Our Campuses & Hometowns

Explore Your Future Home


Students at Hillcrest ParkEven before you arrive at Lakehead, get to know the city and the campus you'll call home. Find out about the popular hang-outs, the scenic sites that students love, or favourite study spots–so you're ready to explore it all when you arrive!

Our Campuses


Learn more about the campus where you'll be studying during your program. Get a sneak preview of the spots students love and start to explore!

Thunder Bay Campus
 

Rated by the Huffington Post as one of Canada's most beautiful campuses, Lakehead Thunder Bay strikes the perfect balance between academic spaces, casual meeting places, and the beautiful natural environment, allowing you to maintain an ideal work-play balance with ease.

Fast Facts

Student population: 6,800+

No. of students living in residence: 1000+

Favourite outdoor hangout: Lake Tamblyn

Best study spots: The Study Coffee House, CASES Grad Lounge, 4th Floor Paterson Library, ATAC Computer Labs, 2nd Floor of The Outpost

Best place to meet friends: The Outpost Pub, The Agora

Best trails: Along the McIntyre River from Lakehead to Intercity

 

Orillia Campus
 

At Lakehead Orillia you'll enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere and quickly get to know the familiar faces you see on campus. With light-filled common areas and classrooms, as well as peaceful outdoor gathering areas, you'll feel at home here in no time.

Fast Facts

Student population: 2,100+

No. of students living in residence: 230+

Claim to fame: Lakehead Orillia is built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification standards

Best place to meet friends: The Orsi Family Learning Commons, Cafeteria

Best place to grab a quick bite: Wolfie's Cafe in Simcoe Hall

Best places to study: Residence courtyard, Orsi Family Learning Commons, the study rooms off the Learning Commons

Best nearby getaway: Scout Valley

 

Barrie STEM Hub
 

At the Barrie STEM Hub, you’ll learn in a next-generation learning environment that puts innovation and industry connections at the heart of your education. 

Fast Facts

Location: Barrie Waterfront District, just steps from Lake Simcoe and the GO Train Hub (60 minutes from Toronto)

Class sizes: Close-knit, personalized learning experience

Claim to fame: Career-focused education in engineering and computer science, with an emphasis on innovation and direct ties to local industry

Coolest local landmark: The Spirit Catcher on the shore of Lake Simcoe

Best place to grab a quick bite: Dunlop Street restaurants, cafés and bakeries

Housing: Direct 20-minute bus to Georgian Green Residence

Our Hometowns


There are many ways to make our hometowns your new "home away from home".

City of Thunder Bay

Located on the shores of Lake Superior, the City of Thunder Bay and surrounding area offer unlimited access to outdoor adventure. Lakehead University is situated in the heart of the city and is located minutes away from all the amenities and services you need.

A bird's eye view of Thunder Bay's waterfront

Hometown Facts

  • Population: 133,063 (2025)
  • 90-minute flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport with 4 major airlines
  • Distance to the Marina and Downtown Restaurants: 3.7 km
  • Thunder Bay Transit: Two city bus routes service campus, so you can travel to grocery stores, the movie theatre, shopping centres, and downtown restaurants easily.

Get to Know Thunder Bay:

 

Must-Try Places to Eat: Local fresh produce, baked goods and more at the Thunder Country Market, Persian Man for a Persian (Thunder Bay delicacy), The Madhouse, The Foundry, Sovereign Room, The Growing Season, Thai Kitchen, Indian Bistro, Island Spice Jerk House, Famous Tandoor, Rebel Salad, Prime Gelato

Must-See Sites: Hillcrest Park, Kakabeka Falls, Ouimet Canyon, Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay Marina Waterfront, Mount McKay Lookout, Eagle Canyon suspension bridge, Fort William Historical Park 

Must-Try Outside: Hiking at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (Canada’s 7 Wonders!), Fat Biking at Centennial Park, Ice Fishing, Lake Superior by Sailboat, Seek out the Northern Lights

Celebrate Cultures: Attend a Pow Wow at Fort William First Nation, Go to Festival of India, Festa Italiana, Canada Day, Folklore Festival, Holi and Gaura Purnima, Eid at the Thunder Bay Masjid, Chinese New Year, Take a Latin Dancing Class

Best Shopping Spots: Bay & Algoma Neighbourhood, Downtown Port Arthur, Intercity Shopping Centre, Thunder Centre

Best Ways to Enjoy Winter: Ice-skating on Lake Tamblyn or at the Marina, Snowshoeing, Downhill Skiing at Mount Baldy or Loch Lomond, Cross-Country Skiing at Lappe or Kamview, Ice Fishing, Ice Climbing

Learn more the City of Thunder Bay 

City of Orillia

The City of Orillia is located in central Ontario’s beautiful lake country, the scenic and charming getaway to Muskoka. Here you'll benefit from smaller town community, while being on the cusp of Canada's largest city.

Hometown Facts

  • Population: 33,411 (2021)
  • 9.5 km of paved trails throughout the city
  • Known as The Sunshine City
  • 90-minute drive to Toronto, Ontario's capital city and Canada's largest metropolitan area 
  • Located at the junction between Lake Simcoe & Lake Couchiching
  • Get around with Orillia Transit

Get to Know Orillia:

Best downtown treats: Mariposa Market, Apple Annie's, Eclectic Cafe, Poppies Bagels

Best of nature: Scout Valley, Couchiching Beach Park

Best food: Brewery Bay, The Hog and Penny, Thai Plate, Shine Juice Bar and Café, Toronto Pho, State and Main

Best downtown shops: Manticore Books, Alleycats Music & Art

Best discount shopping: Costco

Best local festivals: Mariposa Folk Festival, Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival, Boots & Hearts

Best historic building: The Opera House 

Learn more about the City of Orillia

City of Barrie

One of the province’s safest and fastest-growing cities, the City of Barrie has a vibrant city energy paired with easy access to nature along the shores of Lake Simcoe. It’s a place where you can study, work, and unwind with beaches, trails, and a downtown just minutes from campus.

 A view of Barrie's waterfront from a recreation trail along the water

Hometown Facts

  • Population: 167,176 (2025)
  • 60 minute drive or GO Train ride from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
  • Several Barrie Transit buses service campus

Get to Know Barrie

Must-see sites: The Spirit Catcher on Kempenfelt Bay, Spare Room Gallery, MacLearn Art Centre, Barrie Farmers' Market 

Must-try places to eat: Homestead Bakery, Indian Curry and Grill House, Flying Monkeys, Jey's Burrito, Bohemia, Dunlop Street Dinner 

Best coffee shop: Wired Owl  

Best shopping spots: Everleigh Boutique, Tanger Outlets, Stuff (Thrift), Georgian Mall

Must-try outdoors: Johnson's Beach, The North Shore Trail, Snow Valley Ski Resort, Chappells Farm

Best way to enjoy all four seasons: Snow Valley Ski Resort 

Best festivals: Kempenfest, Ribfest, Barrie Dragon Boat Festival, Troubadour Festival

Learn more about the City of Barrie

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