If you’ve ever gone to Niagara Falls you’ll know there is no shortage of places to stay. The Canadian side is filled with hotel after hotel, some offering casinos, some offering great views, and some offering the convenience of a waterpark attached! As I’ve said in other posts I tend to research a lot before booking a hotel. I want to be close to attractions but also have a nice place to stay that doesn’t eat up too much of my budget. We found a winner with Vittoria Hotel & Suites.

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Important Info

5851 Victoria Avenue
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada  L2G 3L6 
Phone: 1-800-263-2553
Email: resinfo@vittoriahotels.com
Website: vittoriahotels.com

Vittoria Hotel & Suites Location

Location is so important to me when booking a hotel. I hate having to travel long distances to get to the middle of the action. Vittoria Hotel & Suites is conveniently located on one of the main streets. Basically everything you want to do will be within walking distance from the hotel. It is close to all the fun on Clifton Hill, as well as casinos, and most importantly the Falls. 

Clifton Hill- 5 minute walk
Hornblower Cruise – 10 minute walk
Queen Victoria Park / Falls View – 11 minute walk
Rainbow Bridge to USA – 13 minute walk

Check out this video where we give a tour of our room:

Vittoria Hotel Room

When we checked in to our room the front desk told us we had a great room, and we did! We were able to see the American Falls and we had a great view of the fireworks right from our bedroom.

We booked a junior suite with one king bed, and the sofa was also a pull out bed. 

They also have junior suites with 2 queen beds and a sofa bed, and a family suite with 2 queen beds and a sofa bed with more space than the junior suite. 

All rooms have a mini fridge, coffee maker, flat screen TVs, a safe, and include free Wi-Fi. 

The bathroom area was really nice. The sink area was separate which made it easier to get ready in the morning. The bathroom featured a large walk in shower.

It was easy to tell that the hotel had been recently renovated. Everything felt fresh and clean from the lobby to our room. 

Hotel Amenities

This hotel packs a lot into one building! We checked out the pool and hot tub one afternoon and it was a nice place to relax for an hour or two. 

The hotel also has a fitness centre, and meeting rooms available if needed. 

One big bonus is that Vittoria Hotel has onsite parking which costs $15 per night. 

There is a restaurant onsite that is open for breakfast and lunch from 7am-12pm. We paid $17.99 each for a buffet breakfast to fill us up before we headed out for the day. The buffet had plenty of options, and they also have an a la carte menu for other breakfast items. 

Final Thoughts

We made a great choice when we booked with Vittoria Hotel & Suites in Niagara Falls! The staff were great anytime we had to go to the front desk. Our room was not ready when we arrived but they were able to store our luggage until it was. We ended up with a great home base for exploring Niagara Falls and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.

Related Posts:

• Niagara Falls On A Budget
• Niagara Falls USA vs Canada
• How To Choose A Hotel

Budget

We booked our stay at Vittoria Hotels & Suites on Hotels.com and chose to pay at the hotel.

2 nights in July 2019 in a Junior Suite with 1 king size bed – $377.88 including tax

Buffet breakfast for 2 – $35.98

Total spent at Vittoria Hotel & Suites – $413.86

Niagara Falls at a Glance

• Both sides of Niagara Falls have great views and things to do
• You’ll need a passport to go between the USA and Canada
• The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is busy, while the American side is much quieter

Niagara Falls, Ontario

In Canada, Niagara Falls is about an hour and a half from our biggest city, Toronto. If you’ve been to the Canadian side, you’ll know that there is a lot going on! It is a busy area with lots of places to eat, to stay and things to do.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls, Ontario

There are many hotels in Niagara Falls, Ontario, so it may be difficult to choose. We enjoyed staying at Vittoria Hotel & Suites, which is conveniently located close to Clifton Hill, the Hornblower Cruise, and Queen Victoria Park, where you’ll see the falls.

Niagara Falls, New York

On the United States side of Niagara Falls, things couldn’t be more different. The Falls are surrounded by a State Park with lots of green space, walking trails and a whole lot less flashing lights. There are restaurants and shopping in the town as well.

Going from Canada to the USA

If you want to travel from one side of the border to the other, you’ll have to cross a bridge! There are 3 bridges within 10 kilometres of the falls. The most popular (read: busy) is Rainbow Bridge, which does offer really great views. You can also walk across the Rainbow Bridge like we did.

