Thunder Bay Vacation Rentals

Situated around the city's best neighbourhoods, Thunder Bay cabins are the ideal choice for visitors who value self-catering facilities, privacy, and the comforts of home while travelling. Whether you're seeking a bed and breakfast accommodation or a cozy cabin rental overlooking the series of mesas known as the Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay offers loads of great options that are suitable for every budget.

Cultural Attractions in Thunder Bay: History Museums and a Thriving Arts Scene

Housing six galleries of regional and national significance, Thunder Bay Museum is located in a beautiful heritage building that once served as the city's police station and courthouse. The museum's highlights include permanent exhibits that present the history of Thunder Bay and its surrounding area, military displays, and a gallery showcasing the creations of local artisans. Also of interest are regular travelling exhibitions, free public lectures, historical walking tours, and special activities for children.

Art enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy at Thunder Bay Art Gallery, the heart of the city's vibrant arts scene. As well as housing an outstanding collection of Indigenous and non-Indigenous works, the gallery serves as a venue for creative workshops and other special events. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, including beautiful locally-made wares. Visitors who love the performing arts should be sure to check out what's happening at Thunder Bay's Community Auditorium, which boasts a terrific line-up of events throughout the year.

Thunder Bay for Families: Pioneer Park and Playground Fun

A visit to Fort William Historical Park will give history-lovers young and old insight into the early days of Canada's North West Company, specifically its fur trade. Extending over an area of approximately 250 acres, the site encompasses over 50 accurately restored historic and replica buildings and recreates the way of life experienced by early settlers in northern Canadian outposts. Youngsters will be fascinated by structures such as log cabins, an Indian camp, blacksmith's workshop, traditional stores, and farm cottages. Throughout the year, special events such as family festivals, fireworks, astronomy viewings, and Canada Day celebrations are also held at Fort William Historical Park.

Centennial Park, in the heart of Thunder Bay's north side, is another great family attraction, offering loads of fun things to see and do. Situated on the picturesque Current River, the park boasts walking and cycling trails, farm animals, a children's playground, and during winter, opportunities for skiing and tobogganing. Offering rides around Centennial Park, from June until September, the Muskeg Mini Train is also a firm favourite with kids. Other popular parks in Thunder Bay that offer playground facilities are Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park, Chippewa Park, Hillcrest Park, and Vickers Park.

Thunder Bay's Best Excursion Options: Walking Trails and Boat Cruises

Thunder Bay offers plenty of great walking trails, suitable for all levels of fitness. The popular Boulevard Lake Loop is approximately 5.5km long and has a paved surface, making it a great choice for people with limited mobility or families with young children. Further afield, the trails at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park and Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park are great for hikers who want to get close to the region's spectacular natural environment.

Located on Lake Superior, Thunder Bay is also the starting point for several great scenic boat tours. Ranging from a few hours to an entire day, these outings include lunch cruises, harbour cruises, shipwreck tours, and excursions to nearby Welcome Island. Visitors who prefer to explore independently will also enjoy the many paddling options that are available, both in the city and its surrounds. Popular locations for urban kayaking in Thunder Bay include the harbour and Boulevard Lake, as well as the McIntyre and Kaministiquia Rivers.

Regular Events in Thunder Bay: Family Entertainment and Fabulous Cultural Festivals

Taking place each August, the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition is an awesome family fair that has been held in Thunder Bay for over a century. Featuring fairground rides, live entertainment, Kid's World, a petting zoo, commercial vendors, cooking demonstrations, and much more, there are plenty of great things to see and do for visitors of all ages. A highlight for many visitors is the large display of entries for the exhibition's creative arts competition. The many categories include baking, woodwork, pottery, embroidery, and knitting, as well as garden produce and floral displays.

Another major event that attracts visitors from far and wide is the Thunder Bay Blues Festival, which is held over three days each July and features a world-class line-up of performers. Other popular annual events include the Thunder Bay Folklore Festival, Festival of India, Westfort Street Fair, and Festa Italiana, as well as the Live on the Waterfront Summer Concerts, which take place every Wednesday evening, during July and August.

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