Our Hometowns

Lakehead University’s three hometown communities in Thunder Bay, Orillia and Barrie, Ontario, provide you with three exceptional locations to discover. Learn more about where you'll be living while studying in your program. Get a sneak preview of the spots students love and start to explore!

Thunder Bay

Located on the north-west shore of Lake Superior (the world's largest freshwater lake), the City of Thunder Bay is built around the harbour of the largest inland port in Canada. Under the watchful gaze of the majestic Sleeping Giant, this home for 123,200 people is served by major and regional airlines, bus service, and the Trans-Canada Highway.

Learn about Thunder Bay

Tips for Getting to Know Thunder Bay:

Visit one of Canada’s 7 Wonders – The Sleeping Giant
Walk across the Eagle Canyon Suspension Bridge – the longest in Canada!
Take a Latin dancing class or listen to Fort William First Nation’s hand drumming at Culture Days
Take part in the City’s 20+ celebrations: Festival of India, Festa Italiana, Folklore Festival, Holi and Gaura Purnima, Eid at the Thunder Bay Masjid, Lunar New Year
Purchase fresh produce, cheese, and crafts at the Thunder Country Market
Go back in time at Fort William Historical Park

Superior By Nature

Year-round, Thunder Bay acts as the centre of a vast recreational and cultural area offering access to a wide variety of sports and activities. Winter is no time to hibernate in this city! There are two Alpine and two world-class Nordic ski centres in the area, as well as excellent curling and hockey facilities. Summer activities include sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, rock climbing, swimming, jogging, cycling, camping, golfing, hiking, and fishing in and around numerous lakes in the area. Thunder Bay's famed Sleeping Giant was voted #1 for the People's Choice in the Seven Wonders of Canada contest.

The City of Thunder Bay was designated as a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2003. Attractions include Fort William Historical Park, a 1,500-seat state-of-the-art Community Auditorium, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, the professional live Magnus Theatre, lots of community theatre, weekly free summer in the parks concerts, and much more!

In addition, a wide variety of excellent shopping opportunities exist, and no matter your taste, the choice is yours between a mix of traditional and fine dining experiences.

City of Thunder Bay Gallery

Orillia

Located on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, the City of Orillia is situated in one of the most picturesque and tranquil locations in Central Ontario. With a population of 33,400, Orillia is a truly Canadian community where you can enjoy charming shops, cafes and amenities, and where you will be nurtured as a student –all while having easy access to Toronto for a weekend getaway.

Learn more about Orillia

Tips for Getting to Know Orillia:

Spend your day at the beach at Lake Couchiching Beach Park
Hang out and indulge in the treats downtown at Mariposa Market
Explore the trails at Scout Valley
Catch a live band at the Brownstone or at the Roots North Music Festival
Join in one of the many city festivals: Mariposa Folk Festival, Streets Alive, Shakespeare in the Park, Culture Days, Orillia Jazz Festival

Sandy beaches, marina, parks, and monuments complement the beautiful waterfront. Residents and visitors enjoy over 200 km of paved trails that stretch throughout the city and beyond. From biking, rollerblading and cross country skiing to walking and jogging, you can be active for miles.

Orillia students downtown

But recreational opportunities isn't all Orillia can offer you. Enjoy the architectural beauty of the downtown area along with the neat boutiques and dining locations throughout the city. With museums, the opera house, tourist attractions, shopping, and the many festivals hosted in Orillia, you will never be bored in this vibrant city.

Check out the City of Orillia online

City of Orillia Gallery

Barrie

The City of Barrie is located on the western shore of Lake Simcoe and just one hour north of Toronto, offering the perfect blend of city access and small-town charm. Barrie is one of Canada's fastest growing cities and has a population of 153,000.

Learn more about Barrie

Tips for getting to know Barrie:

Best Downtown Treats: Homestead Artisan Bakery, Casa Cappuccino

Best Nature Getaway: Centennial Park & Beach, Sunnidale Park Arboretum

Best Food: Michael & Marion’s, Grilled Cheese Social Eatery, The North Restaurant, Lazy Tulip Café, KoHyang House (Korean)

Best Downtown Shops: Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery Store, J’adore Fine Cheese & Chocolate

Best Discount Shopping: Georgian Mall, Costco

Best Historic Building: Five Points Theatre (formerly The Mady Centre), Simcoe County Museum (just outside Barrie but a gem)

Barrie has a booming economy, great job opportunities, and a relatively low cost of living, making it a great place to live, work or start a business. Barrie offers a wide range of things to do. You will find many options for fine dining and shopping.