Accessible Adventures in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is a great spot for accessible travel in Ontario thanks to its manageable size, waterfront parks, and growing list of barrier-free attractions. Lake views, wide paths, and well-designed public spaces do a lot of the heavy lifting before you even think about logistics. To make the most of your visit, this four-day itinerary moves easily between accessible attractions in Thunder Bay—from parks and galleries to restaurants and nearby provincial parks—keeping the focus on the experience, not the planning.

Getting Here and Getting Around: Accessible Transportation in Thunder Bay

Both  Porter Airlines and WestJet offer support person programs for eligible travelers with disabilities. The Thunder Bay Airport has introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which discreetly signals that a traveller may need extra assistance.

Accessible taxis, public transit, and Lift+ specialized transportation make getting around simple. Visitors can apply for temporary Lift+ access through Thunder Bay Transit. The PAL Card (Personal Attendant for Leisure) program also allows support persons free entry to participating recreation facilities including Fort William Historical Park, the Canada Games Complex, and Magnus Theatre.

Day 1: Accessible Waterfront and Cultural Attractions in Thunder Bay

Start at the Terry Fox Monument and Scenic Lookout to learn about this young Canadian’s heroic efforts to raise money to cure cancer, then head to Prince Arthur’s Landing at the waterfront. Both locations offer smooth trails, lake views, and public art.

For lunch, settle in at Bight Restaurant + Bar, where barrier-free entry and spacious seating let you enjoy local flavours with a view of the marina. In the afternoon, visit the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, designed with automatic doors, ramps, and accessible washrooms, and home to rotating exhibits by contemporary Indigenous and Canadian artists.

Dinner at Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar offers smooth ground-level access and generous spacing between tables, making it easy to relax over a memorable meal. Finish the evening with a show at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, with accessible parking, seating, and washrooms.

Day 2: Accessible History, Parks, and Waterfalls Near Thunder Bay

Explore Fort William Historical Park, one of North America’s largest living history sites which brings the 19^th century fur trade to life. You’ll find barrier-free facilities, transportation, sensory-friendly experiences, guided tours amplified by headphones, ASL guided tours during special events, and a braille information sheet. Stop for lunch at Bean and Olive before heading south to Pigeon River Provincial Park for a short boardwalk trail to stunning Lake Superior vistas and historic logging remnants. Experience the beauty of Kakabeka Falls along accessible trails, like the 750-metre Boardwalk Trail, which circles the top of the falls, and the 1.25-kilometre Mountain Portage Trail, offering stunning views of the gorge and river along a historic route. For an overnight stay, Whispering Hills Campground features barrier-free electrical campsites and a comfort station. Wrap up the day at Goods & Co. for drinks and local shopping, then cross the street to The Foundry for dinner and live music or karaoke.

Day 3: Accessible Provincial Parks, Gardens, and Local Dining in Thunder Bay

Spend the morning at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park exploring the accessible Plantain Lane Nature Trail. The park also offers barrier-free cabins and campsites. Enjoy a delicious, fully accessible lunch at Dawson Trail Craft Brewery Inc., where great food meets welcoming, barrier-free spaces. Tour the fully accessible Thunder Bay Conservatory and enjoy its lush, peaceful indoor gardens. For dinner, head to Giorg Cucina é Barra (they’ll put out a ramp if you call ahead), then take in a local show at Black Pirates Pub or if you’re a baseball fan, cheer on the Border Cats at Port Arthur Stadium.

Day 4: Accessible Recreation, Trails, and Waterfront Dining in Thunder Bay

Swim or work out at the Canada Games Complex, an inclusive, PAL Card–friendly facility. For lunch, try  Red Lion Smokehouse in the Waterfront District—a recently redesigned neighbourhood with local shops and plenty of patios. Spend the afternoon at Cascades Conservation Area or Mission Island Marsh, both with paved trails and accessible washrooms. End your adventure with a final lakeside dinner at Anchor and Ore. 

Accessible Parks in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay’s parks are designed with inclusion in mind:

Boulevard Lake Park: Five-and-a-half kilometre multi-use trail around the lake, accessible beach mat with lift capabilities, inclusive playground and adult fitness with rubber surface

Vickers Park: Inclusive playground and adult fitness with rubber surface, granular 800-metre trail loop

Soroptimist International Friendship Gardens: Cultural monuments connected by accessible pathways

Chapples Park: Two-kilometre asphalt trail that connects to the Neebing River and Ford Street multi-use trail networks and the Centennial Botanical Conservatory

Chippewa Park: Accessible campground and wildlife viewing, granular trails

Hillcrest Park: Panoramic views of the harbour, inclusive playground, and floral display gardens

Accessible Places to Stay in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay offers several accessible accommodations:

• Ramada by Wyndham
• TownePlace Suites
• Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre
• Howard Johnson by Wyndham
• The Superior Inn
• Hampton Inn and Suites
• Home2 Suites by Hilton
• Delta Hotels Thunder Bay - Marriott
• The Comfort Inn Thunder Bay
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Thunder Bay
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham
• Days Inn by Wyndham Thunder Bay North
• Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel
• Best Western Plus Nor'Wester Hotel & Conference Centre
• The Courthouse Hotel
• Best Western Crossroads

Features at these hotels may include roll-in showers, grab bars, and barrier-free layouts. 

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