In a province that boasts about the brilliance of its many colours, Thunder
Bay remains proud of its arctic white reputation. Winter’s scenery is reminiscent
of the most sparkling of greeting cards. The sub-zero days are brisk and sunny,
with no lack of people exuberant about the snow and ice. Even the night sky
occasionally exhibits the wonders of the season with illuminations of the Aurora
Borealis, commonly know as Northern Lights.
But Thunder Bay is
more than frosty air seeping through woolen scarves. The other seasons welcome
many visitors who engage in fishing, canoeing or simply enjoying the stunning
natural wonders. Spring, summer and fall are when Thunder Bay’s resplendent
colour palate comes alive, in the dark spruce and fir forests, patches of wild
berries, twinkling waters and masterful sunsets.
So with camera in hand and sports equipment at the ready, explore Thunder Bay.
The list of activities and sights are impressive - a visit will be likewise.
GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY
If the more than 100,000 people in this culturally diverse community appear
to have the attitude of being the centre of the continent – well, they are!
Located 51.5 km (32 mi) from the Canadian/US border, Thunder Bay is situated
on the northwest side of Lake Superior, the greatest of the Great Lakes (being
the largest freshwater lake in the world). The city is also the starting point
for people venturing to Northwestern
Ontario’s ‘Sunset Country’, a 155,400 sq km (60,000 sq mi) area that
includes the cities of Dryden
and Kenora.
Thunder Bay’s superb location and natural resources have shaped massive trade
and transportation industries, both integral to Thunder Bay’s history. As early
as 5,000 BC, Paleo-Indians mined copper in the area, fashioning the metal into
various implements. Archeologists have established that this Aboriginal group
began trading these devices to the inhabitants of North
Dakota for flint and Atlantic Coast residents for shells, around 500
BC.
Later, Ojibway tribes resided in the North Shore area. The Ojibway created
legends to explain unusual land formations and alarming storms. Some of these
natural phenomena continue to bear the names from these legends, such as Sleeping
Giant Provincial Park.
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Thunder
Bay is Known for its Spectacular Storms |
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Europeans ventured in the area in the late 1600s. In 1670, a French outpost
was established – Fort Caministogoyan. The fort later became the property of
the North West Company, a fur trading organization, in 1803. Thousands of traders
and trappers congregated here to bargain, rest, or socialize. By 1807, the spot
was dubbed Fort William, and had a lively community of traders including Scottish,
Aboriginal, French and Couriers des bois (unlicensed fur traders who acted as
middlemen between the trappers and merchants). It was the Couriers who proclaimed
the area as Baie de Tonnaire, or ‘Thunder Bay’, a translation of the Aboriginal
name for this area of booming thunderstorms and lovely bay waters.
After many fruitful years, the company came on hard times and was forced to
merge with its competition, the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1821. Fort William decreased
in importance as a trading spot and was eventually closed in the 1880s. Much
of the land was sold to the Canadian Pacific Railway.
With the railway moving in and the burgeoning of large ship transportation,
a road was needed to deal with rising land traffic. Already a major port, The
Depot, a community located slightly north of Fort William, was chosen to be
the start of the road. This caused a heated rivalry between The Depot and Fort
William for many years, each vying for political and economic importance. In
1870, The Depot was renamed Port Arthur after Queen Victoria’s son. Both the
communities of Port Arthur and Fort William boomed as prospectors, railway workers
and westbound immigrants arrived to the area. Grain shipping escalated, filling
the bay’s harbour with ocean freighters and grain elevators.
The harbour continues to be full of activity, as it is one of the world’s largest
grain handling ports in the world. After the rail line from the west was completed
in 1882, other industries began to gain prominence, including logging, silver,
gold and amethyst mining. These flourishing industries brought many eager immigrants
from all over the globe. A substantial number came from Finland to join in the
forestry industry.
For years, the idea of amalgamation between the bustling centres of Port Arthur
and Fort William was tossed around. Finally in 1970, with some hesitation, Port
Arthur and Fort William became one urban centre, taking on the centuries old
name, Thunder Bay.
CLIMATE
| |
|
Month |
Avg.
Daily Temperature |
Average
Rainfall |
|
Min |
Max |
| Jan
|
-21°C
(-6°F) |
-9°C
(17°F) |
31
mm |
| Feb |
-18°C
(-1°F) |
-6°C
(22°C) |
25
mm |
| Mar
|
-11°C
(12°F) |
1°C
(33°F) |
42
mm |
| Apr |
-3°C
(26°F) |
9°C
(48°F) |
42
mm |
| May
|
3°C
(37°F) |
16°C
(62°F) |
67
mm |
| Jun
|
7°C
(45°F) |
21°C
(69°F) |
86
mm |
| Jul |
11°C
(52°F) |
24°C
(76°F) |
89
mm |
|
Aug |
10°C
(50°F) |
23°C
(74°F) |
88
mm |
|
Sep |
5°C
(41°F) |
17°C
(63°F) |
88
mm |
|
Oct |
-1°C
(31°F) |
10°C
(51°F) |
63
mm |
|
Nov |
-8°C
(18°F) |
2°C
(35°F) |
56
mm |
|
Dec |
-17°C
(1°F) |
-6°C
(21°F) |
38
mm |
|
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Average
Daily Temperatures and Climate Data for Thunder Bay |
Thunder Bay’s weather is often equated with the comforts of an icebox. December
through February temperatures can dip to - 20 C (- 4 F). At times, the wind
will further plummet the mercury to a bone-chilling - 40 C (- 40 F). Winter
sports participation is at its peak in March, as the snowfall is consistent
but Mother Nature is a bit more forgiving, with temperatures usually upwards
of - 10 C (14 F). The white stuff usually floats down from November until April,
with the annual snowfall averaging 222 cm (87 in).
