Located at the head of the world’s largest freshwater lake, Thunder Bay blends rich history with stunning wilderness. Must-dos include historic Fort William, stunning Kakabeka Falls, Mount McKay, and the scenic waterfront.
Our 2-day itinerary features full details on the best things to do in Thunder Bay.
Table of Contents
Thunder Bay Itinerary
Each day of our 2-day itinerary concentrates on one of Thunder Bay’s strengths, rich history and stunning wilderness.
Day 1: Museums and Culture
- Step back in time at Fort William.
- Visit Mount McKay Scenic Lookout and learn more about local Indigenous culture.
- Take a Thunder Bay Heritage Walking Tour.
Day 2: Boreal Forest and Waterfalls.
- See magnificent Kakabeka Falls and explore the surrounding park.
- Take a relaxing hike in the boreal forest.
- Visit the Terry Fox Monument and Lookout.
With more time, visit one of Thunder Bay’s excellent museums and explore the Thunder Bay Waterfront.
Thunder Bay Tourist Attractions Map
Fort William Historical Park
This is an exact replica of the inland headquarters of the North West Company, the world’s largest fur trading company. The park has many heritage buildings, an Anishinaabe encampment and a working farm, all staffed by exceptional interpreters. These talented re-enactors are always in character, bringing 1816 to life and answering visitors’ questions.
Experience the Great Rendezvous, the annual summer meeting between French-Canadian voyageurs, Indigenous and Metis fur traders and the company’s partners. See the process of trading beaver pelts for ironware, cloth and trinkets brought from the east. The pelts were sent to Europe to satisfy the 19th century appetite for fur clothing and accessories.
Join the crowd in welcoming the arrival of a dignitary from the local Anishinaabe community. They traded extensively with the company obtaining items to help survive the harsh wilderness.
Fort William Historical Park is on the banks of the Kaministiquia River. The river was used extensively by fur traders to reach the interior of the continent from Lake Superior. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent to explore the river.
For star-gazers, the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory is located near the visitor centre and offers public events year-round.
For more details about programming and events, as well as hours, admission, camping and more, check the Fort William Historical Park website.
Kakabeka Falls
These 40-metre-high falls are the second highest waterfall in Ontario (after Niagara Falls). A wheel-chair accessible, boardwalk trail gets close to Kakabeka Falls, the Kaministiquia River and its stunning, deep gorge.
The falls are within Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, located right off the Trans-Canada Highway. There is plenty of parking. A Daily Vehicle Permit is required to see the falls.
Hiking in Thunder Bay
The 3 best hiking areas in Thunder Bay are:
One of the best full day hikes in Ontario is at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, about an hour east of Thunder Bay.
Hiking Trails Thunder Bay
Use these trail details to find your perfect hike.
| Trail Name/Trailhead | Length/Type/Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park 4853 Highway 11/17 (48.4031,-89.6225) | |
| Boardwalk Trail Main parking lot | 750 m out/back Easy Wheelchair accessible |
| Mountain Portage Trail Near Visitor Centre | 1.25 km loop Easy Wheelchair accessible |
| Little Falls Trail mid Mountain Portage Trail | 2.5 km loop Moderate – Difficult |
| Poplar Point Trail Ski trail parking lot near Whispering Hills campground | 4 km loop Moderate |
| Beaver Meadows Trail | 4.5 km loop Moderate |
| River Terrace Trail | 3.5 km loop Moderate |
| Cascades Conservation Area Balsalm St. (48.4926, -89.2254) | |
| Yellow Trail from parking lot | 1.7 km out/back Easy |
| Forest Trail from parking lot | 750 m paved loop Easy |
| Red Trail from orange or blue trails | 1.4 km linear Easy to Moderate |
| Orange Trail from yellow or blue trails | 1.6 km linear Easy to Moderate |
| Blue Trail from parking lot | 700 m linear Easy |
| Cedar Falls Conservation Area End of Broome Rd. (48.3694, -89.6558) | 1.6 km out/back Easy |
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
The park has a number of hiking trails of varying difficulties and lengths.
Hike the historic portage route that early explorers, fur traders and Indigenous people used to go around the huge obstacle of Kakabeka Falls. Imagine being a fur trader carrying a canoe, animal pelts and personal belongings around the waterfall. The hike is a 3.6-kilometre loop combining the Mountain Portage and Little Falls Trails.
The park is open year-round for day-use. In the winter, several trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. Snow-shoeing is also available. Daily Vehicle Permits are required for day use access. They are available up to 5 days in advance of arrival at the park. In the summer there are day-use visitor limits so buying a permit in advance guarantees you a spot. Permits are available for 2 hours, 4 hours or the full day.
The park offers camping from mid-May to mid-October.
Visit the Ontario Parks Reservation website to obtain a Daily Vehicle Permit for day-use and/or to reserve a campsite.
Cascades Conservation Area
Hike Cascade Conservation Area‘s short, generally easy, trails through the forest to the cascades on the Current River. Each trail provides the hiker a slightly different view of the forest and river. The cascades are a series of small waterfalls over rocks of the Canadian Shield. Relax to the sound of the water tumbling between small pools worn into the rocks.
The park pavilion at the parking lot provides information about the rocks, trees, animals, birds and plants of the area. Enjoy a picnic on tables by the pavilion or bring it along to the riverside.
Cedar Falls Conservation Area
Enjoy a short, out-and-back hike through mixed forest of the conservation area to pretty Cedar Falls.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
For a great day hike that’s only an hour from Thunder Bay, check out our article Hiking Sleeping Giant – Best Day Hike in Ontario.
