historic recreation of Fur trading post
by BoydNyberg
By all means don't miss Old fort William when in thunder bay; it's a living history museum with several acres in a black ash forest with a 20 million dollars reconstruction of a 19th century fur trading fort! The site is ripe with beautiful period log buildings where interpretors give history a real context in which to experience life as it might have been during early canadiana. Skits, crafts and local artisans work the land, cut the wood and create an ambiance that is not to be missed. Oh and do say hello to Dan the cooper for me.
Looking over Thunder Bay
by yooperprof
Mt. McKay offers an excellent overlook of Thunder Bay, the Sleeping Bay, and the Big Lake. It's on land which is sacred to and owned by the local band of Ojibwe, and there is small charge ($5 canadian) per car to drive to the top. Well worth it.
At the top is a small gift shop/snack bar, and there's also a foot trail that leads to the summit.
Be prepared!
by Skibum251
I visited in the middle of July which should be the warmest time of year. However it got quite cool in the evenings (i.e. 6 degrees Celsius) so definitely bring pants, sweaters, a jacket as well as shorts and t-shirts for the afternoon when it does warm up. The weather can change really quickly from sunny to stormy so just be prepared!...and bring lots of bug repellant :)
If you like to hike make sure to bring sturdy shoes - many of the trails have steep and somewhat slippery sections that require good traction. Thunder Bay is surrounded by gorgeous scenery so bring a camera to capture the moment.
Enjoy the Cascades
by lorikeet
Such a hidden beauty, the Cascades is a must-see. A short drive away, and a short hike down a trail will lead you to this great place. The terrain is very rocky, so wear shoes that grip and are secured on your feet. There are some swimming spots too and the water is nice! I mostly like to just sit and relax on the rocks. Not recommended for small children, as navigating around on the rocks can be dangerous.
To get there, take Balsam street west right to the end, where you will find a parking lot and signs directing you to the trails.
I will attach photos soon.
Silver Islet and a Provincial Park
by KimberlyAnn
If you have a car, drive to the little picturesque summer community of Silver Islet AND Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Silver Islet has a history that is one of the most interesting on the lake, as at one time it operated the richest silver mine in the world. In 1869 a 20-foot wide vein of pure silver was found on a small island lying about two-thirds of a mile off shore. This vein ran under the lake into unknown depths. Captain Frue, the chief mining engineer, designed and oversaw the building of extensive cribwork that was needed to support the shaft house and the other various buildings needed for the mining operation. The entire crib work and structures expanded well beyond the shores of the small island. For 14 years the mine operated yielding 3.25 million dollars worth of silver, however as the shaft became deeper, the constant battle that needed to be fought against the lake, which continually undermined the structure became too expensive. Today the island has reverted to it's original size with the opening to the once rich mine lying under the surface of the lake off shore from the island. On the mainland the little village, now known as Silver Islet, grew up to contain housing for the workers and their families as well as supplying the mine operation. Today this tiny community contains a few homes, a small general store with a dining room, a gift shop or two, and docks. This town does not have electricity, instead generators, solar panels, and candlelight are common here. You use to be able to walk through the town and look at the historic dates on many of the small original homes. In 2003 we found that many of these old houses had been resided and/or added onto, and very few displayed the historic dates.
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Last Anchorage After Sailing Back To the U.S.
Sunset In Otter Cove
Finlandia Club Building
Marina Park
