Thunder Bay, on the north-east shore near the head of Lake Superior, is the furthermost port on the St Lawrence Seaway/Lake Superior accessible to sea-going vessels. It is the primary outlet for grain exported from the Canadian Prairies. Grouped around the docks are a whole series of gigantic grain elevators and storage silos with a total capacity of about 4 million cu. m. (141 million cu. ft).
The city came into being in 1970 with the amalgamation of two existing communities, Port Arthur and Fort William. The latter began life as a trading post in the second half of the 17th c., the former being founded some 200 years later.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Address: Thunder Bay Art Gallery, 1080 Keewatin Street , Thunder Bay, ON P7B6T7, Canada
Phone: 1 (807) 577-6427, Fax: 1 (807) 577-3781
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.
Hours:
1pm-4pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Good Friday - Christian
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.
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.
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.
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.
Address: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Drive, Thunder Bay, ON P7B6C7, Canada
Phone: 1 (807) 684-4444, Fax: 1 (807) 345-8977
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.
Address: Thunder Bay Historical Museum, 425 Donald Street East, Thunder Bay, ON P7E5V1, Canada
Phone: 1 (807) 623-0801, Fax: 1 (807) 622-6880
Hours:
June 15 to September 5: 11am-5pm
September 6 to June 14: 1pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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Fort William Historical Park
