Ricki’s guidebook
You Know You Wanna Sauna
Great place to eat some comfort food and rent a private sauna by the hour.
11 locals recommend
Kangas Sauna
379 Oliver RdGreat place to eat some comfort food and rent a private sauna by the hour.
Food scene
Have a coffee and a scone in a beautiful, historic downtown church. 5 minutes walk from Pearl Street through Waverley Park.
The Habit Coffee & Bakeshop
308 Red River RdHave a coffee and a scone in a beautiful, historic downtown church. 5 minutes walk from Pearl Street through Waverley Park.
St Paul Roastery
11 St Paul StCheck out St. Paul roastery for your morning espresso.
Madhouse
295 Bay StWatch a game, have a beer and eat some tasty pub food.
Great coffee and sweet baked goods, or grab a soup and sandwich to go for lunch in this charming local bakery within a 5 minute walk.
15 locals recommend
The Sweet North Bakery
10 Court St SGreat coffee and sweet baked goods, or grab a soup and sandwich to go for lunch in this charming local bakery within a 5 minute walk.
For fine dining, Tomlin is great. Call ahead about reservations as it can get busy.
35 locals recommend
Tomlin
202 1/2 Red River RdFor fine dining, Tomlin is great. Call ahead about reservations as it can get busy.
The best Saturday morning pastries in town. Go early! Supplies are limited and they sell out fast.
Swell Bakery
15a St Paul StThe best Saturday morning pastries in town. Go early! Supplies are limited and they sell out fast.
Get everything you need down the street at the Maltese deli - their custom sandwich bar is the best! Great place to find all the best snacks for your outdoor adventures or put together a great meal.
11 locals recommend
Maltese Grocery
301 301 Pearl StGet everything you need down the street at the Maltese deli - their custom sandwich bar is the best! Great place to find all the best snacks for your outdoor adventures or put together a great meal.
Shopping, souvenirs
Finnport
290 Bay StBrowse a wide selection of Finnish and sauna wares in this local gift and housewares shop.
Browse a selection of modern furnishings and home decor, along with a selection of smaller, specialty items for the home.
Portobello Home
142 N Bay St Browse a selection of modern furnishings and home decor, along with a selection of smaller, specialty items for the home.
Head to this indoor vendor market a 10 minute walk away for local treats and souvenirs, or have lunch and a cocktail at the Woodhouse Bar.
13 locals recommend
Goods and Co.
251 Red River RdHead to this indoor vendor market a 10 minute walk away for local treats and souvenirs, or have lunch and a cocktail at the Woodhouse Bar.
Sightseeing
The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is a hidden gem. Go check out the regular show and special exhibits. Out-of-the-way location (driving best) but worth the visit.
9 locals recommend
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
1080 Keewatin StThe Thunder Bay Art Gallery is a hidden gem. Go check out the regular show and special exhibits. Out-of-the-way location (driving best) but worth the visit.
About 30 minutes drive from downtown, the falls are impressive in winter and summer. Can view from a platform and short boardwalk or go for a longer hike. In the summer, you can swim at the beach. Parking permit required (from vending machine with coins or credit card).
31 locals recommend
Kakabeka Falls
About 30 minutes drive from downtown, the falls are impressive in winter and summer. Can view from a platform and short boardwalk or go for a longer hike. In the summer, you can swim at the beach. Parking permit required (from vending machine with coins or credit card).
Go for a walk along Lake Superior at the marina - you'll find a skate park, playground, arts building and public art at the waterfront. You can stop in for a drink or meal at Bight Restaurant or the new Delta Hotel located there. About 5-10 minutes walking distance.
27 locals recommend
Marina Park
Marina Park DriveGo for a walk along Lake Superior at the marina - you'll find a skate park, playground, arts building and public art at the waterfront. You can stop in for a drink or meal at Bight Restaurant or the new Delta Hotel located there. About 5-10 minutes walking distance.
Spend an afternoon checking out this fantastic re-creation of an original trading post and learn about the Indigenous and settler history of Thunder Bay.
Fort William Historical Park
Spend an afternoon checking out this fantastic re-creation of an original trading post and learn about the Indigenous and settler history of Thunder Bay.
Best view of the city and Lake Superior - drive up the mountain for a scenic view on the traditional territory of Fort Willam First Nation (be prepared to pay a $10 gate fee at the entrance). If you're feeling ambitious, hike from the lookout to the top of the mountain.
Mount McKay
Best view of the city and Lake Superior - drive up the mountain for a scenic view on the traditional territory of Fort Willam First Nation (be prepared to pay a $10 gate fee at the entrance). If you're feeling ambitious, hike from the lookout to the top of the mountain.
Northwestern Ontario is waterfall country! High Falls is spectacular at spring runoff, in winter and just about any time of year. Check out the All Trails app for some of the best hiking recommendations in the Thunder Bay area.
Pigeon River Provincial Park
High Falls TrailNorthwestern Ontario is waterfall country! High Falls is spectacular at spring runoff, in winter and just about any time of year. Check out the All Trails app for some of the best hiking recommendations in the Thunder Bay area.
Exercise
Nearby community centre with everything you need - pool, sauna, hot tub, indoor track, cardio and weight rooms. About 10 dollars a visit if you want to work out.
Canada Games Complex
420 Winnipeg AveNearby community centre with everything you need - pool, sauna, hot tub, indoor track, cardio and weight rooms. About 10 dollars a visit if you want to work out.
In just a 15 minute drive from town you can hit the slopes for a few runs. Rentals available on site, night skiing deals to be had!
9 locals recommend
Mount Baldy
375 Mount Baldy RdIn just a 15 minute drive from town you can hit the slopes for a few runs. Rentals available on site, night skiing deals to be had!
Walk some beautiful forest trails along the Current River or enjoy a scenic view of the city from the bluffs.
19 locals recommend
Centennial Park
751 Centennial Park RdWalk some beautiful forest trails along the Current River or enjoy a scenic view of the city from the bluffs.
A short drive east, Boulevard Lake offers a lovely 5km paved loop walking trail as well as a recently updated playground for kids.
Boulevard Lake, Thunder Bay, ON P7A, Canada
A short drive east, Boulevard Lake offers a lovely 5km paved loop walking trail as well as a recently updated playground for kids.
The second of Thunder Bay's two ski areas - Friday is bargain for night sking and to catch some live music at the chalet bar.
7 locals recommend
Loch Lomond Ski Area
1800 Loch Lomond RdThe second of Thunder Bay's two ski areas - Friday is bargain for night sking and to catch some live music at the chalet bar.
Get in a day or night time cross country ski with scenic trails through the forest and great apres ski cookies. Gear rental (classis and skate) available on site. Great Friday night ski/rent special in 20 minutes from downtown.
Kamview Nordic Centre
Get in a day or night time cross country ski with scenic trails through the forest and great apres ski cookies. Gear rental (classis and skate) available on site. Great Friday night ski/rent special in 20 minutes from downtown.