City Parks

The Adelaide Butterfly Garden is a vibrant hub for pollinator conservation and community engagement in Thunder Bay. Founded to honour the memory of Dan Fulton, a passionate advocate for the Monarch Butterfly, this garden is dedicated to protecting pollinators, educating the community, and enhancing biodiversity in our city.

A Sanctuary for Pollinators

The garden is home to a diverse array of native plants, including milkweed and wildflowers, essential for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and birds. These plants not only support pollinator populations but also contribute to the restoration of ecosystems throughout Thunder Bay.

Community Involvement

The garden thrives thanks to the dedication of the Urban Greenscapes Volunteer Group, who maintain the space and host public volunteer events. Community members of all ages are encouraged to get involved in planting, weeding, and other garden activities.

Educational Opportunities

Visitors can learn about pollinators and native plants through the garden’s educational signage, which includes plant names and QR codes for further information.

Celebrating Dan Fulton

The garden commemorates Dan Fulton’s love for Monarch Butterflies with annual events like the Monarch Butterfly Appreciation Day. This special day features family-friendly activities, native plant seed sharing, and a butterfly release in Dan’s honor.

Join the Effort

Whether you’re looking to volunteer, learn, or simply enjoy the beauty of this sanctuary, the Adelaide Butterfly Garden welcomes everyone. Together, we can continue to protect and celebrate the pollinators that play a vital role in our environment.

Location: 400 W. Lyon Blvd.

Boulevard Lake is surrounded by 650 acres of parkland, from the scenic bluffs north of the lake to the dam on the lower Current River. The historic Black Bay Bridge (built in 1911) at the lake's head on Arundel Ave. is a reinforced concrete span bridge and was the first of its type in North America.

Park features:

• 18-hole disc golf course
• Beaches (seasonal)
• Mini-putt (seasonal)
• Fully accessible playground
• Recreational trails
• Picnic areas (picnic tables put out seasonally)
• Washrooms and change facility (seasonal)

Location: Centennial Park Road, off Arundel Street west of Hodder Avenue

Centennial Park covers approximately 147 acres (60 ha) along the shores of the beautiful Current River in the heart of the City's north side, and is open year round.

Park features

• 1910 Logging Camp and Museum
• Playground equipment
• Farm animals
• Hiking/skiing trails
• Tobogganing (seasonally)

Chalet with concession and indoor picnic area

• The Chalet is open to the public, and cannot be booked for parties/events. Please, no alcohol or helium balloons in the Chalet.
• Hours:
• June to September Labour Day weekend (Summer season): 8 am - 7 pm
• September Labour Day to May (Winter season): 8 am - 4 pm

Muskeg Express mini-train ride

• The Muskeg Express opens in June and operates until Labour Day weekend, including on Canada Day, the Civic Holiday and Labour Day, weather permitting
• Rates (including HST):
  • 5 years and under: Free
  • 6-14 years: $1.50
  • 15 years and older: $3.50

Hours

• Weekends in June: 11 am - 4 pm (last ride is 3:50 pm, closed weekdays in June)
• July - Labour Day weekend, Wednesdays - Sundays: 11 am - 4 pm (last ride is 3:50 pm)

Location: 2465 City Road

Chippewa Park has been a favourite with city residents and visitors since 1921. It is a great destination for family fun, scenic beauty and relaxation - right on the shore of Lake Superior with an amazing view of the Sleeping Giant. See a map of Chippewa Park.

Park features

Amusement rides (seasonally)

The Amusement rides are open from June to Labour Day in September

Hours

Weekends in June: 1 - 8 pm (closed weekdays in June)

July - Labour Day weekend, Wednesdays - Sundays: 1 - 8 pm

Call the Chippewa Hotline at 807-625-CHIP for more information.

Pavilion

Hold your wedding or special event in one of the most beautiful, natural settings in the Thunder Bay area.

Coffee house

• Seats 80
• The left section of the Pavilion is the Coffee House, formerly the Old Dining Room. See the Chippewa Pavilion Interior Layout.
• There is a fireplace and small counter.
• You must provide your own caterer. No cooking facilities. Refrigeration is provided.
• Washroom building is located just outside Pavilion.
• Tables and chairs are available for a fee.

Dance hall

• Seats 180
• This is the part of the Pavilion most often booked for weddings, in the far right section of the building. See the Chippewa Pavilion Interior Layout.
• A four-piece moveable stage is provided, which you can set up at one end of the room.
• You must provide your own caterer. No cooking facilities. Refrigeration is provided.
• Washroom building is located adjacent to the dance hall.
• Tables and chairs are available for a fee.

Exhibition hall

• The Exhibition Hall (middle section of the Pavilion) is open to the public and is not available to rent.
• See the Chippewa Pavilion Interior Layout.

