Explore Thunder Bay through two distinct historical perspectives and a range of outdoor destinations: Fort William represents the history of the North West Company, while parks and trails showcase the landscape along Lake Superior and the city. You can plan your stay around cultural history, views or time outdoors.
Fort William and Thunder Bay at the Museum
Fort William Historical Park recreates Fort William in 1815 as the inland headquarters of the North West Company. Fort William is one of the largest living-history attractions in North America. During guided tours, a person portraying a resident of Fort William leads the group. Check the schedule before your visit, as times may change. The park also offers fully accessible transportation that runs regularly between the Visitor Centre and the historic site.
Thunder Bay Museum is located in downtown Fort William on East Donald Street, opposite City Hall, which serves as a bus terminal. On the third floor, you’ll find an exhibition on the military history of Thunder Bay and northwestern Ontario, as well as a gallery dedicated to musical heritage. The Peter McKellar Gallery features permanent exhibitions. The museum thus brings together the region’s military and musical history alongside other permanent exhibits.
Parks between the lake and the waterfront
Thunder Bay Parks maintains 129 active parks and more than 55 kilometres of paved recreational trails in Thunder Bay; these figures may change over time. A 650-acre parkland surrounds Boulevard Lake, extending from the scenic cliffs north of the lake to the dam on the lower Current River. Boulevard Lake Park offers a 5.5-kilometre multi-use trail around the lake. There is also an 18-hole disc golf course.
At Marina Park, Prince Arthur’s Landing reconnects downtown with the Lake Superior waterfront. It offers about three kilometres of paved trails for walking and cycling, with views of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant. Compared with the 5.5-kilometre loop around Boulevard Lake, this waterfront route is shorter. Hillcrest Park offers a different perspective, with views of Thunder Bay’s harbour, the grain elevators and the Sleeping Giant.
Gardens, art and seasonal activities
The Soroptimist International Friendship Gardens showcase Thunder Bay’s multicultural heritage. In the 15-acre park, monuments represent 18 ethnic groups. At Prince Arthur’s Landing, the Baggage Building Arts Centre provides a platform for local art and a studio for new artistic work.
The Centennial Botanical Conservatory opened in 1967 as a Centennial project of the Fort William Parks Board and is a legacy for the people of Thunder Bay. It houses flowers, trees, tropical plants and cacti. In Centennial Park, the Muskeg Express operates seasonally from June through the Labour Day weekend. This includes Canada Day, Civic Holiday and Labour Day, weather permitting.
Discover more destinations: Amethyst Harbour, Nolalu, Manitouwadge, Kakabeka Falls, Nipigon
Return to the main travel overview: Thunder Bay District.
