Tourism Thunder Bay Newsletter

Volume: 6 Issue: 5

IN THIS ISSUE:

TOURISM THUNDER BAY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tourism Thunder Bay Visitor Centre Hours
May is an exciting month to visit Thunder Bay. The Victoria Day Weekend is the popular kick-off to spring and summer travel. Beat the crowds to many of our popular attractions and campgrounds that will open for the season!

Tourism Thunder Bay invites you to begin by bringing your visitors to Terry Fox Information Centre. Here, your guests can learn about all the exciting things to see and do in one of Canada’s greatest outdoor cities. Learn about Terry Fox’s inspiring journey while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Sleeping Giant. During the month of May the Terry Fox Information Centre will be open 9am-5pm seven days a week. The centre will be closed Monday, May 20th for Victoria Day. 

The Terry Fox Information Centre is located on Highway 11/17 - 1 kilometer east of Hodder Avenue or 1 kilometre west of Spruce River Road.

Pick up a copy of the 2013 Thunder Bay Magazine
The annual Thunder Bay Experience Magazine inspires people to visit and explore Thunder Bay and our region. The 2013 edition is out in circulation at local hotels, tourist attractions, and brochure racks throughout the city. Pick up a copy to help you plan the perfect summer getaway for family and friends to Thunder Bay or to inspire you and your family to get out and enjoy all the city has to offer. View a copy on-line at visitthunderbay.com 

For more information, visit www.visitthunderbay.com or call (807) 983-2041 or 1-800-667-8386.

MAY EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED

Kite Festival
The Kite Festival has been named "One of Ontario's Top 50 Festivals" by Festivals & Events Ontario for four years in a row! First held in 1981, the Kite Festival is one of Thunder Bay's favourite events! Spend an enjoyable day at Chippewa Park's waterfront with family and friends. Don't forget to bring your kites! Activities include crafts, face painting, games and much more! Come fly with us Sunday, May 26th from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm at Chippewa Park.

For more information visit www.thunderbay.ca/kitefestival, call (807) 625-2487 or toll-free 1-888-336-7386.

Folklore Festival
The 40th Annual Thunder Bay Multicultural Folklore Festival will be held on Saturday May 4, 2013 from 12:00pm (noon) to 11:00pm and on Sunday May 5, 2013 from 12:00pm (noon) to 7:00pm. This is a family oriented event with live music, entertainment, and food vendors from all over the world. A must see for the whole family. Tickets will be sold at the box office on the day of the event at a cost of $5.00 for Adult; $3.00 for Senior (60yrs+) & Students (13-18yrs or valid card); $1.00 for Children (12yrs and under).

For more information please visit the Multicultural Association's website at www.thunderbay.org

Lakehead Shrine Circus
The Lakehead Shrine Circus is once again coming to town! Bring the whole family to see this all new event direct from Las Vegas. Have your child meet IRON MAN at the show or attend the Enchanted Tea Party to meet their favourite Princess or Fairy. Shows will be held on Friday May 10, 2013 at 7:00 pm and on Saturday May 11, 2013 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Tickets will go on sale at the Fort William Gardens box office starting Tuesday April 2, 2013. Advance ticket price is $13.00 for anyone 3 years of age and over. The advance price will be available until 4:30pm on Thursday May 9, 2013. Door price of $16.00 will commence on Friday May 10, 2013. Tickets can be used for any 1 of the 3 performances.

For more information on the circus, IRON MAN or the Enchanted Tea Party please call 807-683-3360 or visit www.tbaycircus.com

Thunder Bay’s first Lifefest: Featuring the “Thirsty Traveler”
Join the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and Lowery’s SportsDome for Thunder Bay’s first Lifefest! Lifefest is a two day expo designed to entertain, inform and improve the lifestyle of those in our community. Appealing to young and old - it will be the largest showcase of lifestyle, health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, and green living. Attendees will learn how to improve lifestyles, achieve goals and live healthier. They will discover “good living.”

