Thunder Bay in 4 Bites: A Fall Getaway
Welcome to Thunder Bay, the place the wild fantastic thing about Lake Superior meets a culinary scene as daring and various because the landscapes that encompass it. From waterfall hikes to waterfront picnics, Caribbean spice to Ukrainian consolation, this four-day Thunder Bay meals itinerary will fulfill each yearning for journey and flavour.
Get able to eat your method by way of Northern Ontario’s largest metropolis one scrumptious cease at a time. Let’s dig in!
Day 1: A Heat Northern Welcome
Ease into your Thunder Bay journey with a day that blends native flavour and pure surprise, out of your first chew of consolation meals to breathtaking Northern surroundings.
Purple River Canine
The place: 238 Purple River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
When you arrive in Thunder Bay, you’ll in all probability wish to get your bearings and there’s no higher solution to settle in than with a chew from Purple River Canine. This native gem places a gourmand twist on a ballpark traditional, serving up elevated scorching canine with distinctive flavour packed toppings.
In case you’re questioning in regards to the menu, attempt enjoyable flavour combos like their Texas Canine, loaded with Texas-style chilli, melted cheese and a kick of jalapeño on a freshly toasted bun. Purple River Canine is a scrumptious cease to make earlier than persevering with your adventures in Thunder Bay!
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
The place: 4853 ON-11 #17, Kakabeka Falls, ON (View Map)
Subsequent, stretch your legs and take within the pure fantastic thing about the North. Nicknamed the Niagara of the North, make your solution to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park which invitations you to marvel at its 40-metre cascade of speeding water framed by lush boreal forest. Stroll the boardwalk for all one of the best views and don’t overlook to pause and breathe in that crisp Northern air!
The Early Refill
The place: Unit B, 4785 ON-11 #17, Kakabeka Falls, ON (View Map)
After visiting the falls, cease by The Early Refill, simply down the highway. Tucked contained in the native Evergreen Pharmacy, the cafe is liked for its handcrafted drinks and welcoming attraction. Heat up with a scorching apple spiced cider and a fresh-baked deal with just like the cranberry and orange sugar cookie, or sip on a latte if you happen to’re in want of a caffeine enhance.
Earlier than you head out, take a second to browse the pharmacy, it’s not simply stocked with journey necessities, but additionally a pleasant choice of artisanal presents and domestically made items that seize the spirit of Northern hospitality.
Island Spice Jerk Home
The place: 71 Algoma St S #2, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
To wrap up the day with a satisfying meal, dial up the spice and make your solution to Island Spice Jerk Home, the place Thunder Bay’s world flavours actually shines. This brilliant, welcoming spot brings the heat of the islands to Northern Ontario, full with vibrant décor and Jamaican sayings posted within the eating room wall that immediately immerse you in island tradition.
We sunk our enamel into Caribbean classics like wealthy oxtail stew and jerk hen served with rice and beans. One other standout? The handmade beef patties, flaky, golden and bursting with flavour. To prime all of it off, we paired our meal with candy, fizzy Jamaican sodas for a scrumptious end to a day effectively spent!
Day 2: From Falls to Flavour
Gas up for a full day of exploring as you journey from cascading waterfalls to cozy eateries, discovering the hearty traditions and homestyle flavours that outline Thunder Bay’s meals scene.
Breakfast at The Sal
The place: 118 Frederica St W, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Kick off your second morning in Thunder Bay at The Sal, a beloved native instituition that has been serving hearty breakfasts and heat welcomes for over 56 years. Initially opened in 1964 as Salsbury Grill, this Westfort Village staple has modified palms just a few occasions, however its Greek roots and traditional recipes stay on the coronary heart of each meal.
Take pleasure in consolation classics like stacked pancakes, crispy bacon and freshly brewed espresso, or go huge with their well-known Breakfast Poutine, loaded with dwelling fries, cheese, two eggs, bacon bits, chipotle and topped with their well-known gravy. (Enjoyable truth: they make about 165 kilos of their well-known gravy each week!)
In case you’re after one thing handheld, the Breaky Tacos are a should, crammed with eggs, ham or bacon, recent pico and chipotle and served with a facet and steaming scorching espresso for a heat begin to your day.
Cedar Falls
The place: Hearth # 328 Broome Highway, O’Connor (View Map)
To interrupt up the day in between your culinary adventures, simply half-hour outdoors Thunder Bay, reconnect with nature at Cedar Falls. Spend your morning outside exploring the world, following a well-maintained path that leads by way of quiet forest paths to a quaint lookout deck providing a transparent view of the falls.
