Howl for Summer: A Guide to a Sizzling Summer in Thunder Bay

While you may know Thunder Bay for its snowy views, and winter adventures, the summer months bring a different magic to town! The sun is shining, and there are so many events and activities to do, there's something for everyone! 

I personally haven’t gotten the opportunity to spend a whole summer in town, but here are some things on my bucket list, or that I have gotten to do.

For the Art Lovers (music, visual arts, theatre)

• Even though they are open all year round, I love going to The Hive in the summer season to paint pottery to add more decorations to my home. Spend a ‘crafternoon’ at Lakeside Studio & Cafe making crafts from their menu, which has something for everyone! But if you’d rather look at art, than make it, you can visit the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

• Summer is the perfect time for live outdoor concerts, and Thunder Bay has options for all music lovers. Every Wednesday night there are free concerts at Marina Park for Live on the Waterfront. If you’re a country fan like myself, you can buy tickets for Country on the Bay . 

• There are events for other performing arts such as the Bay and Algoma Buskers Festival to watch the talent of various street performers, or local theatre productions. 

For the Foodies:

• The summer season means market season! There’s nothing better than starting your day grabbing an iced drink and pastry from Uncommon Baked Goods, then exploring Goods & Co, making sure to visit Loud Women Collective. Then heading over to buy fresh produce from the Thunder Bay Country Market. At the end of a warm busy day you can usually find me getting ice cream at Merla Mae.

For the Historians

• Looking to learn something new while classes aren’t in session? Visit the Thunder Bay Museum, Fort William Historical Park and International Friendship Gardens to learn more about Indigenous and Thunder Bay history. 

For the Sports Fans

• Thunder Bay is home to the Thunder Bay Chill soccer team, and the Thunder Bay Border Cats baseball team, you can catch one of their home games! If you’d rather be the one participating check out local groups for running, cycling, cricket, golf courses and more to find sports to play this summer!

For the Outdoor-Enthusiasts 

• Thunder Bay is full of breathtaking views, and outdoor adventures galore. Whether you’re looking to hike to the top of the Sleeping Giant, or pitch a tent under the stars at Trowbridge Falls, there are activities for everyone! Kakabeka Falls holds a special place in my heart and is my favourite place to get outside and read a good book to the sound of the waterfall. Some other honourable mentions: chasing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), sailing on Lake Superior, taking your dog for a walk at Marina Park, or swimming at Boulevard Lake.

For Community Activities and Events

• Join the Thunder Bay community in festivities for Pride, Canada Day, Karaoke and cultural events! Check out the Thunder Bay Events Calendar, and monthly Walleye Magazine (available digitally or at local retailers) for a list of events in the community.

–Aaliyah Stewart, SHW Summer Research Assistant