An Enlightening Experience in Thunder Bay, Canada’s Shining Gem
Northern Ontario is a truly spectacular part of Canada, where the outdoors are celebrated and adventure is encouraged. Having experienced Thunder Bay once before, it was time to return. New adventures, new sights, new experiences and new memories.
If you’re looking for what to do in Thunder Bay, follow my route, use this as inspiration as you craft your own path or find a mix of both.
From time on the water with paddles and sails, getting my steps in, to soaring views, to uncovering in-sight gems, Thunder Jay, errr, Thunder Bay should be experienced by all, sooner than later.
Home Base: Hyatt House Thunder Bay
The Hyatt House in Thunder Bay opened in early 2026.
Opened in the spring of 2026, Thunder Bay’s newest hotel, the Hyatt House, has spacious rooms available and if you like to spread out like me, their king sized bed is where it’s at. Fast wifi, an excellent location and an upscale yet approachable vibe made this an ideal home base for my Thunder Bay adventures.
Amethyst Mine Panorama - 59 km from home base
Amethyst Mine Panorama lets you pick and buy your own amethyst.
Choose between a guided or self-guided tour and take your time exploring this shining gem.
I did the guided tour to get a primer on what amethyst is and its history.
You can roam the area, picking your own amethyst, of which there’s aplenty. If you’ve found stones you like, head to the washing table, clean them off and then head inside to buy what you’ve plucked. Prices will change, so check with them before you go. In June, 2026, they were paying $6.00 per pound. The main building showcases some polished and sculpted amethyst, which is impressive.
When you go, tell the owners, Tim & Lori Lukinuk, that I said hello!
Jay says: go to the perimeter of the grounds in your search.
Silver and Stone Canoe Tour - 83 km from home base
Put on by Parks Canada, head in out a voyageur canoe for a couple of hours and learn about the history of the world’s largest silver mine at one point in history.
From there, you’ll paddle to Sleeping Giant’s famous sea lion formation, complete with a unique view.
This was one of my personal favourites as I’m at peace whenever I’m on the water.
Check their website for dates.
Jay says: smooth, rhythmic paddle strokes are key.
Eagle Canyon Adventures - 77 km from home base
Eagle Canyon Adventures boasts Canada's longest suspension bridge.
Home to Canada’s longest suspension bridge at a whopping 600 feet long and towers 152 feet above the canyon floor.
There’s a shorter and still impressive 300-foot suspension bridge on-site, which is great in its own regard.
Stop at the midway point on both and enjoy the seemingly never-ending views from the canyon floor to the sky. Plus, you can descend to the canyon floor for a different vantage point.
As with anything in nature, especially here, take your time and plenty of pictures.
Jay says: be mindful of the steep-ish ascent to get to the bridges and use the rest bench.
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park - 81 km from home base
Ouimet Canyon in Thunder Bay is majestic.
At 150-metres wide and 100-metres deep, the Ouimet Canyon is stunning.
There’s a hiking and a wheelchair accessible trail option, both leading to platforms with panoramic views of the canyon. Interestingly, the bottom of the canyon is home to arctic plants, which don’t usually call this part of the world home.
Jay says: try using the panoramic camera setting on your smartphone.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park - 30 km from home base
Kakabeka Falls is a mandatory stop in Thunder Bay.
Home to Ontario’s second tallest waterfall, with Niagara Falls being the tallest, it’s open year round to enjoy. Yes, the viewing areas on both sides of the falls are dazzling. Remember to walk across the bridge for to experience the calm of the water before it transforms into a waterfall.
This mesmerizing attraction is oh-so close to the city and a slice of serenity.
Jay says: do the short four kilometre round trip hike to Little Falls as well.
Sunset at Mackenzie Point Conservation Area - 32 km from home base
Catch the sunset at Mackenzie Point Conservation Area.
This was an impromptu moment after dinner at 5 Forks. Nancy, Erin and myself left the restaurant and were welcomed by a perfectly arced rainbow and a moody sky with hints of colour. With it being mid-June and much farther north than Mississauga, the sky was bright until 10:00 pm-ish. Nancy and I went to chase a sunset after the spectacular one that found us in the 1000 Islands in early June.
Erin, our Thunder Bay expert, suggested Mackenzie Point, a short jaunt from the restaurant.
We caught the tail end of it and the colours were wonderful. It’d rained during the day and the remnant water on the rocks made for sensational reflection photographs.
Sit in silence and let the water meeting the shoreline be your soundtrack.
Jay says: walk the area first and the most peaceful spot will find you, like it found us.
Pigeon River Provincial Park - 64 km from home base
Pigeon River Provincial Park provides serene views of Lake Superior.
On the edge of the Minnesota border, this Provincial Park has waterfalls, hiking paths and if you take the short hike, you’re rewarded with a peaceful view of Lake Superior. Plus, there’s a beautiful steel art installation on the viewing platform, along with some cool stats about Lake Superior.
Jay says: look down on the wooden planks for a clever use of canoe paddles in the design.
Sail Superior - 6 km from home base
The view from the water via Sail Superior in Thunder Bay.
One of the best ways to experience Lake Superior is to be on it. Sail Superior has you covered with a variety of tours and vessels. You’ll get splashes of history and information throughout the tour and I was fortunate to have Owner and Captain Gregory Heroux at the helm, with his daughter, Ocean.
Jay says: make sure your smartphone has plenty of space for photographs and video.
Thunder Bay Lookout - 75 km from home base
The Thunder Bay Lookout is worth the drive.
The 9 km drive off the 587 is wonderful and go extra slow once you’re on the large stones as there are some slight dips. Walk along the steel pathway and the small viewing platform delivers stunning views of Superior.
Jay says: if you’re afraid of heights, don’t look down between the steel bars.
Where to eat in Thunder Bay
5 Forks Restaurant
Upscale pub fare, great wings and a decent menu variety without being overwhelming.
Incredible timing for us to finishing eating and have a rainbow greet us as we left.
Daytona’s Restaurant
The best wings in the city hare here. Yep. I said it. They pair well with the sweet potato fries and their slogan, which I endorse, is “comfort food with a modern twist.”
The Hoito Restaurant
Part crepe, part pancake, all delicious. In Finnish, “Hoito” means both “to care” and to “look after,” and that’s exactly what they did during my meal.
Prospector Steak House
This upscale steakhouse also doubles as a brewery with excellent cuts of beef and elevated menu offerings. The smart, one-page menu is well-balanced.
The Sal
This diner features a huge Clubhouse sandwich that’s pretty good and made to order. Sandwiches, wraps and their popular fish and chips are highlights of the menu.
The Tilted Turret
Coincidentally, it was wing night during my visit and they were grand! There’s trivia on the TV’s and several pinball machines upstairs. Pub classics adorn the menu and the vibe is relaxed.
Tina’s Breakfast & Lunch
I quite like business names that state exactly what they do. A quick breakfast stop was made pleasant by a good standard eggs and bacon breakfast, along with friendly service.
The Persian Man
A Thunder Bay classic, this delightful pink-frosted donut-ish treat is somehow not overly sweet. The recipe has stayed in tact for nearly a century, which is pretty sweet. But not too sweet.
Thunder Oak Cheese Farm
Ok, so it’s not a restaurant but Thunder Oak Cheese Farm serves up fresh cheese, their famous cheese curds and all in a variety of styles and flavours. They’re also the first farm in Ontario to produce the famous Gouda cheese!
There are direct flights from Toronto Pearson, Billy Bishop and the Winnipeg airport.
Tag us in your social posts when you go!