Thunder Bay Parks maintains 129 active parks and more than 55 km of paved recreational trails. Many of the parks are large and offer diverse opportunities for fun and relaxation. City neighbourhoods offer smaller parks and greenspaces, most with playground equipment. See below for a list of our featured parks.
Booking park space
Some of the City's parks can be booked for occasions. To book a park, or for more information, contact the Parks & Open Spaces section at 807-625-2941.
Featured parks
Boulevard Lake |
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Location: 400 W. Lyon Blvd. Boulevard Lake is surrounded by 650 acres of parkland, from the scenic bluffs north of the lake to the dam on the lower Current River. The historic Black Bay Bridge (built in 1911) at the lake's head on Arundel Ave. is a reinforced concrete span bridge and was the first of its type in North America. Park features:
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Centennial Park |
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Location: Centennial Park Road, off Arundel Street west of Hodder Avenue Centennial Park covers approximately 147 acres (60 ha) along the shores of the beautiful Current River in the heart of the City's north side, and is open year round. 
Park features
Chalet with concession and indoor picnic area
Muskeg Express mini-train ride*Temporarily out of service*
Hours
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Chippewa Park |
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Location: 2465 City Road Chippewa Park has been a favourite with city residents and visitors since 1921. It is a great destination for family fun, scenic beauty and relaxation - right on the shore of Lake Superior with an amazing view of the Sleeping Giant. See a map of Chippewa Park. Park features
Call the Chippewa Hotline at 807-625-CHIP for more information.
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Pavilion
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Hold your wedding or special event in one of the most beautiful, natural settings in the Thunder Bay area. Coffee house
Dance hall
Exhibition hall
ReservationsTo make a reservation for your wedding or larger event at Chippewa Park's Pavilion, begin by calling the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941 to check availability. A $250 deposit will be required, non-refundable in case of cancellation. You will need to fill out a Parks Permit Application, which contains useful information on other permits/rentals you may need to arrange with other agencies. In general, these are the steps in completing your arrangements for a large event:
*To book, a non-refundable $250 deposit is required. Rules
Block booking for campsitesThe City no longer arranges block bookings of the entire campground (cabins/campsites) for wedding and events. However, for weddings or other large events, you can block book cabins in your name (with a valid credit card) between Jan. 3 and April 30 of the current year of your booking. No later than April 30, each cabin must be assigned and booked (with valid credit card) by the individual who will be occupying the cabin during the rental period. Any cabins not assigned by May 1 will be released from the booking and will be made available to the general public to book. Contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941. More informationFor more information contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941.
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Concession
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Two locations within Chippewa Park offer food and beverages: the Pavilion and the Main Office.
Chippewa Park pavilion concessionSeasonally, a privately owned food and beverage concession is open at the Pavilion from noon - 5 pm, seven days a week. The concession offers standard park food such as hot dogs, hamburgers and fries. Inside and outside seating areas are available. Chippewa Park Campground Main OfficeA small grocery and souvenir store is located inside the main campground office with milk, bread, canned goods, basic food supplies, and a selection of camping supplies.
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Picnic field reservations
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Book your outdoor event at one of the fields at Chippewa Park:
Field 1
Field 3
Field 4
Field 5
ReservationTo book one of the Chippewa fields, fill-out the Parks Permit Application.
*Prices subject to change All persons/groups who book a picnic site will receive their rental contract through email. To cancel your picnic, you must contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941. Visa, MasterCard, cash or cheque is accepted. Make all cheques payable to the "City Of Thunder Bay".
Rules
More informationFor more information contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at (807) 625-2941.
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Playdays
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Schools and groups can book a Playday at Chippewa Park. A Playday booking includes a picnic field booking from noon to 2 pm, and an hour to enjoy the rides from 1 to 2 pm. Playdays take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in June, July and August.
