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!
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