Please refer to the section below Virtual Programming to access the COVID-19 information related to temporary program and facility closures, refund dates, etc.

Program registration

The Fall Key, which lists upcoming recreation programs, will be delivered over the weekend of August 8th. Registration dates are listed below:

  • 55 Plus program registrations - begins September 2
  • Regular registration (all other Recreation & Culture programs) - begins September 8
  • Call 625-8463 to register 

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

 Playgrounds Program

Playgrounds is a free, supervised program for children aged 5-12 years. This program is primarily outdoors with access to indoor space at most locations. Themed activities will include games, arts, crafts, no-contact sports, music, and drama.

For more information, visit the Playgrounds Program website.

 

Dates: July 13 to August 28 - Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Locations: 

  • North McIntyre Community Centre
  • Oliver Road Community Centre
  • Vickers Park (weather dependent)
  • Volunteer Pool Community Centre
  • West Arthur Community Centre
  • West Thunder Community Centre

Cost: Free! 

Capacity: 16 participants per site (participants will be split into groups for social distancing). One week commitment is required for summer 2020 Playgrounds. 

 

To register: Call 625-8463. Registration is open for July programming only. Registration will open July 20 for August Playgrounds programming.
 Summer Camps

Summer Camps are registered, paid programs for children ages 5-12 years and will run in summer 2020 at Delaney Arena and Current River Arena. Each week has a different theme, including: Lights, Camera, Action; Olympics; TBay 50; Going Green; and more!

 

View the Children & Youth program page for specific details and course codes. 

 

Dates: July 13 to August 28 - Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Locations: Delaney Arena and Current River Arena

Cost: $166.88 per week for the first child, and $141.63 for additional children. 

Capacity: Maximum 40 campers per week at Delaney Arena, and 24 campers per week at Current River Arena.

 

To register: Call 625-8463
 Junior Inclusion Services

Junior Inclusion Services (J.I.S.) provides support for Summer Camps and the Playgrounds program to children and youth with special needs. Support includes one week per participant. 

 

To request support: Call 625-3220

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. 

The following operations were approved by Council on Monday, July 21:

Churchill Pool

Churchill Pool is now open. Pre-bookings for limited aquatics activities, including lane swimming, family swims, and group bookings, are required and will be taken by phone. Please call 577-2538 to pre-book. 

Community Centres

The following centres have been approved to reopen for limited activities over the upcoming weeks:

  • North McIntyre (767-1400)
  • Oliver Road (345-9531)
  • Current River (683-8451)
  • West Thunder (475-9396)

These centres are operated by external boards, and available services will vary by centre. Please contact the centres directly for inquiries.

Summer Ice

Current River has been approved to reopen as soon as possible once necessary resources and protocols are in place. Other arenas will remain closed for the summer. Call 625-2434 as of August 4 to inquire about arena bookings that are anticipated for late August.

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 on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
    • Outside of this date, please leave a voicemail at 625-2227 or 684-3323 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
Educational
Fitness, Wellness & Sport
For Adults & Older Adults
For Teens
Get Outside
Music & Film
Recipes

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.

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