New to Thunder Bay? Get Ready to FALL in Love With our City
Amanda Bay
September 29, 2026
So you just got here! You might be starting classes at Lakehead or Confed, settling into a new job, or following someone you love who convinced you to move “up north” (and you’re probably still trying to figure out exactly how far north that turned out to be).
Either way, your timing is perfect. The month of October is when Thunder Bay really shows off! The Nor’Westers turn every shade of red and orange, the air smells crisp, and the bugs finally clock out for the year. Locals will tell you this is the season you fall for this city, and they’re absolutely right.
We’re also not going to lie to you about what comes after. So this is your crash course in squeezing every drop out of fall before winter shows up and introduces itself.
First, Grab a box of Persians
A Persian is Thunder Bay’s very own pastry! It’s a big, soft, cinnamon-y swirl of fried dough with thick pink berry icing on top. You won’t find a real one anywhere else in the world, and people who move away have been known to get them shipped. Ask three locals where the name comes from and you’ll get three different stories, all told with total confidence. Head to The Persian Man, order a box and then go enjoy the fall scenery. (Just don’t call it a donut out loud!)
Coming in a close second, head to Swell Bakery for its monthly treat box. They never disappoint, and you will have zero regrets eating five pastries at once.
Go see the Terry Fox Monument
Drive a few minutes east of the city and you’ll find Terry standing in bronze on a hill above Lake Superior. This is located close to where his Marathon of Hope came to an end in 1980. It’s a 9-foot high statue on a 45-ton granite base and just commands breath taking views. In fall, the trees around the lookout go full fire mode, and the lake stretches out forever behind him. It’s an inspiring stop and also includes the Thunder Bay Visitor Centre.
Take the scenic drive out to Slate River Valley
About 20 minutes from town, the city gives way to rolling farmland, rustic barns and fields that look straight out of a movie. Belluz Farms hosts its annual Fall Wonderland out this way, and it’s peak fall. Pick a pumpkin from the patch, try to find your way out of the corm maze (good luck), and go say hi to the farm animals. It’s family-friendly, but the grownups are having the most fun.
Also stop in at the Bakeshop on Boundary for fresh pizza, pasta, sandwiches and pastries, all made with local ingredients in the area (it also has one of the best views of the Nor’Westers in the fall that you can enjoy on the outdoor pavilion).
Hike Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay) for the view of the season
Anemki Wajiw, known as Mount McKay, sits on Fort William First Nation and is the start of the Nor’Wester range, which runs all the way down to the Canada–U.S. border. From up top, you get the whole bird’s eye view of the city, the lake, and is packed with sugar maples and red maples in full blaze. It’s the kind of view that makes you pinch yourself. (This is a sacred place to the community, so be respectful, stick to the trails, and check the lookout’s hours before you head out.)
Do the sauna, then lake thing
Thunder Bay has one of the biggest Finnish communities outside of Finland, which means the sauna game here is elite. So here’s the ritual— you sit in a wood fired sauna until you’re fully melted, breathing in that gorgeous cedar and smoke smell. Then you walk straight into Lake Superior, the biggest freshwater lake on the planet and, also probably one of the coldest. It will steal the air right out of your lungs. Do it three times and by round three you’ll understand why people here are so calm.
It’s basically a fancy Nordic spa, minus the robe fee and plus a lot more bragging rights. Go with people who know the spot and never plunge alone!
Shop local and dress the part
Fall is harvest season, so hit the farmers’ markets for pumpkins, squash, carrots, and anything else that belongs in a big pot of stew. Knowing exactly who grew your dinner is a very specific kind of flex. Enjoy it and don’t skip out on the Apple cider!
Craft shows also start popping up this time of year too, and that’s where you’ll find locally made toques, scarves and sweaters (a toque is a winter hat. You’ll be saying it without thinking by November!)
Some noteworthy seasonal events include the Creekside & Trevisanutto’s Fall Artisans Market with over 100 local vendors, or take the scenic route and stop by The Early Refill, grab a Pumpkin Patch Latte and then visit all the other stops that are a part of Country Roads Day.
Stay up late for the Northern Lights
The best colours of fall aren’t always on the trees. October is a great month to catch the aurora borealis in the sky! Drive away from the city lights like Mckenzie Point or even Boulevard, find a dark spot facing north, and download an aurora alert app. No guarantees, but when it happens, you will scream.
One last thing… soak up the sunshine and the bug free days while you can, because we all know what’s coming. But that’s a December problem (maybe even November), and right now, the leaves are turning, the fall treats are fresh, and the lake is waiting for you to be brave. You showed up at the perfect time. Welcome to TBay!
Make sure to check out more info on the city and everything it has to offer by reading the NEW Welcome Guide, highlighting everything from city services, shopping, and art & culture.
