Clubs and Groups

Retirement Explorers Logo

 

Retirement Explorers

Retirement Explorers is a free, drop-in program for retirees who love to learn, explore new ideas, deepen their knowledge, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with friends.

In partnership with the Thunder Bay Public Library, sessions run every Friday from October to December and January to April at the Mary J.L. Black Community Hub (901 Edward Street).

No registration is required—just drop in and join the fun!

Retirement Explorers – Winter 2026 Schedule

Fridays | September 25 – December 11, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM

Mary J.L. Black Community Hub (unless otherwise noted).

Free • Drop-in • All are welcome


Friday, September 25 – Welcome Back: Summer Recap & Book Club

Reconnect with friends, share highlights from your summer adventures, and help shape the group's next reading list. Participants are encouraged to bring a favourite book recommendation.


Friday, October 2 – Plan with Confidence: Wills, Powers of Attorney & More

Join Megan Stuckey, Staff Lawyer with Advocacy North for Elders & Seniors, for an informative session on wills, powers of attorney, and other topics that can help you prepare for the future with confidence.


Friday, October 9 – Discover the Healing Power of Reiki

Learn about Reiki with Katherine Keeping, Lightworker, and explore this gentle, energy-based wellness practice.


Friday, October 16 – Belcourt Dot Painting Pumpkin Workshop

Celebrate artist Christi Belcourt with the Thunder Bay Art Gallery while creating a pumpkin-shaped painting inspired by her distinctive dot-painting style.


Friday, October 23 – Texting & Balance: What the Research Reveals

Join Lakehead University Master's student Milena Ljubicic as she shares research exploring the connection between cellphone use and balance performance in older adults.


Friday, October 30 – Monster Mash Zumba Party!

Celebrate Halloween with a fun-filled Zumba class. Costumes are encouraged. Please bring comfortable shoes and a water bottle.


Friday, November 6 – Building an Age-Friendly Thunder Bay: Be Prepared, Stay Connected

Learn about the Age Friendly Thunder Bay initiative and discover how Emergency Response Information Kits (ERIKs) can help during emergencies.


Friday, November 13 – Fairy House Creations: Build Your Own Enchanted Mini Home

Join CAHEP for a hands-on workshop and create your own charming fairy house. Participants are welcome to bring sticks, rocks, or other decorations.


Friday, November 20 – Benefits & Supports: Navigating Government Programs

Join Emily Green from Service Canada for an overview of government benefits and programs, including the Canada Disability Benefit and Canada Pension Plan.


Friday, November 27 – Behind the Scenes: Thunder Bay Archives Tour

Take an exclusive tour of the newly renovated City of Thunder Bay Archives and explore local history from behind the scenes.

City of Thunder Bay Archives, 235 Vickers St. N. | 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM


Friday, December 4 – Holiday Gift Guide for GRANDS: What's Under the Tree This Year?

Join Nancy Angus from Age BIG for a festive look at practical, useful, and exciting holiday gift ideas for grandparents.


Friday, December 11 – Holiday Celebration, Trivia & Luncheon

Wrap up the year with holiday-themed trivia, a festive luncheon, and time with friends. Participants are welcome to bring a favourite treat to share.

Stay in Touch

Stay Connected with the Retirement Explorers Newsletter!

Sign up to receive weekly updates featuring:

  • Session recaps
  • Upcoming topics
  • Event highlights
  • Updates to programming

Don’t miss a moment—click here to sign up!

Have questions? Feel free to email us anytime.


Clubs and Groups

The following groups meet at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, located at 700 River Street. There may be a small drop-in fee to attend one of these activities or a club membership fee to join. These groups operate independent of the 55 Plus Centre. 


Northwestern Ontario Senior Amateur Radio Club

The radio club is located inside the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre and boasts a wide array of technical equipment for amateur radio enthusiasts.  New members are welcome to join, however they must be age 55 or older.

You do not need a radio license to join this club.

Members often drop into the club on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

We encourage interested people of all ages to visit on Sundays to learn more about
this hobby. Formal business meetings are held the second Sunday of every month
at 2:00 pm.

The radio room is available to members during Centre operating hours.

If you have any questions, please visit our website

 Northwestern Ontario Senior Citizens Amateur Radio Club website. 

 

 

 

Retirement ExplorersRetirement Explorers Logo

Retirement Explorers is a free, drop-in program for retirees who love to learn, explore new ideas, deepen their knowledge, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with friends.

In partnership with the Thunder Bay Public Library, sessions run every Friday from October to December and January to April at the Mary J.L. Black Community Hub (901 Edward Street).

No registration is required—just drop in and join the fun!

Retirement Explorers is currently on its Spring/Summer break, and there will be no weekly programming until Fall 2026.

Stay connected for summer pop-up programs by checking this webpage regularly or joining our contact list to receive email updates.


Step into History with the Retirement Explorers!

Join us for a guided tour of Fort William Historical Park on June 24 at 1:15 PM.

To ensure a smooth start, please plan to arrive by 12:45 PM so everyone has time to pick up their tickets and make their way to the park.

 

Admission: $14 (HST Included)

This is a ticketed public tour, and you have two options:

  • Purchase in advance online by selecting the June 24 date
  • Pay onsite at the admission counter (please arrive early to allow time)

 

We’re looking forward to exploring history together!

 

If you are planning on attending, please RSVP in advance!

If you have any questions feel free to contact me at: brayden.cassidy@thunderbay.ca

Stay in Touch

Stay Connected with the Retirement Explorers Newsletter!

Sign up to receive weekly updates featuring:

  • Session recaps
  • Upcoming topics
  • Event highlights
  • Updates to programming

Don’t miss a moment—click here to sign up!

Have questions? Feel free to email us anytime.


Clubs and Groups

The following groups meet at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, located at 700 River Street. There may be a small drop-in fee to attend one of these activities or a club membership fee to join. These groups operate independent of the 55 Plus Centre. 


Northwestern Ontario Senior Amateur Radio Club

The radio club is located inside the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre and boasts a wide array of technical equipment for amateur radio enthusiasts.  New members are welcome to join, however they must be age 55 or older.

You do not need a radio license to join this club.

Members often drop into the club on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

We encourage interested people of all ages to visit on Sundays to learn more about
this hobby. Formal business meetings are held the second Sunday of every month
at 2:00 pm.

The radio room is available to members during Centre operating hours.

If you have any questions, please visit our website

 Northwestern Ontario Senior Citizens Amateur Radio Club website. 


Senior Social & Fix-It Club

 

Man woodworking in the Fix-It Club at the 55 Plus Centre The Fix it Club offers a full woodworking shop with a large selection of tools and equipment for a $50 annual membership fee paid to the club executive.

Members are normally in the shop Monday to Friday mornings between 8:30 am and 11:00 am, a great time to stop by for a tour. The shop is open during Centre operating hours for use by all members, but there must be two people in the shop when working with any power tools or equipment to ensure personal safety.

Everyone 55 plus is welcome to join!

The Fix-It Club hosts fundraising activities throughout the year to maintain their equipment or to purchase new equipment.

For more information, call the shop directly at 807-346-9309. 

Contact Us

City Hall:
500 Donald Street E, P.O. Box 800
Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5K4
City Hall: (807) 625-2230
TTY: (807) 622-2225

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