Where to eat and drink in Thunder Bay

Bakeries and cafes

For those with a sweet tooth, Thunder Bay provides a host of great local offerings to fulfill your cravings.

Thunder Bay provides a host of great local offerings to fulfill your sweet tooth cravings.

The Sweet North Bakery

This micro bakery packs a giant flavour punch.

All baked goods are made in-house with local ingredients. Sample the soft pretzels, from the classic salted to the inventive prosciutto gouda pretzel. Delight in the flaky scones and fudgy brownies made using traditional family recipes.   

Locations: 
10 Court Street South, Thunder Bay
802 Fort William Road, Thunder Bay

The Persian Man

When you’re in Thunder Bay, you must try the Persian, a deep-fried cinnamon roll with pink icing.

Pick up a box of Persians along with Sally Anns, a buttercream filled cake with chocolate icing—another Thunder Bay favourite.

Locations:
899 Tungsten Street, Thunder Bay
400 Balmoral Street, Thunder Bay

Sweet Nata

Sweet Nata’s signature custard tarts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! They also produce other delightful treats such as cupcakes, palmiers, rice cakes, muffins and Bola de Berlim.

Location: 270 Bay Street, Thunder Bay

Niva’s Restaurant

If you’re ordering off the all-day breakfast menu at Niva’s Restaurant, you simply must try the Finnish pancakes. Other desserts at this casual eatery include fresh coffee bread made every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, rice pudding with strawberries and layer cake.

Location: 376 Lisgar Street, Thunder Bay

Kangas Sauna Restaurant

Another delectable breakfast place with Finnish pancakes is Kangas Sauna Restaurant. If you have room for more dessert, try their grilled cinnamon bun or homemade pie.

Location: 379 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay

Brewpubs, bars and lunch bites

Enjoy a diverse culinary experience at Thunder Bay’s brewpubs, bars and restaurants.

Red Lion Smokehouse

Get your grill on at Red Lion Smokehouse, a barbecue restaurant in Thunder Bay’s waterfront district.

Using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients, the menu combines classic British Pub favourites with a smokehouse twist. Savour slow-smoked meat with your choice of 14 taps and over 100 craft beers. 

Location: 16 Cumberland Street South, Thunder Bay

The Sovereign Room

Another great spot for beer lovers, The Sovereign Room is a laid-back gastro-pub offering local beers to accompany its globally inspired brunch and dinner menu.

Location: 220 Red River Road, Thunder Bay

Bight Restaurant and Bar 

Dine at this spacious modern eatery, which features fresh Canadian fare, artisan cocktails and an outdoor patio overlooking Lake Superior.

Location: 2201 Sleeping Giant Parkway Unit 100, Thunder Bay

The Growing Season Juice Collective

The Growing Season Juice Collective in the Bay and Algoma district offers many gluten-free and vegan options.

Location: 201 Algoma Street South, Thunder Bay

El Tres

Share tacos with friends at El Tres, a Mexican eatery with handcrafted cocktails, eclectic decor and a laid-back ambiance.

Location: 269 Red River Road, Thunder Bay

Thai Kitchen

Guided by the principle of harmony, each dish at Thai Kitchen beautifully blends centuries-old Eastern and Western influences, resulting in a truly unique culinary experience.

From spicy, bold curries to milder soups and spring rolls, the menu offers a range of options to satisfy your appetite.

Location: 11 Cumberland Street South, Thunder Bay

Tomlin Restaurant

Be prepared to share plates with your favourite foodie friends and enjoy a carefully crafted, ever-changing menu of dishes that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Location: 202 1/2 Red River Road, Thunder Bay

The Bannock Lady

Have the famous Bannock Burger—a quarter pound hand-pressed patty pan seared to perfection and then smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Or have the Bannock Deluxe Tacos, which has the fried bannock taking the place of a shell.

Location: 1000 Fort William Road, Thunder Bay

Nortenos Taqueria

If you’re craving Mexican food, come to Nortenos Taqueria for a variety of tacos, taquitos, quesadillas and tortas.

Location: 698 Arthur Street West, Thunder Bay

Upscale dining and wine bars

When you’re ready for an exquisite dining experience, there are some excellent options to explore in Thunder Bay.

Lot 66

With a focus on premium ingredients and partnerships with local vendors, Lot 66’s menu features high-quality meats, seafood and fresh pasta.

