Eat & Drink

Satisfy your cravings with a treat from a local bakery. Many have been around for decades and many more have opened up in recent years – each has their specialty. Whether you’re seeking cookies, cakes, pastries, breads, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls or the Thunder Bay classic persian, our local bakeries have got you covered.

Throughout the city you will find a variety of bars, clubs and pubs. Many are gastropubs featuring a menu of tasty dishes ranging from traditional pub fare to upscale cuisine; many are made with local ingredients. Get together with friends at a sports bar to catch the game over a plate of wings, or relax and unwind at a wine bar sharing a charcuterie board.

For many, coffee is a requirement for life and those folks will be happy in Thunder Bay. Local coffeehouses can be found across the city. Local roasters have popped up in recent years and are providing fresh, locally roasted beans to local shops. Grab a bag to take home with you.

We may be biased, but in Thunder Bay we believe that Lake Superior water makes the best beer. There are a number of craft breweries with inviting taprooms to sample local brews, such as Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, Dawson Trail Brewery, Lakehead Beer Company, One Time Brew Co and Prospector Brew House. Most local bars and restaurants will feature one or more local beers. Sleeping Giant Brewing Company beers are available for sale at their retail store and at LCBO locations in Ontario.

Locals know that when you need lunch on the run, a sandwich from a local deli is just what you need. Choose a classic from the menu or go custom – choose your bread, meat, cheese and toppings; make it as big or as small as you want, and pay by weight.

Thunder Bay is home to many of your favourite franchises. Pizza, coffee, fast food and restaurant chains can be found on the north and south sides of the city, as well as in the Intercity area.

Some of the most well-known things about Thunder Bay are the persian, Finnish pancakes and Heartbeat Hot Sauce, all of which can be found at many locations in Thunder Bay. The persian is a local favourite and has a long history in the city – a cinnamon-roll-like treat topped with a sweet berry icing. Finnish pancakes are thin, buttery delights that have crispy edges that hang over the sides of the plate. Heartbeat Hot Sauce produces hand crafted and fermented habanero hot sauce, and has garnered attention across the globe from those looking for some serious heat!

Want to take some Thunder Bay favourites home with you? The Hoito Pancake mix is available at various locations around Thunder Bay, as well as online.

While you might not expect to find a rich farming community near the boreal forest on the Canadian Shield, the farmers and producers in and around Thunder Bay will change your mind. Find local produce, meats, dairy and cheeses as well as hand-crafted items, art, crafts, natural products and much more at local farmers’ markets. There are markets at various locations in the city throughout the year; the Thunder Bay Country Market, the area’s largest market, is open year-round Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, in the Dove building on the CLE grounds.

In the warmer months, you will see mobile food vendors on the streets of Thunder Bay. Serving everything from hot dogs and burgers to salads and tacos, lunch from a food truck is a great way to enjoy the sun while still enjoying a delicious meal.

There is no shortage of bakeries and cafés across the city, offering unique sweet treats. In fact, Thunder Bay is home to two unique desserts: the persian, and the Sally Ann.
If ice cream is your favourite treat, there are terrific options city-wide. The north end of the city offers Merla Mae – a 1950’s drive-in style ice cream parlour specializing in homemade ice creams, including the classic “twin cone.” Head to the Waterfront District to Prime Gelato for those craving an authentic Italian-style treat made with local ingredients. On the south side of town is TJ's Ice Cream Shoppe, where you can choose from numerous flavours, all made in-house. One of the newer members to the ice cream scene is Kool Kats Ice Cream, located in the Westfort Village area.

In search of Italian pastries instead? Look no further than Nucci’s Bake a Deli or Dolce Coffee House.

From vegan to barbecue, greasy spoon to upscale bistro and everything in between, Thunder Bay is home to well over 100 restaurants and eateries offering something to please every palate.