THUNDER BAY – LIVING – The Canada Day weekend, with July 1 falling on a Tuesday means some businesses will be taking the extended opportunity to be closed on BOTH June 30 and July 1st. So for many businesses, it might be worth calling ahead to ensure they are open on Monday.

A few places to check out this weekend, Saturday is the last day for The Hub on Victoria Avenue East, this iconic business has been a long-standing staple of the downtown FW neighbourhood, Lori Paras is transitioning toward what she calls “retirement” which is probable more just a shift of priorities and direction. Stop by until 4PM today!

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are in the mix for a run at 1st Place and playoff action. There is a full schedule of games and events. Check out the Border Cats website for all the information!

Show your love of Canada by supporting local businesses, because it doesn’t get anymore Canadian that when we make it, bake it, grow it.

The Thunder Bay Farmer’s Market at the CLE is open today 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, see you soon.

follow all fishing regulations

obey size restrictions

carry government-issued identification.

🎉 Canada Day on the Waterfront & Fort William Historical Park

Open & bustling with activity:

• Marina Park celebrations (July 1, 2025 | 3–9 PM): Live music (e.g. Luke Warm & the Cold Ones at 6 PM), cultural performances, food trucks, arts, fireworks, inflatable fun, bicycle valet, boat tours, Tai Chi, skate demos and more.

• Fort William Historical Park (July 1 | 10 AM–5 PM): Free admission, featuring living history reenactments, Anishinaabe Encampment, guided tours, canoe demos, axe-throwing, face painting and more.

Canada Day on the Waterfront 2025 

July 1, 2025
Marina Park, Thunder Bay
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

FREE ADMISSION – Everyone Welcome!

Walk Together. Experience Together. Celebrate Together. 

Celebrate Canada Day in Thunder Bay with an unforgettable day at Marina Park!  Enjoy family-friendly fun and tons of exciting activities:

• Festival Area & Camelot Parking Lot (3PM-9PM)
  • Festival Area
    • Food Vendors
    • Cultural dance groups (line up coming soon!)
    • Musical performances on the Main Stage:
      • 6:00 PM – Luke Warm & the Cold Ones
      • 7:00 PM – The Sensational Hot Rods
      • 8:00 PM – Urban Hip
    • Community groups
    • Outdoor games
  • Camelot Parking Lot
    • Artisan Market
    • Bike Valet w/Active Transportation
    • Pedal Forward Program w/Community Spokes
    • Lakehead Search & Rescue Unit & St. John Ambulance
• Tai Chi Park (3PM-8PM)
  • 6AM – Sunrise Ceremony
  • Tai Chi demonstrations with Peng You International Tai Chi Academy
• Baggage Building, Green Lawn, Splash Pad & Skate Park (3PM-8PM)
  • Baggage Building Arts Centre
    • CAHEP – arts programming
    • Thunder Bay Art Gallery – arts programming
    • Boreal Museum – interactive exhibit
    • Canada Day cupcakes (available at 3PM while supplies last)
  • Green Lawn
    • Youth Move – outdoor games & activities
    • Thunder Bay Clown Club – glitter tattoos and balloon sculpting
    • Bubble station
  • Community stage
    • Cultural dance groups  3-5 PM (line up coming soon!)
    • Musical performances:
      • 5:00 PM – Gravel Road
      • 6:00 PM – Darren Foley and the Luminescence
      • 7:00 PM – Lakeside District
  • Skate Park
    • Cinema 5 Skate Park & Thunder Bay Police – try out skateboarding
• Pier 3 (3PM-6PM)
  • Expedition Tall Ship St.Lawrence II
    • free deck tours of the ship
• Public Boat Launch Parking Lot (3PM-6PM)
  • Inflatables w/Fun-tastic Castles
  • Face painting w/The Brick
  • Chalk art
• Spirit Garden & Celebration Circle (3PM-6PM)
  • Celebration Circle stage with various programming including a Citizenship Ceremony
  • Around the World in Thunder Bay w/Thunder Bay Multicultural Association

PARKING INFORMATION: 

There will be limited to no parking available within Marina Park on July 1st. Those with parking passes (boaters, condo residents, etc. will be able to enter through the Pearl Street entrance and show their passes to enter the park). Metered parking in the Waterfront downtown is free due to the holiday.  Waterfront Parkade will be available for $5.

Shuttles available! 

• Buses will leave the Auditorium approx. every 15-20 minutes, starting at 2:30 PM, arriving at the Tourist Pagoda.
  • Start your day in the heart of the action by entering the park via the Pedestrian Walkway Bridge
• Last shuttle leaves the Tourist Pagoda at 9:15 PM

Accessible Parking available!

• Limited accessible parking spaces are available within Marina Park. Please call 807-625-3836 before June 26 @ 4:00 pm.

🏫 City Services & Offices

Closed:

• City Hall and municipal offices are closed for the statutory holiday.

• ServiceOntario, Canada Post offices, and all government offices remain closed.

• Thunder Bay Public Library branches are closed for the July 1st holiday and reopen on July 2nd on regular hours.

🛍️ Retail, Grocery & LCBO

Closed:

• Major grocery stores (e.g., Walmart, FreshCo, Safeway, Metro) and chain retailers will be closed on Canada Day.

• Skafs in Current River will be open!

• LCBO and The Beer Store will also be closed .

Open:

• Smaller independent shops and 24-hour convenience stores may remain open, though hours will likely be reduced.

🚌 Transit & Transportation

• Thunder Bay Transit operates on a holiday schedule — expect less frequent service.

• Metered parking downtown and surface lots are free on Canada Day.

🚴 Parks, Trails & Recreation

Open:

• All City parks, beach areas, trails, including Centennial Park, Hillcrest Park, Boulevard Lake, and Lake Superior waterfront, remain open all weekend.

• Splash pads, skate parks, and recreational facilities at Marina Park open during event hours.

🏥 Emergency & Transit

• Thunder Bay Police Service and Fire Rescue operate normally, with crews on standby.

• Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department is open 24/7.

• Family doctors and walk-in clinics are closed. Pharmacies may operate on limited holiday hours — call ahead.

🍽️ Dining & Attractions

Open:

• Popular attractions — including Thunder Bay Museum, Centennial Conservatory, and The Hoito — are open, though hours may vary (check before visiting) .

✅ Quick Summary Table

🎯 Planning Tips

• Wear sunscreen and bring portable chairs or blankets for Marina Park.

• Take the shuttle to avoid parking headaches downtown.

• Call pharmacies ahead to confirm holiday hours.

• Use Transit holiday schedules for travel plans.

• Bring your own refreshments or arrive early—food vendors may run out.

Enjoy the Canada Day weekend, Thunder Bay! Celebrate safely, support local, and make the most of the long weekend festivities.