IN THIS ISSUE
A Time to Remember
Reflect on the meaning of Remembrance Day and learn about the history of the poppy in Thunder Bay.
Curious Minds Welcome: Explore Our Museums
Most Thunder Bay museums remain open through the fall and winter. Learn about local history, transportation, military heritage and sport. Or learn on your own with a self-guided tour!
Create Experiences Visitors Will Savour
Join a two-day workshop to learn how food, beverage and farm-based businesses can create memorable visitor experiences.
Rock the House: Grand Slam of Curling Returns
World-class curling comes to Fort William Gardens December 1–6, bringing the top men’s and women’s teams to Thunder Bay.
Shop Local, Celebrate Big
Find one-of-a-kind gifts, art, crafts and seasonal treats at November holiday markets and craft fairs.
Let the Holiday Magic Begin
Mark your calendar for festive favourites, including the Santa Claus Parade, Parade of Lights, community tree lightings, Westfort Winter Wonderland and the CPKC Holiday Train.
Bite into a Burger for a Good Cause
The Ultimate Burger Battle for United Way is back!
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Each November, millions of Canadians wear a red poppy in remembrance—but few may know that Thunder Bay played a pivotal role in making it a national tradition. In July 1921, French humanitarian Anna E. Guérin, known as the “Poppy Lady of France,” brought her proposal for a flower of remembrance to the Great War Veterans Association convention at Port Arthur’s Prince Arthur Hotel. The association adopted the poppy there, and later that year Canadians wore poppies for the first time.
Inspired by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields, the poppy remains both a symbol of sacrifice and a quiet promise to remember. This Remembrance Day, pause to reflect on the people who served—and on the remarkable local chapter behind a symbol recognized across Canada.
Learn more from Northern Ontario Travel!
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In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
~ Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae
May 3, 1915
| | Curious Minds Welcome: Explore Our Museums | |
Cooler days are perfect for discovering the stories, artifacts and experiences that make Thunder Bay unique. From regional history and vintage motorcycles to aviation, sport and military heritage, these local museums offer plenty to explore throughout the fall and winter.*
*Hours may change. Please confirm details directly with each attraction before visiting.
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Thunder Bay Museum
Discover the people, places and events that shaped Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. With exhibits about Indigenous history, settlement, industry and everyday life, it is a great place to connect with the region’s past.
Fall/Winter hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 1 to 5 pm
Address: 425 Donald Street East
Website: thunderbaymuseum.com
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Kisselgoff Motorcycle Museum
Take in a distinctive collection of vintage and classic motorcycles. Visitors can also browse the gift shop and enjoy a stop at the Exhaust & Espresso Café.
Fall/Winter hours: Tuesday to Friday, 2 to 7 pm; Saturday, 12 to 4 pm
Address: 310 Victoria Avenue East
Website: kisselgoffmotorcyclemuseum.com
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Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre
Explore the aviation stories that helped connect Northwestern Ontario, from bush planes and local pioneers to Thunder Bay’s aircraft-manufacturing legacy. The centre features artifacts, photographs and exhibits that bring the region’s flight history to life.
Fall/Winter hours: Wednesday and Sunday, 1 to 4 pm; private tours available by appointment
Address: 905 Victoria Avenue East
Website: noahc.org
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Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame
Celebrate the athletes, teams, coaches and builders who have made an impact on sport across Northwestern Ontario. The gallery is filled with inspiring stories and memorabilia from the region’s sporting past.
Fall/Winter hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12 to 5 pm; archives available by appointment
Address: 219 South May Street
Website: nwosportshalloffame.com
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Thunder Bay Military Museum
Located inside the Thunder Bay Armoury, this museum preserves the military history of Northwestern Ontario with its display of uniforms, medals, equipment and regimental memorabilia. It offers a meaningful look at the service and sacrifice of local soldiers.
Fall/Winter hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 10 am to 2 pm
Address: 317 Park Avenue
Website: army.ca/inf/lssrmus.php
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Explore at Your Own Pace with Driftscape
Bring Thunder Bay’s stories with you using the free Thunder Bay Tour App on Driftscape. Choose from self-guided walking, cycling and driving tours, discover points of interest and hear local stories as you explore. Download the app on our website!
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Fort William Historical Park
Step into 1815 at the reconstructed inland headquarters of the North West Company, where costumed interpreters bring the fur-trade era to life.
Fall/Winter Guided Tour: Monday to Friday until May 14, 2027; 11 am and 2 pm
Address: 1350 King Road
Website: fwhp.ca
| | Military display at the Thunder Bay Museum | Kisselgoff Motorcycle Museum | Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre | Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame | Thunder Bay Military Museum | | | Create Experiences Visitors Will Savour | | |
Experiential Culinary and Agritourism Travel Training
Join an interactive, in-person workshop for tourism operators interested in developing or enhancing food, beverage and farm-based visitor experiences.
Learn practical approaches to experiential travel design, storytelling, pricing, marketing, local sourcing and partnership development—all while exploring opportunities to showcase Northern Ontario’s unique tastes and culture.
Open to restaurants, farms, craft beverage producers, accommodations, tour operators, markets, attractions, events and more.
Dates: December 1 and 2
Location: Downtown Thunder Bay
Cost: $100 per participant, including training materials, lunch and light refreshments.
Register today: https://tourismexcellencenorth.fillout.com/t/tPCMva43Pius
| Rock the House: Grand Slam of Curling Returns | Get ready for world-class curling at the Fort William Gardens when the Grand Slam of Curling Open returns to Thunder Bay from December 1 to 6. Thirty-two of the world’s top teams—16 women’s and 16 men’s teams—will take to the ice for six days of elite competition, exciting matchups and a memorable fan experience. The event is expected to generate an estimated $5 million in economic impact for the community, bringing visitors, athletes and curling fans to Thunder Bay. Tickets, including full-event, weekend, day and single-draw options, are available online through the Grand Slam of Curling and Fort William Gardens Box Office, or call the Box Office at (807) 625-2929. | | Shop Local, Celebrate Big | | Find festive gifts, local art, handmade goods and seasonal treats at these November holiday-themed markets. Click on the market name for all the details! | | Let the Holiday Magic Begin! | | |
The CPKC Holiday Train is scheduled to
arrive in Thunder Bay on December 2
from 8:45 pm to 9:15 pm.
| | The lights and colours during
the Parade of Lights is mesmerizing! | | |
Westfort Winter Wonderland is
a beloved Thunder Bay tradition!
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Save the dates of these upcoming holiday events that celebrate the season with festive lights, community traditions and plenty of holiday cheer throughout Thunder Bay.
Watch the Visit Thunder Bay events calendar for event times, locations and additional holiday happenings.
| | Bite Into a Burger for a Good Cause | | The Ultimate Burger Battle returns November 1 to 30, inviting residents and visitors to try featured burgers at participating local restaurants while supporting the United Way of Thunder Bay. Every bite helps raise funds for local needs right here in our community—follow the Ultimate Burger Battle Facebook page for participating restaurants. | | | | |
@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.
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The Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre is open daily year-round from 9 am to 5 pm. We will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 to honour Remembrance Day.
Visitor Services
Telephone:807-983-2041 - Local
1-800-MOST-FUN (667-8386) Toll Free
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