Reservations

To make a reservation for your wedding or larger event at Chippewa Park's Pavilion, begin by calling the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941 to check availability. A $250 deposit will be required, non-refundable in case of cancellation. You will need to fill out a Parks Permit Application, which contains useful information on other permits/rentals you may need to arrange with other agencies. In general, these are the steps in completing your arrangements for a large event:

• Contact the City's Parks & Open Spaces Section for a copy of the Parks Permit Application and approval of plans
• Contact Police, Fire and Health Unit as necessary depending on plans
• Obtain Special Occasion Permit (applications available at LCBO) if serving alcohol
• Obtain Smart Serve training if serving alcohol

*To book, a non-refundable $250 deposit is required.

Rules

• LCBO Special Occasion Permit must be acquired
• Must adhere to Municipal Alcohol Policy and LCBO regulations
• Prices are subject to change

Block booking for campsites

The City no longer arranges block bookings of the entire campground (cabins/campsites) for wedding and events. However, for weddings or other large events, you can block book cabins in your name (with a valid credit card) between Jan. 3 and April 30 of the current year of your booking. No later than April 30, each cabin must be assigned and booked (with valid credit card) by the individual who will be occupying the cabin during the rental period. Any cabins not assigned by May 1 will be released from the booking and will be made available to the general public to book. Contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941.

More information

For more information contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941.

Concession

Two locations within Chippewa Park offer food and beverages: the Pavilion and the Main Office.

Chippewa Park Pavilion Concession

Seasonally, a privately owned food and beverage concession is open at the Pavilion from noon - 5 pm, seven days a week. The concession offers standard park food such as hot dogs, hamburgers and fries. Inside and outside seating areas are available.

Chippewa Park Campground Main Office

A small grocery and souvenir store is located inside the main campground office with milk, bread, canned goods, basic food supplies, and a selection of camping supplies.

Picnic field reservations

Book your outdoor event at one of the fields at Chippewa Park:

Field 1

• Located to the left of the Pavilion and the main parking lot
• Accommodates 6,000 - 8,000 people
• Picnic tables and waste bins
• Washroom building located at the right hand corner of the field
• Electrical outlets on the field
• Horseshoe pit
• Great Lakes Booth - electrical plus hot and cold running water, and a sink

Field 3

• Located to the right of the amusement rides, backing the road
• Accommodates 2,000 - 3,000 people
• Baseball diamond
• Picnic tables and picnic booth
• Lights and power receptacles
• Garbage cans
• Horseshoe pit
• Washroom building located near the rides

Field 4

• Located to the right of the amusement rides, in front of the parking lot
• Accommodates 2,000 - 3,000 people
• Baseball diamond
• Picnic tables and picnic booth
• Lights and power receptacles
• Garbage cans
• Horseshoe pit
• Washroom building located near the rides

Field 5

• Located near the beach
• Accommodates 100 - 1,500 people
• Picnic tables and picnic booth
• Lights and power receptacles
• Garbage cans
• Shared horseshoe pit
• Washroom building

Reservation

To book one of the Chippewa fields, please fill out the Parks/Facilities Permit Application. Contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at (807) 625-2941 or parkbookings@thunderbay.ca

*Prices subject to change

All persons/groups who book a picnic site will receive their rental contract through email. To cancel your picnic, you must contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at 807-625-2941. Visa, MasterCard, cash or cheque is accepted. Make all cheques payable to the "City Of Thunder Bay".

Rules

• You must leave the picnic site clean
• No rain dates allowed
• Do not drive on or park on grass areas
• It is unlawful to drink/serve alcoholic beverages in City parks without a Special Occasion Permit
• For large events only, you must attend a Site Meeting two weeks prior to the event by contacting 807-625-2119
• It is understood, if booking is accepted, that you are fully responsible for all persons using the permitted facilities and equipment. You must abide by all By-laws, rules and regulations of the Park and Campground. You must comply with all the requirements for this event and provide all required information to the Parks & Open Spaces Section.

More information

For more information contact the Facility Booking Coordinator at (807) 625-2941.

Playdays

Schools and groups can book a Playday at Chippewa Park. A Playday booking includes a picnic field booking from noon to 2 pm, and an hour to enjoy the rides from 1 to 2 pm. Playdays take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in June, July and August.

Camping and Swimming

• Learn about the City of Thunder Bay's campgrounds.
• Learn more about swimming at various locations in Thunder Bay.

Location: East side of High Street between Red River Road and Oliver Road

Hillcrest Park overlooks central Thunder Bay and provides one of the finest scenic outlooks over the city. Plenty of parking allows the view to be enjoyed any time of year from your vehicle. Thunder Bay's harbour, grain elevators and the Sleeping Giant are popular subjects for photos.

Park features

• Accessible playground equipment, styled to complement the natural surroundings of the park. Equipment is easily accessed from ground level
• Hillcrest War Memorial featuring a Universal Carrier, the workhorse of the Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) during World War II. The adjacent honour roll lists names of those killed in action during the war.
• Park benches and picnic tables
• Portable toilet
• Sunken Gardens, with a spectacular seasonal display of more than 70 varieties of flowers

Location: South end of Syndicate Avenue South, at the Kaministiquia River

Park features

• Docking facilities
• Historic James Whalen tugboat on display
• Park benches
• Walking/cycling path (boardwalk)

Location: Corner of Miles Street and May Street

Park features

• Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in November
• Fountain donated by the Paterson Family
• Ontario Historical Plaque detailing "The Capture of Fort William"
• Park benches
• Shade trees

Learn about the Paterson Foundation for information on the Foundation and the Paterson family.