Terry Fox Monument and Lookout
The monument, sitting high on a hill above the Trans Canada Highway, honours Terry Fox, a courageous Canadian. He began his Marathon of Hope, a run across Canada in 1980, to raise money and awareness for cancer research as he’d lost a leg to cancer. The Terry Fox Memorial is near the spot where, unfortunately, he was forced to end his run in September 1980 due to cancer’s return.
Sculpted in bronze, the 3-metre-tall statue of Terry Fox is mounted on 41 tons of Ontario granite. The granite base includes the provincial and territorial coats-of-arms and Canadian symbols, the maple leaf and beaver. Terry died in June 1981 before the monument was unveiled.
Enjoy the view from the plaza where the monument sits. See Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant, Sibley Peninsula in the distance. There is also a Tourism Thunder Bay visitor centre.
Mount McKay Scenic Lookout
Mount McKay, Anemki Wajiw in Ojibwe, is on land of the Fort William First Nation. It is the prefect spot to look out over Thunder Bay and the Kaministiquia River. Anemki Wajiw stands out on the horizon with its top about 300 metres above Lake Superior. Its flat top is hard, igneous rock protecting the softer rocks below from eroding away. There is a small fee to access the lookout.
Thunder Bay Museums
In addition to Fort William Historical Park, other area museums are worth a visit.
Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park
Walk the dusty “Main Street” with its general store and shops to the railway station. Visit buildings relocated from forgotten pioneer settlements in Northwestern Ontario to the museum, formerly called Founders’ Museum and Pioneer Village. The homestead, church, one-room school, blacksmith, cobbler and carpenter give a look into the past. There are antique cars, tractors, farm equipment and much more. Get all the details on the Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park website.
Lakehead Transportation Museum
The star attraction at this waterfront museum is the SSGS Alexander Henry. The retired Canadian coast guard ship served as an icebreaker, buoy tender and lighthouse supply ship. It has returned to Thunder Bay where it was built in 1958 by the Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company.
The Lakehead Transportation Museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of transportation artifacts important in the history of the Thunder Bay area. Tours of the Alexander Henry are available. Several street cars are also on display.
Thunder Bay Museum
The museum has 3 floors of galleries filled with permanent and temporary exhibits. Learn about the history, culture and heritage of the local area and region. The museum is in the former police station and court house built in 1912. For information about exhibits, hours, admission and more, visit the Thunder Bay Museum website.
Thunder Bay Heritage Walking Tours
The local heritage committee has developed a number of self-guided historical walking tours highlighting the history and architecture of the city. Printed maps are available at Thunder Bay Visitor Centres or by visiting the City of Thunder Bay Heritage Walking Tours webpage.
Thunder Bay Waterfront
The Thunder Bay waterfront has undergone a huge transition over the last decade. In the 20th century it was the world’s largest grain port, home to over 20 grain elevators. While grain elevators still exist, the commercial activities are now concentrated in the south leaving the north for recreation and entertainment. It is thriving. There are condos, multi-use trails, parkland, shops, restaurants, bars and the pleasure-boaters marina.
Thunder Bay Marina
The marina, with more than 250 slips, is open from mid-May through mid-October. It’s adjacent to a vibrant waterfront park with access to the city’s downtown. There are also condos and shops of all types nearby.
For a water adventure or just a different perspective of the city, set sail with Sail Superior from their dock at Pier 3, Marina Park.
Thunder Bay Marina Park
The park has a number of recreation and entertainment options.
- Picnic area and children’s playground
- Paved trails for walking or cycling
- Skateboard and BMX plaza
- Summer splash pad/Winter skating rink
- Prince Arthur’s Landing event space. For a list of upcoming events, check the City of Thunder Bay Events webpage.
Parking is available near the marina and on the other side of Water Street which parallels the lake shore. A covered, wheelchair-accessible walkway starts behind the arts centre and crosses over the railway tracks and busy Water Street to the downtown.
Near the walkway’s exit is the Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda, at the corner of Water Street and Red River Road. Open since 1909, it is Canada’s oldest operating information building. The pagoda-shaped roof and domed cupola are unique.
Accommodations in Thunder Bay
Here are the best-rated accommodations for your stay in Thunder Bay.
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton — Saltwater pool, suites with full kitchen amenities.
- The Courthouse Hotel — Heritage courthouse hotel near downtown waterfront.
- Home2 Suites By Hilton — Extended-stay suites with indoor pool and kitchen.
Find more Thunder Bay hotels on Booking.com >>
Explore All of our Northern Ontario Road Trip Guides
Discover our complete series of detailed Northern Ontario guides to help you plan your perfect road trip.
Main Article: Northern Ontario Road Trips
Part 1: Road Trip: Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie – Lake Huron’s North Channel and coastal towns
Part 2: Road Trip: Sault Ste Marie to Thunder Bay – Lake Superior’s windswept north shore and wilderness parks
Part 3: Road Trip: North Bay to Thunder Bay – Boreal forests, lakes, and remote northern towns
Part 4: Sudbury – Mining heritage, nickel city, Science North
Part 5: Manitoulin Island – Freshwater island, steep cliffs, waterfalls, and Indigenous heritage
Part 6: Sault Ste Marie – Locks, industrial waterfront, Bushplane Heritage Centre, and Algoma art
Part 7: Thunder Bay – Fort William history, waterfalls, and waterfront activities (You’re reading this guide now!)
Part 8: Sleeping Giant Hike – Headland hike to panoramic viewpoint of Lake Superior
Part 9: North Bay – Lake Nipissing waterfront and gateway to the north
Part 10: Cobalt – Silver rush mining heritage in this historic town
Part 11: Timmins – Gold mining heritage and outdoor activities
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