Traveling with your mom as an adult hits differently — especially when you choose a destination like Thunder Bay, Ontario. Our recent mother-daughter getaway wasn’t about jam-packed itineraries or big-city bustle. It was about slowing down, connecting and soaking up meaningful experiences together. You may recall that my mom and I enjoyed a girls’ trip to Moose Jaw a few years ago and I figured it was time to check off another Canadian destination on my mom’s bucket list. From gentle hikes and Indigenous-led tours to amethyst mining and world-class croissants, Thunder Bay delivered a relaxed yet deeply rich momcation — one that caters to all ages and mobility levels. Whether you’re planning a trip with an aging parent or just need quality time with Mom, this guide will help you plan the best Thunder Bay girls’ getaway .
Disclosure : This post is in partnership with Visit Thunder Bay but, as always, opinions are TOTALLY mine!
Table of Contents | Plan your Thunder Bay Visit
Travelling from Toronto to Thunder Bay tips
Momcation in Thunder Bay | A Travel Guide for Exploring with Aging Loved Ones
My mom has been asking to visit Thunder Bay for years, and this spring, the stars finally aligned for us to make it happen. With the kids still in school and my dad busy prepping their Niagara-on-the-Lake bed and breakfast for the season, it felt like the perfect time for a mother-daughter getaway.
My mom, Ammi as I call her, is nearing 67, and while she’s definitely slowing down a bit, her appetite for culture and soft adventure hasn’t waned. At first, I assumed Thunder Bay was all rugged trails and hardcore hikes — not exactly suited for someone facing growing mobility challenges. And I am NOT a hiker myself. Over the last year, I realized there’s a lot more to the sunniest city in Eastern Canada than meets the eye. And I wanted to go explore myself…with my mom along for the journey.
Thunder Bay is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Peoples, specifically the Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850. These lands and waters have been cared for by Indigenous Peoples for generations, and their presence continues to shape the cultural fabric of the region today. As visitors, we are grateful to experience the beauty of this place and honour the stories and teachings that came long before us.
From meaningful cultural experiences to accessible nature outings and delicious food, Thunder Bay turned out to be the ideal destination for a slower-paced, memory-making momcation. If you’re thinking of traveling with an aging parent, I hope our journey gives you inspiration — along with some practical travel tips — to help you plan your own special getaway.
Travelling from Toronto to Thunder Bay
Getting to Thunder Bay is easier than you might think. My recommendation is to fly directly into Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) because there’s near daily flights from major cities like Toronto, Ottawa and Winnipeg. Porter, Air Canada and WestJet all fly to Thunder Bay. If you’re up for a scenic 15+hour road trip from Toronto, the Trans-Canada Highway offers a breathtaking drive through Northern Ontario. You can also reach Thunder Bay by bus but that would take over 30 hours.
As you can see, flying is definitely the best option. Our Porter Airlines flight took about two hours and it was a relaxing start to our girls’ trip to Thunder Bay. Porter flies to Thunder Bay from Billy Bishop and Pearson, making it very convenient for us in Toronto. It was my mom’s first time flying with Porter and she was impressed. I OBVIOUSLY flew out of Billy Bishop, taking her on the ferry (though on the return I brought her via the tunnel and she had no issues because the escalators meant she didn’t have to walk much at all). Porter Reserve tickets meant she could pack as much as she wanted and she enjoyed the comfort of her wider seat and was impressed by the friendly staff and REAL glassware. She also enjoyed the complimentary snacks and sipped tea onboard. You already know that I’m a huge fan of Porter and shared all my tips here!
Thunder Bay is best explored by car — so renting a vehicle at the airport was the first task on our list once we landed. The airport is small (minimal walking) and easily navigable with barely any wait times for bags or security!
Things to Do in Thunder Bay with Your Mom or Senior Parent
As I mentioned earlier, Thunder Bay surprised me in the best way. The saying goes “Mother knows best” and this case, it certainly was true. Ammi knew there would be plenty of fun for us to have on a Thunder Bay Momcation! We discovered fun activities, learned about Indigenous culture and took in some pretty views. We were able to enjoy leisurely drives (with well timed bathroom breaks) and explore places and participate in activities that weren’t too physically challenging. A recipe for a delightful vacation!
Join a Wine & Cheese Sunset Sail
The very day we landed we opted to join Sail Superior’s wine and cheese sunset sail. It is one of the most memorable evenings we had in Thunder Bay and it was spent gliding across Lake Superior on a sunset sail. With a drink in hand and a curated cheese board in front of us, it felt like the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
It’s a gentle experience that even less-mobile parents can enjoy. This is a group sail leaving the harbour at 8 p.m. and I love that the package includes unlimited beer, wine and coolers along with a cheese tray. You can upgrade to a charcuterie board if you prefer as well. Ammi doesn’t drink alcohol but I knew she’d enjoy being on the water and getting a closer look at the famous Sleeping Giant (the Sibley Peninsula, or the Sleeping Giant as it’s known in Thunder Bay, is a natural rock peninsula in the shape of a giant sleeping).
