Thunder Bay’s Canada Day: Paddle with Voyageurs and Celebrate by the Lake

Ohhhhh, Canada! Thunder Bay is going all out for Canada Day this year— there’s not just one but two full-day celebrations and a jam-packed roster of things to do. We’re talking Canadian eats, live music, tall ship tours, and a whole lot of red and white themed fun (for the entire family) to celebrate the country’s 157th birthday.

If you want to make a full day of it, start at the Fort with activities running from 10 AM to 5 PM. Fort William Historical Park is throwing it back in the coolest way, with canoe rides, maple syrup tastings and cultural experiences that truly highlight Canada’s diversity and early beginnings. This event will make you feel like you’ve time-travelled and learned some cool things along the way!

Some must-do’s:

Paddle a canoe down the Kaministiquia River with singing voyageurs (yes, it’s as charming as it sounds. It’s also super photogenic!)
Try your hand at Baggataway (a.k.a. traditional lacrosse) one of Canada’s oldest sports.
Taste your way through history! Sample wild rice, maple lemonade, and bannock (basically a Canada Day rite of passage).
Watch live carving demos, Indigenous storytelling, and upbeat performances like Ukrainian dancing and Irish fiddling. Did we mention, the man, the legend, local music icon, Rodney Brown is performing?

Once you’ve had your fun at the Fort, the festivities continue at Canada Day on the Waterfront from 3 PM to 9 PM. Lake views, live performances, and the smell of mini donuts wafting through the air… what more can you ask for at a Canada Day bash?

Highlights you don’t want to miss:

Citizenship Ceremony: One of the most meaningful moments of the day as 50 new Canadians will officially become citizens in the Celebration Circle.
Lawrence II- Tall Ship Tour: Step aboard a legit sailing ship and snap pics of the giant Canadian flag waving proudly above deck.
Live music: A daylong playbill of performances is scheduled. From indie rock to classic hits, catch bands like Luke Warm & the Cold Ones, The Sensational Hot Rods, and Urban Hip performing on the Main Stage.
FREE Canada Day cupcakes at 3PM: These won’t last long so make like a beaver and snack fast!

And yes, there will be glitter tattoos, bubble stations along with face painting, a skateboarding demo, an artisan market, food trucks, interactive arts programming, and Tai Chi demonstrations in the Tai Chi Park. Basically, if you can imagine it, it’s probably happening.

Insider Tip: Free shuttles run between the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and Marina Park starting at 2:30 PM, so you can avoid parking stress. Pick Up and Drop off is beside the Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda.

Throw on your comfy shoes, pack some SPF, grab your friends, and get outside. See you at the Waterfront (and the Fort)!