A City Built on "Sisu"

Thunder Bay has the largest Finnish population outside of Finland.
Finnish culture is part of everyday life here, especially in winter.

5 Finnish Experiences in Thunder Bay


Celebrate St. Urho’s Day 
St. Urho is the legendary hero said to have saved Finland’s grape crop by chasing away grasshoppers. Thunder Bay will celebrate St. Urho’s Day on Saturday, March 14 with a parade, performances, a craft show, kids' activities, and plenty of green and purple - a uniquely local tradition rooted in Finnish heritage.


Get all the details from our online calendar!


Ski like a Finn 

Nordic skiing is a proud Finnish tradition, and Thunder Bay delivers. The Lappe Ski Centre and Kamview Nordic Centre offer groomed trails and a welcoming atmosphere for skiers of all skill levels. No equipment? Kamview offers rentals!


Relax the Finnish way in a sauna 
Step into the heat, breathe deeply, and embrace the
löyly - the steam created when water is thrown onto hot stones. Sauna culture is central to Finnish life. Experience this time-honoured tradition at Kangas Sauna, where you can book your own private sauna. It's a great way to warm up after a day outdoors.


Savour Finnish comfort food 
From famous Finnish pancakes or
pulla (cardamom bread) to hearty beef soup (mojakka) with a salted fish sandwich, local flavours reflect Thunder Bay’s Finnish roots. The historic Hoito Restaurant has locations inside Goods & Co. Market and the Thunder Bay Country Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays). Many other local restaurants serve Finnish pancakes - learn more from this Northern Ontario Travel article.


Discover “Sisu” and take it home 
Sisu
is the Finnish concept of resilience, grit and quiet determination - a spirit deeply woven into Thunder Bay’s identity. Find Finnish products, gifts, souvenirs, and locally made items at specialty shops and markets across the city. Check out Finnport and the Finnish Book Store, located in the historic Bay and Algoma Neighbourhood!

Get Your Irish On at the Community Auditorium

Grab your green and get ready to celebrate! The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium (TBCA) is turning up the Celtic charm this March.


The Irish Rovers - March 12


Celtic Kitchen Party - March 14


Alan Doyle with The East Pointers - March 17


From legendary Irish folk to symphonic Celtic sounds, there’s no better place to get your Irish on this St. Patrick’s season. See the TBCA's full 2026 line up on their website!

March Break Fun for Families

Make Thunder Bay your March Break family getaway, 
combining winter adventure, hands-on learning and cozy comforts.

Free Family Fun


Winter FunDays – Sundays through March 15

Bundle up and head to Marina Park and the Baggage Building Arts Centre for weekly outdoor and indoor activities, including skating, snowshoeing, winter games, crafts, scavenger hunts and more.


Outdoor Ice Skating

Thunder Bay has several outdoor skating rinks. Prince Arthur’s Landing has an outdoor fireplace and scenic views of the harbour and Sleeping Giant.


Snowshoeing & Trail Walks

Countless snowy trails offer opportunities for easy hikes, snowshoe treks and enjoying the crisp winter air.


Tobogganing

Bring your own sled and hit local hills like Centennial Park or Balsam Pit for classic snowy fun. Get local insider sledding tips in this Thunder Bay Lifestyle article.


Visit the Terry Fox Monument & Visitor Centre

Add a meaningful stop to your March Break with a visit to the Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre. Enjoy some refreshments at our March Break Open House; it's a wonderful opportunity to connect with the powerful legacy of Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope. Open daily, year-round from 9 am to 5 pm.


Find more family adventures: Read this A to Z guide for winter fun in Thunder Bay.


Plan your stay: Visit our Accommodations page


Taste your way through the city: Explore Dining in Thunder Bay

Click the links below to learn about day camps!


Sports & Active Camps

-Canada Games Complex

-Ultimate Gymnastics

-Learn to Swim Thunder Bay

-Loch Lomond Ski Area

-Lappe Nordic Ski Club

-Cinema 5 Skatepark

-Gerald Roy Jolly Ranch Land-Based Education

-Thunder Bay Diving Club


Arts, Theatre & Creativity

-Thunder Bay Art Gallery

-Eleanor Drury Children's Theatre

-Magnus Theatre

-Triple Threat Talent


Learning & Discovery

-Thunder Bay Public Library

-Thunder Bay Museum

-Fort William Historical Park


Spaces are limited. Advance registration required.

Discover Thunder Bay in Every Season

Have you received your copy of the 2026 Thunder Bay Experience Guide?


With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your next adventure. The 2026 Experience Guide is your all-in-one resource for discovering Thunder Bay’s top attractions, local eats, unique shops, cozy stays, and seasonal experiences.


Send your name and full mailing address to visit@thunderbay.ca, or call us toll-free at 1-800-667-8386, to order your free copy!

Fort William Historical Park is Open Year-round!

Artisan Workshop Weekend

March 7 and 8

Learn a unique skill and craft lifelong memories. Work alongside a heritage artisan to create your very own 19th century inspired items. Pre-registration required.


FREE Tubing and Skating

March 16 to 20

Outdoor winter fun for families during the March Break from 12 pm to 4 pm.

French-Canadian Feast

Friday, March 20

A special evening to celebrate the rich culture, traditions and flavours of la belle province. Reservations required.


Guided Tours

Until May 15, guided tours take place Monday to Friday at 11 am and 2 pm. Tours are approximately 1.5 hours in length. French tours are available by advanced reservation.

Throttle through Winter at Thunder Bay’s Newest Attraction

Kisselgoff Motorcycle Museum

310 Victoria Ave E.


HOURS:

Mon to Fri: 12 pm to 7 pm 
Sat and Sun: 10 am to 3 pm

If winter has you dreaming of the open road, there’s a new way to keep your passion in gear. The newly opened Kisselgoff Motorcycle Museum celebrates the rich history of motorcycles and their impact on culture, innovation and adventure.


Discover a collection of rare and iconic bikes, explore interactive exhibits, and experience the artistry and engineering that have inspired riders for generations. This winter, take a ride through history—no snow tires required!


And while you’re planning ahead for warmer days, get ready to Ride Lake Superior this summer — scenic roads and unforgettable views await. Learn more from our website!

Tourism Thunder Bay’s Social Media

Follow Tourism Thunder Bay on Facebook and Instagram for weekly events, seasonal activities, tourism partner spotlights, walking tours and exciting adventures in and around Thunder Bay.

Thunder Bay Lifestyle

@ThunderBayLifeStyle is your source for insider tips on the city’s best-kept secrets. Their curated updates provide the local perspective you need to experience the very best of Thunder Bay.

Download the Thunder Bay Tours App

Experience Thunder Bay from the palm of your hand through our interactive app that users can access directly on their cell phones and web-enabled devices.

Bring It Here!

Thunder Bay is a centrally located destination with a variety of convention hotels, unique meeting spaces and transportation options with the capacity to meet your group’s needs. By choosing our city for your event, you may be eligible for financial incentives covering up to 25% of your event costs through the CEDC Tourism Development Fund.

The Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre

is open daily year-round from 9 am to 5 pm.


Visitor Services

Telephone:807-983-2041 - Local

1-800-MOST-FUN (667-8386) Toll Free

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