The sun was setting closer to 10 p.m. during our visit so we didn’t catch the full sunset onboard during our late spring visit. Yet, it was still a very fun experience because the staff were kind, funny and informative. They helped my mom on and off the ship and they answered her many questions about the local landscape and customs.
Embark on Foraging Walk
If your mom is anything like mine—curious and a little bit earthy—she’ll love joining a local forager to learn about edible plants and fruits in the boreal forest. It’s a low-impact, slow-paced activity that sparks conversation, smells amazing and makes you see nature with new eyes.
Boreal Museum owner Jason led our 2 hour tour and is a mine of information. He not only helped us learn how to identify various edible plants and flowers, but also shared recipes and tips on how to use and preserve what mother nature provides us so freely.
Dig for Amethyst
Amethyst is Ontario’s official gemstone and Amethyst Mine Panorama is the place to see it in all its glittery glory. Visiting an Amethyst Mine was at the top of my mom’s wish list for many years so I allowed her to spend as much time as she wanted here! This family owned and operated Thunder Bay attraction is a working mine and we got to see the open-pit during our visit.
During our spring visit, they were just opening for the season and allowing people to swing by and roam around on their own for free. During the official season (June to October), admission is $12.50 and you can spend as long as you want. Yes, there’s a gift shop you could pop into quickly but you definitely want to plan for at least an hour here. There are panels that highlight the history, geology and mineralogy of Amethyst Mine Panorama-educational and worth a read! The main draw is not viewing the mining pit (amethyst mines are above ground – if you didn’t know) but roaming around the grounds and trying to find your perfect gem!
There’s various areas for you to peruse and Ammi was like a child in a playground. Definitely wear closed toed shoes for this attraction. My mom and I spent a relaxing hour and a half picking our own sparkling stones and enjoying the panoramic views. There’s something incredibly grounding and therapeutic about holding raw amethyst in your hands while surrounded by the Northern wilderness. There’s a wash station with brushes and buckets to clean out your finds and you pay $6 per pound for the amethyst you want to bring back home.
The gift shop also has some polished items and jewellery if you prefer to purchase items that are more finished and less “raw”.
Wander Around Ouimet Canyon
Listen, neither my mom nor I were about to go on a serious hike, but so many locals insisted we check out the views at Ouimet Canyon that we decided to give it a try. Since we already had our Ontario Parks Pass, it felt like a no-brainer to pop in—and I’m so glad we did. What really impressed me was how accessible it was: the one-kilometre loop is mostly paved and flat, with a beautiful suspension bridge linking the two viewing platforms.
We didn’t make it all the way to the end, though. After a busy day that included a foraging tour and a visit to the Amethyst Mine Panorama, I could tell my mom was starting to feel it. So we took our time, soaked in the quiet, and spent about 20 minutes just enjoying the fresh air and forest surroundings. No regrets about missing the “main lookout”—sometimes it’s not about the destination. For us, it was about sharing a peaceful moment in nature, and Ouimet Canyon delivered exactly that.
Pay Your Respects to Terry Fox
Growing up in Dubai we participated in the Terry Fox run and my mom and I were both surprised when we found out he was Canadian because we didn’t know that prior to immigrating here. This was a quick 15 minute stop for us that was well timed with a bathroom break. The monument to Terry Fox, who ended his Marathon of Hope just outside Thunder Bay, is deeply moving.
The site is beautifully maintained and offers panoramic views of the Sleeping Giant and Lake Superior. There is an informative visitor centre but it was closing just as we pulled into the parking lot so we did not have time to walk through any indoor exhibits.
Sip at Sleeping Giant Brewing Company
If your mom enjoys a good craft beer (or even just a cool space to hang out), this local brewery is a fun stop. Ammi doesn’t drink but she did enjoy a refreshing non alcoholic beverage here while I sipped through a beer flight.
We took a break from the driving we’d done earlier in the day and grabbed a seat in their taproom to chill. The laid-back vibe and friendly staff made it feel like a very Thunder Bay way to spend an hour. They also have a patio and a more tables at the back near the beer tanks, so there’s plenty of seating options here to suit every mood. Did I grab a few beers to bring back for Chris? Yes, yes I did!