Location: Sleeping Giant Parkway

Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park is Thunder Bay's signature recreation destination. This community gathering place has transformed the City of Thunder Bay's waterfront into a mixed-use village and animated waterfront park reconnecting the downtown to the shores of Lake Superior.

Park features

• The Marina Boaters Services is open May 15 through Oct. 15 annually and offers 271 slips for City residents and visitors.
• The Baggage Building Arts Centre is a showcase for local artistic talent and a workshop for new artistic creations. The Centre can be rented to host arts, culture, & heritage minded community programming, workshops, performances, gallery exhibitions, and more.
• Picnic area

• Playground equipment
• Recreational trails - There are approximately three kilometres of paved walking/cycling trails with stunning views of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant.

• Skateboard and BMX Plaza
• Skating rink
• Splash pad

Events

There are many great City events that take place at Prince Arthur's Landing:

• Canada Day Celebration
• Live on the Waterfront
• Movie Nights on the Waterfront
• Winter Fundays
• SnowDay

Also, see the community events calendar for other events and activities.

Location: North side of Victoria Avenue at Hyde Park Avenue

Thunder Bay's multicultural heritage is showcased at the Soroptimist International Friendship Gardens. This 15-acre park was organized by the Soroptimist Club as a Centennial gift to Canada and the City. Residents of various ethnic origins created the unique garden and monuments representing 18 ethnic groups.

Park features

• Flower gardens
• Monuments representing 18 ethnic groups
• Park benches and picnic tables
• Paved walking trails
• Shade trees
• Skating pond (seasonal)
• Two small man-made ponds

Are you interested in more information on the history of Thunder Bay's Soroptimist Friendship Gardens? The book International Friendship Garden: a Centennial Project of Soroptimist International of Thunder Bay by Rose Frim is available at the Mary J.L. Black branch of the Thunder Bay Public Library.

Location: 125 Copenhagen Rd., on the northwest outskirts of the city

Trowbridge Falls Park and Campground are nestled in the woods beside the cascading rapids of the Current River.

Park features

• Biking, hiking and skiing trails
• Play field
• Playground equipment
• Swimming/wading in the river

Learn about the Trowbridge Forest Recreational Trail Master Plan.

Location: South side of Arthur Street at Selkirk Street

Vickers Park, the first park established in the former city of Fort William, was donated by Catherine Mary Vickers, daughter of pioneer author Susanna Moodie.

Park features

• Picnic tables and park benches
• Playground equipment
• Level walking paths
• Lush grass, mature shade trees and beautiful flower beds

Events/Programming

The City's Recreation Division provides summer programming in Vickers Park, including the annual Teddy Bears Picnic.

Location: Thunder Bay's north end between Algoma Street, Red River Road and Waverley Street

Park features

• Hogarth Memorial Fountain. The fountain dates back to 1790 and originated in Hertfordshire, England. It was donated in 1965 in memory of Major-General Donald McDonald Hogarth, by his wife.
• World War I Cenotaph, erected in 1925
• Picnic tables and benches
• Historical walkway

• Academy Ball Diamonds (Lobbers North, South and Complex)
• George Burke Park
• North McIntyre Community Centre
• Northwood Playfield Park Arena
• Slovak Ball Diamond
• South Neebing Community Centre
• Waddington Park
• Westfort Playfield

• Centennial Village Parkette
• Dease Park
• Humber Park
• Northwood Playfield
• Oliver Road Community Centre
• South Neebing Community Centre
• Westfort Playfield

• Boulevard Lake Park

Available Pickleball Courts:

Pickleball Court Booking (Boulevard Lake & Waddington Park)

To proceed with one of the below Pickleball Court Booking options, email pickleballcourtbooking@thunderbay.ca.

Remember, there will always be a high percentage of open, free court time that does not require booking. These court times are open to the public on a first-come, first-play basis.

Please obey City of Thunder Bay court etiquette: Restrict play to one hour if others are waiting to use the court.

Public Court Booking

One court maximum and up to five different one-hour time slots are available per person for the season, but must be booked at one time. These bookings are free but require a Certificate of Insurance.

Available days and times on Court 1 at Boulevard or Waddington:

Group/Club Multi-Bookings

These booking requests must be submitted no later than April 15 of each year. Any requests after April 15 will be considered only if time slots are still available.

When group/club multi-booking requests are finalized by the Parks & Open Spaces Division, the renter will be required to:

• Provide a Certificate of Insurance
• Pay their yearly invoice in November (fee of $4 plus HST per court per hour).

• Jumbo Gardens Playfield
• Northwood Playfield
• South Neebing Community Centre

• Boulevard Lake
• Centennial Village Parkette
• County Park
• Oliver Road Community Centre
• South Neebing Community Centre
• Volunteer Pool Community Centre
• Waddington Park
• West End Recreation Area
• Westfort Playfield
• Wilson Street Parkette

• North End Park and Buffer