Within the fall, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the burst of autumn color make it an particularly magical cease, and an excellent solution to stretch your legs, breathe within the recent air and recharge earlier than your subsequent chew.
Lunch at Sukhanov Ukrainian Kitchen
The place: 239 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
After an motion packed morning heat up with lunch at Sukhanov Ukrainian Kitchen. This cozy spot is the place generations-old recipes come to life with comforting favourites like their beet primarily based soup, borscht, conventional cabbage rolls, pierogies and stuffed peppers crammed with beef, quinoa and bacon. Every dish is hearty, do-it-yourself and filled with flavour, a scrumptious style of Ukrainian custom.
Earlier than you realize it, you’ll be fortunately sharing a “smachnoho!” (Ukrainian for take pleasure in your meal!) along with your tablemates. Simply don’t depart with out attempting their signature honey cake for a candy finish to your meal.
The Cheese Encounter
The place: 198 Algoma St S, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Cheese lovers, rejoice! This subsequent cease is for you! Get to know Thunder Bay’s native makers with a cease at The Cheese Encounter, your go-to for all issues creamy, savoury and scrumptious. Browse their curated choice of native and imported cheeses, charcuterie and specialty grocery gadgets, with cabinets proudly stocked with Thunder Bay favourites like Heartbeat Sizzling Sauce, Sleeping Big Brewing Co. and Bay Meats, plus a tempting array of Canadian and world finds.
Whether or not you’re selecting up just a few bites for later (we advise a bag of the Cajun cheese curds from Thunder Oak Cheese Farm) or a tasty memento to take dwelling, The Cheese Encounter is a must-visit for anybody who appreciates good meals and native flavour.
Lakehead Beer Co & Tomlin Subdivision
The place: 206 Park Ave, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Wind down your afternoon with an off-the-cuff go to to Lakehead Beer Co, the place their focus is on brewing and serving the freshest flavours potential! Whilst you’re there you’ll discover the beers are poured straight from the tank. We opted to attempt their Cherry Wave, a clean seasonal brew that’s a straightforward sip, even for individuals who don’t often attain for beer. The house hums with vitality, particularly on trivia nights, making it a favorite native cease.
Sharing the identical house with the brewery is Tomlin Subdivision, a scrumptious spot to seize a chew to go along with your pint. Order up just a few shareables for a lighter chew like their crispy fried pickles served with ranch dip or potato croquettes piled excessive with Parmesan and chives, served with a facet of scorch sauce.
For one thing heartier you may’t go unsuitable with ordering one in all their well-known Detroit-style pizzas, just like the crowd-favourite Ezzo, topped with mozzarella, Ezzo pepperoni and wealthy tomato sauce.
Collectively, Lakehead Beer Co. and Tomlin Subdivision make the best pre-dinner cease, the place craft beer meets culinary creativity in Thunder Bay’s most flavourful method!
Afro Gourmand Cooking Class
Wrap up your second day in Thunder Bay with an AfroGourmets cooking class, a vibrant, hands-on expertise that celebrates spice, recent substances and neighborhood. Feast On® licensed, this class highlights native Ontario substances whereas bringing genuine African flavours to the desk. Guided by the heat and enthusiasm of Chef Awa, you’ll cook dinner and study with loads of laughter alongside the way in which, making it a very scrumptious and memorable solution to shut out the day.
You’ll work in your meal in the easiest way potential by chopping, mixing and tasting as you go. Along with a small group, we ready a vibrant unfold of dips and sauces, from spiced beet and cheese unfold to garlicky hummus, that we then paired with shawarma-style hen wraps we realized to cook dinner from scratch. For dessert, we tried our hand at baking madeleines and layering parfaits, including a playful, artistic end to the night.
In any case that cooking the category ended round a shared communal desk, the place we sat right down to benefit from the feast we’d made collectively, swap tales and have fun a day of connection and culinary discovery in Thunder Bay’s world meals scene!
Day 3: Native Love + Sundown Bites
Spend the day residing like an area, sampling fresh-baked favourites, searching artistic neighborhood markets and ending your night with West African flavours and lakefront views.
Swell Bakeshop & St. Paul Roastery
The place: 15a St Paul St, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map) and 11 St Paul St, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Begin your morning like a real native and gasoline up with freshly baked pastries from Swell Bakery and a specialty espresso from St. Paul Roastery, a dream duo for breakfast in downtown Thunder Bay.
A compulsory morning cease for a lot of locals, Swell Bakery is thought for its irresistible, small-batch bakes made recent each day. Every morning brings a brand new freshly baked loaf of bread to select from, alongside a tempting lineup of pastries.
