Why Spending a Saturday at the Thunder Bay Country Market is Basically a Fall Tradition
Amanda Bay
October 29, 2025
When fall rolls in, Thunder Bay shows off. It turns into a kaleidoscope of fiery reds, golden yellows and crisp orange leaves against the deep blue waves of Lake Superior…. basically a front row seat to some of the most unreal autumn landscapes in the country. So grab your PSL, charge your phone for those IG shots, and check out these must-see fall colour spots in and around TBay:
If you’re after the wow factor, Ouimet Canyon is THE place. The drive up is lined with maples showing off their best colours, and once you hit the lookouts, you’ll see a 150-metre-wide gorge with cliffs that drop 100 metres straight down. The mix of fiery leaves with ancient Arctic plants at the bottom of the canyon? So unreal.
2. Thunder Bay Lookout, Sleeping Giant
Drive the gravel road and step out onto the platform that hangs right over the cliff. The views of Lake Superior and Thunder Bay from up here feel like you’re literally floating above the colours. Bonus: it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
3. Little Falls, Kakabeka Falls
Sure, Kakabeka Falls gets all the attention (and it deserves it), but tucked inside the park is a quieter, hidden gem—Little Falls. This trail winds through towering trees with crunchy leaves underfoot and leads you to a smaller cascade against a cool rock background, surrounded by peaceful forest. With fewer visitors than the main attraction, it feels almost secret. It’s the perfect place to breathe, snap a few pics, and just let autumn sink in.
Mink Mountain isn’t just a hike, it’s an adventure. With seven trails, you could explore all day, but even the shorter loops give you those panoramic Lake Superior views mixed with burnt orange treetops. Stop at Picnic Point and watch the water sparkle while the leaves dance around you. Magic.
If you’re down for more of a challenge (and don’t mind the name Lost Mountain living up to itself), this 6.3 km trail gives you some of the best fall views around Thunder Bay. The climb is worth it, but don’t skip your trail map—it’s easy to get turned around up there.
6. The Bluffs, Centennial Park
Want fall views without leaving the city? The Bluffs Loop trail is a quick hike with incredible payoffs. You’ll cross Current River, climb up the cliff edge, and get a perfect shot of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant with the fall colours exploding below. Plus, you can be back in time for brunch.
This trail might throw some weather surprises (total fog), but on a clear fall day, the lookout is spectacular. The peak of the hike includes a huge bench shaped like Lake Superior where you can sit and soak in the colours against the shoreline. A great spot for a picnic lunch.
Honourable Mention: Scenic Drives
Not in the mood to hike? No problem. The drives along Hwy 61, up to Pass Lake, or around Lake Superior’s north shore are straight up autumn postcards. Roll the windows down, blast your road trip playlist, and just take it all in.
Peak Colour Season in Thunder Bay usually hits late September through mid-October, so don’t wait too long or you’ll be crunching brown leaves instead of golden ones!