As part of this amazing weekend expo, we invite you to join us for a special VIP Evening with Food Network Star, Kevin Brauch better known as the Thirsty Traveler. During this exclusive evening with Kevin, you can expect to be entertained at various stage areas throughout the expo. Make and sample signature cocktails, cooking demos, hear Kevin’s most hilarious Thirsty Traveler stories, appetizer stations, games, prizes and MORE!

The event takes place May 4th and 5th, 2013 with Kevin Braunch making his appearance May 5th from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Lowery’s SportsDome.

Visit www.tb-chamber.on.ca for more information. To purchase tickets go to www.keynoteevbents.ca or call (807) 621-3843.

Movie Nights in the Park
Thanks to everyone who voted on Facebook during April to help choose the titles for the new Movie Nights in the Park - Late Night Series. This new series will begin Friday, May 17th at the Marina. Thunder Bay Credit Unions proudly presents a great lineup of classic movies based on your input for the Late Night Series.

Movies start after sunset, once it is dark. In May, this will be after 9:30pm. So bring your warm clothing, a lawnchair and blanket and enjoy the show on the big screen overlooking beautiful Lake Superior. Admission is FREE! Concessions will be available.

  • May 17 - E.T. (The Extra-terrestrial)
  • May 24 - The Breakfast Club
  • May 31 - JAWS

For more information contact Sophie Best at (807) 684-2060 or sbest@thunderbay.ca

Arbor Day 2013
Join the City of Thunder Bay in transforming vacant urban land at Arbor Day 2013, Saturday, May, 25, from 1-3pm. Come ready to learn and plant a tree along the City's Image Route to enhance our city's vitality along our city streets. Bring your own work gloves and shovel. Some tools will be on site as well as drinking water.
Professionals will also be on site to answer tree related questions (e.g. pruning, fruit trees, pests, soil).

Meet at the greenspace at the end of Beverly Street where it meets Memorial Avenue. This is a child friendly event! Stay tuned at www.thunderbay.ca for more information or contact (807) 625-7956.

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Proudly Presents
The impressive 1,500 seat performing arts centre hosts full-scale productions and events. The Auditorium’s acoustics are truly exceptional, making it one of the finest concert halls in North America. Featuring a variety of local dance recitals in May, the TBCA welcomes you to enjoy one of the following performances:

  • May 2 - Legacy Dance
  • May 4 - Studio One
  • May 8, 9 - Fay Gleeson
  • May 11 - Zorya Ukrainian Dance
  • May 12 - Engelbert Humperdinck - His name comes from the 1911, century Austrian composer who wrote "Hansel & Gretel." His voice comes from heaven, and he has been a legend in the international music industry for the last forty plus years, with over 150 million records sold
  • May 14 - Dance Dynamics
  • May 15 - Dream Dance
  • May 16 - Experience Dance
  • May 23 - Lakehead Festival of Music and the Arts Gala
  • May 24 - An Evening with James VanPraagh - James is a world renowned spiritual medium, speaker, and NY Times best-selling author. Over the past 27 years, he has written several books, including "Growing Up In Heaven," which was released in 2011.
  • May 26 - International Dance Academy
  • May 28 - Country Superstar Paul Brandt: ‘Just As I Am’ Tour
  • May 30 - Yuk Yuk’s Stand-Up Comedy

Visit www.tbso.ca or call (807) 684-4444 for more information.

Magnus Theatre May Performances
The professional theatre of Northwestern Ontario has brought over 40 years of live theatre to Thunder Bay and the region. They have a strong focus on showcasing and developing new Canadian works. Magnus Theatre will be showing the following performance in May:

  • May 2-11 - This year’s Annual Community show, ‘Light up the Sky’ by Moss Hart, will be presented by the teachers of St. Patrick & St. Ignatius High Schools in support of Magnus Theatre

For more information, check out their website www.magnus.on.ca, e-newsletter, Facebook, or Twitter page.

