The Centennial Conservatory, located in Thunder Bay, Ontario was opened to visitors in 1967 and has been a delight to all who visit every year. The conservatory boasts a variety of plants, both big and small, as well as flowering and non-flowering. There are separate rooms for cacti and seasonal displays. There are pathways, benches and a wishing well that add to the character of the conservatory. The conservatory offers guided tours to visitors, school and non-governmental organization groups and has provisions for wheelchair access. It is open all year around and is a favorite for wedding ceremonies.
Hillcrest Park, located on the northern tip of Thunder Bay, offers stunning views of the Sleeping Giant, the Thunder Bay harbor, and the city. The park also features a World War II memorial built to honor the heroes who lost their lives in the war. The major highlight of the park is the Sunken Gardens which features 70 different variants of flowers in a beautiful and unique setting. This is also a popular spot for taking photos. Pack your picnic basket and head straight to Hillcrest Park for a fun day out.
Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete best known for his cross-Canada run, which he attempted after having one of his legs amputated. He started his impressive 5,342 kilometer (3,339 mile) journey in St. John's, and made it to Thunder Bay before he forced to stop because the cancer he had been fighting spread to his lungs. The Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout consists of a bronze sculpture of this inspirational man. The monument details the journey of this national hero and visitors can read about his inspirational life too. The lookout offers panoramic views of the entire city of Thunder Bay along with stunning views of Lake Superior.
Replete with groves of towering trees, Cascades Conservation Area features winding trails flanked by extensive foliage and scenic environs that accentuate the natural beauty of its surroundings. With a landscape dominated by a picturesque forest, this area draws scores of outdoor enthusiasts looking to engage in activities like swimming and hiking.
The Thunder Bay Historical Museum is housed in a former courthouse and police station in Thunder Bay. The Classic Revival building consists of three floors, out of which the first floor displays many interesting artifacts of local history like tools, photographs and clothing. The establishment also has a theater, a fire hall, radio exhibit and a general store. The second floor boasts a gallery known as the James Murphy Room, which hosts several temporary exhibits. The McKellar Games Room and Antechamber Gallery make up the third floor and are dedicated to works created by local artists. Visitors will also find a bookstore and a gift shop in the museum.
Mount McKay is the highest peak of the Nor'Wester Mountains and was formed millions of years ago. Rising majestically above the Lake Superior, its top is flat though defined by steep cliffs. The Ojibwe had named it Animikii Wajiw which means Thunder Mountain and it was very sacred to them. It got its current name after the 19th Century. Named in honor of William Mackay, this sill mountain forms a significant part of the city's landscape. There are hiking trails if you want to go hiking. It is also a popular place among rock climbers. The scenic lookout post offers unrivaled views of the nearby countryside and lake. You will also find camping facilities and trailer sites.
Located in the northern part of Thunder Bay and south to Connaught Square, Waverley Park is the second oldest park in the province of Ontario. Major highlights of the park include the Hogarth Fountain and the Cenotaph. The Hogarth Fountain forms the central feature of the park. It was built in 1790 in Hertfordshire, England and was donated by the wife of Major-General Donald McDonald in his memory. The Cenotaph was built in 1925 in honor of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I.
Founded in 1988, Definitely Superior Art Gallery is an artist-led gallery focusing on visual arts. This contemporary art space is a splendid platform for artists who want to showcase their work through various visual artistic mediums. Interesting, engaging and intriguing, their exhibitions are definitely not for the conventional minded. A break from traditional art, the gallery is also a fun place to interact with like-minded people.
Thunder Bay Soroptimist International Friendship Garden is located to the south of Chappels Park in Thunder Bay. Spread across 15 acres ( 6.07 hectares), the park was gifted to the city by Soroptimist Club on the centennial anniversary. The park salutes the cultural diversity of Canada. The park features various monuments symbolizing 18 ethnic groups of the area. The garden can also be rented out for weddings and private events and also is a favorite spot for picnics and family outings.
Set in a red-bricked building dating back to 1916, Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall Of Fame opened its doors in 1978 to honor the sportspeople of Northwestern Ontario. Photographic displays, archives, newspaper clips, scrapbooks and special programs give insight into the sports heritage of this region. Check out the hall of fame where teams and sportspeople are inducted for their contribution to the sport they belong to. From the Olympics to auto racing, curling to baseball, rowing, skiing and football, get to know how these inductees impacted the popularity of these sports.
Magnus Theatre in Thunder Bay is a charming downtown theater that is housed in a renovated 1884 Port Arthur Central Schoolhouse. The theater especially promotes young local artists, and it hosts live theater and plays throughout the year. Some of the famous productions put on by the theatre since its opening in 1971 include Great Expectations, MacHomer, Red and Night. The comfortable seats and entertaining shows will ensure you'll have a great time at this historic venue.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located near the community of Pass Lake and takes its name from the geological formation in the park that, when viewed from one of the park's vista lookout points looks just like a slumbering giant. This beautiful outdoor space spreads over 244 square kilometers (94 square miles). The park offers stunning views of Lake Superior and is home to a variety of wildlife species, including lynx, wolves, and moose. There are various designated hiking and biking trails leading to the sleeping giant in the park. Be sure to stop by the visitor center, where exhibits about the history of the park are displayed.