Thunder Bay's Active Transportation Plan has one main goal: to help make Thunder Bay a great place to walk, bike, and roll.

To do this, we are building cycling lanes, new multi-use trails, active living corridors, and expanding the sidewalk network. We are working with partners to educate citizens about how to share the road safely, how to ride safely, and how to prevent collisions.

With around 56 total kilometres of multi-use trails and over 42 kilometres of bike lanes and shared lanes, Thunder Bay is developing a great active transportation network to help people get around the city in an active way. 

Looking for a map?

The City has a map of multi-use trails and bike lanes in town. There are more trails that you realize!

Want to know about multi-use trails?

Multi-use trails are for all person-powered transportation: bikes, walkers, joggers, e-bikes, wheelchairs, and more. Bike lanes and shared lanes are on-road facilities for people on bikes. 

Trail courtesy

Below are some common questions that people have about our multi-use trails.

Who can use multi-use trails?

The trails are for all people-powered transportation. This means people walking, jogging, cycling, roller blading, skateboarding, and who use mobility assistive devices.

What are the basic rules of using trails?
  • Don't litter!
  • Be aware of other trail users and respect their right to use the trails.
  • Obey all traffic laws, posted signs, and signals.
  • Walk, run, ride, or roll in a safe, consistent, and predictable manner.
  • Don't block the trail.
  • Cyclists and in-line skaters must yield to pedestrians.
  • Keep on the right-hand side of the trail except when passing.
  • Please keep pets on a leash and remember to clean up after them.

Do I need to have a bell on my bike?

Yes! The Highway Traffic Act states that every motor vehicle, motor assisted bicycle and bicycle shall be equipped with an alarm, bell, gong or horn to be kept in good working order and sounded whenever reasonably necessary to notify pedestrians or other users of their approach

Can I drive my car on a trail?

No motorized vehicles, except wheelchairs, and maintenance or emergency vehicles, are allowed on multi-use trails.

Are e-bikes allowed on trails?

Vehicles that do not utilize muscular power are not prohibited on multi-use trails. Traffic By-Law 40/2016 section 34(3) prohibits the use of non-muscular powered vehicles on multi-use trails.

How fast can I travel on the trails?

For the safety and comfort of other trail users, the City recommends a maximum speed of 20 km/h. Please be mindful of your speed and others on the trail.

Longest trail

For a 10.5 km trip, connect the paved trails that run from the corner of John Street to Junot Avenue to the corner of Arthur Street and Riverview Drive (beside the Best Western Hotel on Arthur Street).

Most popular trail

While all the trails are popular, the most popular one is the 5 kilometre loop around Boulevard Lake. With both woodland and lake views combined with a popular distance we have many people enjoying the loop all year long.

Walking in Thunder Bay

Walking has been called the activity of a lifetime because it's something that we can do our whole life. As an activity, walking is good for the body, good for the mind, and your community. Having people walking around can make a place feel more alive and vibrant, while also helping to make neighbourhoods safer. There are many groups you can join, and walks are already mapped out for you to explore. 

What is a walkable community and why is it important?

 A walkable community is a neighbourhood designed so residents can easily and safely access their daily needs on foot, allowing them to have more choice in transportation options, and less need for a car.

By blending housing, shops, and services into a human-scale environment, communities can more encourage "destinational walking", such as going to grocery stores, schools, parks, and transit. 

There are numerous benefits of a walkable community, which can impact communities socially and economically.
 Walkable Thunder Bay
 Walking is the most popular physical activity in Canada for many reasons. It's low-impact, affordable, and reduces stress. There are many ways to support a more walkable Thunder Bay, with many resources being available regarding walks, events, fitness, and education.
 Walking tours and events
 Being a community with a long and rich history, Thunder Bay has dozens of beautiful heritage and historic homes with a landscape hosting dozens of notable trees. The Heritage Advisory Committee offers walking tours for you to learn more about the area while being physically active.

If you're interested in what's happening, such as walking events in our community, the Community Events Calendar Walks and Runs is a great resource to keep tabs on.
 Trails
 With more than 56km of multi-use trails, Thunder Bay has many beautiful ways to not only commute, but engage in life-long recreation.

Active transportation

Learn more about Active Transportation and see the City's plans to make Thunder Bay a better place to walk and wheel.

Bike parking

The City has resources to help developers and employers put in the right amount of bike parking that is functional, good looking, and long lasting.

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