Welcome back! Some of our programs and facilities remain closed, but there are several that have opened or will reopen soon for fall programming (with some modifications or limitations). See the drop-down lists below for details. 

Pre-Screening Tool

Pre-screening is required at all recreation facilities. Help reduce line-ups at entrances by filling out the online pre-screening tool:

 Recreation Facilities (Pools, Arenas, Stadia and Kinsmen Centre) Pre-Screening Tool

Older Adults (55 Plus Centre and West Arthur) Pre-Screening Tool

Pre-booking Activities

Several activities require pre-booking to help ensure capacity limits are met. Visit the drop down facility below for instructions on how to pre-book at a specific facility.

Online pre-booking for the Canada Games Complex pool times, fitness classes and squash is required. View the CGC's online booking calendars here.

Facility and Program Information

The Fall edition of The Key, which lists upcoming recreation programs, was delivered the weekend of August 8th. Registration dates are listed below.

• Beginning September 2: 55 Plus (Older Adult) program registration.
• Beginning September 17: Regular program registration (all other Recreation & Culture programs). View the Fall Program Registration package here!
• Call 807-625-8463 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to register.

Programming listed in The Key is subject to change due to COVID-19. 

Reopening of other facilities and programs

Reopening plans for various facilities and programs are being developed and reviewed based on key principles of safety first, value for money, and creating opportunities. Reopenings take into account health and safety protocols, staffing, and other facility considerations prior to being recommended and approved. 

Program Registration Credits and Refunds

• Staff will proceed to apply spring program registration credits. Clients who wish to request a refund instead of a credit to their account may call Community Services at 625-2227 or 684-3323.
  • If necessary, please leave a voicemail or send an email to communityservices@thunderbay.ca with your contact information; staff will return your call. Important: Do not submit credit card information via voicemail or email. Refunds may take up to 3-4 weeks to process
  • Memberships will automatically be extended for the duration of the facility closure or remaining membership term as of March 17, 2020. Alternatively, clients may contact staff via telephone, 684-3323, to request a refund for the pro-rated, unexpired portion of their membership.

If you require additional details or clarification, please connect with staff Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. using the information listed below. 

General Inquiries: 625-2351

Aquatics/Fitness Memberships: 684-3323

Event Tickets: 625-2929

Facility Rentals/Bookings: 625-2227

Ice Rentals/Bookings: 625-2434

Programs: 625-8463

Stay up to date with information from the City on COVID-19.

Virtual Programming 

Please enjoy the free virtual programming included below with your family and loved ones - or on your own! - as we navigate these challenging times together. The linked content has been curated by Recreation & Culture Division staff, who cannot wait to reconnect with community members in-person once the emergency orders have been lifted. Until we can once again gather together, please enjoy the information and resources listed below – and feel free to connect with us via our social media pages!

Arts & Crafts

• Beaded Wind Chimes
• Bird Feeders
• Coffee Filter Tie-Dye
• Colouring Sheets: City of Thunder Bay 50th Anniversary, Thunder Bay Adventurers Camp, I Can Wash My Hands, and CBC's curated Canadian Artists' pages - The CBC resource may include content not suitable for younger audiences.
• Homemade Play Dough
• Photo Challenge
• Thoughtful Thursdays: Happy Jars and Window Art
• Thunder Bay Art Gallery's Be Kind Project
• Try-It Tuesdays: Spring Salt Dough Ornaments

Educational

• COVID-19: Crossword Puzzle and Social Story
• Math Games: Close Call, Fraction War, and Tens Go Fish
• Science Activities: Clouds, Fireworks in a Jar, and Liquid Rainbows
• Mad Libs: Thunder Bay Adventures
• Webinars: Thunder Bay Museum
• Word Searches: Children & Youth and Spring

Fitness, Wellness & Sport

• Active Alphabet
• Cards Fitness Relay
• Coin Toss
• Dice Animal Relay
• Physical Literacy at Home - A Sport for Life Resource (family activity).
• Squat, Paper, Scissors!
• Youth Intro Fitness Program - A Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Resource.

For Adults & Older Adults

• 55 Plus Group Chat Line
• COVID-19 Support Handout - A 211 Ontario Resource.
• COVID-19 Older Adults Information Brochure
• MusicTogether - A living room concert series to support Ontario musicians impacted by the effects of COVID19. Note: Donations are accepted, but not required.
• Unemployment Resources: Culture & Tourism Sector and Canadian Musicians

For Teens

• Journal Prompts for Teens
• Playlist Creation for Teens
• Selfie Challenge

Get Outside

• Activity Hopscotch
• Backyard Scavenger Hunt
• Fun Things To Do With Your Family Outside
• Hopscotch
• I Spy
• Make Your Own Kite
• Safe Cycling Thunder Bay - A virtual cycling resource for youth. Information for adults to be added soon!
• Thunder Bay Window Walks

Music & Film

• National Film Board of Canada -The National Film Board of Canada has over 4,000 films, documentaries, and short pieces available to stream for free.

• Thunder Bay's Algoma House
• Thunder Bay Community Auditorium -The TBCA will post live-stream performances from local and non-local entertainers on their Facebook page.

Recipes

• Blended Banana Ice Cream
• Homemade Dip 'N Dots
• Worms in Dirt

Recreation activities and programs

Get active in Thunder Bay with one of our many recreation activities. We have children and youth programs, activities for older adults and a variety of accessible activities. The City also hosts performances, exhibitions, festivals and events year-round.

Learn more about the recreation activities and programs offered by the City, including guidelines by age, and how to register. You can also check out The Key recreation guide to see what is happening each season. Looking for more things to do? Visit Thunder Bay also highlights what to see and do in the City as well as outdoor activities and adventures.

Recreation facilities

We have a variety of recreation facilities including community centres, pools, arenas, golf and older adult centres. Book or rent a facility for your next gathering or sporting event.

Exercise outdoors

Enjoy one of the many parks, campgrounds and conservation areas across the City. Explore one of our many trails, whether you're planning a hike, biking, or taking a walk with your family.

Arts, culture, and history

Thunder Bay is one of Canada's Cultural Capitals, a distinction awarded by the Government of Canada. Our City is rich in arts and culture. View our City art collection, discover the City's growing collection of public art, or take part in one of our Call to Artists competitions.

Baggage Building Arts Centre

Located in the historic freight shed at the waterfront, the Baggage Building Arts Centre is a hub for cultural exchange and collaboration. It's the creative heart of Prince Arthur's Landing, which fosters creative people and organizations year-round. View local artistic talent or sign up for a workshop and create your own art.

Explore the city

Learn more about what our city has to offer by exploring our Visit Thunder Bay tourism website.