It’s important to note that you will need a passport. It does seem like it’s all the same place, but you are crossing an international border, and you need a passport or a visa, depending on where you are from. You will also have to declare any purchases made when coming back to your home country.  

Niagara Falls USA vs Canada

To compare both places, you need to take a few things into account: Things to do, the view, and the overall feel.

Attractions

There are so many attractions on each side, but I’ll start with the one they have in common: a boat tour. In Canada, it’s called The Hornblower, and on the US side, it’s The Maid Of The Mist. They are both basically the same. We had a blast on The Hornblower!

The Canadian side has so many haunted houses, arcades, wax museums and other places to spend time (and money) if you’re into them! Which means it can be difficult to visit Niagara Falls on a budget. While you’ll find a few of these things on the US side, there are not as many. You’ll also find a very popular aquarium on the US side: the Aquarium of Niagara. 

On the Canadian side, you’ll find the Journey Behind The Falls tour, where you’ll be able to experience the falls from the tunnels behind and below the Horseshoe Falls. 

On the US side, you can take the Cave Of The Winds tour for a more unique look at the falls. With special shoes and a poncho, you’ll descend to walkways that are just feet from Bridal Veil Falls; there’s a reason it’s called the “Hurricane Deck”! This is definitely the closest you will get to the falls!

View of the Falls

If you’ve always heard that Canada has the best views of the falls, it’s because from the Canadian side, you’re looking straight at all three waterfalls, and there are so many places that you’ll be able to see them.

I believe that the US side also has a unique view of the falls; you’ll be able to stand at the top and look straight down. You really feel the power of the falls when the river is rushing beside you and then dropping 100 feet into the water below.

Overall Impression

It’s hard to pick a side, since they are so different, even though they are built around the same natural attraction!

The Canadian side is busy. If you want lots of things for kids to do, then the Canadian side is probably for you. It is very commercialized, but there are lots of activities. The views of the falls are amazing, but it can be very crowded. 

In the United States, the Niagara Falls State Park is much quieter. There is not as much to do, but you can still find lots of things to do. The views of the falls are interesting, but not quite as spectacular as the Canadian side.

Niagara Falls: Which Side Should You Visit?

Both! We enjoyed visiting both sides of Niagara Falls. I would stay on the Canadian side and walk across to the US for a couple of hours. Which side would you visit?

Read Also:

• Visiting Niagara Falls On A Budget
• Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
• 2 Days in Toronto

Niagara Falls FAQs

Niagara Falls USA vs Canadian side, which is better?

In general, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is better for views of the falls, access to restaurants, shops, and hotels. The American side is quieter and great for hiking.

Can you go to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls without a passport?

Because you are crossing an international border, you will need a passport to visit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls if you are coming from the USA, and vice versa. You can drive across the border, or opt to walk across Rainbow Bridge. No matter what route you choose, you will need to present your passport to border security.

Can you go behind Niagara Falls on the US side?

No, no tour takes you behind Niagara Falls on the US side. Tour options on the US side include the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which takes you close to the falls on a boat and the Cave of the Winds, which is a boardwalk taking you to the base of the falls. 

Do your clothes get wet on the Maid of the Mist?

Yes, it’s likely that your clothes will get wet on the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower tour at Niagara Falls. Both companies provide a poncho; however, your legs and shoes will likely get very wet on the tour. Wearing quick-dry clothing and shoes is a smart idea for your tour!

The fact that I was 28 years old and had never been to Niagara Falls was surprising to me, I mean it’s a huge tourist destination in my own country. We decided to head there from Toronto, since it is not far! We were newly debt free, and I hadn’t had a chance to save up a lot for this trip, so we were headed there on a budget!

Niagara Falls can be expensive, and I was surprised how commercialized it is. We made some mistakes (mostly with food) so here are my tips for visiting Niagara Falls on a budget.

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Pick Your Hotel Wisely

Picking hotels is one of the hardest things to do when planning a vacation. You don’t want to spend too much, but you don’t want to stay so far away from everything that you are spending a lot of time (and money) getting to where the attractions are. I knew I wanted to stay central so that we could walk around easily.

We ended up picking Vittoria Hotel and I’m so glad we did! I got a good deal on Hotels.com and the location was amazing. Our room overlooked the Falls as well, couldn’t get much better than that!

