A Romantic Winter Weekend in Thunder Bay: Sleigh Rides, Cozy Cabins, and Wine Bars

As we welcome the arrival of winter, we also welcome the urge to cuddle up with our significant other on wintery nights. Take that at-home romance to new levels and plan a weekend of romance right here in Thunder Bay. Enjoy chocolate-covered sweets with your loved one, cuddle up in front of a wood-burning fire at a romantic retreat. Wine and dine at the best local destinations and frolic hand in hand through beautiful wintery scenery. Chivalry, along with romance, is not dead this winter season in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area.

For more fun things to do in Thunder Bay visit our Complete A-Z Winter Fun Guide. 

Where to Stay for Romance in Thunder Bay

Enjoy a hot tub and modern well-appointed suites at the Days Inn & Suites

Located at 645 Sibley Drive, Thunder Bay, is the Days Inn & Suites. With a variety of well-appointed and modern suites to choose from, you’re sure to find one that inspires romance. Choose from the queen suite all the way up to the king suite which is equipped with a hot tub right as well as a cozy fireplace. Every booking includes a complimentary breakfast, access to the spa tub, pool, and fitness room. No expense is spared for you and your loved one at the Thunder Bay Days Inn & Suites.

Rent a private log cabin at Quetico Provincial Park

Located less than 2 hours west of Thunder Bay, is Quetico Provincial Park. The world-famous park covers an area of 460,000 ha and offers 3 year-round rustic cabins to rent. A retreat into the northern wilderness with your loved one will offer the perfect romantic ambiance. Enjoy the feeling of seclusion, privacy, and peace in one of Ontario's best provincial parks. While there, be sure to consider cross country skiing, snowshoeing and stargazing up at the night sky. 

The Best Romantic Places to Wine & Dine in Thunder Bay

Sample some of Sleeping Giant Brewery's 17 beers in a cozy taproom

Established in 2021, the Sleeping Giant Brewery is located at 712 MacDonell Street in Thunder Bay. The brewery creates the perfect setting to enjoy a sip and bite to eat with your special someone. Taste and test any of their 17 local brews in their designated taproom, from hoppy red ales to hard seltzers, there is a brew to please every pallet. The Taproom is open 7 days a week and allows guests to view their numerous stainless tanks, they have local snacks for you to accompany your brew and even allow you to bring your own dish to enjoy in the taproom!

Indulge in a steak and some fine wine at this lakeside restaurant

Take advantage of spectacular Lake Superior views as you please your pallet at the Portside Steak and Seafood Restaurant. Located at the historic Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel, at 17 Cumberland Street North, in Thunder Bay. To best serve your romantic evening out, you can choose to have standard dining service or private dining for an exclusive experience. The warm atmosphere, delicious meals, and divine service is everything you need for your romantic evening out.

Share a cocktail or bottle of wine at Caribou Restaurant & Wine Bar

Located at 727 Hewitson Street, in Thunder Bay, is the Caribou Restaurant & Wine Bar. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere at the Caribou Restaurant and enjoy modern North American delicacies. Refresh with sparkling wine, rosés, or chardonnays. The Caribou Restaurant has a vast variety of wines to try, or relax with your comfort cocktail from the bar. They assure an experience that is unique, warm, and interesting.

The Best Romantic Experiences in Thunder Bay

Experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Gammondale Farm

Gammondale Farm is located at 426 McCluskey Dr, Slate River Valley, just outside of Thunder Bay. Among the countless family-oriented activities, the farm also offers romantic experiences for couples – one of which being horse drawn winter sleigh rides. The “Romantic Cutter Sleigh Rides” includes a half hour horse drawn sleigh ride around the farm, 1 hour of exclusive use of the farm and the opportunity to warm up in the Cozy Log House. Bring your partner and a warm drink with you and enjoy the norths wintery beauty at Gammondale Farm.

Take a warm stroll amongst the palms at the Botanical Conservatory

Located at 1601 Dease St W, in Thunder Bay, is the Centennial Botanical Conservatory. The Conservatory features a range of exotic flowers, trees and plants, fruit-bearing trees, and cactuses; all of which can be seen from the winding pathways throughout the 11,800 square-foot building. Enjoy the soothing sounds of waterfalls as they poor into various pools / ponds. This Botanical Conservatory will surely make for a memorable experience with your loved one, be sure to capture the moment in this picturesque setting.  

Do some star gazing at Quetico Provincial Park

Located less than 2 hours west of Thunder Bay, is Quetico Provincial Park. The park is one of Ontario's 6 dark sky preserves, designated by the International Dark Sky Association. This was made official by the DSA on February 23^rd, 2021. Take a trip with your significant other to Quetico to enjoy a romantic evening under the night sky showcasing millions of illuminations. Spot shooting stars, constellations, and if you’re lucky, the northern lights.

Take in the excitement of the pounding waters at kakabeka Falls

Take a short 30 minute drive outside of Thunder Bay to Kakabeka Falls, and be left in awe of the cascading waters of Ontario’s second-highest waterfall. Offering year-round access you’ll be able to discover the beauty of the partially frozen falls with your loved one this winter. While there, you can choose to do cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling as well.

Skate outdoors at prince Arthur’s Landing at Marina Park

Right in Thunder Bay, Prince Arthur’s Landing Marina Park turns into the perfect winter destination for couples. The splash pad that is open during the spring and summer months converts into a public outdoor skating rink. At the centre of the rink is a fireplace to warm up at. Watch as ships come and go out, gaze at the unique art sculptures around the marina and view the Sleeping Giant covered in a snowy winter blanket.

With beautiful locations to plan your romantic stay at, delicious wines & dines to test with your loved one and ample experiences to explore Thunder Bay and the surrounding area will be sure to bring on the romance this winter. 

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