Pair flavourful entrees and house-made focaccia with one of the many wines on the menu, which includes specially ordered consignment wines.

Location: 66 Court Street South, Thunder Bay

Caribou Restaurant and Wine Bar

Caribou Restaurant and Wine Bar’s contemporary menu reflects regional influences and boasts an impressive wine list. Signature dishes include certified Angus tenderloin, cedar plank salmon, black and blue ahi tuna and wood-fired pizzas.

This restaurant has been listed in "Where to Eat in Canada," the wine list has earned the "Wine Spectator Award of Excellence" for many years.

Location: 727 Hewitson Street, Thunder Bay

Monsoon

With a la carte and buffet options available, come to Monsoon for flavourful and authentic North Indian and Punjabi cuisine. Some of their popular dishes include butter chicken, chicken vindaloo and samosa.

Location: 588 Arthur Street W #4, Thunder Bay

Breweries, events, farm and market

With a host of local breweries, farms and entertaining events, there’s never a dull day during your visit to Thunder Bay.

Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.

A well-known brewery in the region, Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. is known for locally produced craft brews. Additionally, the taproom offers delicious local snacks and made-to-order pizza.

Location: 712 Macdonell Street, Thunder Bay

Dawson Trail Craft Brewery

The mission of Dawson Trail Craft Brewery is to brew great beer using the best local grain and fresh hops for a unique and refreshing taste.

Location: 1181 Golf Links Road, Thunder Bay

Brew Ha! Craft Beer Festival

Northern Ontario’s largest craft beer festival takes place in July on the shores of Lake Superior. Brew Ha! Craft Beer Festival showcases a wide selection of craft beer, cider, food and live musical entertainment.

Location: 41 Saul Laskin Drive, Thunder Bay

Thunder Oak Cheese Farm

Don’t miss Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, the first farm in Ontario to produce creamy Dutch Gouda cheese. With 13 different flavours, you’ll find a cheese that suits your palate.

Location: 611 Boundary Drive, Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay Country Market

Meet the folks who grow, make and bake some of the best flavours of the Bay under one roof at the Thunder Bay Country Market, the largest producer-based market in Northwestern Ontario.

The market is open year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Location: 425 Northern Avenue, Thunder Bay

Festival of India

On July 20, enjoy a feast of free delicious food with family and friends at Marina Park. With an impressive lineup of musicians, singers and dancers, a chariot parade and a throwing of coloured powder, you won’t want to miss this fun-filed cultural event.

Location: 1 Marina Park Drive, Thunder Bay

Goods & Co. Market

Between Wednesday to Sunday, visit Goods & Co. Market, which features over 25 local restaurants and artisans and a contemporary art gallery. You won’t find yourself short on food options—check out Nomad by Pinetree Catering for freshly baked bread and pastries, pita chips and dips, and other grab and go food. For inspired cocktails, local beer and a wine list curated by Sommelier Cale Graydon, stop by Woodside Bar for a drink or two.

Location: 251 Red River Road Suite #3, Thunder Bay

Hotels in Thunder Bay

You do not want to miss the breathtaking views of the city’s waterfront, so here are a few of the best accommodations with a view.

The Courthouse Hotel

The Courthouse Hotel is a boutique hotel with a Beaux Arts architectural facade located just minutes from the waterfront.

With a perfect blend of classic and modern touches, The Courthouse Hotel provides a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

Location: 277 Camelot Street, Thunder Bay

Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay

Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Superior, Delta Hotels Thunder Bay offers convenient access to popular attractions such as Gateway Casinos Thunder Bay, Prince Arthur's Landing and the Waterfront District.

The hotel features an on-site restaurant with a gastro-pub-inspired menu, stunning views of the Sleeping Giant from the floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor patio and spacious pet-friendly rooms.

Location: 2240 Sleeping Giant Parkway, Thunder Bay

Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites

Built in 1911, this historic hotel is located in the heart of the Waterfront District, overlooking Marina Park, Sleeping Giant peninsula and majestic Lake Superior.

Consider upgrading to their Executive or Jacuzzi suite for a beautiful view of the waterfront.

Location: 17 North Cumberland Street, Thunder Bay

 

Between eating and drinking, make time to discover everything else that Thunder Bay has to offer.