Thunder Bay: Outdoor Adventures on Lake Superior
Table of Contents
Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
Thunder Bay, on the northwest shore of Lake Superior, is the perfect place to enjoy fun outdoor adventures in this beautiful area of Canada. Whether you decide to take a tour of the largest freshwater lake (by surface area) in the world by sailboat, pontoon, kayak, canoe, or paddle board, you are sure to enjoy this magnificent treasure. The area also offer great hiking, biking, ziplining, and exploration of the the canyons, rivers, lakes, and other scenic vistas.
Fort William and various museums and nature centers provide an intriguing look into the early history of the area. Be inspired by the awesome Terry Fox Monument and Statue. And you won’t go home hungry – Thunder Bay is also home to many outstanding restaurants, bars, breweries, and other culinary delights.
Where Is Thunder Bay?
Sail Superior at Prince Arthur's Landing
Prince Arthur’s Landing is a fun place to admire the boats in the marina and enjoy the views. We joined Captain Josh on board the Frodo, a small sailing vessel operated by Sail Superior. Our 90 minute sunset cruise was the perfect way to enjoy the cool refreshing August air. Captain Josh took us by the ancient lighthouse, huge granaries, barges, and landmarks like the Sleeping Giant on the horizon.
Mariott Delta Hotel on the Waterfront in Thunder Bay
The Delta Hotel by Marriott at 2240 Sleeping Giant Pkwy is the perfect place to lay your head after an active dqy of exploring the wonders of the area. One of just a few hotels on the waterfront in Thunder Bay, the Delta Hotel by Marriott is a modern, comfortable hotel convenient to some of the best spots in Thunder Bay. Walk to the harbor for a trip with Sail Superior or to dozens of fabulous restaurants, bars, museums, casinos, and other local attractions.
Each of our three nights we looked forward to retiring and relaxing on the plush beds in the welcoming rooms of the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Thunder Bay. An onsite restaurant, bar, and outdoor patio with views of the lake and Sleeping Giant make Delta Hotels by Marriott the right choice for a delightful stay.
Hike the Beautiful Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
Ouimet Canyon on Ouimet Canyon Rd features some of the best hiking and views in Ontario. We walked along a wooden walkway and across a beautiful curved wooden bridge to several stunning vistas across the canyons. At our first overlook we were treated with a spectacular sweeping view of the Ouimet Canyon.
To our left we saw Indian Head, a block of granite standing tall near the canyon wall, chiseled by erosion into the form of an Indian head. Local legends tell the story that the stone column and head was the result of Nanabijou turning Omett into stone as punishment for accidentally killing his daughter, Naiomi, to watch over her grave for eternity.
Eagle Canyon Adventures and the Longest Suspension Foot Bridge in Canada
We continued our explorations with Eagle Canyon Adventures at 275 Valley Rd. This beautiful pristine area has two suspension bridges, including the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Canada. The longer bridge spans 600 feet across while the second bridge is 300 feet long. The bridges were surprisingly firm and solid, and I felt only slight movements and vibrations as I crossed the bridges to the other side. After crossing the lower bridge, we took a trail to return via the second, taller and longer bridge. To think someone could build these bridges from scratch, with no pre-existing supports or structures, is unfathomable. But they did it!
Fort William Historical Park
Fort William Historical Park at 1350 King Rd on the banks of the Kaministiquia River at Point de Meuron is an accurate recreation of one of the largest fur trading posts in Canada in the early 1800s. Fort William’s intriguing history is told by interesting exhibits and characters in period costume from 1816. A group of energetic young adults entertained us with some lively music and dancing to tunes popular in the early 1800s.
One large building is dedicated to displays of the huge fur trade that was the driving force behind Fort William even existing. Beaver, bison, bear, otter, mink, raccoon, and other fur pelts filled the large barn type structure. Another building housed the materials and tools used in hand crafting the canoes so vital to transportation for residents of this area.
We also toured the gardens, the kitchen, the bakery, and the Main Building where members of the Fur Trading Post held dinners and celebrations. The friendly and knowledgable staff does a wonderful job of bringing 1816 Fort William back to life.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and the Sea Lion Trail
Hiking at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park off Hwy 587 was scenic and invigorating. This rugged peninsula of thick forests, lakes, and high granite cliffs covers 244 amazing square kilometers. With many trails to choose from, we hiked several shorter trails and enjoyed the many scenic vistas along the way.