Read more about my review of Vittoria Hotel and Suites

Don’t Get A Rental Car

You don’t need a car to get around Niagara Falls. As long as you stay central, everything is within walking distance. Uber is also available if you don’t want to walk somewhere. Parking is usually expensive and hard to find. 

Avoid Clifton Hill

Some might love Clifton Hill, and some of you, like me, might dislike it. Whichever way you feel about it, it can be a budget buster. Full of “haunted houses”, arcades, and wax museums there are a million ways to spend money here. We avoided them all. If you really want to do the attractions here, look into getting the Fun Pass for $30, which gets you into 6 different attractions for about half the price. 

Choose Restaurants Carefully

I told you everything was expensive here didn’t I? We walked into Denny’s and right back out because of the prices on the menu. Denny’s is usually pretty reasonably priced but not on Victoria Ave in Niagara Falls! Definitely head off of the main streets to find more budget friendly food, or be prepared to pay a premium price!

Walk The Gardens

Between all the gaudy haunted houses and casinos you can find quite a bit of green space. We enjoyed walking through Queen Victoria Park (right across the street from the Falls) and don’t miss Oakes Garden Theatre close to Clifton Hill. 

Visit The American Side

People always say the best views are on the Canadian side, which may be true but that doesn’t mean the American side isn’t worth visiting! On the US side, it is a state park with lots of (free!) walking trails and it offers a different perspective on the Falls. I loved that it was less crowded and more relaxed. 

Read more about how the USA side is different from the Canadian side

The Falls Are Free

The Falls are what you came to see right?! Luckily viewing Niagara Falls is completely free. They also have fireworks over the Falls every night in July and August, and select nights in May, June, September, October, November and December. 

Fun Fact: The Fireworks are best seen between the American and Canadian Falls. We were in a spot more overlooking the Canadian side and had to run over to get a new spot, obstructed by a tree!

Pick Your Splurge

We decided to splurge a bit on the Hornblower Cruise to get up close to the Falls, and I’m glad we did! Depending on your budget, it can be a bit expensive, we paid about $65 Canadian for the 2 of us to go. We had a great time and I’m glad I did it. A lot of people say that the Journey Behind The Falls tour is worth it, but we decided it wasn’t within our budget. I would advise you to do some research and decide if splurging on a tour is right for you!

Related: Travel Bloggers Share Their Favourite Splurges During Their Travels

Check Packages / Groupon

When you’re planning don’t forget to check deal sites like Groupon, or check into packages like the Adventure Pass which gets you in to many popular attractions. I’m all for doing whatever you want to go on vacation, but it doesn’t hurt to save a bit of money on it if you can!

Niagara Falls Budget Final Tally

Just to help you out, I thought I would share our Niagara Falls Budget. We went at the end of July which is peak tourist season and the prices below are for 2 adults:

Bus to and from Toronto: $76.84
Vittoria Hotel 2 nights: $377.88
Uber: $14.74
Hornblower Tour: $65.43
Food: $203.02
Souvenirs: 36.13
Rainbow Bridge to USA (walking): $2
Final Tally: $776.04

We could have spent a lot less on food had we chosen different restaurants, but no regrets! We had a great time during our 2 days in Niagara Falls!

Do you have any tips for doing Niagara Falls on a budget? Let me know in the comments!

Know Before You Go

Airports

There are 2 airports that serve Toronto, the large international Toronto Pearson Airport, and the smaller Billy Bishop/Toronto City airport. Pearson Airport is a bit outside the city, but the UP train will take you into downtown in about 25 minutes. It costs $12.35 per person for a one way ticket. The Billy Bishop/Toronto City airport is in downtown Toronto, and you can easily walk from the airport to the downtown sites. Not many airlines fly into the smaller airport, but if it’s an option for you, then I would book it!

Stay Downtown

For the ease of getting around I would recommend staying downtown. It may be tempting to book something further out because of the price, but the time spent commuting probably isn’t worth it. 

Don’t Drive

Also don’t drive into downtown Toronto if you can help it. Traffic is crazy and parking is expensive and hard to find. I would park outside the city and take a train in. Most things in the downtown area are within walking distance of each other and therefore you won’t need a car while you’re in the city. 

