Thunder Bay Parks maintains 129 active parks and more than 55 km of paved recreational trails. Many of the parks are large and offer diverse opportunities for fun and relaxation. City neighbourhoods offer smaller parks and greenspaces, most with playground equipment. See below for a list of our featured parks.
Booking park space
Some of the City's parks can be booked for occasions. To book a park, or for more information, contact the Parks & Open Spaces section at 807-625-2941.
Featured parks
Location: 400 W. Lyon Blvd.
Boulevard Lake is surrounded by 650 acres of parkland, from the scenic bluffs north of the lake to the dam on the lower Current River. The historic Black Bay Bridge (built in 1911) at the lake's head on Arundel Ave. is a reinforced concrete span bridge and was the first of its type in North America.
Park features:
- 18-hole disc golf course
- Beaches (seasonal)
- Mini-putt (seasonal)
- Fully accessible playground
- Recreational trails
- Picnic areas (picnic tables put out seasonally)
- Washrooms and change facility (seasonal)
Location: Centennial Park Road, off Arundel Street west of Hodder Avenue
Centennial Park covers approximately 147 acres (60 ha) along the shores of the beautiful Current River in the heart of the City's north side, and is open year round.
Park features
- 1910 Logging Camp and Museum
- Playground equipment
- Farm animals
- Hiking/skiing trails
- Tobogganing (seasonally)
Chalet with concession and indoor picnic area
- The Chalet is open to the public, and cannot be booked for parties/events. Please, no alcohol or helium balloons in the Chalet.
- Hours:
- June to September Labour Day weekend (Summer season): 8 am - 7 pm
- September Labour Day to May (Winter season): 8 am - 4 pm
Muskeg Express mini-train ride
*Temporarily out of service*
- The Muskeg Express opens in June and operates until Labour Day in September, weather permitting
- Rates (including HST):
- 5 years and under: Free
- 6-14 years: $1.50
- 15 years and older: $3.50
Hours
- Weekends in June: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (last ride is 3:50 p.m., closed weekdays in June)
- July - Labour Day weekend, Wednesdays - Sundays: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (last ride is 3:50 p.m.)
Location: 2465 City Road
Chippewa Park has been a favourite with city residents and visitors since 1921. It is a great destination for family fun, scenic beauty and relaxation - right on the shore of Lake Superior with an amazing view of the Sleeping Giant. See a map of Chippewa Park.
Park features
The Amusement rides are open from June to Labour Day in September
Hours
Weekends in June: 1 - 8 pm (closed weekdays in June)
July - Labour Day weekend, Wednesdays - Sundays: 1 - 8 pm
Rates (including HST)
| Description | Rate |
|---|
| Small Rides (Tanks, Airplanes, Boats, and Merry-Go-Round) |
$2.50 per ride |
| Large Rides (Tilt-A-Whirl and Bumper Cars) |
$5.00 per ride |
| Ride Coupon Books (Includes 30 ride coupons per book and one ticket for the Muskeg Express Ride) |
$23.89+HST ($27) per book |
Call the Chippewa Hotline at 807-625-CHIP for more information.
Hold your wedding or special event in one of the most beautiful, natural settings in the Thunder Bay area.
Coffee house
- Seats 80
- The left section of the Pavilion is the Coffee House, formerly the Old Dining Room. See the Chippewa Pavilion Interior Layout.
- There is a fireplace and small counter.
- You must provide your own caterer. No cooking facilities. Refrigeration is provided.
- Washroom building is located just outside Pavilion.
- Tables and chairs are available for a fee.
Dance hall
- Seats 180
- This is the part of the Pavilion most often booked for weddings, in the far right section of the building. See the Chippewa Pavilion Interior Layout.
- A four-piece moveable stage is provided, which you can set up at one end of the room.
- You must provide your own caterer. No cooking facilities. Refrigeration is provided.
- Washroom building is located adjacent to the dance hall.
- Tables and chairs are available for a fee.
