Give Dad the Perfect Northwest Ontario Father's Day

He probably taught you how to drive, how to throw and catch, how to fish, and how to build the perfect campfire. He gave you his time and his money and his advice.

Oh yeah! And also tons and tons of his love.

As the day to celebrate dads gets closer, we look at a few ways that this man who gives so much can take a little time for himself.

He could…

1. Pitch a tent

camping

There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when camping in the Northwest Ontario wilderness. Camping is available within city limits at Trowbridge Falls and Chippewa Park campgrounds and many nearby Provincial parks offer overnight camping during the summer including Sleeping Giant, Kakabeka Falls, Quetico and Rainbow Falls. Let Dad take a night for himself to enjoy the quiet serenity of Northwest Ontario. For a complete listing of Provincial Parks in the region and the amenities they offer, visit Ontario Parks.

2. Catch a game

border cats 660
Photo courtesy of Steve Swerhun


Send Dad down to Port Arthur Stadium to see some future big leaguers. The Thunder Bay Border Cats are the only Canadian team in the US collegiate Northwoods League, and have twice been crowned as league champions (2005 & 2008). There may be no sounds more excitingly representative of summer than the crack of a bat and the roar of the crowd. Dad will love his day at the field and the best part… single game tickets are only $14 for adults ($12 for seniors)!

If your dad is more of a soccer fan, then he is in luck there as well. The Thunder Bay Chill team is more than prepared to entertain Dad this summer. Tickets are only $10 at the gate for adults.

3. Sail Away

sailng

Get him on the water. Whether he's more of the relax and cruise kind of guy or someone that has a need for speed, Sail Superior has something for all Dads. From sailing excusions to the high-speed thrill ride that is the Superior Rocket - 500hp offering 60mph skims across the surface of Lake Superior. No matter how you do it, getting out on the big lake is an experience Dad will never forget.

Try an excursion to Porphyry Island!

4. Hit the links

ChapplesFairway

Thunder Bay dads are lucky to have so many great golf courses within city limits – seven, to be exact, with many more nearby. With your choice of various 9 or 18 hole courses, you could try a few. 

For something different try disc golf - discs are available at The Loop and the course at Birch Point Park (Boulevard Lake) is ranked as one of the top 3 courses in Ontario.

5. Take a hike

Thunder Bay and the surrounding area paradise for dads who love a good hike. Thousands of Kilometres of hiking trails are available in the region, many within city limits. Centennial Park, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, and Pigeon River Provincial Park are just a sampling of the dozens and dozens of great hiking spots you can find in the area. Also tell Dad to check out the Nipigon River Trail, or the Casque-Isle Trail if he’s in the Nipigon/Red Rock or Schreiber/Terrace Bay areas.

6. Eat meat

Let Dad relax as he slips deep into a food coma. With great options for steaks, wings, burgers and more, for meat-loving dads there is plenty to choose from in Thunder Bay. 

red lion beef rib
The Red Lion Beef Rib - Photo from Red Lion Smokehouse Facebook

If your Dad is a vegetarian… we’re sorry. :)

7. Have a pint

beer

This Father's Day, let Dad wash down all that meat you just fed him with some craft beer from Sleeping Giant Brewing Company. Brewed locally, Sleeping Giant beers are high-quality craft brews served at many fine local establishments as well as at the brewery's own on-site taproom. 

This Father's Day, give the man who gave you life a minute to relax and unwind. He deserves it.

About Stephanie Reid

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Stephanie is a content creator and media specialist and has a true appreciation for Northern Ontario and all of its many offerings and attractions.

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