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 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. 

 Children & Youth Programs

Fall Children & Youth Programming

View the Fall Program Registration package for children and youth program details for the Neighbourhood Recreation Program, Canada Games Complex, and Churchill Pool.

 

Youth Move

Youth Move indoor and outdoor programming is now open!

  • Ages 12-18 welcome
  • Indoor programming is offered Tuesday-Friday from 3-9pm and Saturday from 12-4pm at the Kinsmen Youth Centre (609 James St. N.)
  • Social distancing will be implemented, and masks are required (will be provided if participants do not have one)
  • Games, crafts, video games, computer access, sports, snacks and more.

For more information on Youth Move, call 625-2344 or find Youth Move on Facebook or Instagram.
 Junior Inclusion Services

Junior Inclusion Services (J.I.S.) provides support for the Recreation & Culture Division's programs to children and youth with special needs. Support includes one week per participant. 

 

View the Fall Program Registration package for program details. To request support: Call 625-3220
 Older Adult Programs

Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre

The Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre will reopen on September 14. Registered and drop-in programs will begin the week of September 21. 

To help mitigate the risk of COVID-19, the following rules/procedures will be in place:

  • Masks are required to enter the building and must be worn in all public places, but may be removed for fitness classes once in the space
  • No entry permitted prior to 10 minutes before a participant's activity starts
  • Screening will be done upon entry
  • Programs will have limited capacity
  • No use of change rooms or shower facilities
  • Participants are asked to bring their own water bottles to fill at the new touchless water fill stations

 

The River Street Cafe will offer take-out service only, with no seating in the cafe. The Library, Gift Shop, Billiard Room and Puzzle Exchange cupboard remain closed for the time being. 

 

Fall program registration is now open - call 625-8463 to register for a program.
Pools

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. 

 

The Canada Games Complex will reopen September 23, pending a successful public health inspection. 

  • Babysitting service and towel rentals will not be available at this time
  • Limited capacity in workout areas due to physical distancing
  • Program registration and pre-bookings for pool, squash, and fitness activities begins September 17. Call 684-3311 to pre-book activities. Call 625-8463 to register for swim lessons.
  • Pre-screening is required prior to entry. Fill out the online pre-screening tool the day of your activity, or a paper copy when you arrive.

 

View the Fall Program Registration package for details on upcoming registered programs for Churchill Pool and the Canada Games Complex!

 

Volunteer Pool reopening plans are currently under review.
Community Centres

The following centres have reopened with limited activities:

 

 

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

Current River Arena

Current River Arena is currently open for bookings. All other arenas remain closed as reopening plans are under review. Further updates will be available at the City Council meeting on September 14.

 

Fort William Stadium

Fort William Stadium is now open for bookings with limited spectator and field capacity. 

 

Contact the Facility Booking Coordinator for Arenas & Stadia inquiries and bookings at 807-625-2434.
Events

Virtual Live on the Waterfront is now over for the season. Thanks to all artists and viewers for tuning in! 

 

Culture Days will be offered virtually as part of an extended event from September 25-October 25. Stay tuned for updates on how to get involved.

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 on Tuesday, September 1, 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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