Shop, Sip, Stay: Supporting Local & Independent Businesses in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay, Ontario is home to a thriving local community spanning accommodations, restaurants, coffee roasteries, artisan markets, and specialty retail. The city's independent businesses, spread across several vibrant, historic neighbourhoods, reflect its history, cultural diversity, and unique identity.

Shop: Markets, Makers, and Neighbourhood Gems

Thunder Bay's independent retail is clustered in walkable neighbourhoods, each with its own character. The centrepiece of the Waterfront District is Goods & Co., a boutique shopping destination in the renovated former Eaton's building with more than 25 local food and merchandise vendors under one roof. It's also home to several event spaces, and the cozy Woodside Bar.

The Bay & Algoma district is home to Entershine Bookshop, one of Thunder Bay's independent bookstores, alongside Authentique Gift Shop, a local institution since 1988 specializing in gifts and Thunder Bay keepsakes. The Finnish Book Store and Kitchen Nook — family-owned and operated for more than 65 years — carries specialty items rooted in the city's strong Finnish heritage.

For the most direct maker-to-buyer experience, the Thunder Bay Country Market has been Thunder Bay’s community hub and go to for all things local since 1997! The market runs year-round with more than 75 vendors (over 100 in the summer season), all of whom make, bake, or grow what they sell.

And you can't leave town without a bottle of Heartbeat Hot Sauce, locally made with locally grown peppers (courtesy of DeBruin's Greenhouses). It's made an appearance on at least three seasons of the popular series Hot Ones!

Sip: From Roasteries to Bakeries

Thunder Bay's independent food and drink scene is shaped by the city's Finnish heritage, Indigenous cultures, and waves of European immigration.

It's just not a visit to Thunder Bay without a stop for Finnish Pancakes and a Persian at one of the city's iconic establishments. Kanga's Sauna has been serving up their famous pancakes (and saunas) since 1967, and the Hoito Restaurant even longer! The original location in the Finnish Labour Temple opened in 1918, and though it was destroyed by fire several years ago, the Finlandia Cooperative of Thunder Bay now operates the Hoito out of the Thunder Bay Country Market.

While you can find Thunder Bay's local delicacy at several bakeries around town, The Persian Man's two locations are easy stops to pick up one or two (or a dozen).

Coffee is taken seriously here too! St. Paul Roastery downtown is a full-scale roastery and café sourcing beans from Central and South America and Africa. The north end has Rose N Crantz, another locally owned roastery and café on Copper Crescent.

A modern Thunder Bay classic is The Sweet North Bakery, which started with pretzels at the Thunder Bay Country Market over ten years ago, and now thrives with coffee, baked goods, and soup, salad, and sandwiches at three locations across town. You can order their sweet or savoury handmade soft pretzels individually, or grab a pretzel box to share!

And one special spot that has stood the test of time: Maltese Grocery, a deli that has been part of Thunder Bay for more than 90 years, carries local meats and hundreds of local products.

Sip: Thunder Bay's Craft Breweries, Wine Bars, and Restaurants

Thunder Bay has a small but vibrant craft brewing scene, all locally owned and tapped in the city. Dawson Trail Craft Brewery, founded by two longtime home brewers, runs a taproom with a rotating lineup of IPAs, stouts, reds, and seasonals. Lakehead Beer Co. serves straight from the tank alongside Detroit-style pizza and fried chicken from Tomlin Subdivision. Prospector Brewhouse operates out of a former bank building in the historic downtown, where the original vault is still intact. The brew pub sits adjacent to the Prospector Steakhouse and pours house-brewed lagers, ales, and IPAs alongside a rotating food menu and live music.

A perfect spot for both a romantic dinner or a lively group night out, Tomlin’s menu offers shareable plates that change with what local producers have on hand; parties of four or more can opt for the chef's tasting menu. For a more formal evening, Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar in the historic Westfort area serves North American modern cuisine with a wine list that earns its reputation. Seler Restaurant & Wine, open since late 2021, is led by chef and co-owner Chris Barnes, whose East Coast roots and French culinary training inform a menu built around locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients. For more independent eateries in town, here's our list of Thunder Bay's must-visit classic restaurants that locals love.

In the Waterfront District, Red Lion Smokehouse does slow-smoked meats with local ingredients and craft beer in a pub atmosphere, and there's a great street-side patio in warmer weather.

Stay: Character Accommodations in Thunder Bay

The most iconic choice in Thunder Bay is the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites, a landmark that has been welcoming guests since its grand opening over one hundred years ago. Built by the Canadian Northern Railway (now part of CN Rail) in 1911 and independently owned ever since, the six-storey property overlooks Marina Park and the Sleeping Giant peninsula. A marble staircase, ornate rotunda plasterwork, and period ballroom contribute to its historic character.

For travellers who prefer something smaller and more contemporary, the Haven Hostel in downtown Port Arthur offers private queen rooms with en suite bathrooms alongside pod and bunk bed dormitories, with an outdoor courtyard and firepit, just one block from the Lake Superior shore. Those wanting to fully escape can head south to Rose Valley Lodge, a countryside property about 30 minutes from downtown with log cabin accommodations and Euro-style fine dining.

Thunder Bay's independent hotels, restaurants, shops, and markets are definitely worth the trip — so remember to book direct, eat local, and let the city surprise you!

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