Things to do in Thunder Bay
Ontario boasts about 330 parks, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. Many of these picturesque areas are clustered near Thunder Bay and around the massive Lake Superior, offering travellers a number of exciting opportunities for outdoor recreation. Lake Nipigon and the township of the same name are close to Thunder Bay, and are also a hub for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping and water sports.
The region has some cultural diversions too. The Amethyst Mine Panorama is a huge favourite, allowing visitors the chance to poke around for souvenirs in one of the largest amethyst deposits in the world. The Fort William Historical Park is a living history attraction that recreates the days of the North West Company and the Canadian fur trade, while the Magnus Theatre is the premium performance venue.
Fort William Historical Park
Visitors can travel back to 1816 at Fort William Historical Park, an authentic duplicate of the North West Company's inland headquarters. Located at Thunder Bay, this company was a…
Fort William Historical Park
Visitors can travel back to 1816 at Fort William Historical Park, an authentic duplicate of the North West Company's inland headquarters. Located at Thunder Bay, this company was a major player in the fur trade, once a massive industry and an indelible part of Canada's colourful past. The fort brings this history to life through recreations of the characters, sounds, sights and smells that would have existed almost two centuries ago. The sprawling 250-acre site contains more than 57 heritage structures and more modern buildings, which visitors are free to explore. Visitors can also enjoy overnight experiences, education programmes, artisan workshops, conferences, banquets and festivals.
Address 1350 King Rd
Website www.fwhp.ca
Amethyst Mine
Amethyst is Ontario's official gemstone, and is just one of the many natural gifts unearthed on the north shore of Lake Superior. The semi-precious stones native to this area come …
Amethyst Mine
Amethyst is Ontario's official gemstone, and is just one of the many natural gifts unearthed on the north shore of Lake Superior. The semi-precious stones native to this area come in various beautiful shades, such as Precious Purple and Thunder Bay Lavender. Visitors can mine their own at the Panorama Mine, 35 miles (56km) east of Thunder Bay, which contains the largest amethyst deposit in Canada. All visitors need is a bucket and spade to enjoy a fun mining experience.
Address East Loon Road
Website www.amethystmine.com
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is set on a rugged peninsula near Thunder Bay, where keen hikers can tackle trails running to the tops of granite cliffs and opening onto spectacular…
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is set on a rugged peninsula near Thunder Bay, where keen hikers can tackle trails running to the tops of granite cliffs and opening onto spectacular views of Lake Superior. These excursions aren't reserved just for sunny weather; winter travellers explore these routes on skis or snowshoes. The park also supports an exceptional mix of plant life, with two rare orchids, the Adder's Mouth and the Striped Orchid, growing in its southern parts. In fact, 24 types of orchid grow in the park, as do ferns, while wildlife includes more than 200 species of bird, white-tailed deer, red foxes, porcupines, moose, bears, wolves and lynx.
Address Thunder Bay
Website www.ontarioparks.com/park/sleepinggiant
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes of North America, and the biggest freshwater lake by surface area in the world. Ontario shares this vast expanse of water with the A…
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes of North America, and the biggest freshwater lake by surface area in the world. Ontario shares this vast expanse of water with the American states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The lake's rugged shoreline and beautiful wilderness landscapes make for great hiking, while the lake itself presents endless opportunities for all manner of watersports, fishing and boating.
Address Ontario, Canada
Website www.ontarioparks.com/park/lakesuperior