We opted to attempt the savoury egg and bacon danish, however for one thing to fulfill your candy tooth, throughout our go to, we hit peak pumpkin spice season and knew we couldn’t depart with out attempting the pumpkin pie danish and a cream-topped croissant. The bakery isn’t any stranger to promoting out, with traces typically forming out the door effectively earlier than opening so if you happen to can we’d encourage you to plan forward and get there early!
When you’ve picked up your treats, step subsequent door to St. Paul Roastery. The 2 spots are related and the café is a comfortable native roastery the place beans are roasted in-house for the freshest flavour. Pair your pastry with a silky latte or a expertly pulled espresso for the last word Thunder Bay breakfast.
Items & Co Market
The place: 251 Purple River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Proceed your simple morning in Thunder Bay with a brief stroll to Items & Co Market, the colourful heartbeat of the town’s downtown. This vigorous neighborhood hub brings collectively native artisans, bakers and makers underneath one roof, providing guests the possibility to buy edible souvenirs, uncover handmade presents, or just take in the excitement of Thunder Bay’s artistic vitality.
Wander by way of the market’s artwork gallery or browse among the many many native distributors and craftspeople, discovering the whole lot from handmade artwork to freshly grown and produced meals. Make sure you cease by the Superior Seasons Market Stall, a Feast On® licensed vendor championing native farmers and producers from Northern Ontario. With loads of nice spots for meals and drinks, there’s one thing right here for each craving.
Whereas we had been there we couldn’t resist a cease at Unusual Baked Items, identified for his or her epic treats. Our picks? A spiced apple choux pastry topped with white chocolate cream and a scrumptious carrot cake cup for a candy mid morning pick-me-up.
At Items & Co, you’ll discover a true style and sense of Thunder Bay, the place neighborhood, creativity and love for native flavour all come collectively!
Greatest Chunk Shawarma
The place: 332 Excessive St N, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
For lunch, seize takeout from Greatest Chunk Shawarma, a laid-back cease serving up Iranian-style consolation meals full of flavour. We opted for the hen shawarma, topped with creamy, garlicky labneh, alongside a recent fattoush salad sprinkled with crisp, golden items of fried pita for that further crunch.
Since Greatest Chunk doesn’t have indoor seating simply but, we took our feast to Hillcrest Park for a picnic overlooking Lake Superior and the enduring Sleeping Big. Out of your perch above the town, soak within the sweeping views whereas having fun with your meal, ending on a candy be aware with a chunk of freshly made baklava.
Belluz Farms
The place: 752 Sweet Mountain Dr, Slate River Valley, ON (View Map)
For some afternoon journey that’s pure fall magic, head to Belluz Farms, the place you may expertise farm-fresh Ontario produce straight from the supply. Starting on weekends in October the farm transforms from lush summer time fields into an autumnal wonderland, bursting with pumpkins at each flip.
Wander by way of the farm store, meet the farmers and take in the area’s agricultural coronary heart earlier than heading over to the farm playland. Right here, you may discover a whimsical “straw henge,” cozy photo-ready vignettes, and loads of pumpkin-themed video games like bowling, checkers and tic-tac-toe, all surrounded by vibrant fall colors with Sweet Mountain within the distance that make for excellent household photographs or Instagram-worthy pictures.
Earlier than you allow, cease by to go to the pleasant cattle, from goats and sheep to curious chickens and pick a pumpkin to take dwelling as a momento of your day. With its combine fall enjoyable and recent nation air, Belluz Farms is a healthful, family-friendly outing that captures the spirit of harvest season in Thunder Bay.
Pre-Dinner Drinks at Woodside Bar (Items & Co)
The place: 251 Purple River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Wind down your third day in Thunder Bay with a go to again to Items & Co for a pre-dinner drink at Woodside Bar, a classy but relaxed spot identified for its artistic cocktails and domestically sourced substances. Because the solar units, their Solar Down Menu serves up completely satisfied hour favourites with loads of choices to assist ease into the night.
We opted to attempt just a few seasonal classics from the bar’s common lineup, together with the Northern Pear, a gin-based cocktail with a touch of maple, garnished with recent pear slices and a cinnamon stick for a comfortable, fall-forward flavour. For one thing lighter, the bar additionally crafts a imply mocktail, just like the Blue-Beary Lemonade, made with glowing lemon, butterfly pea tea and a contact of honey for pure sweetness.
With its trendy environment and neighborhood buzz, Woodside Bar is the last word place to toast to a different memorable day in Thunder Bay.