Immerse Yourself in Indigenous Culture
My mom was hoping for a meaningful Indigenous experience—one where she could ask questions openly, learn from an Elder in a non-judgmental space and participate in traditional ceremonies with care and respect. That’s exactly what we found with Cindy Crowe of Niibing Tribal Tours. Cindy is an Indigenous Elder, Lodgekeeper, life coach and author who creates space for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to connect, learn and heal together.
She welcomed us to her home and sacred property on the outskirts of Thunder Bay in Neebing, where nature, spirit and story all come together. Cindy offers group tours, but what stood out was her openness to customizing the experience to suit each guest’s interest and comfort level.
During our five-hour visit, we created tobacco tie offerings and gifted them to the water beings as part of a traditional water ceremony. We also made “magic wands” using natural elements and followed Cindy through her forest paths to visit the fairy garden she has lovingly built on the land. It felt whimsical, grounding and deeply personal all at once.
My mom is already talking about returning someday for a full sweat lodge ceremony—something Cindy facilitates when the timing and readiness align. The pace of our visit was gentle and unrushed. The teachings were powerful, rooted in respect for the land and its energy, and the entire experience left us feeling connected and reflective.
If you’re looking for a cultural experience in Thunder Bay that’s immersive, calming and spiritually enriching, especially with a parent or elder of your own, Niibing is a solid choice. It’s very much a “go with the flow” experience and not a structured one.
Explore the Niagara of the North
Often called the “Niagara of the North,” Kakabeka Falls is an easy win for visiting with a senior parent. At 40 metres high Kakabeka Falls is the second highest waterfall in Ontario and offers year round access for viewing. The boardwalk is accessible and wraps around for sweeping views of the powerful cascades so you don’t have to go to the staired viewing platforms if you don’t want to.
We loved standing there and letting the mist hit our faces—nature’s facial, right? We spent way more time here than I thought and my mom decided that some of the staired sections were worth a wander to! I was impressed because she usually prefers to sit out anything outdoor with stairs but the views were worth it! Definitely swing by the gift shop here because there’s some really cool items available for purchase.
Get Your Shopping on at Goods & Co. Market
This modern marketplace is such a fun spot to browse together. With locally made goods, indie food vendors and charming little shops under one roof, it’s part coffee date, part retail therapy.
We each picked up a snack and sat down for a treat here one afternoon and enjoyed just wandering around at our own pace. It was a lovely spot to just chill and unwind. Roaming around is how I learned that there’s a Persian scented candle made by the lovely owner of Peace & Quiet…more on Persians in the Thunder Bay food section!
Taste Thunder Bay’s Famous Gouda
For cheese lovers like my mom and me, a stop at Thunder Oak Cheese Farm was non-negotiable. This Cheese Farm was the first in Ontario to produce Gouda cheese using traditional Dutch methods, and we couldn’t wait to try it. My mom has taken me to the Netherlands several times over the years, and while I’ve forgotten most of our visits to Alkmaar, she definitely hasn’t—so this place sparked some sweet nostalgia.
She had a lovely chat with the friendly and knowledgeable staff while we sampled our way through the shop, tasting everything from classic mild Gouda to spiced and smoked varieties. Of course, we left with a small haul—cheese to bring home to Toronto, and fresh curds to snack on during the rest of our Thunder Bay road trip.
If you time your visit just right, you can watch the cheese-making process through an observation window. We arrived during a production break, but there was a short and informative video playing on-site that walks you through the family’s cheese-making tradition. Whether you’re into artisan food, local stories or just love a good snack, this is a flavorful little stop worth adding to your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Thunder Bay
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Thunder Bay, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay is hard to beat—especially if you want scenic views, a central location and modern comforts. Perched right on the waterfront, this hotel offers stunning views of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant, which you can enjoy from your room, the lobby lounge or while sipping coffee on the patio.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and if you’re traveling with a senior parent or someone with mobility concerns, the hotel has accessible options and easy navigation throughout. We booked a double queen room and Ammi and I were both able to spread out and scatter our belongs everywhere. I kid.
If you’re a Bonvoy Elite status member you get access to the 24-hour pantry which was quite the surprise for us! They had fruit, boiled egg, ramen cups, candy, ice cream, yoghurt and a coffee machine. Unlimited access was a nice perk when we got a bit snacky late at night or wanted some granola bars for the day’s drive. Ammi kept going in here for hot chocolate! She was on holiday after all!
