This often passed-by Great Lakes gem offers delectable dining, a thriving arts community and abundant outdoor adventures

Fishing is big in Thunder Bay.

I am often asked: “Where do you live?” My reply of “Thunder Bay” always seems to elicit the same reply: “Thunder Bay-—I’ve driven through there on the Trans-Canada Highway but never stopped!” Let’s convince the Canadian cross-country driver to stop and see all that Thunder Bay has to offer.

Thunder Bay’s most famous landmark is likely the Hoito restaurant at 314 Bay Street. The Hoito, founded in 1910 as a place for Finnish bush workers to gather and eat, is famous for its cheap breakfast of delectable Finnish pancakes. Though the weekend lineup often looks intimidating, it moves quickly as the service is generally fast and reliable. The Hoito is not just a restaurant; it is home to a dance hall, the offices of a national Finnish-language newspaper, and the Finnish Museum on the upper floors. The Hoito also hosts an annual comedy series and film festival.

Another Thunder Bay landmark is the Sleeping Giant, which recently won the popular vote on CBC’s Seven Wonders of Canada competition. The Giant, on the Sibley Peninsula, was given this moniker as it resembles a reclining person. Enclosing Lake Superior’s waters to form the port of Thunder Bay, the Giant dominates the view from most of the city.

A large portion of the Giant’s 60,300 acres(24,400 hectares)forms Sleeping Giant Provincial Park—a wonderful place for families to camp, swim and hike. The park is about an hour’s drive from the city. For those looking for a nice flat hike or bike, the 13-kilometre round trip to the clear cool blue waters of Tee Harbour is a great choice. Those seeking a challenging hike can climb up to the “knees” of the Giant—a gruelling 26-kilometre trek featuring steep ascents that should only be attempted in good weather.

With an art gallery, museum and its own symphony orchestra, Thunder Bay is the cultural centre of northwestern Ontario. Magnus Theatre, the local professional theatre company, mounts wonderfully polished productions of both time-honoured classics and cutting-edge theatre. The Community Auditorium hosts a surprising array of concerts throughout the year. Much to the delight of local people, most of the big music tours stop in Thunder Bay as, like everyone else, they are forced to drive through the city to get anywhere in Ontario or Manitoba.

Thunder Bay offers outdoor enthusiasts a wide variety of activities year-round, and has hosted a number of major competitions, including the international and national cross-country skiing championships.

The opportunities for athletes in Thunder Bay should not be overlooked. Thunder Bay has venues for sailing, running, cycling, swimming, fishing and more. In the winter, the athletic opportunities are endless. Located just outside of Thunder Bay is Lappe Nordic Ski Club—a cross-country skiing destination that hosted the World Championships a few years ago and the national championships in 2006. For those looking for a less challenging day of skiing, Kamview is another option. Downhill skiing is available at two resorts just 20 minutes outside of the city: Mount Baldy(maximum elevation 640 metres)and Loch Lomond (maximum elevation 440 metres). Snowmobiling, snowshoeing and sledding can be done almost anywhere in the area.

If you must drive through Thunder Bay, I suggest you at least stop for a meal. Bistro One is a fantastic restaurant hidden away at 555 Dunlop Street. Bistro One has been named one of the “Top 200 Restaurants in Canada” in Anne Hardy’s indepedent guide Where to Eat in Canada every year since 1997 and it has also received Wine Spectator Magazine’s Award of Excellence. Bistro One’s signature dessert of molten chocolate cake and coffee ice cream with a raspberry coulis($7.25)is my idea of heaven on earth—a benchmark dessert against which I compare all others.

With great food, a host of different activities and friendly people, Thunder Bay is a great vacation destination—not just a place to drive through!

Dr. Sarah Giles recommends the molten chocolate cake at Bistro One in Thunder Bay.

Sarah Giles is currently forced to drive through Thunder Bay as she travels from one family medicine locum to another. She is hoping to stop at her house one day soon.