A weekend in Thunder Bay is the perfect amount of time to get to know this northern Ontario city that rests on the north shore of Lake Superior – the world’s largest freshwater lake!
With a weekend in Thunder Bay, you can learn the history of the 19th century fur trade at Fort William Historic Park, eat delicious Finnish pancakes (a staple in Thunder Bay), and see beautiful nature in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
Read on to learn 9 of the best things to do on a weekend in Thunder Bay, and read to the end for restaurant and hotel recommendations.
- 9 Exciting Things To Do in Thunder Bay
- 1. Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay)
- 2. Pigeon River Provincial Park
- 3. Fort William Historic Park
- 3. Hiking in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
- 4. Silver Islet General Store
- 5. Sailing on Lake Superior
- 6. Visit the Thunder Bay Country Market [Open Wed & Sat ONLY]
- 7. Walk the Longest Suspension Bridge in Canada
- 8. Viewpoints at Ouimet Canyon
- 9. Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
- Where to Eat in Thunder Bay
- Hotel Options in Thunder Bay
- Final Thoughts: A Weekend in Thunder Bay
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9 Exciting Things To Do in Thunder Bay
1. Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay)
Anemki Wajiw is a small mountain on the outskirts of Thunder Bay. The peak rises 299 meters up above Lake Superior. You can view it from many parts of the city!
The peak was first known by local Indigenous groups as “Thunder Mountain” (Animikii-wajiw in the Ojibwe language and locally written as “Anemki-waucheu”). Today, it is considered a sacred site and it is still used for Ojibwe ceremonies.
There’s a $10 CAD fee per vehicle to drive up to the lookout point on Anemki Wajiw. Especially on clear days, you’re treated to beautiful views of the city and waterways.
2. Pigeon River Provincial Park
Pigeon River Provincial Park is on the northern shores of Lake Superior along Highway 61, about a 1 hour drive from Thunder Bay. Established originally in 1957, this park is known for its three waterfalls; High Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls.
The most popular waterfall to visit in Pigeon River Provincial Park is High Falls. The trail to the falls starts at the north end of the parking lot. The trail is a 2.5 kilometer loop that brings you to a lookout point for the falls.
High Falls is 120 feet (36.5 m) tall. This waterfall is a beautiful sight! The water flows down into a small gorge surrounded by Boreal forest.
After the falls you continue down several sets of stairs along the river, and follow the trail all the way back to the visitor center. The trail to High Falls and back will take about an hour, including stops for photos. This trail isn’t difficult. It does have some inclines, but nothing steep.
An interesting fact about Pigeon River is that it is right on the border between Canada and the United States. The river and waterfalls are shared with Grand Portage State Park, which is on the other side of the river in Minnesota.
You can actually visit High Falls from both sides of the border – so that’s what we did! One minute from Pigeon River Provincial Park’s visitor center is the border crossing. As long as you have your passport on you, it’s easy to cross over to visit Grand Portage State Park.
To visit High Falls on the US side, you’ll park in the Grand Portage State Park parking lot (it’s free!). The trail to High Falls is a 1.9 kilometer (1.1 mile) out and back trail. The trail to the falls begins at the parking lot at the park’s visitor center and is paved and board-walked. Round-trip takes about one hour, with stops for photos.
While I think it’s worth walking to High Falls in both parks, the view from Grand Portage State Park is a bit better. If you have your passport and are comfortable crossing the border, it’s worth walking to High Falls on the US side!
3. Fort William Historic Park
Fort William Historic Park is one of North America’s largest living history sites. It brings to life the 19th century fur trade era, which was centered around trade routes that brought coveted beaver pelts from (what is now) Canada to Europe.
Fort William was the main hub for the North West Company during the fur trade from 1803 to 1821. It was also where the annual Rendezvous took place. The big event that brought together Indigenous People, French-Canadian Voyageur, and Scottish businessmen to trade goods, share knowledge, exchange ideas, and build relationships.
Fort William Historic Park isn’t the original location of the fort – the original fort was located in an area that has been significantly changed by urban development since the fort’s demolition in 1881.
Fort William Historic Park is a reproduction of the fort that recreates the original. It includes an Anishinaabe encampment, heritage trades complex, working farm, and 50 authentically reconstructed buildings and structures.
When you visit Fort William, you’re brought back in time to the year 1815. As you walk through the park, you can engage with actors in period costumes who explain what life is like for them. The actors are all super knowledgeable and happy to answer questions.
Fort William Historic Park
As you visit, you learn from the actors that it’s the middle of the summer Rendezvous, when the fur trappers and the European traders bring their goods to Fort William. You can see the quarters where the French-Canadian Voyageurs were housed, and the quarters and banquet hall where the management of the company were treated to multi-course meals.
