It’s about $12 to $15 per meal. They have a nice outdoor seating.
El Tres
El Tres is a Mexican restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for families. The menu features classic Mexican dishes that are both delicious and kid-friendly. Its lively ambiance makes it a fun place for a family night out. We shared a bug nachos and a tasting of tacos. The fish tacos were excellent.
Rooster’s Bistro
Rooster’s Bistro is a local favourite for breakfast and brunch. The menu includes everything from pancakes to omelets, which is a hit with kids and parents alike. The casual setting makes it easy for families to relax and enjoy their meals. If you like egg benedicts, I highly recommend the smoked salmon one.
The Sal – Salsbury Grill
Red Lion Smokehouse
Red Lion Smokehouse offers a unique dining experience with smoked meats and BBQ dishes. The restaurant is spacious, making it ideal for families. Kids will love the finger-food options, and parents can enjoy a more sophisticated palate.
Kangas Sauna – Little House of Pancakes
Kangas Sauna – Little House of Pancakes is more than just a pancake house; it’s a Thunder Bay institution. Families will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the extensive pancake menu, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast or brunch.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous activities to do in Thunder Bay with kids for a family vacation, from exploring an outdoor living museum to hiking in provincial parks Thunder Bay boasts.
The entire family will find fun things to do, making Thunder Bay an excellent stop on a cross-Canada road trip worth staying at least for a weekend.
Whether you’re taking a Mount McKay hike or enjoying the Chippewa Park rides, Thunder Bay offers a variety of activities that are perfect for family fun in Ontario.
Start planning your Canada road trip here:
🗺️ Let me create your road trip itinerary
📍Download the cross-Canada road trip map
☎️ Book a Discovery Call With Me (and get started on your itinerary)
🚗 Join our Family Road Trip Facebook Group
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter and get exclusive content
