Are you looking for the best things to do in Thunder Bay with Kids?
If you are planning a road trip across Canada or simply looking at a long weekend trip in Ontario, Thunder Bay is a great place to explore.
We’ve had the chance to visit Thunder Bay twice, both as a multi-day stop on our cross-Canada road trips, and we LOVED the town so much.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of 18+ fun things to do with kids in Thunder Bay (or without the kids). From Thunder Bay parks to unique experiences like a visit to a cheese farm Thunder Bay is famous for, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re wondering what is there to do in Thunder Bay, this list is your answer.
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18+ Fun Things to Do in Thunder Bay With Kids
Thunder Bay is a treasure trove of historic sites and natural beauty. From hiking trails Thunder Bay offers to exploring provincial parks Thunder Bay is home to, you and your family won’t be bored. It’s a great destination for northern Ontario family vacations.
Check out all the fun things to do with kids in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
If you are traveling with children, don’t forget to download the Gowhee app. It lists most of the following activities, including kids activities Thunder Bay is known for, and even splash pads Thunder Bay has for the little ones.
1. Pick Your Gemstone at One of the Amethyst Mines
Visiting one of the Amethyst Mines, Amethyst Mine Panorama or Blue Point Amethyst Mine, is a fun family activity. You’ll get to dig up your own amethyst stone for a souvenir or a perfect travel gift. The process can be messy and muddy, so appropriate clothing is needed.
During our time in Thunder Bay, we visited the Amethyst Mine Panorama. It’s about 45 minutes east of Thunder Bay. You’ll drive on a dirt road for 5 kilometers with a big steep hill.
There is an entrance fee of $10.00 per person (free for kids under 5 years old) to access the site and have a small guided tour of the mine. Then, you can search for the perfect amethyst gems to bring back home. It’s cost $5.00 per pound.
2. Fort William Historical Park
Fort William Historical Park is a reconstruction of the Fort William fur trade post in 1816. Fort William was the headquarters of the fur trader company, the North West Company in the 19th century.
Located on the banks of the Kaministiquia River, the park is a living history site featuring numerous reconstructed buildings, a recreated Ojibwa village, and a small farm.
Historical interpreters bring to life the various roles and cultures involved in the fur trade, including Scottish fur traders, French Canadian voyageurs, and native hunters and trappers.
This historic park is a fantastic learning experience for families where you’ll learn how French voyageurs would live on the Fort by trading fur and European goods.
You’ll want to plan a whole day to explore this historic park fully.
There are many buildings (more than 40) to enter where you can interact with costumed historical interpreters who recreate Fort William of 1816. My boys loved their visit.
3. Finnish Bay & Algoma Historical District
With a population of over 10,000 Finnish Canadians, Thunder Bay has the largest population of Finnish people outside Finland.
Dive in the Finnish heritage and eat Finnish pancakes, maybe at Niva’s (376 Lisgar St.), at Kangas Sauna (379 Oliver Rd), or at any other Finnish restaurant you’ll find in the Bay & Algoma Historical District.
We tried the Timberjack special at Niva’s to try the famous Finnish pancakes. And it was delicious. We also tested some suolakala from Kangas Sauna. It’s similar to Swedish gravlax. It’s cured fish flavored with salt, dill, vodka, or gin, served on rye bread and sprinkled with green onion. It was good!
4. Mount McKay Lookout
Mount McKay is a prominent mafic sill on the Indian reserve of the Fort William First Nation just outside Thunder Bay. It’s the highest and most northern peak of the Nor’Wester Mountains.
The mountain has a rich history is traditionally known as “Thunder Mountain” (Animikii-wajiw in the Ojibwe language). The Ojibwe has used it for sacred ceremonies for generations.
The mountain offers a lookout on its lower eastern plateau at an elevation of 300 meters, providing a panoramic view of Thunder Bay and its harbor.
The lookout is 500 ft below the top of the mount and offers the perfect spot for pictures. The Mount McKay Lookout offers breathtaking panoramic views of Thunder Bay and its harbor. You can also have a nice view of the Sleeping Giant.
When you’re visiting, don’t forget to look at the small memorial commemorating Aboriginal people who fought in wars.
There is a vehicle entrance fee of $10.00 to access the lookout.
5. Prince Arthur’s Landing
Also called Marina Park, Prince Arthur’s Landing is a great park by the waterfront. Perfect for a picnic, a game of tag, or looking at the sailboats. Plus, in the summer, some festivals and events occur in the park.
