6 Creative Scenes Making Thunder Bay an Arts Hotspot
Bonnie Schiedel
April 1, 2026
If you grew up in Thunder Bay, chances are you’ve been to the Canada Games Complex (more than once). Swimming lessons, birthday parties, P.A. Day camps, or that one fitness phase you swore would stick. But the Complex isn’t just a nostalgic spot, it’s one of the most genuinely community focused spaces in the city, and it’s built for everyone…not just the gym people who wake up at 5 a.m. on purpose.
Originally built for the 1981 Canada Summer Games, the Complex was designed to serve Thunder Bay long after the medals were handed out. More than 40 years later, it’s still doing exactly that, offering programming seven days a week for all ages and fitness levels.
If you’re easing back into movement or just looking for something fun to do with your family, the Complex makes it easy to show up as you are. It’s packed with an energetic mix of recreation, fitness, and aquatics programs. There are basically classes all day long, so it actually fits into real life. You’ll find everything from Aquabics and Pilates to kettlebell strength circuits and senior Spin classes, making it one of the easiest places to get moving in the city.
For something truly unique, Powwow Fitness with Gloria stands out. The class blends traditional powwow music with modern tracks and combines cardio, strength, stretching, and dance. It’s high energy, welcoming, and it turns a workout into something that feels not only cultural, but empowering, and fun… not something that you’re counting down minutes for it to end.
Once people start going to the Complex, they tend to keep coming back, and a big part of that is because of the space itself. The indoor running track overlooks the pool (arguably elite motivation), the strength and cardio spaces are well-equipped without feeling overwhelming. It’s the kind of place where beginners, regulars, and “I’m just getting back into this” folks can all comfortably exist.
Now let’s not forget the main attraction, definitely the biggest draw at the Complex— the pool deck. The 77-metre Olympic standard pool is divided into sections so it can handle lessons, lane swims, recreational swimming, and diving all at once. Depths range from very shallow, which is perfect for new swimmers, to over 16-feet deep for diving. There’s also the Swirlpool, saunas, seating, and family change areas, AND the Complex is home to the Thunderbolts Swim Club, adding to the constant buzz of activity.
And then there’s the Thunderslide. We’ve all been double-dared to take that plunge. 73 metres of pure joy that adults are absolutely allowed to ride, (no matter how long it’s been). Starting from the diving tower, it twists through a figure eight before dropping riders into the pool with a splash that turns heads every time. It runs multiple evenings and weekends (check the calendar), and yes, it’s free (so do it more than once!).
The Complex has always been family first, and it shows. For kids, there’s child and youth programming, all year round including Girl Power, Karate, and P.A. Day camps running throughout the school year, offering full days of activities, crafts, and swimming for children ages five to twelve, with affordable pricing for families. The Complex is actually the hub for squash in Thunder Bay, offering beginner and intermediate programs starting at age seven. Don’t forget, swimming lessons remain a local staple.
Insider Tip: Parents also get a rare bonus! On-site babysitting!!!! While you squeeze in that workout or class, kids can play, read, colour, and relax in the child care centre, which welcomes children from four months to eight years old.
Built for the Canada Games, the Complex is actually all about community. It’s kids learning to swim, seniors staying strong, parents getting a break, and adults rediscovering that moving your body can actually be, dare we say it, FUN. Check out the full calendar for programs, classes, and everything happening at one of TBay’s favourite family facilities.
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CEDC © 2025. All rights reserved.