Dinner from The African Lounge at Marina Park
The place: 146 Centennial Sq., Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Your subsequent cease for dinner is a real hidden gem and an area favorite that’s price planning forward for.
The African Lounge is a more moderen addition to the town and has shortly earned a loyal following in Thunder Bay. As a Feast On® licensed restaurant, it proudly celebrates Ontario-grown substances whereas bringing the daring, genuine flavours of West Africa to the desk. Tucked inside Centennial Household Meals, this spot is an element grocery and half takeout counter, and fully price looking for out.
Every part right here is made recent and out there as a take-out possibility solely, so it’s finest to pre-order your meal earlier than arriving to the shop. To choose up your meal simply make your solution to the again of the shop, the place you’ll discover cabinets lined with Ghanaian pantry staples and a small kitchen serving up genuine West African flavour.
For dinner, we determined to attempt just a few favourites: juicy shrimp kebabs (suya sticks), Ghanaian jollof rice with tender hen and a flaky, golden Ghana meat pie crammed with savoury beef. Every dish was deeply satisfying and comforting!
After selecting up our dinner, we made our solution to Marina Park to take pleasure in it picnic-style at sundown.
Day 4: Candy Endings + Scenic Views
Savour your ultimate day in Thunder Bay with a scrumptious mixture of candy treats, scenic drives and flavour-packed native eating that captures the spirit of Northern Ontario one final time.
ELDAR Cafe
The place: 215 Purple River Rd #105, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Your ultimate morning in Thunder Bay begins on a scrumptious be aware at ELDAR Café. As one other one in all Thunder Bay’s newer additions to the town’s meals scene, ELDAR Café serves fantastically ready Persian and Mediterranean-inspired breakfasts which might be as vibrant as they’re satisfying.
We opted to attempt the Tomato Omelette made with eggs cooked with roasted tomatoes and served with a diffusion of honey, cheese, walnuts, sliced cucumber and olive oil together with heat items of Persian bread to dip. To sip, we paired our breakfast with a wealthy cup of Turkish espresso for a heat and flavourful begin to the day.
Persian Man
The place: 899 Tungsten St, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
No journey to Thunder Bay is full with out a cease at Persian Man for a style of the town’s signature deal with, the Persian. This candy, cinnamon-spiced pastry topped with pink icing is a real native legend, and scrumptious pairing with espresso. The pink frosting is their trademark, however don’t sleep on the opposite vibrant variations you’ll discover within the show case, every one simply as tempting because the final.
Past the well-known Persians, the bakery additionally provides a spread of scrumptious sweets, together with their beloved Sally-Ann muffins, a small, tender cake stuffed along with your alternative of candy flavoured fillings. After being persuaded by an area Thunder Bay couple we met throughout our AfroGourmets cooking class, we couldn’t resist attempting the Vienna Sally-Ann, crammed with vanilla cream and topped with a shiny chocolate glaze, a bite-sized indulgence certain to fulfill any candy tooth.
Whether or not you’re grabbing a Persian or a Sally-Ann (or each!), Persian Man is a candy cease for a mid-morning pick-me-up!
Ouimet Canyon
The place: R.R. #1. Go Lake, ON (View Map)
Subsequent take a scenic drive to Ouimet Canyon, one in all Northern Ontario’s most breathtaking geological wonders. The journey could also be a bit of longer, nevertheless it’s completely price it when you arrive!
The well-marked, accessible path winds by way of peaceable forest earlier than opening as much as a ravishing lookout deck with sweeping views of the canyon under. Spanning greater than 100 metres deep and 150 metres large, this historical gorge showcases dramatic rock formations carved by glaciers over a billion years in the past. It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring cease to absorb the uncooked fantastic thing about the Northern Ontario.
Lunch at The Business Social Home
The place: 782 Macdonell St, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
After working up an urge for food from the morning’s adventures and scenic drive, head again to city for lunch at The Business Social Home the place trendy pub fare, craft beer and a present stopping cocktail menu makes for a day pit cease.
Savour the afternoon because the day winds down, and you should definitely attempt the cocktails, they’re a real spotlight right here. The Onerous Begin, made with caramel liqueur and low is then smoked proper in entrance of you on the bar.
For lunch we dove into just a few standard favourites, beginning with the Sizzling Honey Dill Rooster Sandwich, a crowd-pleaser that strikes a steadiness between candy warmth and satisfying crunch. The Deconstructed Caesar, served with grilled hen and topped with Parmigiano Reggiano, crunchy croutons and bacon, reimagined all of the traditional Caesar flavours with a intelligent twist. For one thing heartier, the Oxtail Bolognese Lasagna is a wealthy and comforting dish to assist gasoline the remainder of your day.
