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Thunder Bay Lifestyle Gift Guide: Outdoor

If there’s one thing Thunder Bay does better than anywhere else, it’s the outdoors. We’re talking a city where people casually spend their weekends skiing, hiking, or drilling holes into the ice for fun. And during the holidays? That outdoor love becomes the ultimate gift opportunity, because we all know experiences beat stuff every time.

Forget slippers and bath sets! The most Thunder Bay gift you can give is an experience… something that gets the blood pumping, cheeks rosy, and keeps you offline for the day. And every adventure also needs gear, which is where Thunder Bay’s local outdoor stores step in. These shops are basically Santa’s workshop for hikers, skiers, anglers, sauna lovers, and adrenaline chasers.

Ice Fishing with Bear Trak Outfitters

If you want to give someone a true Thunder Bay winter experience, ice fishing on Black Bay is it. Bear Trak Outfitters runs fully guided trips where the fishing action is crazy all winter long. The best idea though? Upgrading your giftee to the Perch Palace… sounds fancy right? Well IT IS the palace of all fishing huts! It’s an insulated, kingdom (cabin) right on the ice, warmed by a wood stove. But if you still go with a regular shack, they also come equipped with everything you’d need for a day of fishing in comfort, from multiple holes inside to cooking gear, firewood, and even an outhouse (because nature calls… even on a frozen lake). It’s the kind of winter day that becomes a favourite memory, and Perch are almost guaranteed… but a Northern Pike, Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, or even trophy Walleye might decide to crash the party.

Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding at Loch Lomond or Mount Baldy

Nothing says winter like flying down a ski slope. This is the perfect gift for the seasoned shredder or someone who’s been meaning to “get back into skiing”. A day pass or season pass is a guaranteed win. Loch Lomond and Mount Baldy both offer great packages all season long.

Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing Through Kamview’s Stunning Winter Trails

With over 35-kilometres of beautifully groomed skate and classic trails, Kamview is paradise for anyone who loves peaceful mornings, snow glittered forests, and the kind of quiet you can only find in the winter woods. A Kamview gift card can be used for trail passes, lessons, rentals, or even their iconic candlelit ski nights. Give it to that person in your life who loves nature.

For a slower paced adventure that literally anyone can enjoy, snowshoeing at Kamview hits the spot. The 11-kilometres of trails wind through towering balsam fir, poplar stands, spruce groves, and open meadows with legit postcard views. There’s even a dog friendly route, so four legged family members can join in the fun. A snowshoeing outing is the perfect gift for couples, families, nature lovers, or that one friend who wants to get outside more.

Art of Yoga: Sauna + Yoga + Ice Plunge Experience

For the adventurous wellness lover on your list, this is hands down one of the most unique experiences. The Art of Yoga’s cold plunge wellness experience blends a warm, cozy yoga class with a sauna session, and then the big moment: dipping into a hole cut into Lake Superior. Some go shoulder deep, some fully dunk (brave souls), while others get in and out faster than you can blink, but everyone walks away buzzing with adrenaline. Known for improving circulation, boosting mood, and giving you bragging rights for at least a year, this gift is equal parts invigorating and iconic TBay.

Ice Climbing with Outdoor Skills & Thrills

If you really want to blow someone’s mind with a gift, send them climbing up a frozen waterfall. Outdoor Skills & Thrills has become a bucket list experience for locals and visitors alike, offering guided climbs in stunning spots around Thunder Bay, Orient Bay, and Kama Bay. The best part? It’s beginner friendly. They’ll suit you up with all the technical gear — crampons, mountaineering boots, helmet, harness, ice axes, and teach you exactly what to do. It’s safe, surprisingly accessible, and unbelievably fun (after you get over that fear of heights). For anyone who loves a challenge or wants a once in a lifetime adventure, this is the gift.

The Local Stores Every Adventure Gift Should Come With

These stores are basically the big three of outdoor gear and they make your gift way more thoughtful when paired with the right items.

D&R Sporting Goods

D&R has been Thunder Bay’s outdoor home base since 1974. If your gift involves ice fishing, winter camping, or anything rugged, this store is a goldmine. You can grab warm gloves, fishing tackle, hand warmers, thermoses, insulated socks, and tons of “why didn’t I buy this sooner” outdoor essentials. Pair a few of these with a Bear Trak gift card, and suddenly your present goes from cool to absolutely epic.

Fresh Air Experience

For the stylish adventurer, Fresh Air is unmatched. Their shelves are filled with YETI mugs, bottles, coolers, and accessories, plus Blundstones, sleek winter jackets, cozy layers, and high performance gear for skiing and snowshoeing. Their apparel is the perfect addition to Kamview passes or the Art of Yoga cold plunge.

Ski Haus

Known as TBay’s ski an snowboard legends since 1963 for a reason! When the gift involves downhill skiing or snowboarding, Ski Haus is the place to go. Their staff are true winter experts who can help you pick out goggles, gloves, helmets, face coverings, base layers, or even book a custom boot fitting. Pair your ski day pass with something from here, and your giftee is instantly ready for the slopes.

At the end of the day, the best gifts aren’t always things, they’re the stories waiting to happen. Adventure is the gift that never collects dust. Wrap it up with something local and give a memory.

Amanda Bay