Cambrian Players Presents OUTLAW
Cambrian Players presents Norm Foster’s OUTLAW Directed by Beverly Gravelle-MacLeod. Featuring Gabe “Rattlesnake” Ferrazzo, Alex “Johnny Rev” Jecchinis, Norm “Plato” McDougall, and Will “Gunless” Perry. A young Canadian homesteader traveling far from home finds himself accused of murder in the state of Kansas in 1871. With only his wits to defend himself, he turns the law of the land  - and the men hellbent on enforcing it - upside down. May 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 at the Paramount Theatre. Curtain: 8pm. Tickets are $10 on Wednesday & Thursday / $20 on Friday & Saturday. Tickets available at Fireweed, Steepers, Calico, and at the door.

For more information visit www.cambrianplayers.ca or check them out on Facebook.

Tickets on Sale Now for the 12th Annual TbayTel BluesFest
Thunder Bay's Summer Musical Tradition returns for its 12th year, bringing the best names in Blues and Rock to Thunder Bay July 5th, 6th, and 7th! Check out the lineup, book your accommodations, and buy your tickets today:

  • July 5 - COLLECTIVE SOUL, The Steepwater Band, Cliff Stevens Band, Tracy K
  • July 6 - LOS LOBOS, LOS LONELY BOYS, Mingo Fishtrap. Samantha Fish, Melvin Taylor, Quinn Sullivan, The Groove Merchants, The Chain
  • July 7 - GREAT BIG SEA, The Family Stone, Kim Mitchell, Davina and the Vagabonds, JW JONES Blues Band, Too Slim and the Taildraggers, Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones, Rebel Spirit

VIP Weekend Pass: $149 - Limited Quantities available! VIP Packages include: VIP Laminate pass with schedule and lanyard, Access to VIP Tent and prime seating area next to the stage, Complimentary Snacks, Private Washroom Area, Private Bar, Blues Festival Poster. 
Weekend Pass: $99
Single Ticket: $59

For more information visit www.tbayblues.ca, Facebook.com/TbayBlues, Twitter @Tbayblues

Comedy, Local Bands, and Other Events
Are you interested in comedy shows, live music, and other local events throughout the city? There’s something for everyone. Visit www.tbshows.com for a current list of news and updates. Or pick up a copy of The Walleye - Thunder Bay's only alternative arts and cultural magazine - distributed free at key strategic locations in the Thunder Bay region. View a copy on-line at www.thewalleye.ca

SEASONAL ATTRACTIONS

Get a taste of all the exciting things Thunder Bay and the surrounding area has to offer with the seasonal opening of some of our most popular attractions! 

Amethyst Mines
Thunder Bay is in the heart of amethyst country. These semi-precious gemstones are found in quality and quantity in Thunder Bay & the North of Superior Travel Region. Opening mid-May, there are two unique mines for you to visit:

Panorama
North America’s largest amethyst deposit is an active, working quarry. Take part in a walking tour of mine, interesting information talk on history and geology of the mine and the mineralogy of amethyst. Experience the joy and excitement of mining your own amethyst. Gift shop available on site. For more information visit their website at www.amethystmine.com

Blue Point
Offering plenty of parking and free admission this mine allows visitors to pick their own amethyst. For more information e-mail lynswan1@lakenet.com 

Eagle Canyon Adventures
Eagle Canyon Adventures is Lake Superior's Circle Tour #1 Tourist Attraction. It is the home of CANADA’S LONGEST foot Suspension Bridge, which extends an amazing 600 feet across the canyon and hangs at a height of 152 feet above the canyon floor. If one bridge isn't enough, we also have our smaller bridge which spans 300 feet across the canyon and 125 feet above the canyon floor.

For the ultimate thrill seeker, we have an alternative way for you to get to the bottom of the canyon, the Zip-line! Whether you are looking for the ultimate adventure or for relaxation at an outdoor paradise, this is an all-in-one destination you won't want to pass up. To ensure an absolutely pleasurable experience for all, shuttle services are also available.

