Thunder Bay, Ontario: A Tale of Two Cities

Once known as Fort William and Port Arthur, Thunder Bay united these two towns in 1970. Situated on Lake Superior and the Kaministiquia River it supports a population of 123,000.  The city has become the melting pot to many cultures and nationalities: Scandinavian, French, English, First Nations, etc.

Thunder Bay and its environs boast many unique sites to visit.  The views of Lake Superior and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park across the bay are breath taking from both Marina Park and Hillcrest Park.

Not to be missed is Fort William Historic Park on the South part of town.  Even though not on the original site (presently the CN Railroad switching yards), the fort is a reconstruction of the Northwest Fur Company’s distribution center and regional headquarters from 1803-1821.  Consisting of forty-two reconstructed buildings, the fort demonstrates the wealth and power of this company at that time.  Plan to spend a day there reliving 1815 with the many actors in historical costume.  Visit the birch bark canoe builder, the cooper, blacksmith, tinsmith, tailor, carpenter, doctor, and the working farm with its variety of livestock.  The re-enactors interact with each other and with the visitors.

Also in that area is Chippewa Park. This is located on the bay and has camping and other facilities.  A small amusement park thrills children of all ages with a small roller coaster, carousal, tilt-awhirl, and other kiddy rides.  Just down the road is a Wildlife Park with local animals as its focus: black bear, wolves, caribou, fox, lynx, and of course moose.  Canada has the largest moose population of any country.  Driving at night can be very hazardous to a person’s body, if you meet one on the road.

Continuing South on Highway 61 you will come to the Founders’ Museum and Pioneer Museum.  This is a small gem of a museum with objects collected over the years.  The museum is open during the summer months and the friendly staff wears period costumes.  The museum also has old farming implements outside.

A little further is Thunder Oak Cheese Farm on Boundary Drive a mile from Highway 61.  Owned and operated by a Dutch family, you can get your fill of Gouda Cheese in many different flavors: garlic, smoked, basil, etc.

West of the city on the Trans Canadian Highway is Kakabeka Falls; the second tallest one in Ontario Province, plunging 131 feet.  Trails lead to the bottom of the falls and to the top.  Think of the voyageurs of yesteryear carrying their packs as you climb around the falls. The Park offers camping and other amenities.

If you like amethysts, head Northeast of the city about thirty kilometers.  There you will find open pit amethyst mines where you can dig for your own gems.  The most advertised one is Panorama Mine, which charges an admission.  A short distance further is Blue Points Mine at Road #5 North in Pearl, ON, where you can dig ‘til you drop.

I you are still looking for adventure, you will find it a few kilometers further East down the highway.  Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park and Eagle Canyon Park and Campgrounds offer beautiful views.  Ouimet Canyon features plant life on the floor, which you would have to visit the Arctic Circle to view. The canyon extends for about two miles, is five hundred feet across and three hundred and fifty feet deep..  There is not any route to the bottom of the dry canyon to protect the fragile vegetation.  Eagle Canyon, however, has two suspension bridges over its 200 feet plus deep canyon and a stairway that will take you to the floor of the canyon.