Urban Hiking In Thunder Bay Lets You Feel Far Away From it All Without Ever Leaving the City

Thunder Bay is basically every hiker’s dream. Hidden right inside city limits are trails and lookouts that make you feel like you’ve slipped off the grid, but without actually leaving town. No long drives, no over-planning…just lace up and go.

Urban hiking is all about finding those tucked away trails right in your own backyard, and Thunder Bay is full of them. Instead of loading up the car for a long adventure, you can throw on your sneakers and walk out your front door to trails that wind through forests, follow rivers, and open up to parklands, while staying close enough to grab a latte or lunch on the way home. And bonus, research says it’s not just good exercise— spending time in nature is proven to boost your mood, reduce stress, and clear your head.

So what makes it urban? It’s about exploring new corners of the city on foot, not just looping around your usual neighbourhood. There’s no need for gear or hours of highway driving. One of the best starting points is Centennial Park. This historic spot on the banks of the Current River is home to a 1910 logging camp, a forestry museum, and even the Muskeg Express train. A network of gravel trails wind through the forest and down to the riverbank, with connections to the Trans Canada Trail, that lead straight to Trowbridge Falls and Cascades Conservation Area.

Trowbridge Falls is definitely a fan favourite. This 2-kilometre loop kicks off at the Kinsmen Park parking lot and takes you through mixed boreal forest, past campgrounds and over arched bridges that span the Current River rapids. It’s a short hike with plenty to see, but watch for rocky steps and small waterfalls, and maybe a ghost? If you like a good story, Trowbridge Falls is said to be one of the most haunted places in the city. Since the park first opened in the 1960s, reports have circulated about ghostly apparitions appearing along the trails and near the campground. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it definitely adds a layer of spooky charm to your walk.

A little further along, Cascades Conservation Area is where the Current River tumbles over smooth rock ledges, creating natural pools and waterfalls. The trails range from quick loops to longer hikes, and it’s a great place to throw down a picnic, and in the summer you’ll often see people dipping their toes (or more) to cool off in the shallow water.

For a shorter stroll, Boulevard Lake has trails hugging the reservoir with forested sections and cool dam views, while Chapples Park offers winding paths through green space and wooded areas. Just keep an ear out for golfers yelling “fore!”, as some trails run right alongside fairways.

Urban hiking in Thunder Bay is a reminder that you don’t have to go far to feel far away and connected to the outdoors. All you need is comfy shoes and a bit of curiosity, so hit the trails and start exploring — nature is literally right around the corner.