Opens for the season May 1st, 2013. For admission prices and information visit www.eaglecanyonadventures.ca

Founders Museum & Pioneer Village
Opening for the season on Tuesday, May 22nd, 2013 come Touch History in this unique Northwestern Ontario Pioneer Village. Drop in at the General Store and look through the newly arrived catalogues, visit the shops and chat with the residents while they wait for the train. Recall the memories of a one-room school and spend a quiet moment in the church. Pay a visit at the home and you can even help do the laundry. The carpenter, cobbler and even the blacksmith welcome you to their business establishments. The printer has opened his newspaper office. Whether your interest lies in antique cars, tractors, farm equipment, engines or motors it is all here! End your visit by relaxing and enjoy great home cooking in the tearoom.

The Pioneer Village is located on Highway 61, just a short distance from the City of Thunder Bay. Visit www.founders.ca for more information.

SPORTING EVENTS AND RECREATION

In 2013, Thunder Bay will be hosting 9 major Provincial and National Sports Championships! During the month of May Thunder Bay welcomes the following:

  • May 3-5 Canadian Lifeguard Emergency Response Championships @ Canada Games Complex

For more information on this event visit www.lifesavingsport.ca

For a full listing of Championship Events hosted throughout 2013: http://www.thunderbay.ca/Visiting/Sports_Central/2013_Championship_Events.htm 

Heart and Stroke Big Bike: Ride Big. Live Big.
Whether you want to become a Big Bike Captain and start your own team, join an existing Big Bike team or simply sponsor a Big Bike rider, getting involved with the Heart and Stroke Big Bike is fun, easy and rewarding. This event is a great way to boost team spirit and unite colleagues for a memorable - and meaningful - team building experience. Join us on May 25th in Thunder Bay.

Visit www.bigbike.ca to find out how you can participate! 

Youth Dragon Boat Festival
The annual Thunder Bay Youth Dragon Boat Festival will once again churn up the waters of Boulevard Lake, on May 25th.  Every year we attract between 500 to 700 young paddlers from local and regional schools, youth groups, clubs, and sports teams, ranging in ages 12 through 17.  Each team has three races, to earn honours in either the junior, intermediate, or senior level; along with special challenge divisions. The Lakehead Canoe Club extends an invitation for the young at heart to embrace the team spirit.  We make it possible for everyone to compete, where everyone wins. 

Check out their website at www.paddlesport.org, download information and register.

The Firefighter’s 10 Mile Road Race
Promoting active, healthy lifestyles at the head of the lakes since 1910. The Northwestern Ontario Hall of Fame features an exhibit that celebrates the 10 Mile Road Race, including the original trophies awarded to the 1st and 3rd place finishers in the inaugural 1910 race. Come be a part of this community celebration, for runners at all levels, with a premier sporting event at its core. Registration ends May 9th!

Register online at www.10mileroadrace.org or e-mail entries@10milesroadrace.org for more information.

FORT WILLIAM HISTORICAL PARK

The Historical Park Opens for the Season
History comes alive at Fort William Historical Park and you can be a part of the action! Step back into 1815 and experience one of the world’s finest cultural attractions! With 57 heritage and modern buildings on 250 acres, Fort William offers a vivid and rich tapestry of fur trade life, running the gamut from culture to crafts, medicine to business, domestic life to heritage farming. Some of Canada's most renowned explorers were also connected to the NWC, including Simon Fraser, Sir Alexander Mackenzie and David Thompson, which is indicative of how the fur trade played a key role in forming the foundations of Canada.  We look forward to hosting your visit here in the future. Your adventure in the Canadian fur trade awaits!

Fort William Historical Park opens for general public tours Saturday, May 18th 2013. They are open daily from 10am-5pm.

The David Thompson Astronomical Observatory
Whether you’re a serious astronomer or the casual observer, you’ll find that the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory is a marvel of modern space science. Come and explore galaxies, nebulas, star clusters and planets, just minutes away from Thunder Bay! Join us for a “Star Walk Experience" even if it is a cloudy night. Our extensive catalogue of images can take you through a virtual tour of the night sky!  Open in May, Wednesday-Saturday evenings from 10:00pm-12:00am. Group bookings are available.

