For anyone taking on the Lake Superior Circle Tour, the Thunder Bay Waterfront District is a must stop. There is sure to be many attractions for any visitor to the city, all located on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top reasons to visit, but don’t let our list stop you from exploring this diverse and exciting area.
1. For the Foodies
We know that finding a good local restaurant can be a priority when travelling. The good news is that you cannot go wrong visiting any of the eateries located in the Waterfront District! Thunder Bay is quickly becoming a mecca of great cuisine on the Lake Superior Circle Tour. No matter what you’re craving, there is certainly a place that will fill that niche.
Pub food is a favourite for travellers with a wide selection of easy meals and great drinks. The Waterfront District has some of the best pub food you will find on the Lake Superior Circle Tour with many options including the Sovereign Room, the Foundry, and the Red Lion Smokehouse. For those looking for some adventurous flavours from around the world you could try some amazing Asian cuisine at the Thai Kitchen, some excellent Indian food varieties at Deccan Spice or the Indian Bistro, or some Mexican inspired cooking from El Tres. For those looking for a completely unique and modern food experience, the Tomlin restaurant offers exquisite hand-crafted dishes. And you certainly cannot go wrong with North American comfort food you will find at the Prospector Steakhouse.
If you’re in the market for a light meal or sweet treat there are options for you as well including the amazing Prime Gelato for a frozen dessert, Sweet North Bakery or Milk & Water Baking Co. for fine baked goods, or Barbecupid for some delicious food truck style meals.
2. Let us Entertain You
The Waterfront District offers many exciting places to enrich your travel experience. Why don’t you catch a live show at Paramount Live featuring great local talent?
If you’re looking for thrill the Gateway Casino may be the place for you. Featuring a multitude of games and an excellent in-house restaurant, you may find exactly what you’re looking for here!
Many of the fine dining establishments mentioned here also feature live music while you eat, getting you a two-for-one deal! You can have a drink and eat some of this delicious food while enjoying a show at the same time.
For those interested in more of the night life scene, there are a few places you could try out. The Black Pirates Pub showcases all sorts of live rock and alternative music to suit anyone’s taste. NV Nightclub offers you an exciting modern dance club.
3. Local Art
The Waterfront District showcases three beautiful art galleries within such a small area.
There is the Definitely Superior Art Gallery, an artist run centre which is committed to fostering new and experimental works. The Definitely Superior art gallery extends past just visual art and includes workshops and lectures, artist’s film screenings, media arts installations, offsite public artworks and interventions, performance art, interdisciplinary art, contemporary dance, music and experimental sound, mentorship and education of youth, as well as literary events and book publishing.
Ahnishnabae Art Gallery showcases the incredible Canadian Indigenous art community’s works. You can see traditional and contemporary works from over a hundred artists. This is a must-see for anyone interested in Canadian art.
Chenier Fine Arts is a premier gallery located right in the heart of the Waterfront District which will appeal to anyone looking for a new piece to hang in their home!
4. Shop till you Drop
The Waterfront District has many local boutiques and shops which will appeal to the avid shopper among you.
Blush Boutique offers a great selection of women’s clothing for you to find the perfect outfit. Mars. Clothing Co. offers a wide selection of men’s and women’s clothing to show off your new style. The Loop is a local clothing boutique offering mostly Canadian designed clothing for all occasions. Ungalli Clothing Co. is a company started in Thunder Bay and focuses on bringing environmentally conscious clothing to the mainstream. Lullaby’s is Thunder Bay’s premier children boutique offering a wide selection of clothing options for children. And if you’re looking for the perfect set of lingerie there is nowhere better to go than Perfect Fit Lingerie!
New in the Fall of 2021 Goods & Co. Market opened in the former Eaton’s building on Red River Road. An urban market featuring food, drink and shopping all under one roof!
Clothing isn’t all that is on offer either. To care for yourself you need to visit Lovely Body: a local business featuring soaps, creams, and everything in between all made right in Thunder Bay. And for the comic book and collectible fan you could visit Hill City Comics and Cards.
5. Historical Lodging
After a long day of exploring you surely will need a place to kick up your feet and relax. There are few finer places to stay than the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel and Suites. A historic building in operation since 1911, this comfortable and charming hotel abounds with northern hospitality. The rooms feature contemporary décor and feature free wi-fi. You may want to upgrade to a Lakeview room to have a breathtaking vista of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant, also known as Nanabijou, resting in his eternal slumber across the lake.
There’s so much to explore we could never hope to cover it in a small article, you’ll just have to discover it for yourself. For more information visit the Waterfront District BIA‘s page.