Exhibition hall
Reservations
To make a reservation for your wedding or larger event at Chippewa Park's Pavilion, begin by calling the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941 to check availability. A $250 deposit will be required, non-refundable in case of cancellation. You will need to fill out a Parks Permit Application, which contains useful information on other permits/rentals you may need to arrange with other agencies. In general, these are the steps in completing your arrangements for a large event:
- Contact the City's Parks & Open Spaces Section for a copy of the Parks Permit Application and approval of plans
- Contact Police, Fire and Health Unit as necessary depending on plans
- Obtain Special Occasion Permit (applications available at LCBO) if serving alcohol
- Obtain Smart Serve training if serving alcohol
Chippewa pavilion rental rates*
| Description | Rate | HST | Total |
|---|
| Coffee house (seating capacity 80) |
$625 |
$81.25 |
$706.25 |
| Dance hall (seating capacity 180) |
$675 |
$87.75 |
$762.75 |
| Alcohol being served at events - extra security |
$200 |
$26 |
$226 |
| Friday night set-up (12 p.m. - 8 p.m.) |
$122 |
$15.86 |
$137.86
|
| Table |
$18 |
- |
$18 |
| Chair |
$3 |
- |
$3 |
*To book, a non-refundable $250 deposit is required.
Rules
- LCBO Special Occasion Permit must be acquired
- Must adhere to Municipal Alcohol Policy and LCBO regulations
- Prices are subject to change
Block booking for campsites
The City no longer arranges block bookings of the entire campground (cabins/campsites) for wedding and events. However, for weddings or other large events, you can block book cabins in your name (with a valid credit card) between Jan. 3 and April 30 of the current year of your booking. No later than April 30, each cabin must be assigned and booked (with valid credit card) by the individual who will be occupying the cabin during the rental period. Any cabins not assigned by May 1 will be released from the booking and will be made available to the general public to book. Contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941.
More information
For more information contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941.
Two locations within Chippewa Park offer food and beverages: the Pavilion and the Main Office.
Chippewa Park pavilion concession
Seasonally, a privately owned food and beverage concession is open at the Pavilion from noon - 5 pm, seven days a week. The concession offers standard park food such as hot dogs, hamburgers and fries. Inside and outside seating areas are available.
Chippewa Park Campground Main Office
A small grocery and souvenir store is located inside the main campground office with milk, bread, canned goods, basic food supplies, and a selection of camping supplies.
Book your outdoor event at one of the fields at Chippewa Park:
Field 1
- Located to the left of the Pavilion and the main parking lot
- Accommodates 6,000 - 8,000 people
- Picnic tables and waste bins
- Washroom building located at the right hand corner of the field
- Electrical outlets on the field
- Horseshoe pit
- Great Lakes Booth - electrical plus hot and cold running water, and a sink
Field 3
- Located to the right of the amusement rides, backing the road
- Accommodates 2,000 - 3,000 people
- Baseball diamond
- Picnic tables and picnic booth
- Lights and power receptacles
- Garbage cans
- Horseshoe pit
- Washroom building located near the rides
Field 4
- Located to the right of the amusement rides, in front of the parking lot
- Accommodates 2,000 - 3,000 people
- Baseball diamond
- Picnic tables and picnic booth
- Lights and power receptacles
- Garbage cans
- Horseshoe pit
- Washroom building located near the rides
Field 5
- Located near the beach
- Accommodates 100 - 1,500 people
- Picnic tables and picnic booth
- Lights and power receptacles
- Garbage cans
- Shared horseshoe pit
- Washroom building
Reservation
To book one of the Chippewa fields, fill-out the Parks Permit Application.
Chippewa field rental rates*
| Description | Rate |
|---|
| Field 1 |
$113 (includes HST) |
| Field 3, 4 and 5 |
$81.36 (includes HST) |
*Prices subject to change
All persons/groups who book a picnic site will receive their rental contract through email. To cancel your picnic, you must contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941. Visa, MasterCard, cash or cheque is accepted. Make all cheques payable to the "City Of Thunder Bay".