Spring on the Farm (Community Day)
Celebrate spring by visiting the newborns on the farm; enjoy tours, games, activities and wagon rides! Join us, June 2nd, 2013. Admission is $5.00, Children 5 and younger are free. Check out Fort William Historical Park’s website for the latest updates on this, and many other events throughout the year.

For viewing conditions or more information visit www.fwhp.com or call 807-473-2344.

THUNDER BAY’S NEWLY DEVELOPED WATERFRONT

As the weather heats up in May make Thunder Bay’s majestic waterfront your destination.

Experience the City’s outdoor art gallery at the waterfront. Download the Waterfront Public Art Walking Tour Guide from www.thunderbay.ca/publicartprojects or pick up a copy at the Baggage Building Art Centre or from the Community & Emergency Services front desk in the Victoriaville Civic Centre. Hard copies are available in limited quantities. For more information about Public Art in the City, visit www.thunderbay.ca/publicart. 

We look forward to the seasonal opening of the Splash Pad this summer as the weather gets warmer. Visit www.thunderbay.ca/waterfront or call (807) 625-2080 for more information. 

Enjoy the majestic scenery of the waterfront while enjoying a wonderful meal and a fine beverage at Thunder Bay’s newest restaurant - Bight Restaurant and Bar.  The restaurant uses local ingredients and offers a variety of drinks including brews from Thunder Bay’s Sleeping Giant Brewery. Bight can be found in the Water Garden Pavilion and will open daily at 11:30am. Closing times vary throughout the week.

For more information, visit www.bightrestaurant.ca or call (807) 622-4448.

VISUAL ARTS, EXHIBITS & WORKSHOPS

Thunder Bay Art Gallery
The Thunder Bay Art Gallery will be hosting the following exhibits and events during the month of May:

  • April 5 - May 26 - Tom Benner: Call of the Wild
  • April 5 - June 9 - Outdoors/Indoors: In the Collection; with works by Ahmoo Angeconeb, Mary Anne Barhouse, and Michael Belmore
  • April 13 - May 18 - Duane Linklater: Something About Encounter
  • May 23 - June 9 - Secondary School Art

Special Events
The Thunder Bay Art Gallery offers a variety of workshops throughout the year. During the month of May they will offer the following: 

Outdoor Acrylic Painting
Sunday May 26 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Instructor Luke Nicol has worked through the intricacies of painting water. He will share these skills and give one on one instruction on site.

Stuff It and Knit It
Tuesdays; April 9 - May 14 6:00 - 7:30pm
See how contemporary artists use fabric and knitting in their work. Create your own stuffed animal and knitted project. 

Spring Auction
It’s Spring, and that means it’s time for the annual spring auction: The Birdhouse Auction. This year we plan to change it up a bit.  We will still auction off some great bird houses, but we’d like to add some artistic garden furniture (muskoka chairs) and ornaments, and of course art for the wall.

As it’s BBQ season, we’re planning to barbecue out in front of the Gallery and Sleeping Giant Brewery will be on-hand with their locally brewed beer. Check out the AG’s website for more information and join us Friday, May 31st.

Contact the gallery at (807) 577-6427, e-mail via info@theag.ca or visit www.theag.ca

Definitely Superior Art Gallery
In May, Definitely Superior Art Gallery presents:  

