Quiet Serenity and Country Views at Mountain Meadow in Nolalu

As I walk in, “make yourself at home,” says Margaret who has operated the Mountain Meadow B&B since 1994. The B&B is Southwest of Thunder Bay in Nolalu, close to South Gillies and is smaller than most B&Bs comfortably set for one couple. Guests are typically looking for a quiet place when they come here, a place to get close to nature. Typical guests come from the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, from Oklahoma, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and other parts of the U.S. Germans are also frequent guests.

Mountain Meadow Firplace

Other guests include deer with fauns, black bears, and new to the area, raccoons. Yes, the raccoons are moving north. There are a few territorial birds, including woodpeckers, chickadees and jays. The nearby meadows, full of milkweed, allows for easy sightings of butterflies, including the monarch.

Mountain Meadow Outdoor Dining

In the distance you can see the flat top mountains and if you’re up for a trek you can climb them from the back and get a dramatic view of the forested horizon to the South. The forest is accessible with lots of shared trails with neighbours. Much like an uninhabited park you may see moose, and regarding the bears, Margaret states, “As long as you don’t do anything foolish, we can exist together.” Yet, it’s good to be cautious.

Nearby is the Rose Valley Lodge and Restaurant where you can get 5 course dinners on weekends. Those who phone first to reserve ahead get to choose the menu. Their number is: 807-473-5448.

Related: Spectacular Views and Savory Flavours at Rose Valley Lodge

butternut squash soup

Also close at hand is the Silver Mountain Station an old railway station turned into a restaurant. It’s near the 588/593 junction. With lots of history they also sell lots of books about the area. Call the owner Shelly Simon at 475-4406 or 621-2156 for more information.

If you’re in the Nolalu/South Gilles area, check out Mountain Meadows, you won’t be disappointed.

About Duncan Weller

A writer and visual artist, Duncan Weller is a Governor General's Award winner who lives in Thunder Bay. You can visit his website at www.duncanweller.com. His latest two books are a novel, Flight of the Silk, and an expanded edition of the award-winning children's picture book, The Boy from the Sun.

Recommended Articles

12 Best Places to Stay in Thunder Bay

A boutique courthouse, art-filled hostel, or a luxe waterfront hotel—TBay has accommodations for every taste.

5 Fantastic Ways to Explore the Water in Thunder Bay

Paddle, sail, SUP, and more along the north shore of Lake Superior.

Thunder Bay Winter Fun Guide 2025

The complete A to Z list.

Uncovering Thunder Bay's Hidden Gems

7 Little-Known Spots to Discover in TBay

5 Reasons to Bring a Conference or Meeting to Thunder Bay, Ontario

It's time to kick your meeting up a notch!

21 Ways to Enjoy Thunder Bay

Why 2024 is your year to visit this fabulous northern Ontario city.

The Remembrance Poppy and its Thunder Bay Roots

How an iconic downtown hotel helped launch this time-honoured tradition.

Why You Should Always Travel With Fishing Gear in Thunder Bay

7 amazing fishing spots right in the city.

This new cruise ship sails into Thunder Bay

There's a new ship in town! Check out the Great Lakes Explorer.

Chill Out in Thunder Bay: Why Cold Plunges Are Hot Right Now

Keep cool in this Northwest Ontario city with cold plunges and cryotherapy.

Experience Your Perfect Summer in Thunder Bay

An A to Z guide to outdoor adventure in this scenic Northern Ontario city

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Thunder Bay

Did you know these weird and wonderful facts about TBay?

Walk This Way: Self-Guided Art and History Tours in Thunder Bay

How the Thunder Bay Tour App and some fun self-guided tours can turn exploring the city into an art and history scavenger hunt.

Family-Friendly Indoor Play Areas for Kids in Thunder Bay

Blustery weather got you down? Here are all the indoor play areas in the city.

Search Thunder Bay