Things To Do In Toronto For 2 Days

Walk The Waterfront

I love walking along the waterfront in most cities. It is usually vibrant and full of things to do. In the summer you might find a festival or two happening as well. We enjoyed stopping at The Goodman Pub and Kitchen for a drink and a bite to eat. For more waterfront strolling, you can take a ferry out to Toronto Islands where you’ll find beaches, an amusement park and lots of green space.

See Old Town Hall/ Nathan Phillips Square

Since you’re in Toronto, you’ll definitely need your photo taken by the Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square! In the winter the fountain is frozen so you can skate on it, and in the summer it’s a great place to relax. Next door is the old city hall, a beautiful building built in 1899. It is still the courthouse for the Ontario Court of Justice. 

Yonge-Dundas Square

Visit Toronto’s version of Times Square at the intersection of Yonge and Dundas. Often you can find public performances, art displays and events. 

Toronto Eaton Centre

The Eaton Centre is a mall with over 200 stores and services, you can find something for everyone! If you’re not into shopping, the Eaton Centre is also part of the PATH network, so you can get from point A to B in downtown Toronto without walking in the too hot/cold/rainy weather!

Hockey Hall Of Fame

For a hockey fan, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must visit. You’ll find jerseys, sticks, goalie masks, and many other memorabilia from famous hockey players. The interactive area is great for kids and kids at heart to play, you can be a goalie, player or sit at the TSN desk and try broadcasting. Head upstairs to get your photo taken with the Stanley Cup and see the other trophies handed out by the NHL.

$20 for adults, $14 for youth aged 3-13.

Go To A Sports Game

You don’t even have to be a sports fan to enjoy going to a live game. I went to my first baseball game to see the Blue Jays play, and the atmosphere is so fun, you can’t help but be into it. Toronto has professional hockey, basketball, baseball, soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby and cricket teams, so you’re sure to find a game going on while you’re visiting!

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Aquarium

As a couple without kids, I wasn’t sure how much we’d enjoy the aquarium, but I really enjoyed it! The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Aquarium is a great opportunity to see fish and other marine wildlife that you would otherwise never be able to get close to. I loved the tank that the sharks swam right over your head! 

Adult prices vary from $32-$39 depending on the time. I recommend buying tickets online to avoid the line.

Graffiti Alley

Ever wonder where Rick Mercer used to film those rants? Look no further than Graffiti Alley. A true alley, it’s interesting to see all the graffiti art and wonder who did it. Take your time wandering and don’t forget the side alleys too! 

Final Thoughts

It was fun to finally visit Canada’s biggest city! I know Toronto has something for everyone so you’re sure to enjoy your time here, no matter what you do.

What would you do with 2 days in Toronto? Let me know in the comments!

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Lunenburg Nova Scotia

One of my most favourite places in my home province of Nova Scotia, the small town of Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway, only about an hour from Halifax, you’ll find lots to do and eat! Park downtown on the waterfront and enjoy walking around, taking in the ocean air and checking out the beautiful and unique little shops. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is interesting, and if you’re lucky the Bluenose II boat may be docked (the original Bluenose is featured on the Canadian dime)! If you’re into seafood, you’re in luck here.

Read More About What To Do In Lunenburg

There are so many restaurants to choose from, I really don’t think you could go wrong. No matter where you eat dinner, wander up to Sweet Treasures for homemade ice-cream and waffle cones for dessert. You’re also a short drive away from many of Nova Scotia’s beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy weekend enjoying what this province has to offer.

See What Else To Do In Nova Scotia

Victoria, British Columbia

Hands down, one of the prettiest cities in the world. And for a weekend getaway, it’s perfect – not big enough to leave you feeling like you missed a lot of things, but enough fun activities to occupy 2-3 days easily. To start off, you can take an adorable little ferry to get there, it’s on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. If that’s not enough cuteness for you, there are bushels of flowers on every lamp post, and polished horses casually strutting through the charmingly clean streets. Victoria also boasts the NARROWEST alley in all of Canada, one of the prettiest man made gardens, a castle from X-men, the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and the chance for high tea at a legendary hotel.

There are also nearby waterfalls, beaches, and mountains for hiking. There’s something for everyone and literally everything is freakin beautiful and belongs in a Home Living magazine. If you need a quick Canadian weekend vacation, especially romantic getaways or girls trips, Victoria is at the top of the list.