  • May 5, 6pm: "Paint Bomb The Mac's"-Die Active Youth Art Collective-Big Reveal & Backalley Party @ 745 Simpson St.-Mac's Convenience Store: DefSup's Die Active youth art collective is paintbombing their second Mac's for National Youth Arts Week. This large public painting celebrating youth, community & arts, is a pilot project partnership with Mac's Convenience Stores & the City's Crime Prevention Council. Swing by Mac’s May 1-5, 12-5pm to see them paint live! It all culminates May 5 @6pm with a free community launch party, featuring performances, car stereos, youth artists, film crews, media & supporters!
  • May 10-June 1: Three Contemporary Art Exhibitions; featuring:
    • Lakehead University Retrograduate Show-2013: See student art from their 4-year program & new works. Congrats: Jordan Allen, Mackenzie Tout, Kayla Stewart, Kristen Wall, Brittany Zeigler, Brittany Kennedy, Jen Lafrance ~Support artists of the future! (gallery 1&2)
    • The Creator's Project 2 - International: Educational videos about four major artists, with juxtaposed methodologies that push the limits of art, culture & interaction. U-Ram Choe: "Cyber Dreams"-Kinetic Sculpture; Sticky Monster Lab: Animation/Toys; United Visual Artists: "Origin"-Massive Light Sculpture; Yang Yongliang: Chinese Art-Fantastical Multimedia (gallery 3)
    • Fri. May 10, 7-10pm: Gala Opening Reception: Enjoy a ferocity of art, music & a bevy of  refreshments

All ages by donation / Tues-Sat 12-6pm ~ Part of DefSup's Urban Infill series ~ Re-discover “The Waterfront District” through contemporary art! (Located at 250 Park Avenue)

For more information, visit www.definitelysuperior.com

ONTARIO PARKS EVENTS

Open for the Season
Get out and enjoy the great outdoors! Tourism Thunder Bay has been looking forward to the opening of our surrounding Ontario Provincial Parks. The following open May long weekend for the season:

  • Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
  • Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
  • Ouimet Canyon (Day-use only)
  • Pigeon River (Day-use only)

Visit www.ontarioparks.com for general information or www.parkreports.com for dates and availability.

Register now for 2013 Giant Digital Photography Workshops
Register today to enhance your photography skills and knowledge by participating in photography workshops offered in the natural setting of Ontario Parks.  These workshops are great for a variety of skill levels and camera types. Price includes park entry fee and instruction by local professional photographer Barry Wojciechowski.

  • You and Your Digital Camera (Buttons and Knobs I) - Thurs. May 9, 2013  (5:30 - 9:30 pm) $49+HST at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park's visitor centre
  • You and Your Digital Camera (Buttons and Knobs II) - Thurs. May 23, 2013  (5:30 - 9:30 pm) $49+HST at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park's visitor centre
  • *New* Creative Coastal Photography - Sat. July 20, 2013 (10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) at Neys Provincial Park (east of Terrace Bay) $65+HST (+applicable park fee on site)
  • "Fall Colours" Weekend Photography Workshop" at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, September 27-29, 2013 also includes two nights accommodation in park cabin or conference centre (private room).

For more information and to receive early bird discounts, register online now at www.superiorvisits.com or call Lois at (807) 344-9208 or 1-866-688-9990. Advanced registration required.

GENERAL TOURIST INFORMATION

Thunder Bay Country Market: We Make it, Bake it, Grow it.
For our vendors, the Market represents an opportunity to earn a living doing something they're great at and that they love. For many of our customers it's a place to buy groceries, crafts and gifts from the talented, hard-working people who created them. For others it's a meeting-place full of good people where they can get in touch with some of the simpler things in life. 

At the Thunder Bay Country Market you'll always know exactly what you're buying. Our producers know that happy, confident customers will tell their friends about the Market; they dedicate themselves to answering your questions. The Country Market is held Saturdays between 8am and 1pm year-round. Meet us in the Dove Building on the CLE grounds, just off Memorial Avenue in Thunder Bay.

Contact them at info@thunderbaycountrymarket.com for more information.

Stay in Touch Via E-mail While in Town
All locations of the Thunder Bay Public Library offer free public internet access computers and wireless (WIFI) service. For more information, including locations and hours of operation, please visit the Virtual Library 24/7 at www.tbpl.ca.

For daily updates on events in our city ‘LIKE’ Visit Thunder Bay on Facebook or follow us on Twitter! 

 

Fort William Historical Park