Page 108 - Travel Guide to Canada 2019
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WOODLAND CARIBOU PROVINCIAL PARK • TOURISM THUNDER BAY
Northwest Ontario is big. Within 500,000 sq.
Northwest km (193,050 sq. mi.) of rugged wilderness, there
are vast forests of pine and spruce and some
Ontario 150,000 lakes, rivers and streams. The City of
Thunder Bay is the urban hub—connected by
daily fl ights to Toronto and Winnipeg—and a
gateway to the spectacular wilderness.
BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS
About 300-km (186-mi.) north of Thunder Bay of Lake of the Woods—with over 14,000 200 years in time (www.fwhp.ca/ ).
the highways end, but there are still another islands to explore—is a boater’s paradise. Summer is festival time, especially at
1,000 km (621 mi.) of Ontario stretching to Fishing for salmon, walleye, trout and Thunder Bay’s transformed waterfront
Hudson Bay, with hundreds of remote lakes pike has always loomed large in this region. performance space. The Thunder Bay Blues
and dozens of small communities to explore With so many waterways, it’s a hot spot for Festival brings major acts to town (www.
(www.northernontario.travel/northwest- anglers, especially fl y-in and fl y fi shing tbayblues.ca ). BrewHa! features the best of
ontario). expeditions. craft breweries (www.brewhafestival.com ). The
free Live on the Waterfront concert series
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES URBAN ADVENTURES showcases local and national musicians.
Picture the stereotypical Canadian experi- Thunder Bay has an intimate connection to
ence of rocky outcrops, swaths of forest, the surrounding wilderness. The city off ers SCENIC DRIVES
sparkling waterways and wildlife such as all the urban amenities—food, art and culture Northwest Ontario off ers several of Ontario’s
moose and bears. Northwest communities —but is a short drive away from pristine bucket list road trips, including part of the
are starting points for every type of outdoor landscapes (www.visitthunderbay.com). Lake Superior Circle Tour. This iconic,
adventure, from rock and ice climbing to The city is home to the only major art signposted route skirts along the shores of
paddling, hiking and fi shing. gallery, symphony orchestra and profession- the world’s largest freshwater lake. The
The original fur trade routes criss-crossed al theatre company between Toronto and stretch between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste.
this part of the province. These “500-year-old Winnipeg. And a happening food scene Marie is especially popular with RVers and
highways” are still accessible to paddlers and highlights culinary dishes from around the motorcyclists. The best views are found by
are popular with canoeists, kayakers and globe as well as unique fusion styles blending travelling from west to east, with the lake
stand-up paddleboarders. Many northern classic northern fl avours like blueberries on the passenger side. Along the way are
lodges provide the iconic Canadian paddling and fi sh. private campgrounds and some of the
experience, with guided ecotourism and History comes alive at Fort William province’s storied provincial parks: Quetico,
wildlife observation packages. Historical Park, a Canadian Signature Sleeping Giant, Neys and Kakabeka Falls.
The lakes of the region are irresistible. Experience. The Park interprets the history
Getting out on the big water of Lake of the Canadian fur trade and expansion to
Superior is an adventure of its own—by the west. Dozens of historically accurate
sailboat, Zodiac or sailing on a sunset buildings—including a farm, blacksmith
wine and cheese cruise. The vast waters and canoe shed—transport visitors back
