Thunder Bay Beaches So Dreamy You’ll Cancel Your Vacation Plans
Amanda Bay
July 8, 2026
Some places just have a way of making summer feel like summer and Boulevard Lake IS that place in Thunder Bay! With 650 acres of parkland wrapped around one of the most scenic spots in the city, it’s packed with more things to do than most people realize.
Here’s a rundown of how you can spend a full day at the most family-friendly park in the city:
Take a Stroll and Look at Art
The 5.3 km paved loop around the lake is the kind of trail that tricks you into exercising because you’re too busy looking at things. Forest views, lake views, and public art installations, line the route plus the Butterfly Remembrance Wall, a striking metal butterfly sculpture by local artist Luc Despres that stops people mid-stride. Then there’s the Boulevard Lake Dam at the south end, with water cascading down toward Lake Superior (look closely for jumping fish). It also lights up at night with colours for special occasions.
Disc Golf Anyone?
The 18-hole Birch Point Disc Golf Course is at the east end of the park. It’s golf, but no clubs, no balls, just you, a disc, and a basket to aim for. It’s free to play and BYOD (bring your own disc), but if you don’t have one, The Loop sells them in a variety of colours. Plan for at least one overthrow into the trees and watch out for humans on the trail.
Pickleball, Tennis & volleyball Courts
What do you get when you combine tennis, badminton and ping-pong? If you haven’t tried pickleball yet, you’re running out of excuses. It’s probably one of the most fun things you can pick up with zero experience. Boulevard Lake has tennis, pickleball and volleyball courts on site. While you’re over there take a ride on the purple dinos! They don’t bite.
Picnic in the Park
One of the most underrated things about Boulevard Lake is how much room there is to just… be. Sprawling green space, picnic tables tucked throughout the park, and enough shade to make an afternoon stretch into an evening without anyone complaining. Pack a proper spread like sandwiches, snacks, and something cold to drink and then go claim your patch of grass.
Run Around the Playground
This Jumpstart playground at Boulevard Lake is the largest inclusive play space in Thunder Bay, with over 11,000 square feet of rubber-surfaced, all-abilities, absolutely epic kid chaos. Xylophones, climbing towers, swings, slides, ramps, see-saws, sun shades, it’s definitely a playground that makes adults briefly wish they were seven again (just avoid the Spinner!). There’s also an outdoor fitness area for the parents who want to pretend they’re being productive.
Splish Splash Water Park
If you have kids, or you are a kid at heart, Splish Splash needs to be on your summer bucket list. Anyone who has driven by knowns exactly what we are talking about… biggest floatie EVER! It’s a bouncy castle on water. Featuring a giant bouncy pillow, mega slide called the Thunder Drop, floating obstacle gauntlet, slides, trampolines, balance beams…it’s a Splash Arena (there’s also a junior zone for the little ones). If you’re wondering how do you get out there? There’s a rope that runs from the park to shore! So you can pretty much walk halfway out, and then you just pull yourself on the rope or swim!
Head Out on the Water
The lake is calm, clear, and super beautiful when you get out into the middle of it. Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard through Splish Splash and see Boulevard from a completely different angle.
A Round of Mini Putt…with a Twist
Mini putt is also on the roster (weekdays 5–8 PM, weekends noon–7 PM, weather permitting). The course is the perfect add-on to your day, and is designed for players of all ages and skill levels! Scattered throughout the holes are interactive mini-challenges that can influence your game. Throw a plastic axe and hit red? You’re putting from the red line. Roll the bocce ball closest to the hole? You get the best spot. Land the bean bag, roll the dice…every hole has a twist that keeps everyone entertained (and most likely to demand a rematch!).
Everything else you need to know…
Swimming? Three beaches but lifeguards are only on duty at the Main Beach. The lake also has smaller, unsupervised swimming areas like Sandy Cove and Sunny Side Beach. Dragon boat racing? Yes! The Thunder Bay Paddlesports Club runs youth and adult leagues all summer. Check out Paddle Mania happening July 18th!