A favorite hike was along Sea Lion Trail, which culminated in a wonderful view overlooking the impressive Sea Lion rock formation. The head of the lion tumbled off the body into the water years ago from the effects of time and weather, but the torso and legs remain visible on the shore.
Kakabeka Falls in Provincial Park
Our stop at the Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park at Hwy 11/17 offered fabulous views. The second highest waterfall in Ontario at 40 meters, the walkway and viewing platforms for this magnificent site on the Kaministiquia River are well done. A small gift shop and nature museum is located close to the falls, and makes it easy to enjoy the stunning vistas.
Terry Fox Monument and Statue
The Terry Fox Scenic Lookout at 1000 Hwy 11/17 is a moving monument dedicated to the life of Terry Fox, a young Canadian who raised awareness and money to help fight cancer. Terry Fox first lost his leg, and then his life, to this dreadful disease. After losing his leg, he ran over 3,000 miles from Newfoundland to Thunder Bay, Ontario, to bring attention to finding a cure for cancer.
His original plans to run all the way to the Pacific Ocean were cut short by the return of the cancer that killed him just a few months after reaching Thunder Bay. This impressive monument overlooks part of the beautiful Canadian terrain so important to Terry Fox and his fellow countrymen, and is a fitting tribute to his life and his fight to find a cure for cancer.
Eat and Drink in Thunder Bay
Sleeping Giant Brewing Company
Sleeping Giant Brewery at 712 MacDonell St is a fabulous brewery with a friendly staff and ambience offering many craft beers on tap, featuring some of the best Canadian brews of the area. Sleeping Giant has been satisfying the thirst of local residents since 2012, creating some of the finest craft beers inspired by the spectacular Lake Superior. In addition to beer, they offer a nice selection of hard seltzer and craft sodas.
The second floor welcomes visitors to their personal collection of beer bottles from around the world. Outside, visitors can enjoy the pet-friendly patio space at Sleeping Giant Brewing Company. I thoroughly enjoyed my ice cold Rock Logger, an easy drinking golden ale.
Tomlin Restaurant and Bar
Tomlin Restaurant at 202 1/3 Red River Rd is one of the nicest and most popular restaurants in Thunder Bay. Tomlin specializes in using fresh local products to create innovative menu items designed for sharing. Especially busy are the special Burger Nights, where diners can feast on some of the best burgers in town for only $15. Tomlin has a fun menu, and the chefs constantly challenge themselves with new, creative taste combinations featuring fresh meats, seafood, and produce from the local area.
Our table enjoyed the Special Family Tasting Menu with over a dozen small shareable plates served by the delightful staff. For parties of four or more, the Family Tasting Menu was one of the highlights of our time in Thunder Bay. Everything was delicious, but some of the favorites included the grilled asparagus with a spicy eggplant puree, fried green tomatoes, a fantastic gnocchi with zucchini, feta, and mushrooms, and a flavorful pork belly. Our mains were the superb short ribs and shrimp cooked in a garlic wine sauce. Dessert consisted of a trio of delights: Crisp cookies with lemon curd and toasted meringue, puff pastries filled with a delicious cream filling drizzled with caramel and peanuts, and a decadent chocolate mousse.
What a feast!
Red Lion Smokehouse
Red Lion Smokehouse was a great place to fill our tummies after this busy day. We started with a delicious Deep Fried Feta, light and crispy on the outside and oozy goodness on the inside. Specialties include several dishes featuring their smoked in-house brisket. For my entree, I ordered the Brisket and Blue Sandwich, made with 8 hr Smoked Brisket, Blue Cheese, Tomato Salsa and Crispy Shallots on a Brioche Bun, and served with fries. After studying the 100 plus craft beers available, I chose a refreshing Raspberry Wheat Beer.
Another person in our party ordered the Brisket Poutine, a hearty helping of French fries covered with meaty brisket, cheese curds, and red wine jus. Red Lion also serves up burgers, sandwiches, pulled pork, salads, wraps, and a variety of bar snacks.