Prince Arthur’s Landing is a mixed-use waterfront redevelopment district. It incorporates a marina, parkland and trails, public art, restored heritage buildings, and the Delta Hotel.
There is so much to do and see at Prince Arthur’s Landing. First, you can visit the Baggage Building Arts Centre public gallery, a restored circa 1900 building, the Water Garden Pavilion.
Then, kids will love spending time at the skateboard park and splashing around at the water park. There are also many walking and biking trails around the park and marina.
The area was named in honor of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, son of Queen Victoria.
There is a great place to stay when visiting Thunder Bay so you can enjoy the waterfront and marina before and after exploring the town.
6. Terry Fox Monument and Lookout
The Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout is located on the outskirts of Thunder Bay, just outside the city center. It commemorates the cancer research activist Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope.
Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. Terry was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) in 1977, leading to the amputation his right leg above the knee.
The Marathon of Hope was Terry Fox’s ambitious cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. He started his journey on April 12, 1980, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to run across Canada. Terry ran an average of 42 kilometers (about 26 miles) every day, which is a marathon a day. He ran with an artificial leg, enduring physical pain, and challenging weather conditions.
His determination, courage, and selflessness symbolized hope and resilience.
Unfortunately, Terry was forced to end his run on August 31, 1980, near Thunder Bay, Ontario, after running 5,373 kilometers (3,339 miles) in 143 days. The cancer had spread to his lungs. He passed away on June 28, 1981, but his legacy lived on.
The monument was dedicated on June 26, 1982, and offers a panoramic view of Thunder Bay and its surroundings. It marks where Terry Fox was forced to end his run.
The Memorial overlooks the bay and the city. A nice stop on the way to Thunder Bay.
7. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
🛂 An Ontario Parks pass is required to enter Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
After enjoying the views of the Sleeping Giant from the city, Mount McKay, or the Terry Fox Memorial, it’s time to go inside the park and do some hiking.
There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, but here are a few that are suitable for children:
- Joe Creek Nature Trail: Just off Highway 587, his 1.4 km, mostly flat trail follows a series of cascades on the shore of Lake Superior.
- Sibley Creek Nature Trail: This 2.3 km loop trail is more than a simple hiking trail. Interpretive signs are located along the trail. It leads to a bridge over the picturesque Sibley Creek.
If your children are older, you might want to consider the Top of the Giant, one of Thunder Bay’s most epic and scenic places. It’s a 6.6-km out-and-back trail with a challenging ascent to the summit of the Sleeping Giant.
During our visit, it was pouring rain, so we decided only to walk the Joe Creek Nature Trail. It was beautiful and the rain added something unique to the trail.
8. Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
🛂 An Ontario Parks pass is required to enter Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park.
In Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, the Boardwalk trail is a 750-meter, wheelchair-accessible walk that brings you on the platform with a spectacular view of the falls. You can also walk down the stairs for another lookout.
With a little more time, the 1.5 km loop of Mountain Portage Trail, also wheelchair accessible, provides a nice view of the falls, the gorge, and the river.
You can also spend the afternoon at the beach in the provincial park. You’ll have to drive on the opposite side from the falls and you’ll find the parking lot for the beach. There is also a kids’ playground.
9. Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
🛂 An Ontario Parks pass is required to enter Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park.
Ouimet Canyon is a large gorge located in Dorion. It’s about an hour and fifteen minutes northeast of Thunder Bay.
The canyon is 100 meters deep, 150 meters wide, and 2,000 meters long. It’s protected as part of Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, which covers an area of 7.77 square kilometers.
When you get to the park parking lot, you can walk on the short 1-km loop trail. It’s a walkway consisting of boardwalks and trails that lead to viewing platforms overlooking the canyon. There is one section of the trail that is accessible.
Then, you can enjoy the breathtaking views.
We had no luck when we visited as it started to rain a lot and we started to hear thunder. We sadly didn’t get to stay long, but it must be amazing on a sunny day.
10. Thunder Bay Oak Cheese Farm
The Thunder Oak Cheese Farm is Ontario’s first farm to produce Gouda cheese.
You’ll learn the cheese-making process and experience the tradition of Dutch cheesemaking with the Schep family. The farm produces Gouda cheese on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. One those days, you can see the entire cheese-making process.
If you’re visiting on another day, you can still learn about the process with a short informative video.
Make sure to buy from Gouda cheese for your next picnic or hiking snack.
11. Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park
The Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park features a historic village where you can see a Pioneer Home, Carpenter Shop, Newsprint Shop, Cobbler Shop, Blacksmith Shop, the Village General Store, a replica of the Upsula Train Station – including a caboose, a Church, a one-room School and Teacherage.
All village buildings are furnished and stocked with merchandise you would expect to see in the early years before 1949.
You can also visit the Duke Hunt Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Olivier Paipoonge municipality.
Finally, you can visit Russ’ garage to see a collection of vintage cars, race cars, kids’ pedal cars, toys and numerous memorabilia from auto and racing events.
There is a $5.00 admission fee to Heritage Park, but it’s free for children under 13 years old.
Other Unique Things to Do in Thunder Bay
12. Alexander Henry Icebreaker
Take a guided tour of the old Alexander Henry icebreaker. The former Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker served the Great Lakes from 1959 to 1984.
13. Adventurous Scavenger Hunt
This adventure scavenger hunt will take you around Thunder Bay where you’ll try to find the items. Each item is a fun task to complete to get points. The scavenger hunt is done via an app with an interactive guide. It takes about 2 hours to complete.
Check out here for more information on the scavenger hunt.
14. Chippewa Park
Chippewa Park is a great amusement park for the entire family. Get a ticket booklet and enjoy different rides, from the historical carousel to bumper cars. In addition to the amusement park, there is a nice beach supervised by lifeguards and a great view of the Sleeping Giant.
15. Gammondale Farm.
Old-Fashioned Sleigh Rides, farm animals, trains and nature trail… there is plenty to do at Gammondale Farm to keep the family busy!
16. Eagle Canyon Suspension Bridge, Thunder Bay
Eagle Canyon is Canada’s longest suspension bridge with a length of 600 ft. There is also another bridge, a zip line, and hiking trails. It’s 45 minutes east of Thunder Bay just before the Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park.
17. Cascades Conservation Area
Cascades Conservation Area is great for a short and beautiful family hike. The Forest Trail is a 775-meter loop trail. At the pavilion, there are also interpretive displays that highlight the feature. of the area.
18. Playgrounds and splash pads.
There are a few playgrounds in Thunder Bay and around. Here are our top picks:
- Hillcrest Park: High Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 3K5
- Franklin Street Splash Pad: 215 Franklin St. N., Thunder Bay, ON P7C 4J1
- North End Park: 954 Huron Ave., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 6L4
BONUS: Winter Fun Skiing in Thunder Bay
There are hundreds of kilometers of alpine slopes and cross-country ski trails with two local ski areas: Loch Lomond, located south of the city, and Mt. Baldy to the north.
A Few Things to Know When Visiting Thunder Bay, Ontario
Here are a few things to know when traveling with kids.
📱 Download a few apps to help you plan your trips
The GoWhee app has unique recommendations for kid-friendly activities, lodging, and restaurants in Thunder Bay. AllTrails is our app to look at trail reports and see if the trail is kid-friendly. You’ll also find recent information about the status of the trail.
How to Get to Thunder Bay
The most straightforward way to get to Thunder Bay is by flying into Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT). The airport is well-connected with major cities in Canada and offers some international flights. If you’re planning a Thunder Bay vacation, flying is a convenient option, especially if you’re coming from far away.
For those who enjoy road trips, Thunder Bay is accessible by car from various parts of Canada. It’s a popular stop for northern Ontario family vacations and cross-Canada road trips.
The Trans-Canada Highway runs through the city, making including Thunder Bay in your travel itinerary easy. If you’re wondering about things to do near Thunder Bay, Canada, a road trip offers the flexibility to explore.
Do you need a car in Thunder Bay?
Yes. Renting a car to explore Thunder Bay and Lake Superior is better. You can rent a car directly from the airport.
Where to Stay in Thunder Bay
There are many hotels in Thunder Bay to choose from. Booking at one of the hotels near Prince Arthur’s Landing is ideal, but other options exist. Here are our top 2 hotels in Thunder Bay:
We first stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites Thunder Bay, which was great. It was really clean, they offered a complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool (which is a big win when traveling with kids).
We then stayed at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay, which was AMAZING. This hotel is located by the waterfront, so it’s easy to leave the hotel and start walking around. There is no pool at this hotel, but there is a nice new spray park just outside the hotel for warm summer days (or evenings).
🛏️ Find hotels in Thunder Bay, Canada
Where To Eat In Thunder Bay
Here are a few restaurants if you’re wondering where to eat in Thunder Bay:
Bight Restaurant
Bight Restaurant is a dining spot located near the Thunder Bay marina. It’s a short walk from the Delta Hotel. The restaurant offers a kids’ menu and a relaxed atmosphere. The patio is facing the waterfront and the splash park. The burrata is delicious.