There’s a gym onsite but we obviously didn’t stop by. We did however enjoy a lovely breakfast at the on-site restaurant but I’ll share more on that in the below best eats in Thunder Bay section! It’s also conveniently located near Prince Arthur’s Landing, meaning you can stroll the waterfront trails, explore local art installations or grab a bite at nearby cafés without needing to drive. The one negative thing we encountered was the limited availability of parking. They have a few free spots right at the hotel and the other free parking spots are a good 5-10 minute walk away. The alternate is paid parking in the underground garage, which is what we opted for to ensure my mom had quick and easy access to the hotel after a day of exploring. Even the paid underground spots were all taken one day but luckily the staff found a quick solution because we had paid for the access for our entire stay.
Whether it’s your first visit to Thunder Bay or a return trip, the Delta Waterfront makes a relaxing, well-located home base for exploring the city.
Best Places to Eat in Thunder Bay
From chaat to old-school ice cream, Thunder Bay’s food scene is full of delicious surprises. Whether you’re grabbing lunch after a stroll or planning a sit-down dinner with your mom, these local favourites offer flavour, comfort and a real taste of the city’s character. We tried everything from cozy cafés to buzzy bistros and casual pop ups—and I was truly impressed by the variety of cuisines available around Thunder Bay.
Westfort Coney Island
Step back in time at this nostalgic Thunder Bay hot dog joint known for its legendary chili dogs and vintage vibe. It’s a quick, affordable stop that’s full of character—and characters! The locals love to swing by here is what I gathered during my visit and someone I met in Nova Scotia who was originally from Thunder Bay, was the reason I was here in the first place!
We popped in at the start of our mother-daughter getaway and were lucky to meet Effie, the long-time owner who’s there nearly every day. She told us how her husband opened Coney Island back in 1950 with his brothers, and now she proudly keeps the tradition going. She even gifted us a pen to remember the moment—our unofficial souvenir of the start of our Thunder Bay Momcation!
Of course, I had to try their famous hot dog with Coney sauce (you can get it on burgers too), while my mom went for fries and a hot chocolate. It felt like the perfect playful way to kick off our trip.
And don’t skip the Persians! Coney Island serves theirs toasted and buttered, and let me tell you—it was a game-changer. I’ve had the classic version before, but this warm, buttery twist made me want to toast every doughnut from now on.
If you haven’t heard of them, Persians are a local Thunder Bay treat—roll-style doughnuts topped with a mystery pink icing. You’ll usually find them at The Persian Man, but they’re delivered to spots all over town, and some places (like here) add their own spin. Legend has it they were named after General Pershing from WWI, and no one really knows the secret behind the icing recipe. You can find more about the Thunder Bay Persian history here.
The Nook
This cozy Italian eatery is known for its wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas—and clearly, we weren’t the only ones who knew. I was surprised at how busy it was, even on a Monday, so definitely make a reservation if you can. It’s a lively but relaxed spot, ideal for a casual dinner with well-crafted cocktails to kick things off.
My mom, a vegetarian, ordered the veggie pizza, which came absolutely loaded with toppings—though fair warning, the abundance of vegetables made the base a bit wet and messy. I’m more of a Detroit-style pizza fan myself, and these are classic Neapolitan-style, so I went with the Beef Ragu instead. We couldn’t resist customizing: roasted garlic on the pizza and a dollop of burrata on the pasta made everything feel extra indulgent.
Rooster’s Bistro
A true Thunder Bay breakfast institution—where it feels like everyone knows everyone. Rooster’s dishes out hearty, no-fuss breakfasts and brunches in a casual, welcoming space that feels like a local hangout. Think eggs every which way, sky-high pancake stacks and strong coffee to kickstart your day. And don’t miss the décor—roosters cover the walls in every form imaginable.
My mom doesn’t eat eggs but they had a vegan omelette here which was such a lovely surprise! I opted for the popular Norwester (waffles, fried chicken, candied bacon, potatoes) that had me stuffed until late afternoon. If you can’t make it in for breakfast, not to worry because this family run Thunder Bay restaurant also serves up lunch. I had low expectations going in and expected a basic breakfast joint but safe to say, I will be returning here if I am back in Thunder Bay because they have a fantastic menu and features local and seasonal produce in their dishes (they even had Heartbeat hot sauce!).
Merla Mae’s Ice Cream
This family-run ice cream shop is a summertime staple according to the locals. It’s been around since the 1950s and is oozing with retro charm. It’s a grab and go spot where locals come by for a “drive-in” experience. Their generous scoops of homemade flavours is freshly churned each day and it’s the perfect place to cool down after a day of exploring. My mom and I swung by here one evening BEFORE dinner and I was surprised to find a Persian flavoured ice cream here. They have the usual classic flavours but the local nods are usually what catch my attention. For the dairy free folks, they have Italian sorbets as well.