Importantly, you’ll learn about how vital local Indigenous groups were to Fort William and the fur trade. The trade routes used for furs were based on the networks of routes Indigenous people had long used throughout North America.
Without Indigenous knowledge and contributions, the European colonizers would not have been able to successfully create a fur trade to bring goods back to Europe. For example, furs were transported to Montreal via canoes.
These canoes were Indigenous technology, and European colonizers relied on Indigenous folks to teach them how to build them.
Opening hours at Fort William vary throughout the year, so it’s best to check their website ahead of your visit for up-to-date information. You also have the option of taking a guided tour of Fort William led by one of its inhabitants. There are often special events happening at the Fort, so look out for that too!
3. Hiking in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
The image of the Sleeping Giant is what Thunder Bay is known for. On a clear day, you can see the Sleeping Giant from Thunder Bay’s shores.
According to local Ojibway legend, the large formation of volcanic rock mesas called Sleeping Giant, or “Nanajibou,” which translates to “The Spirit of Deep Sea Water” — was turned to stone when the location of a silver mine nearby was revealed.
The Sleeping Giant is now a whole provincial park, about an hour’s drive from Thunder Bay. The park has 200 campsites and more than 100 kilometers of trails. Be sure to stop by the park office to purchase a day-pass for your vehicle when you arrive.
Trails range from difficult to easy, so there’s something for everyone. The Sea Lion rock formation is a go-to when visiting Sleeping Giant if you only want to go a short distance. It’s a 2.6 kilometer out-and-back trail that brings you to a spot where you can admire an interesting rock formation that looks like a sea lion.
For a more challenging (but rewarding) hike, hike to the Top of the Giant. This is a 22-kilometer long hike that combines three trails, bringing you to the top of the famous Sleeping Giant rock face. At the top, you have a mind-blowing view of a gorge that drops 900 feet down to Lake Superior.
This trail is no joke. Although about 15 kilometers of it are flat, it is long. It takes most people 6-8 hours to complete. If you’re up for a challenge, this is an iconic hike to do in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
Just be sure to get an early start, wear proper hiking boots, and bring lots of food and water. There is little to no cell phone coverage on this hike, and there are bears in the area, so bear bells or spray are recommended out of precaution.
Be sure to follow the best practices of sustainable tourism while in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
Shots from our hike to Top of the Giant
4. Silver Islet General Store
Silver Islet refers to both a small rocky island and a small community located at the tip of the Sibley Peninsula, just outside the park.
In 1868 prospectors found nuggets of pure silver in the lake at Silver Islet. From 1869 to 1884 shafts were sunk deep beneath the rock, which rose only 2.5 m above the water, and $3.2 million in silver was taken.
The small community built on shore to support the mine is still inhabited, but today it’s a cottage community. Silver Islet General Store was established in 1871 to serve the miners, and it’s still there today!
Pop into the General Store to browse unique gifts or buy some Silver Islet merch! They also serve fresh coffee and drinks, and have snacks available for purchase. Be sure to try their popular cinnamon rolls and pies!
Be sure to check their hours ahead of your visit – When we visited in August 2024, they were open daily from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
Silver Islet General Store
5. Sailing on Lake Superior
Head down to Lake Superior to go on a sailing adventure with Sail Superior.
We went on their sunset wine and cheese sail, which brought us out onto Lake Superior aboard Frodo – their monohull sailboat! On this tour, you sail around Thunder Bay Harbour enjoying local cheeses along with local wine or local craft beer, taking in the views as the sun goes down.
Sail Superior offers various types of sailing tours on their monohull sailboat and on their catamaran. They can accommodate big groups, and offer private sails, too!
Our Sail Superior tour on a sunny August evening
6. Visit the Thunder Bay Country Market [Open Wed & Sat ONLY]
Thunder Bay Country Market is a collection of small, local businesses that all make, bake, or grow the items that they sell directly to you when you visit the market. S
Every dollar spent at the market directly supports a small business and their family. Supporting local is one way you can be a responsible tourist, so if you’re able to fit in a visit to this market, please do!
While in the Thunder Bay Country Market be sure to try Thunder Bay’s famous Finnish pancakes! Head to The Hoito, one of the vendors in the market.
The original Hoito was established in 1918, and is potentially the oldest cooperatively owned and operated restaurant in Canada. But in 2021, the Hoito suffered extensive damage when a massive fire burned through the Finnish Labour Temple building above it.
The restaurant hopes to reopen in the future, but for now, they have a pop-up in the Thunder Bay Country Market where you can go to order their famous Finnish pancakes, or, “Hoito pancakes.” These pancakes are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, don’t miss them!
Please note that Thunder Bay Country Market is open year-round on Wednesdays (3:30pm – 6:30pm) and Saturdays (8:00am – 1:00pm).
* If you can’t make it to the Thunder Bay Country Market, but want to try Finnish pancakes, head instead to Kangas Sauna for breakfast. They serve delicious pancakes, too!