Kay
The Awkward Traveller

Tobermory, Ontario

Tobermory is located about 4 hours north of Toronto on the Bruce Peninsula and is one of the best summer weekend getaways you can do in Canada. If you’ve never seen pictures of Tobermory before, picture crystal blue water like in the Caribbean and you will quickly figure out why this spot is so popular. There’s a ton to see and do in the area. A highlight for sure is the Fathom Five National Marine Park to which the famed Flowerpot Island belongs.

To get there you’ll have to take a ferry which passes over a few sunken ships which because of the very clear water you can see! There’s also virtually no light pollution around so the area is a great spot for star gazing! And if all that wasn’t enough, Bruce Peninsula National Park is located in the area as well and offers a ton of hiking and nature to explore. Tobermory has something to offer everybody and it’s a perfect summer trip with hiking, beaches, water and so much more.

Liliane
My Toronto My World

Kingston, Ontario

Spending your summertime weekend getaway in Kingston is a great idea if you are looking for a historic city with loads of food, culture, and nature.  As the former capital of Canada way back when, the “Limestone City” is rich with buildings, stories, and people from Canada’s past. It’s also conveniently located between Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.

There is plenty to do in Kingston – from walking along the paths by Lake Ontario to shopping on Princess Street in the historic centre. Springer Market Square is always bustling with flea markets on weekends. Kingston is also said to have the most restaurants per capita in Canada so you’ll never go hungry!

With live music venues and patio bars to suit everyone’s drink needs, Kingston nightlife on weekends is not to be missed! Be sure to check out Stone City for local craft beer. You can even get away from the centre by taking the ferry to Wolfe Island, discovering Fort Henry, or renting a bike and heading to Lemoine Point Conservation Area (pictured above). Oh, and don’t forget White Mountain for that perfect summertime ice cream by the pier!

Eric and Lisa
Penguin And Pia

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Just 40 minutes away from Sydney, Nova Scotia, is the Cabot Trail, a 185-mile loop around Breton Island. There are historic activities, like exploring Scottish Heritage and the home of Alexander Graham Bell, as well as educational stops like the Whale Interpretation Center. But the real draw is enjoying the beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands.  We camped for three nights and hiked the Skyline Trail, watching for moose and picking wild berries. One night we camped along a great ocean cliff, and I sat outside watching seals hunt in the water.  Pilot whales and dolphins are common in the summer, and in Englishtown, you can take a boat tour with a guarantee to see puffins.  The Cabot Trail is definitely off the beaten path – despite our visit being in peak summer, none of the stops were crowded.

Amy
Out Chasing Stars

Niagara On The Lake, Ontario

Niagara-On-The-Lake is the ultimate Canadian weekend getaway. ‘NOTL’, as the locals call it, is known for its wine, spas, and restaurants. What more could you want for a relaxing weekend away? Bicycle vineyard tours are popular in the summer, and a great way to explore this beautiful part of Canada. Be sure to stop in for a bite to eat at some of the fabulous restaurants in the region. Our favourite is Ravine, where you can enjoy a 5-star dining experience overlooking the beautiful vineyards.  In summer, check out some big names in entertainment at the Jackson-Triggs summer concert series. And if you’re looking to feel pampered, the Pillar and Post hotel is the perfect spot for a spa treatment (or two!). It’s no wonder this is our favourite place to relax from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a quiet weekend getaway.

Kate
Tear Free Travel

Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec City makes an awesome summer getaway! It’s a small city that can be seen on a weekend for sure and it’s a beautiful place to be.

During summer, the temperatures are high and the crowds are huge but it’s so very worth it!

Stroll along the walls of the walled city, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site, try out some delicious maple toffee on ice (they’re everywhere!), watch the buskers on the square, and, of course, don’t miss the Citadel.

Really take your time to walk around, as it’s stunning!

Enjoy the shades of the trees in any of the parks, the air conditioning of the shops, and the view.

If you have the time, visit Erico and their perfect chocolate heaven and Poutineville for some personalized poutine! Well, and Queue de Castor (or Beavertails!), of course!

Thais Saito
World Trip Diaries

Final Thoughts

There are so many great places to spend a weekend in Canada! Did we miss your favourite spot for a weekend getaway? Let me know what it is in the comments!

Located right on Lake Superior Thunder Bay is a city of about 100,000 people and it’s an outdoor persons dream! If you’re into winter sports, hiking, or fishing this is a great place for you. If you’re a little more like me and into the warm weather, visit in the summer.

