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HAPPENING THIS WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 - Celebrate Canada with two FREE events! From 10 am to 5 pm, visit Fort William Historical Park to explore and learn about the Anishinaabe Encampment and Fort William. Head to Marina Park from 3 pm to 9 pm for Canada Day on the Waterfront, featuring live music, food, culture, and fun.
This month, Thunder Bay’s events reflect the many traditions, talents and communities that make our city unique. With celebrations of heritage, music, performance, and culture, July is the perfect time to experience the richness of summer in Thunder Bay.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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Fort William First Nation Annual Summer Pow Wow (July 4)
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Teddy Bears Picnic (July 7) and Family Fun
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The Great Rendezvous (July 10 – 12) and Celtic Day (July 19) at Fort William Historical Park
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All Canada Tug of War (July 11)
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Afro Vibe Fest (July 11 & 12)
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Live on the Waterfront (Wednesdays, beginning July 15)
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Festival of India (July 18)
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Festival of Colours (July 19)
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Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival (July 25 & 26)
- Stay Cool this Summer in Thunder Bay
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SAVE THE DATE: South Core Roar Street Festival (August 1 & 2)
| | | | Fort William First Nation Hosts Annual Summer Pow Wow | | |
The Annual Summer Pow Wow takes place at Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay), a place of deep cultural and spiritual significance that has hosted gatherings and ceremonies for thousands of years. The City of Thunder Bay is built on the traditional lands of Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.
Open to the public, this annual celebration offers an opportunity to experience drumming, singing, dancing, and vendors in beautiful regalia while respectfully observing Indigenous traditions and Pow Wow etiquette. This is a drug- and alcohol-free community event, and attendees are asked to bring a refillable water bottle and leave pets at home. Photography should be approached respectfully, with permission requested before taking photos of dancers, Elders, or the sacred fire.
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: Grand Entry at 1 pm and 7 pm
Location: Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay)
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A Beary Fun Day for the Whole Family
Bring your favourite teddy bear to the Teddy Bears Picnic for a fun-filled day at Vickers Park. This beloved Thunder Bay tradition features a lively stage show, a teddy bear parade, face painting, food vendors, the always-popular Boo-Boo Bear Station, and a community group expo with helpful family resources. Perfect for young children and enjoyable for all ages, it’s a wonderful way to spend a summer day together.
Date: Tuesday, July 7
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Location: Vickers Park
Admission: Free
| | | Special Events at Fort William Historical Park | | |
Step back in time at Fort William Historical Park for two memorable July events celebrating history and heritage. The Great Rendezvous brings the past to life as hundreds of re-enactors from across North America gather to recreate Fort William’s annual summer assembly from more than 200 years ago, complete with artisan demonstrations, contests, and a grand canoe arrival.
Later in the month, Celtic Day is a lively celebration of Celtic culture with music, dance, hands-on activities, great food, and performances by local pipe and drum bands and Highland dancers.
The Canada Strong Pass offers free admission to Fort William Historical Park for youth 17 and under, and 50% off for ages 18 to 24, from June 19 until September 7.
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The Great Rendezvous
Date: July 10, 11 and 12
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Fort William Historical Park
Admission: Adults $16
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Celtic Day
Date: Sunday, July 19
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Fort William Historical Park
Admission: Free
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Feel the Strength & Spirit of Vadamvali
Hosted by the Thunder Bay Malayalee Association, the All Canada Tug of War is an action-packed event where teams from across Canada come together to compete for pride and victory. Vadamvali is a traditional tug of war sport celebrated during Onam in Kerala. Expect powerful pulls, roaring crowds and outstanding sportsmanship as teams test their strength, teamwork and determination.
Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 4 pm
Location: Military Field, Current River Park
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Feel the Rhythm at Afro Vibe Fest
Afro Vibe Fest is back for its second year with two vibrant days of music, dance, food, fashion, and cultural celebration at Marina Park. Showcasing the richness and diversity of African and Afro diaspora culture, this growing festival brings together performances, community participation and high-energy entertainment for an unforgettable waterfront experience. Order tickets online or in person at The African Boutique.
Date: July 11 and 12
Time: 12 pm to midnight
Location: Marina Park
Admission: $25 for Adults & Children 13+, $15 for full-time Students, $10 for Kids 6-12
| | A Weekend of Culture, Colour and Celebration | | |
The Festival of India is a celebration of culture, music, dance, and community at Marina Park. This annual event invites residents and visitors to gather with family and friends, enjoy performances by musicians, singers, and dancers, and take part in a delicious free feast for all. It’s a great opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and flavours of India in Thunder Bay.
