arrow-blue-right Urban and wilderness paddling in the city.

About Paddling Thunder Bay

There are a number of both urban and wilderness paddling opportunities for every skill level within the City of Thunder Bay.

They city’s waterfront is protected by a break wall and offers a unique paddling experience. You’ll have unobstructed views of the Sleeping Giant rock formation. Get up close to abandoned iron ore docks and former grain elevators towering over the water, relics of the past when Thunder Bay was the largest grain port in the world.

Not far from the waterfront is Boulevard Lake, a human-made body of water that was established in 1914. The lake has been a popular recreation site for locals and visitors alike for over a century!  It is fed by the Current River and flows down into Lake Superior. Located within the City of Thunder Bay, it covers approximately 650 acres and offers excellent opportunities for beginner paddlers in an urban setting.

The McIntyre and Kaministiquia Rivers are popular for those who enjoy a mix of whitewater and easy paddling.  The “Kam” originates at Dog Lake, flows through Kakabeka Falls and past Fort William Historical Park. The “Mac” originates at Trout Lake and runs for approximately 29 km into Thunder Bay proper.

Interested in getting out on Lake Superior? Get out to the Welcome Islands, a cluster of four rugged islands, located 10 km offshore from Thunder Bay. Paddlers can best access them by launching from the Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area. The islands are home to a historic lighthouse, and paddlers will enjoy watching the antics of white pelicans who call the islands home during the summer season.

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Interesting Facts

-Fort William Historical Park is a living history museum, featuring the world’s largest reconstructed 19th century fur trading post.

-Kakabeka Falls, known as the “Niagara of the North” is an impressive formation dropping 40 m (131 ft)

-Thunder Bay has a deep-rooted Finnish culture, which can be experienced by visiting the city’s Finnish themed shops, restaurants and saunas.