Spring, summer and fall can be quite pleasant. The peak months of warmth are
July and August, reaching highs of around 23 C (73 F). Evenings can cool down,
so bring a sweater. July and September tend to be the wettest months, with raindrops
tallying approximately 9 cm (3.5 in) each month.
Pandora’s box opens in spring at Thunder Bay, releasing an abundance of black
flies. Be prepared to lash out at the little creatures with a flyswatter and
spritz with bug spray.
As its name suggests, storms do occur and they can be quite spectacular. Stormy
conditions are at their most intense in June, July and August, but the low rumble
of thunder can often be heard during a snowstorm or in spring. That being said,
Thunder Bay is also known as the sunniest point east of the Prairies, with roughly
2,200 hours of brilliant sunshine a year.
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Wildlife
is a Potential Hazard for Motorists |
TRANSPORTATION
Thunder Bay is considered a major destination in Ontario’s north, so several
national airlines
fly to the city. Regional airlines and charter companies exclusively serving
Northern Ontario are also an option. Greyhound
motorcoaches make regular stops in the city, connecting it to major and not
so major centres.
Thunder Bay is small but exceedingly spread out, thus walking is not a viable
option. The city has a reliable public
transit system, but a vehicle is the most favoured form of transportation.
For drivers, a potential road hazard is wildlife. Leaping out of ditches at
top speed, meandering over a road at night, or simply standing nonchalantly
in the middle of highway, animals such as moose and deer have caused a great
deal of damage to cars, as well as serious injuries to occupants and themselves.
Exercising caution and limiting speed can avoid collisions. Behemoth logging
trucks may also present challenges to oncoming vehicles, so beware when travelling
back roads.
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
Sports
Thunder Bay is most definitely one of the top sports
and recreational hubs in Ontario. The winter climate draws sports enthusiasts
to the area, clamouring to be outside despite frigid temperatures. The people
of Thunder Bay do winter in a big way, evident by such organizations as the
mammoth sized snowmobile club (with over 3,000 members, it is the world’s largest).
For those with a little less enthusiasm toward Old Man Winter, some indoor attractions
offer solace from the cold. During the other seasons, people participate in
countless experiences such as hiking, canoeing and cycling, largely due to the
wild terrain that has remained relatively unchanged since voyageur times.
WINTER
If fear is not a factor when choosing activities, consider ice
climbing. Near Thunder Bay is Orient Bay, a thin arm of Lake Nipigon
on the top of Lake Superior. Orient
Bay is celebrated as the best frozen waterfall climbing spot east of
the Rockies. Climbing can usually be done from November until April, but the
best time is in March when the weather is cool enough to keep the ice hard but
warm enough that climbers don’t become ice formations themselves. Ice climbing
courses and guided ascents of icefalls can be arranged. The Orient
Bay Ice Fest occurs every year in March, offering clinics, merchandise,
demonstrations and competitions.
One of winter’s silent sports, Nordic
skiing can be enjoyed in superb surroundings. Thunder Bay is home to
the National
Team Development Center, which churns out future Olympians.
Hundreds eagerly await the annual Sibley
Ski Tour in late winter at Sleeping
Giant Provincial Park. Some go for the fun, some go for the camaraderie,
and still more go for the sheer excitement of striding past others in a heart-pounding
race. Other exceptional Nordic
ski areas include the trails of Kakabeka
Falls Provincial Park and Lappe
Nordic Ski Centre where skiers may rest their bones in a Finnish sauna,
perhaps even alternating time in the sweat bath with a refreshing roll in the
snow.
SPRING, SUMMER, FALL
Canoeing
Many avid canoeists enjoy paddling the numerous waters around Thunder Bay, mainly
for the scenic wilderness. Popular Quetico
Provincial Park, situated east of the city, contains over 1,400 km (870
mi) of canoe trails. The park’s many lakes and rivers twine around the fossil-filled
cliffs and forests of the Canadian Shield. A canoeing permit is required and
camping should be booked, so plan this excursion ahead of time.
Veer north of Thunder Bay to enter one of the world’s largest Boreal Forest
reserves, Wabakimi
Provincial Park. Considered a world class canoeing area, Wabakimi has
2,000 km (1,243 mi) of lake and river routes. Thrill seekers may enjoy occasional
white water rapids, while those not willing to get soaked have the option of
portaging. Quetico and Wabakami offer remarkable hiking experiences as well.