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Camping and Swimming
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Hillcrest Park |
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Hillcrest Park overlooks central Thunder Bay and provides one of the finest scenic outlooks over the city. Plenty of parking allows the view to be enjoyed any time of year from your vehicle. Thunder Bay's harbour, grain elevators and the Sleeping Giant are popular subjects for photos. Park features
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Kaministiquia River Park |
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Park features
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Paterson Park |
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Park features
Learn about the Paterson Foundation for information on the Foundation and the Paterson family. |
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Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park |
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Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park is Thunder Bay's signature recreation destination. This community gathering place has transformed the City of Thunder Bay's waterfront into a mixed-use village and animated waterfront park reconnecting the downtown to the shores of Lake Superior. Park features
EventsThere are many great City events that take place at Prince Arthur's Landing: Also, see the community events calendar for other events and activities. |
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Soroptimist International Friendship Gardens |
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Thunder Bay's multicultural heritage is showcased at the Soroptimist International Friendship Gardens. This 15-acre park was organized by the Soroptimist Club as a Centennial gift to Canada and the City. Residents of various ethnic origins created the unique garden and monuments representing 18 ethnic groups. Park features
Are you interested in more information on the history of Thunder Bay's Soroptimist Friendship Gardens? The book International Friendship Garden: a Centennial Project of Soroptimist International of Thunder Bay by Rose Frim is available at the Mary J.L. Black branch of the Thunder Bay Public Library. |
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Trowbridge Falls |
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Trowbridge Falls Park and Campground are nestled in the woods beside the cascading rapids of the Current River. Park features
Learn about the Trowbridge Forest Recreational Trail Master Plan. |
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Vickers Park |
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Vickers Park, the first park established in the former city of Fort William, was donated by Catherine Mary Vickers, daughter of pioneer author Susanna Moodie. Park features
Events/ProgrammingThe City's Recreation Division provides summer programming in Vickers Park, including the annual Teddy Bears Picnic. |
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Waverley Park |
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Park features
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Location: East side of High Street between Red River Road and Oliver Road
Location: South end of Syndicate Avenue South, at the Kaministiquia River
Location: Corner of Miles Street and May Street
Location: Sleeping Giant Parkway
Location: North side of Victoria Avenue at Hyde Park Avenue
Location: 125 Copenhagen Rd., on the northwest outskirts of the city
Location: South side of Arthur Street at Selkirk Street
Location: Thunder Bay's north end between Algoma Street, Red River Road and Waverley StreetSportsfields and amenities
Many Thunder Bay Parks feature sportsfields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, splash pads, boat launches, and more!
Boat, Canoe, Kayak Launches:
- Locations: Kam Park, Lorne Allard Fisherman's Park, McKellar Boat Launch, Neste Boat Launch (Mountdale Ave.), Prince Arthur's Landing
Shelters, Gazebos, Picnic Areas:
- Locations: Alma Adair, Boulevard Lake Park, Lorne Allard Fisherman's Park, Prince Arthur's Landing, Waverley Park and Current River Park
Skateboard/BMX parks:
- Locations: Jumbo Gardens Playfield, North McIntyre Community Centre, Oliver Road Community Centre
Skating Rinks:
- Locations: see Outdoor Skating, and Arenas.
Sliding Hills:
- Locations: Balsam Pit Park, Centennial Park, Northwood Playfield, Chapples North Park
Splash Pads:
- Locations: County Park, Franklin Street, Marina Park, North End Park, and Northwood Playfield. More information on Splash Pads.
Sports:
| Baseball Fields |
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| Basketball Courts |
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| Disc Golf |
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| Pickleball Courts |
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| Soccer Fields |
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| Tennis Courts |
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| Volleyball Courts |
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Commemorative Trees and Benches
The City of Thunder Bay’s Commemorative Tree and Bench program is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to celebrate a person or occasion by purchasing a tree or bench for installation in a public park. Perfect for celebrating life events such as marriages, births, deaths, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, baptisms, retirements or special events.
A small number of benches are available each year.
To request a commemorative tree, contact Infrastructure & Operations Dispatch at 807-625-2195
For more information on commemorative benches, contact the Coordinator of Parks Services for more information - 807-628-5717
No-Mow Zones
The City of Thunder Bay is applying reduced maintenance to select areas in City parks and open spaces, known as "no-mow zones." This initiative is intended to reduce labour costs and greenhouse gas emissions, while increasing species diversity and habitat potential.
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