7. Walk the Longest Suspension Bridge in Canada
Eagle Canyon Adventures is an adventure park that is known for its two suspension bridges, one of which is the longest in Canada! Entrance into the park includes walking across both bridges, as well as a walk through the floor of the canyon.
The park’s longest bridge extends an amazing 600 feet across Eagle Canyon at a height of 152 feet above the canyon floor. Their smaller bridge spans 300 feet across the canyon and 125 feet above the canyon floor. Completing the walk across both bridges as well as down into the canyon takes about an hour.
Eagle Canyon Adventures also has a zipline (although when we visited in August 2024 it wasn’t in operation).
Eagle Canyon Adventures is a 45 minute drive east of Thunder Bay. There’s an entry fee of $25 per adult (as of August 2024) to visit, which we felt was worth it. The fee can only be paid by debit card or by cash.
8. Viewpoints at Ouimet Canyon
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park is known for its incredible 150-meter wide gorge that was formed by glaciers millions of years ago.
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park has a well-marked trail and boardwalk that connects two lookout platforms to view the canyon. The trail in and out is short, about 1 kilometer, and very easy. There are two trails to choose from, one of which is accessible.
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park is open May to October and is a day-use park. There is a park office, but when we visited it was closed. There’s a $5 fee to visit – if no one is in the office, payment is an honor system (there’s a box to deposit the fee into, cash only).
9. Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is an Ontario Park just a 30 minute drive from Thunder Bay. This provincial park is home to Ontario’s highest waterfall after Niagara Falls, Kakabeka Falls, which flows into the Kaministiquia River. Kakabeka Falls is 40 meters (130 feet) tall!
Throughout the park there are various viewpoints and platforms you can walk to to see the falls and the Kaministiquia River from different angles. The park has an accessible tBoardwalk Trail which is 750 meters and surrounds the falls. There are several other trails that you can walk to enjoy the nature in the park (beyond the falls).
There is a per-vehicle fee to enter the park, which is based on how many hours you plan to spend in the park.
Where to Eat in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay has lots of dining options to choose from, including restaurants that offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Classic Diner Fare at Sals
The Sal is a small diner (which was once known as Salsbury Grill) that has been serving Thunder Bay since 1964. Their menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options, and they serve all-day breakfast! I had their classic club sandwich and it was amazing.
Mexican Food at Nortenos Taqueria
Norteños Taqueria is a traditional Mexican restaurant that uses fresh ingredients to make Mexican favorites like tacos, taquitos, quesadillas, tortas and more. They have gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
Detroit-Style Pizza at Tomlin Subdivision
Tomlin Subdivision is the newest member of Thunder Bay’s Tomlin family of restaurants.Subdivision is a fast-casual eatery, attached to Lakehead Beer Company in downtown Thunder Bay, near the waterfront.
Head to their counter to order off their menu of Detroit-style pizza, subs, fried chicken, and tasty snacks. You can enjoy it as takeout, or enjoy it out on their patio or in the brewery next door. We were obsessed with their arancini and fried chicken with hot honey!
Hotel Options in Thunder Bay
Ahead of your trip to Thunder Bay, you’ll want to book a comfortable spot to stay. Here’s two options!
Home2Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay
While in Thunder Bay we stayed at Home2Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay. This hotel is conveniently located just 7 minutes from the airport (by driving) and 15 minutes from downtown Thunder Bay (also driving).
The rooms at Home2Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay are spacious, thoughtfully designed, and very well equipped. Our room had a king size bed, seating area, work station, large television, kitchenette, and a large bathroom.
A daily hot breakfast is included with your room, along with coffee available all day, a fitness center, indoor pool, airport shuttle, and electric vehicle charging.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay
For a stay in downtown Thunder Bay, consider Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay. This hotel is located right on the waterfront of Lake Superior, and so you have beautiful views of the lake (and on a clear day, Sleeping Giant), if you book a lake-view room.
Hot breakfast is available every morning, and you have access to the fitness center and restaurant on site at Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay. The hotel offers free parking, and electric vehicle charging.
Final Thoughts: A Weekend in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is the perfect amount of time to get to know the city, and spend time in the beautiful nature in the surrounding region.
With 2 or 3 days in Thunder Bay, you can learn the history of the 19th century fur trade at Fort William Historic Park, eat delicious Finnish pancakes in the country market, and see beautiful nature in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and other parks near the city.
Want a fully planned itinerary for visiting Thunder Bay? Read How to Spend 3 Days in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
I want to thank Visit Thunder Bay for hosting us as media. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
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Erin has been traveling for over a decade, both solo, and with her partner. She’s now traveled to countries across 6 continents, and has lived in 2 countries abroad. Erin also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism, where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. Learn more about Erin, and get in touch with her, here.