Outdoors
Within an hour of downtown there are cliffs, waterfalls and some of the most dramatic shoreline on the Great Lakes.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
The park covers much of the Sibley Peninsula. Its best-known trail climbs to the top of the Giant, with high cliffs and wide views over Lake Superior. It is a full day's effort, not a casual walk.
In Anishinaabe tradition the formation is Nanabijou, turned to stone. The story is part of why the landmark matters well beyond its looks.
Kakabeka Falls
About 30 kilometres west of the city, the Kaministiquia River drops roughly 40 metres over a rock gorge. Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park has boardwalks along the edge, and the flow is at its most powerful in spring.
Mount McKay
The mountain rising behind the city's south side stands on Fort William First Nation land. A lookout near the top gives one of the broadest views over the harbour and the Sleeping Giant.
Before you go
Distances are long and mobile coverage thins quickly outside the city. Carry water, tell someone your route, and check provincial park conditions before heading out, especially outside summer.
- HistoryFrom the fur trade at Fort William to the 1970 amalgamation with Port Arthur, and the Terry Fox monument east of the city.
- Getting aroundPractical notes on reaching Thunder Bay by road and air, driving the Trans-Canada Highway and planning around winter.
- AboutAn independent guide to Thunder Bay, Ontario.