Pausing to pick a few wild berries is an added treat. But remember, with such
thick vegetation, many a tenderfoot has gotten lost in these parks. Maps and
compasses are essential. For those who are easily disoriented, a guide is well
worth the expense.
Fishing
With close proximity to fish-rich Lake Superior, as well copious lakes and rivers,
Thunder Bay hosts excellent trawling experiences. Walleye, salmon and trout
are some of the rewards for baiting a hook. The more adventuress or those longing
tension release may choose the remoteness of an outpost
camp, many located northwest of Thunder Bay. Known for a rustic, unhurried
atmosphere, several of these outposts can be accessed by boat or plane only,
adding to the intrigue.
Scuba Diving
The ravages of Lake Superior’s magnanimous storms may engage divers. The cool
waters have preserved many sunken steamers, schooners and other water vessels.
Several diving
companies in both the Thunder Bay and Michigan area offer charters to explore
these watery graves.
ATTRACTIONS
Legends
Several aboriginal legends pertaining to Thunder Bay’s geographical wonders
have been passed down through the ages. Sleeping
Giant Provincial Park, directly across the mouth of the Bay, bares a
mystical resemblance to a dozing giant, arms folded over the chest. Ojibway
legend has it that Nanabijou, the Spirit of the Deep Sea Water, wished to reward
the tribe for their devotion to the gods by divulging the whereabouts of a rich
silver mine, now known as Silver Islet. However, Nanabijou warned the Ojibway
never to share the secret of the mine with white men, or he, the Spirit of Deep
Sea Water, would be turned to stone. The Sioux tribe, after seeing the Ojibway’s
treasures, attempted to gain the location information, and sent a cunning scout
who successfully retrieved it. Unfortunately, the scout, plied by alcohol, leaked
the information to white traders. As the scout and traders entered the area
of the silver mine, a huge storm broke out. After the storm subsided, the traders
were found dead, the scout was left a raving madman, and a rock form of Nanabijou,
a giant at sleep, lay across the bay. Visit Sleeping Giant Provincial Park for
some amazing hiking and Nordic skiing opportunities.
Stunning Kakabeka
Falls, west of the city, is aptly nicknamed the ‘Niagara of the North’.
The cliffs, 39 m (43 yd) high, are formed of rock containing some of the oldest
fossils in the world. At certain times of the day, when the sun is positioned
just right, the white water creates a rainbow mist. Out of this mist it is said
that the form of Green Mantle, an Ojibway princess, can be observed. Green Mantle
perished in the waters when she bravely led an enemy tribe over the cliffs to
their death. Whether to spy the maiden, or simply to gaze upon the marvelous
roaring waters, a visit to Kakabeka Falls should not be missed. Many voyageur’s
trudged with heavy loads through the area of Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park.
Tracing their steps is an enriching historical experience.
A modern-day legend to most Canadians is the heroic Terry Fox. Fox was stricken
with bone cancer at 18 years, causing him to lose his right leg six inches above
the knee. When in hospital, he was emotionally overwhelmed with the plight of
many cancer patients, especially the young. At 21, he began a cross-country
run across Canada, the Marathon of Hope, to raise money for cancer research.
Fox’s run ended just west of Thunder Bay, where he was forced to stop due to
the progression of his own illness. It is here that a 2.7 m (9 ft) bronze statue
of Terry
Fox stands, a memorial to an exceptional youth. The legacy of Terry
Fox lives on as each year runs are held both nationally and internationally
at such far off destinations as Taiwan, Costa Rica and the Netherlands, raising
millions of dollars annually for cancer research.
The Finnish Way
This city embraces the world’s highest number of Finnish-speaking people living
outside of Finland. A must do in Thunder Bay is to meander Little
Finland (a conglomeration of Finnish shops on Bay Street) eventually
stopping for a sauna and ending with a Finnish meal. Kangas
Sauna offers a steamy, pore cleansing sauna experience in private quarters,
as well as many Finnish entrees. Hoito,
both a world famous restaurant and part of Thunder Bay’s Finnish heritage, serves
tasty Finnish pancakes and savoury kala mojakka (fish soup). Hoito’s good food
and reasonable prices keep it busy, especially Friday mornings when university
students invade the premises.
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Amethyst
|
Purple Lustre
Ancient Greeks believed amethyst rock had the power to counteract drunkenness.
Crystal healers and New Age followers feel the stone’s presence soothes the
mind and evokes a state of tranquility. Whatever the conviction, the beauty
of this lavish purple rock cannot be denied. Thunder Bay is home to the largest
amethyst mine in North America. Visit the Thunder
Bay Amethyst Mine Panorama to observe the mine operation, or even dig
a few gems to take home. Tourists are welcome from mid-May until mid-October.
Of Times Past
Fort William Historical Park is noted as one of the world’s largest
historical reconstructions as well as one of the continent’s largest living
history sites. Fort William was the base for many distinctive characters during
prosperous fur trading times of the early 1800s. Today, period homes, shops,
and wigwams from an Aboriginal encampment are clustered on the site, while performers
carry out lively traditions as well as everyday chores.