Giorg Cucina é Barra
For something a little more upscale, Giorg delivers with a refined Italian menu featuring standout seafood, pastas and an impressive wine list. The space is elegant but unpretentious—which was perfect for us since we didn’t pack anything fancy for this mother-daughter getaway!
Before I forget: get the warm olives with gorgonzola. I had never tried warm olives before, and now I can’t stop thinking about them. So simple, so good! My scallop and mushroom risotto was rich and perfectly cooked (not overly al dente, thankfully), and my mom’s pea gnocchi was light, flavourful and beautifully plated. I was expecting the Zucchini Fritters to be
The service was warm and attentive, and we loved having a clear view of the open kitchen—there’s something so satisfying about watching chefs in action. We didn’t have room for dessert, which I genuinely regret. Next time, we’re saving space because the ones I saw as we were walking out, looked phenomenal!
Thai Kitchen
Craving spice? I was! I kept asking locals for a spicy suggestion and quite a few mentioned Thai Kitchen. Given that my mom loves Thai food, this was an easy dinner decision after our ice cream stop! This Thai restaurant in Thunder Bay serves up flavourful, authentic Thai dishes in generous portions.
I ordered my go-to Thai dish, Beef Pad See Ew and my mom had a Malay style Kaeng Masaman that was a red curry filled with veggies. We also shared the Mango Salad and had plenty of leftovers for a late night snack.
St. Paul Roastery
If you’re serious about coffee, St. Paul Roastery is a must. They roast their beans in-house and serve up smooth, flavourful brews in a relaxed environment. Great for a slow morning or afternoon pick-me-up. And yes, you buy bags to take home too.
They are also connected to Swell Bakery next door!
Swell Bakery
Everyone warned us to get there early—Swell is known to sell out of its famous baked goods fast. So my mom and I took that as a challenge and arrived at 8:30 a.m., a full half hour before opening… only to find we were the only ones there.
St. Paul Roastery is right next door, so we grabbed coffee and kept watch—but even then, no one else showed up to start a line before 8:50 a.m.. Needless to say, we were the first through the doors, and choosing what to buy was the hardest part. Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong here.
The Rhubarb Crumble Croissant I picked was perfectly flaky and crisp on the outside with deliciously gooey filling on the inside—exactly how a croissant should be. My mom wanted a savoury option and chose a Spinach and Feta item which was really good too. Come hungry and leave with more than you planned. You won’t regret it.
Anchor and Ore
Located inside the Delta Hotel, this restaurant delivers lakefront views alongside a menu that blends elevated pub fare with local ingredients. My mom and I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast here on our last day in Thunder Bay and I was surprised by the variety of options available.
I had Breakfast Tacos that came with a side of potatoes and my mom enjoyed a Continental breakfast consisting of fresh fruits, yoghurt and a well made Croissant. They also serve lunch and dinner if you’re not up for breakfast.
Desi Chatko
This was a totally random find—and a delicious way to end our Thunder Bay trip. While filling up the rental car before our flight, I spotted a little Desi spot tucked inside a gas station. I hadn’t eaten since breakfast, so I figured a quick snack couldn’t hurt. I was right.
This chaat shop (Indian snack bar) shares space with a small South Asian grocery store and despite its humble setup, it delivers on flavour. My mom and I shared a Basket Chaat and a refreshing Mango Lassi, both of which hit the spot.
The owner runs the place solo and seems genuinely passionate about bringing Indian street food to Thunder Bay—something I didn’t expect to find here! It’s an all-vegetarian menu, making it a great stop for plant-based eaters, and the offerings are legit: Pani Puri, Dahi Puri, Bun Kebabs and more. I wish I had more time (and stomach space) to sample the full menu. This no-frills gem deserves to be a local favourite—and if it isn’t already, it will be.
Traveling with Aging Parents: A Relaxing Thunder Bay Itinerary
If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Thunder Bay with your mom or an older family member, this itinerary strikes a balance between rest, gentle exploration and memorable experiences. With three nights in town, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the area at a relaxed pace—because when traveling with seniors, it’s important to factor in extra breaks, slower transitions, and plenty of time to soak things in.
Day 1 : Arrive, have lunch and spend the afternoon with Niibing Tours or join Boreal Museum’s Foraging tour. Have dinner and then join a sunset sail.
Day 2 : Hearty breakfast, Amethyst Mine Panorama, Ouimet Canyon and Terry Fox Visitor Centre. Dinner.
Day 3 : Breakfast, Kakabeka Falls, Thunder Oak Cheese and then shopping and lunch at Goods & Co. Catch an evening flight or spend the afternoon visiting Sleeping Giant Brewery and Westfort Village before having dinner and catching a morning flight the next day.