Prime Gelato
The place: 200 Purple River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Subsequent deal with your self to dessert at Prime Gelato, the place genuine Italian-style gelato is churned recent each day utilizing premium substances, no frills, simply pure creamy goodness. This spot is the true deal, serving gelato straight from stainless-steel tins that maintain each scoop at its silky finest.
Throughout our go to, the menu featured a refreshing dairy-free Piña Colada, a scrumptious possibility for these avoiding dairy and a decadent Double Chocolate Gelato loaded with wealthy chocolate chunks. In addition they whip up floats and enjoyable toppings so as to add to your scoop for a playful twist on a traditional deal with!
The Commissary
The place: 618 Christie St, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Earlier than dinner, we made our solution to The Commissary Deli & Smoked Meats, a family-run store that’s been a staple in Thunder Bay for three generations. Identified for its pleasant environment and unimaginable choice of house-smoked meats, this spot is a should for anybody who appreciates high quality craftsmanship and old-world flavour.
The deli smokes all their meats in-house, and one of the best time to go to is on Wednesdays and Fridays, when the deli fires up the people who smoke brilliant and early. In case you’re fortunate, you would possibly even catch a glimpse (and a whiff!) of the method. It’s additionally a good time to choose up recent kielbasa and sausages, nonetheless heat from the smoker.
We couldn’t resist grabbing a small charcuterie tray to snack on earlier than dinner, that includes an assortment of cheeses paired with their scorching cheese-stuffed sausage, garlic sausage, and pepperettes. Each chew was full of flavour and made for a scrumptious pre-dinner snack.
Dinner at Purple Lion Smokehouse
The place: 16 Cumberland St S, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Finish your ultimate day in Thunder Bay with a scrumptious meal at Purple Lion Smokehouse, a Feast On® licensed restaurant that celebrates Northern Ontario’s flavours in each chew. The restaurant proudly helps Thunder Bay producers, pairing elevated pub fare with craft beer and cocktails in a heat, laid-back setting that makes for a memorable finale to your culinary journey.
We began with burgers, sinking our enamel into The Smokeshow, winner of the 2024 Novemburger of the Yr. This epic creation options twin smashed patties layered with smoked cheddar, American cheese, maple bacon, white onion, lettuce and tomato, served underneath a sage-smoked cloche. For sides we sampled the Popcorn Rooster, crispy buttermilk-fried bites tossed in Heartbeat Sizzling Sauce with chili mayo and the Scotch Egg, a standout nod to the Chef John’s London roots. Delicate British influences like this seem all through the menu, mixing flavours effortlessly with the restaurant’s signature smoky Northern aptitude.
The drinks record holds its personal, that includes loads of native brews. We paired our meal with Lakehead Beer Co.’s Cherry Wave and Altbier, each easy-drinking companions to the wealthy, smoky dishes.
Every November, Purple Lion Smokehouse joins Thunder Bay’s annual Novemburger charity occasion, the place native eating places compete for the title of the town’s finest burger. After tasting their award-winning Smokeshow, we are able to confidently say it’s a well-deserved win. Preserve a watch out for this yr’s contenders, you would possibly simply uncover your new favorite motive to return to Thunder Bay.
Nomad (Thunder Bay Airport)
In case you’re flying out, make one final cease at Nomad positioned contained in the Thunder Bay Airport for one ultimate chew of Northern hospitality earlier than heading dwelling.
Operated by Pinetree Catering, Nomad takes airport eating to new heights with recent, chef-made grab-and-go meals that elevate the journey expertise far past your commonplace terminal fare. It’s a comfortable, uniquely native kiosk the place you may chill out with a espresso brewed from Thunder Bay favourites like St. Paul Roastery or Rose N Krantz Roastery. Since we had been catching an early flight, we opted for a hearty summer time sausage and egg wrap, warmed with melted gouda for the best pre-flight breakfast.
Earlier than boarding, take a second to browse Nomad’s cabinets, stocked with domestically made Thunder Bay items, from craft beer and low beans to cheese curds, preserves and even domestically crafted paintings. It’s a thoughtfully curated hub that celebrates the area’s makers and flavours and a simple must-visit for any traveller flying out of Thunder Bay.
Style the North, Feast On® Type
4 days, numerous flavours and limitless recollections, Thunder Bay is the place culinary discovery meets pure surprise. From lakeside markets to farm-fresh fields and kitchens serving up world flavour, each meal tells a narrative rooted in place and neighborhood!
So, pack your urge for food and prepare to eat your method by way of Thunder Bay, one scrumptious day at a time!