The next day, add a splash of colour to your summer at the Festival of Colours. With interactive dance, live Kirtan bands, DJs, yoga, cuisine, and plenty of colourful fun, this joyful event invites everyone to come together in a spirit of unity, inclusion and celebration. Participants can join in the tradition of playing, chasing and colouring each other with dry powder. The different colours of powder represent unity among all types of people. Order your tickets from the festival website.
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Festival of India
Date: Saturday, July 18
Time: 3 pm to 8 pm
Location: Marina Park
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Festival of Colours
Date: Sunday, July 19
Time: Starts at 3 pm
Admission: $20 (includes one bag of colour)
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Bay and Algoma Buskers Fest
The Bay and Algoma Buskers Festival are two exciting days of street performances, food and local creativity. Featuring world-class buskers, delicious food vendors, and unique crafters, this event is a dynamic celebration of street entertainment and community. It’s a fun and memorable outing for residents and visitors of all ages.
Date: July 25 and 26
Time: Saturday 12 pm to 9 pm, Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm
Location: Bay and Algoma area, Thunder Bay
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Keeping it Cool in Thunder Bay
Whether you’re heading to the beach, splashing with the kids, or stopping for something cold and refreshing, Thunder Bay has lots of great ways to stay cool this summer.
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Cool Spots
Beat the heat in Thunder Bay at beaches, splash pads, outdoor pools and scenic freshwater spots.
Lake Superior beaches include:
Chippewa Park*
Silver Harbour Conservation Area
Wild Goose Beach
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Other favourite swim spots include Cascades Conservation Area, Trowbridge Falls, and Boulevard Lake*.
Families can also cool off at city-operated splash pads and outdoor pools* throughout Thunder Bay.
Learn more from our website!
Water Safety Reminder
Swimming in Lake Superior can be dangerous. Strong, unpredictable rip currents can quickly pull even experienced swimmers away from shore. Never swim alone, and for the safest experience, choose designated, *supervised beaches whenever possible.
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Cool Treats
Spend some time in the sun, then stop by one of Thunder Bay’s favourite shops for a frozen treat!
Ice cream stops include:
- Cold Slate Creamery
- Dolce Coffee House (gelato)
- Epic Cones
- Merla Mae Ice Cream
- Ruby Scoop Ice Cream
- The Shake Shoppe
- TJ’s Ice Cream Shoppe
- Uncommon Baked Goods
For iced beverages, try:
- Bay Village Coffee
- Café Ora
- Calico Coffeehouse
- Copper Kettle Coffee House
- Eldar Café
- Gusto Caffè
- Rose N Crantz Roasting Co.
- Slurp It!
- Tea Bay Sweet
- The Sweet North
- Upshot Coffeehouse
Visit our business directory for addresses and details.
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Learn more about water adventures on Lake Superior, including paddling, sailing,
scuba diving, fishing, and swimming, from this Northern Ontario Travel article!
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NEW EVENT: Fuel Your Summer in Downtown Fort William
Southcore Roar will be a high-energy celebration of community, culture and classic rides. The festivities begin on Friday, July 31 with The Friendship Ride, a cross-border kickoff bringing motorcycle enthusiasts and classic car drivers together from Canada and the United States for a scenic group ride along the North Shore.
The celebration continues all weekend in downtown Fort William with the inaugural Southcore Roar Street Festival, a free, two-day street festival. Check out the 100+ classic, custom and vintage cars, up to 200 motorcycles at the Bike & Shine, live rock and tribute bands until 11 pm, multicultural and Indigenous performances, the strong person competition, kids' zone, food trucks, and local crafts.
Date: August 1 and August 2
Time: Saturday 10 am to 11 pm, Sunday 11 am to 5 pm
Location: Fort William Business District
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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.
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@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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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.
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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.
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The Terry Fox Monument and Visitor Centre is open daily year-round.
During the summer months, we're open from 8 am to 8 pm.
The Thunder Bay Visitor Pagoda is open daily this summer from 10 am to 4 pm.
Visitor Services
Telephone:807-983-2041 - Local
1-800-MOST-FUN (667-8386) Toll Free
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