Thunder Bay Tourist Attractions

The opportunity to see at close quarters the impressive installations of the largest grain-handling port in the world (enormous silos, grain elevators, loading bridges, 30,000 grain ships, etc.) turns this tour of the Thunder Bay harbor into a thoroughly fascinating experience.

Fort William Historical Park is the reconstruction of the inland headquarters operated by the Northwest Company of the Canadian fur trade from 1803 to 1821. Situated on the banks of the Kaministiquia River in south Thunder Bay, the Fort comprises over 42 buildings over 25 acres. Long before the fort was built the site was occupied by a French trading post, and it was from here that Pierre de Varennes set off in 1731 to explore the American West. When possession of Canada passed to the British the post was handed over to the North West Company, serving as the company's headquarters from 1803. Each summer, fur traders, voyageurs and aboriginals would converge upon the Fort for the annual "rendezvous," which saw the transfer of tons of furs coming in from western posts with trade goods coming from Montreal, all conveyed by birch bark canoes within one season. This system enabled the Nor'Westers to emerge as a dominant force in the fur trade.The Fort offers a fascinating spectrum of fur trade life, touching upon themes from furs and foodstuffs to muskets and medicine, from period artisans' crafts and livestock to domestic life, highlighting a cultural mosaic of Scottish fur traders, French Canadian voyageurs, farmers and artisans, and aboriginals and Métis.

The 250sq.km / 96 sq.mi Sibley Park occupies most of the Sibley Peninsula, which juts out into Lake Superior on the east side of Thunder Bay. Large numbers of black bear, deer, lynx, fox and beaver still inhabit the heavily ravined and scenically delightful outliers of the Canadian Shield, the extremities of which lie hidden beneath the waters of the Lake. The Park is also home to more than 200 species of bird.The park is also the site of the 19th C village of Silver Islet (including a restored hotel, store, and church), which was at one time the home of miners and lumbermen.

About 80km /5 mi north-east of Thunder Bay, the Ouimet River has carved a canyon 5km / 3mi long and up to 150m / 492ft deep through solid rock. Even in the height of summer snow and ice lingers on in nooks and crannies where sunlight scarcely penetrates, despite which the canyon still manages to support an interesting plant life.Ouiment Canyon Provincial Park offers great overlooks of the canyon.

Thunder Bay Art Gallery (Confederation College Campus) is mainly devoted to Aboriginal art. The impressive collection of 1500 works including paintings, masks, beading, birch bark, weaving, sculptures and pottery by Aboriginal artists is the equal of any in the country.Changing exhibits are featured throughout the year. The Gallery also features main stream contemporary art in all mediums.

Among the attractions of the spacious Centennial Park in north Thunder Bay is the re-creation of a logging camp, complete with log huts, smithy and a canteen serving "loggers' steaks" and other equally "hearty" meals. There is plenty in the park to keep children amused.

Barely 30km / 19mi west of Thunder Bay the wildly beautiful 33m / 108ft high Kakabeka Falls are the show-piece of a small provincial park. The falls form the entrance to a narrow gorge through which the Kaminiskwia River thunders between dark rock walls.

A number of open-cast amethyst mines are found in the area between 55 and 75km / 34 and 47mi north-east of Thunder Bay. Local dealers usually have some fine quality stones for sale.

The different ethnic groups who have made a new home for themselves in Thunder Bay each find recognition among the flowerbeds of the International Friendship Gardens.The Friendship Gardens area located in Chapples Park and feature monuments from various countries.

Thunder Bay's "state of the art" sports complex on Winnipeg Avenue includes an Olympic swimming pool and huge water slide.The Canada Games Complex was constructed to host the aquatic events of swimming, diving, and waterpolo during the 1981 Canada Summer Games.

The Centennial Botanical Conservatory in Thunder Bay features a variety of plants in an indoor setting that can be enjoyed year round. The main room is for tropical plants, the west wing is for arid plants and the east wing for seasonal flower shows.

Chippewa Park on the shores of Lake Superior south of Thunder Bay has a sandy beach as well as a whole range of recreational and pleasure facilities.It is home to amusement rides, a wildlife park, walking trails and a history wall.

There are excellent ski areas close to Thunder Bay (also two large ski jumps).The three major ski hills near Thunder Bay include Loch Lomond, Candy Mountain, and Mount Baldy.

Opened in 1985 and acknowledged as one of the best equipped theatres in Canada, theThunder Bay Community Auditorium stands as a tribute to the city's prosperity.It is noted for offering some of the best acoustics in the world.

Among items of interest in Thunder Bay's Historical Museum are examples of Indian art pre-dating the arrival of Europeans. The museum also focuses on the history of navigation and the military history of this central part of Canada.

From Hillcrest Park excellent views are obtained over Thunder Bay, the port, and across to the Sleeping Giant.

From 183m (600ft) up the slopes of Mount Mckay (part of an Ojibwa Indian reservation on the south side of Thunder Bay) fine views are gained over Thunder Bay.

The Paipoonge Museum has memorabilia from the pioneering days and interesting material relating to the growth of industry in and around Thunder Bay.

Neys Provincial Park is located on the shores of Lake Superior not far from the town of Marathon, along the TransCanada Highway. The park has a long stretch of beach, camping, and a very modern visitor center. This area also has some historical significance and was used as a WWII Prisoner of War Camp for German inmates.Along the shoreline are some old fishing boats and other relics.

Just outside of Thunder Bay, the land rises, at the tip of the peninsula, to form the 304m / 1000ft hill known as the Sleeping Giant. This form resembles the sleeping body of a giant, arms folded across his massive chest as in the majesty of death.The area contains Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, with camping areas and beautiful views of the Sleeping Giant.