Rules
- You must leave the picnic site clean
- No rain dates allowed
- Do not drive on or park on grass areas
- It is unlawful to drink/serve alcoholic beverages in City parks without a Special Occasion Permit
- For large events only, you must attend a Site Meeting two weeks prior to the event by contacting 807-625-2119
- It is understood, if booking is accepted, that you are fully responsible for all persons using the permitted facilities and equipment. You must abide by all By-laws, rules and regulations of the Park and Campground. You must comply with all the requirements for this event and provide all required information to the Parks & Open Spaces Section.
More information
For more information contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at (807) 625-2941.
Schools and groups can book a Playday at Chippewa Park. A Playday booking includes a picnic field booking from noon to 2 pm, and an hour to enjoy the rides from 1 to 2 pm. Playdays take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in June, July and August.
Chippewa Playdays rates
| Description | Rate |
|---|
| June Playdays |
$4/child |
| July and August Playdays |
$4/child plus an additional charge of $81.36 (HST included) for picnic field rental
|
- Learn about the City of Thunder Bay's campgrounds.
- Learn more about swimming at various locations in Thunder Bay.
Location: East side of High Street between Red River Road and Oliver Road
Hillcrest Park overlooks central Thunder Bay and provides one of the finest scenic outlooks over the city. Plenty of parking allows the view to be enjoyed any time of year from your vehicle. Thunder Bay's harbour, grain elevators and the Sleeping Giant are popular subjects for photos.
Park features
- Accessible playground equipment, styled to complement the natural surroundings of the park. Equipment is easily accessed from ground level
- Hillcrest War Memorial featuring a Universal Carrier, the workhorse of the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) during World War II. The adjacent honour roll lists names of those killed in action during the war.
- Park benches and picnic tables
- Portable toilet
- Sunken Gardens, with a spectacular seasonal display of more than 70 varieties of flowers
Location: South end of Syndicate Avenue South, at the Kaministiquia River
Park features
- Docking facilities
- Historic James Whalen tugboat on display
- Park benches
- Walking/cycling path (boardwalk)
Location: Corner of Miles Street and May Street
Park features
- Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in November
- Fountain donated by the Paterson Family
- Ontario Historical Plaque detailing "The Capture of Fort William"
- Park benches
- Shade trees
Learn about the Paterson Foundation for information on the Foundation and the Paterson family.
Location: Sleeping Giant Parkway
Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park is Thunder Bay's signature recreation destination. This community gathering place has transformed the City of Thunder Bay's waterfront into a mixed-use village and animated waterfront park reconnecting the downtown to the shores of Lake Superior.
Park features
- The Marina Boaters Services is open May 15 through Oct. 15 annually and offers 271 slips for City residents and visitors.
- The Baggage Building Arts Centre is a showcase for local artistic talent and a workshop for new artistic creations. The Centre can be rented to host arts, culture, & heritage minded community programming, workshops, performances, gallery exhibitions, and more.
- Picnic area
- Playground equipment
- Recreational trails - There are approximately three kilometres of paved walking/cycling trails with stunning views of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant.
Events
There are many great City events that take place at Prince Arthur's Landing:
Also, see the community events calendar for other events and activities.
Location: North side of Victoria Avenue at Hyde Park Avenue
Thunder Bay's multicultural heritage is showcased at the Soroptimist International Friendship Gardens. This 15-acre park was organized by the Soroptimist Club as a Centennial gift to Canada and the City. Residents of various ethnic origins created the unique garden and monuments representing 18 ethnic groups.
Park features
- Flower gardens
- Monuments representing 18 ethnic groups
- Park benches and picnic tables
- Paved walking trails
- Shade trees
- Skating pond (seasonal)
- Two small man-made ponds
Are you interested in more information on the history of Thunder Bay's Soroptimist Friendship Gardens? The book International Friendship Garden: a Centennial Project of Soroptimist International of Thunder Bay by Rose Frim is available at the Mary J.L. Black branch of the Thunder Bay Public Library.
Location: 125 Copenhagen Rd., on the northwest outskirts of the city
Trowbridge Falls Park and Campground are nestled in the woods beside the cascading rapids of the Current River.