We found so much to do on my latest trip to visit my best friend. Here is everything you need to know before you visit Thunder Bay, and my top 10 favourite things to do while you are here:

Know Before You Go

Weather

Thunder Bay is located in Northern Ontario, close to the Minnesota boarder. The summer months are usually warm and sunny with temperatures in the mid to high 20s C (about high 70s to low 80s F), in the winter temperatures regularly get as low as -20C (-4F). Be prepared in the winter with warm clothes and boots! The summer is more enjoyable to visit, but the winter can be fun too!

How To Get To Thunder Bay

You can fly into Thunder Bay International Airport, which is located close to the centre of town. It is a small airport and you’ll likely have to connect through Toronto to get in/out of Thunder Bay.

You can drive to Thunder Bay, and it is a common stop on a cross Canada road trip! It is about a 15 hour drive from Toronto, but only about an 8 hour drive from Winnipeg. You can drive from Minneapolis Minnesota in about 6 hours.

Up for a road trip? Here are things to do in Grand Marais Minnesota, only an hour and a half drive away!

Top 10 Things To Do In Thunder Bay

Hike Mount McKay

You’ll see Mount McKay as soon as your flight lands! Located close to the airport it towers 1000 feet over the city. At 500 feet you drive to a scenic look off which has a picnic area and displays by the Fort William First Nations. A short but challenging hike takes you to the top, where you’ll be able to over see the whole city. Definitely my favorite hike in Thunder Bay.

Thunder Bay Conservatory

This is one of my all time favorite places anywhere. Thunder Bay’s Centennial Botanical Conservatory is a tropical oasis open all year round. It’s such a lovely and quiet place to sit on a bench and enjoy the scenery.

Kakabeka Falls

The second highest waterfall in Ontario is in Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. The park has lots of hiking trails with varying difficulties, as well as a campground. It’s such a great place to spend the afternoon! If you’re there in the summer make sure to stop at the Shake Shoppe on your way back into town for an ice-cream!

Waterfront Park

The Marina Park in Thunder Bay definitely feels like the centre of the city. Open year round it has a boardwalk along Lake Superior, a marina, a skateboard park, an arts centre and splash pad/skating rink depending on the season. A great place to grab a coffee or an ice-cream and people watch while enjoying the views of Lake Superior and The Sleeping Giant.

Shop around Bay & Algoma

The Bay & Algoma neighborhood has many unique shops and cafes. I also love the art displays along the street.

Eat Cheese at Thunder Oak Cheese Farm

Cheese might be my favorite food in the world. We discovered Thunder Oak Cheese Farm on my first trip to Thunder Bay in 2012 and I go back every time. They have many flavors of Gouda cheese and they are all good (trust me I’ve tried them all, they have samples!) Cheese is made on site so if you go at the right time you can watch!

Terry Fox Memorial

On the outskirts of Thunder Bay is the Terry Fox Memorial, marking the place where Terry Fox was forced to end his Marathon of Hope, August 31^st 1980. There are also beautiful views of Lake Superior and of course The Sleeping Giant.

Boulevard Lake

Probably one of the most kid friendly areas in Thunder Bay, Boulevard Lake has plenty to do! Bike, walk, or run the 5-kilometer loop around the lake, stop at one of the many picnic areas, playground, play mini putt or play on the disc golf course! You can also go swimming, rent boats or paddle boards. Such a great place to spend a sunny day!

Cascades

The Cascades Conservation area has 5.5 kilometers of trails. A quiet walk in the woods leads to the cascade falls. There are lots of large flat rocks to sit on and enjoy a picnic while you listen to the water.

Sleeping Giant

Of course how can you talk about Thunder Bay without mentioning The Sleeping Giant. There are many legends about the formation of The Sleeping Giant, one Ojibwa legend says the giant is Nanabijou, The Spirit of the Deep Sea Water, who was turned to stone when the location of a silver mine, was disclosed to white men. The Sleeping Giant can be seen from many parts of the city, and it is also a provincial park with many hiking trails. Unfortunately I have yet to make it out to “climb the giant” but hopefully next visit.

Final Thoughts

Who knew there were so many amazing things to do in Thunder Bay? I hope next time you’re in Thunder Bay you’ll check these places out! Is there something I have missed? Let me know!

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