Here are the most popular “must-see” attractions in the Thunder Bay area:
Canada Games Complex
420 Winnipeg Ave, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6B7
(next to Community Auditorium)
(807) 684-3311
This facility hosted the aquatic events of the 1981 Canada Summer Games. The 77 metre pool is one of the largest indoor bodies of water on the continent, and is divided into three areas: for lane swimming, recreational fun, and diving-as well as a 10 metre tall water slide. The building also includes a 280 metre indoor rubber jogging track which overlooks the multi-training areas with a variety of fitness equipment. Facilities also include two large aerobic/fitness studios, found squash courts, and a fitness testing area,
Centennial Conservatory
1601 Dease St, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5H3
(Dease Street of Balmoral Avenue)
(807) 622-7036
The building protects a tropical oasis in Northern Ontario in three viewing areas. Over 250 species of flowers and plants from around the world are on display, The building took 18 tons of glass steel and concrete to construct. Open 7 days a week from 1 pm to 4 pm. Free Admission.
Chippewa Park
2465 City Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1J7
(On City Rd. in the south end)
(807) 623-3912
Chippewa Park has every that a normal park has plus so much more. Come visit the zoo with an elevated walkway giving you a magnificent look at the animals in their natural environment. Or spend the day at the Amusement Park, with a number of rides for everyone. Open June 3 to Labour Day.
Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame
219 May St S, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1B5
(downtown Fort William)
(807) 622-2852, Fax: (807) 622-2736
Honouring the skill and achievements of Northwestern Ontario’s best athletes and its sports heritage.
Magnus Theatre
10 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 3A7
(807) 345-5552Fax: (807) 345-0291
The Theatre of Northern Ontario, working on keeping live performing arts alive in Thunder Bay.
Mt McKay Scenic Lookout
Mount McKay Lookout drive
(South of the city on Mission Rd., off Hwy 61B)
(807) 623-9543
Mt McKay towers 1000 feet above the city, an has a lookout at the 500 foot level, with both a lookout deck and viewing scope. Popular for picnics, and 27 serviced campgrounds. Originally called Thunder Mountain, this was a place for many sacred Native ceremonies. Only with the construction of the road were non-Natives allowed on this land.
Old Fort William
1350 King Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7K 1L7
(On Broadway Ave)
(807) 577-8461 or (807) 473-2344
The huge reconstructed fortress of the original Fort William, along with 42 other re-constructed buildings on a 20-acre site, takes you back to life in 1815. Watch historic characters carry on life from everyday events to unique customs portraying the fur trading era. There are numerous activities for visitors to take part in. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students with ID, $6 for those over 64 years and between 6 and 12 years old.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
R R 1, Pass Lake, ON P0T 2M0
(807) 983-2041 tourist information centre or
(807) 625-2149 attraction information centre
This rock formation is 11.25 km (7 mi) long and 355 m (1,099 ft) high. This huge natural structure resembles a giant sleeping and is prominent in Ojibway legends, and can be seen from many parts of Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay Agate Mine
Hwy 527. Travel mn TCH#16 for 2 km east of the Terry Fox Monument;
(807)683-3595
The only agate mine in Canada, and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Holds the worlds largest agate.
Terry Fox Monument
Hwy 11/17 (Thunder Bay Expressway) 1 km east of Hodder Ave
This memorial with a breathtaking view overlooking the Sleeping Giant marks the end of Terry Fox’s “Marathon of Hope,” which was to be a cross-country run to raise money for cancer research. A 9 foot high bronze rendering of Terry stands on a 45 ton granite base laid on a foundation of local amethyst. The Visitor Center is located beside the Memorial.
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
1080 Keewatin St and Red Lake Rd.
(On the Confederation College Campus)
(807) 577-6427
Focuses on exhibiting First Nations, historic and contemporary arts. The Gallery also display regional art and acts as link to other cultural centres. Open noon to 8:00 pm on Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 5:00 pm on Friday to Sunday. Admission. On Wednesday the Gallery is open to everyone.
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
1 Paul Shaffer Dr, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6C7
(807) 343-2355
This building is significant feature of the city’s skyline, with a 210 foot peaked rook, requiring 900 tons of steel to construct. Free tours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 am (or by appointment). Call ahead, but groups limited to 30 people.
Thunder Bay Museum
425 Donald St E, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5V1
(807) 623-0801
Showcases Northern Ontario prominent history with displays of such artifacts as photographs, tools, clothing and much more. Exhibits are often changing. Open daily 11:00 am to 5:00 pm from June 15 until Larbour Day; 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm the rest of the year. Admission.
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1
(807) 343-8110
The local university, home of the Thunderwolves!