On the old streets of Victoria Avenue East in Thunder Bay sits one of Northern Ontario’s most compelling motorcycle stops: the Kisselgoff Motorcycle Museum.
What was once a 1940s neighbourhood theatre now pulls riders in—a natural pause point for anyone moving across Highway 17. For those looking to Ride Lake Superior, the Kisselgoff Museum works as both a welcome stop and a start-or-finish highlight when rolling into Thunder Bay.
It brings together the best old machines with the best old stories, offering a space built for slowing your ride down and soaking in a bit of motorcycling history.
Inside, visitors encounter a curated selection of motorcycles spanning decades and genres, including military, police, classic, American, Japanese, and British models. The mix of rare and iconic bikes and interactive exhibits appeals to both seasoned collectors and casual visitors, offering a journey through the evolution of riding culture and the technological shifts that have shaped motorcycling over time.
The theatre architecture adds its own warmth and atmosphere. It quietly offers an ideal stage that gives the bikes a sense of presence and lets riders really observe the history, engineering choices and craftsmanship behind each machine.
Part of what makes the Kisselgoff Museum so captivating is its home. The restored 1940s theatre retains its original character, creating a setting that feels both nostalgic and uniquely Thunder Bay.
Founder Bernie Kisselgoff transformed the historic venue not as a business venture but as a passion project. His mission was simple: create a space where motorcycle culture and heritage could be preserved and shared. The result is a museum with deep character, offering a sense of love for all things motorcycle.
Looking for a great motorcycle route to pair with your visit to the Kisselgoff Museum? The Top of Superior Motorcycle Route traces some of the most photogenic sites on Lake Superior’s north shore—a two-day run of waterfalls, cliffside views, pebble beaches, and small towns stitched into the rock and water.
The loop can be ridden in either direction, depending on where your wheels are coming from. Riders approaching from the east often roll into Thunder Bay as a destination; riders starting locally or heading west use the city as their springboard. Either way, the Kisselgoff Motorcycle Museum makes a perfect anchor point.
The museum’s hours are rider-friendly, making it simple to build into a day trip, weekend escape, or cross-Lake-Superior journey:
Give yourself at least an hour to browse the exhibits, take photos, and chat with the knowledgeable staff. Plus, the museum's central location makes it ideal for riders wanting to stretch their legs, explore downtown Thunder Bay, or refuel before continuing their route through Northwestern Ontario.
For riders tackling the ride around Lake Superior, the Trans-Canada Highway, or any of Northern Ontario’s legendary motorcycle routes, the Kisselgoff Museum offers a fascinating stop for gearheads and a place to reconnect with the roots of motorcycle culture.
It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, storytelling, and the passion that fuels riders across the region. Whether you're a local rider or a long-distance traveller, the museum enriches any visit to Thunder Bay.