Niva’s Restaurant
Niva’s Restaurant offers a cozy setting that’s ideal for families looking for a casual dining experience. It’s perfect for breakfast. With a diverse menu featuring comfort food, there’s something for everyone, including kid-friendly options. The welcoming staff adds to the family-friendly vibe. I recommend trying the Timberjack special, a plate with Finnish pancakes, eggs and bacon.
Nomad on Bay
Nomad on Bay is a trendy spot that also welcomes families. It specializes in savory crepes and deluxe sandwiches. You can create your lunch with many options. Note that the sandwiches and crepes are sold by weight. It’s about $12 to $15 per meal. They have a nice outdoor seating.
El Tres
El Tres is a Mexican restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families. The menu features classic Mexican dishes that are both delicious and kid-friendly. Its lively ambiance makes it a fun place for a family night out. We shared a bug nachos and a tasting of tacos. The fish tacos were amazing.
Rooster’s Bistro
Rooster’s Bistro is a local favorite for breakfast and brunch. A menu that includes everything from pancakes to omelets is a hit for kids and parents alike. The casual setting makes it easy for families to relax and enjoy their meals. If you like egg benedicts, I highly recommend the smoked salmon one.
The Sal – Salsbury Grill
The Sal–Salsbury Grill is a classic American diner that families will love. Known for its burgers and milkshakes, it’s a hit with kids. The restaurant has a nostalgic vibe and offers a comfortable setting for a family meal.
Red Lion Smokehouse
Red Lion Smokehouse offers a unique dining experience with smoked meats and BBQ dishes. The restaurant is spacious, making it ideal for families. Kids will love the finger-food options, and parents can enjoy a more sophisticated palate.
Kangas Sauna – Little House of Pancakes
Kangas Sauna – Little House of Pancakes is more than just a pancake house; it’s a Thunder Bay institution. Families will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the extensive pancake menu, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast or brunch.
F.A.Q Top Things to Do in Thunder Bay
What is Thunder Bay best known for?
Thunder Bay is best known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the iconic Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, fishing, kayaking opportunities. Thunder Bay is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including strong Finnish and Indigenous influences. The city is a significant port on Lake Superior, one of North America’s Great Lakes.
Additionally, Thunder Bay is famous for being the point where Canadian hero Terry Fox had to end his Marathon of Hope. The city has a monument dedicated to him, a popular tourist attraction.
How tall is Mount McKay?
Mount McKay is approximately 483 meters (1,585 feet) tall. It is located south of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and is part of the Nor’Wester Mountain Range. The mountain is a popular destination for hiking and offers stunning views of Thunder Bay and the surrounding area. It’s also a significant site for the Fort William First Nation, whose reserve land includes the mountain.
Where is Thunder Bay located?
Thunder Bay is located on the shore of Lake Superior. It’s also in Thunder Bay that Terry Fox had to stop his marathon of hope. It is approximately 1,388 kilometers (862 miles) northwest of Toronto and about 700 kilometers (435 miles) north of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the United States.
How Long to Stay in Thunder Bay
We recommend staying at least 2 to 3 days to have time to test some things to do in Thunder Bay.
Is Thunder Bay worth visiting?
Yes. Thunder Bay is worth visiting. Thunder Bay is a compelling city stop on a Northern Ontario road trip, offering a variety of things to do near Thunder Bay, Canada.
How big is Thunder Bay?
Thunder Bay is the largest city in Northern Ontario. It”s the most populous city in Northwestern Ontario, with a population that hovers around 110,000 people.
When is the best time to visit Thunder Bay?
Summer is the most popular time to visit Thunder Bay. The weather is warm, and this is the best time for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit for those who enjoy the autumn foliage. The weather is still relatively mild, and outdoor activities are still enjoyable. It’s an excellent time for hiking and enjoying the fall colors, especially in places like Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
Final Thoughts: What to do in Thunder Bay?
There are numerous activities to do in Thunder Bay with kids for a family vacation, from exploring an outdoor living museum to hiking in provincial parks Thunder Bay boasts.
The entire family will find fun things to do, making Thunder Bay an excellent stop on a cross-Canada road trip worth staying at least for a weekend.
Whether it’s taking a Mount McKay hike or enjoying the Chippewa Park rides, Thunder Bay offers a variety of activities that are perfect for family fun Ontario.
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.