Park features
- Biking, hiking and skiing trails
- Play field
- Playground equipment
- Swimming/wading in the river
Learn about the Trowbridge Forest Recreational Trail Master Plan.
Location: South side of Arthur Street at Selkirk Street
Vickers Park, the first park established in the former city of Fort William, was donated by Catherine Mary Vickers, daughter of pioneer author Susanna Moodie.
Park features
- Picnic tables and park benches
- Playground equipment
- Level walking paths
- Lush grass, mature shade trees and beautiful flower beds
Events/Programming
The City's Recreation Division provides summer programming in Vickers Park, including the annual Teddy Bears Picnic.
Location: Thunder Bay's north end between Algoma Street, Red River Road and Waverley Street
Park features
- Hogarth Memorial Fountain. The fountain dates back to 1790 and originated in Hertfordshire, England. It was donated in 1965 in memory of Major-General Donald McDonald Hogarth, by his wife.
- World War I Cenotaph, erected in 1925
- Picnic tables and benches
- Historical walkway
Sportsfields and amenities
Many Thunder Bay Parks feature sportsfields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, splash pads, boat launches, and more!
Boat, Canoe, Kayak Launches:
- Locations: Kam Park, Lorne Allard Fisherman's Park, McKellar Boat Launch, Neste Boat Launch (Mountdale Ave.), Prince Arthur's Landing
Shelters, Gazebos, Picnic Areas:
- Locations: Alma Adair, Boulevard Lake Park, Lorne Allard Fisherman's Park, Prince Arthur's Landing, Waverley Park and Current River Park
Skateboard/BMX parks:
- Locations: Jumbo Gardens Playfield, North McIntyre Community Centre, Oliver Road Community Centre
Skating Rinks:
Sliding Hills:
- Locations: Balsam Pit Park, Centennial Park, Northwood Playfield, Chapples North Park
Splash Pads:
- Locations: County Park, Franklin Street, Marina Park, North End Park, and Northwood Playfield. More information on Splash Pads.
Sports:
- Academy Ball Diamonds (Lobbers North, South and Complex)
- George Burke Park
- North McIntyre Community Centre
- Northwood Playfield Park Arena
- Slovak Ball Diamond
- South Neebing Community Centre
- Waddington Park
- Westfort Playfield
- Centennial Village Parkette
- Dease Park
- Humber Park
- Northwood Playfield
- Oliver Road Community Centre
- South Neebing Community Centre
- Westfort Playfield
- Boulevard Lake (4 dedicated courts with lines and nets, 1 court with pickle balls lines; portable net required))
- West End (1 court with lines, portable pickle ball net is required)
- South Neebing Community Centre (1 court with pickle ball lines and tennis net)
- Confederation Drive (1 court with pickle ball lines and tennis net)
- Neebing Playfield (3 courts with pickle ball lines and tennis nets)
- County Park (2 courts with pickle ball lines and tennis nets)
- Volunteer Pool (2 courts with pickle ball lines and tennis nets)
- Jumbo Gardens Playfield
- Northwood Playfield
- South Neebing Community Centre
- Boulevard Lake
- Centennial Village Parkette
- County Park
- Oliver Road Community Centre
- South Neebing Community Centre
- Volunteer Pool Community Centre
- Waddington Park
- West End Recreation Area
- Westfort Playfield
- Wilson Street Parkette
- North End Park and Buffer
Commemorative Trees and Benches
The City of Thunder Bay’s Commemorative Tree and Bench program is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to celebrate a person or occasion by purchasing a tree or bench for installation in a public park. Perfect for celebrating life events such as marriages, births, deaths, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, baptisms, retirements or special events.
A small number of benches are available each year.
To request a commemorative tree, contact Infrastructure & Operations Dispatch at 807-625-2195
For more information on commemorative benches, contact the Coordinator of Parks Services for more information - 807-628-5717
No-Mow Zones
The City of Thunder Bay is applying reduced maintenance to select areas in City parks and open spaces, known as "no-mow zones." This initiative is intended to reduce labour costs and greenhouse gas emissions, while increasing species diversity and habitat potential.
Click here to learn more about the City's no-mow appoach.