Bight Restaurant & Bar on the Waterfront
Bight Restaurant at 100-2201 Sleeping Giant Pkwy is a delightful restaurant on the waterfront in Thunder Bay with views of the harbor and Lake Superior. Bight serves a range of Canadian fare and has a lakefront patio and bar with artisan touches. The carefully curated menu gives diners plenty of great options for dinner. I started with a light and tasty Pear and Radicchio Salad made of Asian Pears, Spinach, Radicchio, Seed and Nut Mix, and Gorgonzola drizzled with a flavorful Maple Dressing. For my main I ordered the Shrimp Casarecce, pasta served with a wonderfully savory tomato and garlic sauce, sofrito, and chiles. Others in our party chose the Salmon with zucchini puree, gremolata, charred lemon, edamame, snap peas, and pearl couscous.
For dessert, we shared the delicious Chocolate & Peanut Butter creation, a gluten free cake with caramel, espresso glaze, sponge toffee, and vanilla ice cream sprinkled with crushed peanuts. Another dessert we tried was the delightful Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake, a vanilla crème anglaise served with orange sorbet, topped with dehydrated brownie crumbles.
Rooster's Bistro
Rooster’s Bistro at 32 St. Paul Street is the perfect place to start your day with a hearty breakfast and a hot cup of coffee. Rooster’s specializes in classic homestyle cooking sure to please everyone. I had the delicious Breakfast Scrambler, which came with a choice of bacon, ham, or sausage, sautéed onions, fresh mushrooms, and fresh bell peppers topped with cheddar cheese. Served with toast and home fries, this was one of the best breakfast dishes I’ve had in a long time. Try one of the special Bennys, a three egg omelette, or any item on their extensive breakfast menu – you can’t go wrong.
Along with a nice selection of breakfast dishes, Rooster’s offers a wide range of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and other delicious homestyle lunch items.
Dawson's Trail Craft Brewery
Dawson Trail Craft Brewery at 1181 Golf Links Rd is a fun brewery with award winning brews, old arcade games, and the golf simulation activities of On The Links Virtual Golf & Sports Bar next door. After a day out hiking, we stopped for a few drinks to relax and visit. I enjoyed one of Dawson’s most popular drinks, the Border Run Cream Ale. One of the arcade games caught my eye – Centipede – brought back memories of work breaks when I worked for the telephone company back in my college days.
Kangas Sauna and Coffee Shop – Little House of Pancakes
Kangas Sauna – Little House of Pancakes at 3790 Oliver Rd is a friendly sauna and restaurant in Thunder Bay. Our friendly server took great care of us, with eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, and, of course, Finnish pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream. I was surprised to learn that Thunder Bay had the largest Finnish population outside of Finland, so the Finnish influence was evident in the food, language, books, and culture throughout the area. Towards the rear of the buildings are rooms with jacuzzies, saunas, showers for relaxing and therapy.
Nomad Bakeshop and Sandwich Bar
Nomad Bakeshop and Sandwich Bar at 307 Bay Street is a very popular eatery with friendly folks and a fun atmosphere. In the heart of downtown Thunder Bay, customers can order their custom sandwiches with fresh baked bread and delicious ingredients to make that perfect sandwich. Nomad also serves savory or sweet crepes as well as a nice selection of frozen pies. Drop by for a Grab & Go for an on-the-go breakfast or lunch.
The original Nomad Bakeshop and Sandwich Bar opened at the Thunder Bay Airport in 2018 before expanding to it second location in downtown Thunder Bay.
Come See Fascinating Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay welcomes visitors to explore this pristine area of Ontario, Canada, on the shores of mighty Lake Superior. Whether you are sailing the largest lake in the world, hiking through scenic woodlands and coastlines, or enjoying the many great dining options and attractions in the area, Thunder Bay is ready for you.
Thanks to Visit Thunder Bay for hosting us on this press trip. All opinions are my own.
Scott Kendall is the Founder, Editor, and frequent contributor to PlayStayEat. He is a former Navy Officer, teacher and tennis coach who is an avid traveler and writer. Scott has traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas to Italy, France, England, Croatia, Slovenia, and others. In addition to his contributions to PlayStayEat, much of his published work can be seen at scottkendalltravels.com.