Flights from Thunder Bay to Chicago

Chicago’s chicest shopping spot

Be sure to bring an empty suitcase on your trip from Thunder Bay, for a shopping trip on the Magnificent Mile.

Beginning at the Chicago River, this stretch of Michigan Avenue continues north to Oak Street. This easily walkable stretch features some of the best things to do in Chicago.

At the south end, you’ll spot the Tribune Tower, one of the city’s most distinctive skyscrapers. This neo-gothic building was initially built in 1868, and rebuilt after the Chicago fire of 1871, which spurred the city’s architectural revolution.

Continuing northward, you’ll be met with Chicago’s best shopping. This stretch of street is stocked with almost 500 stores, ranging from luxury labels to global brands. If you get hungry along your way, try one of the Magnificent Mile’s restaurants. 300 restaurants pack lunch with a punch, cooking up everything from dumplings to deep-dish pizza.

Work off your lunch, with a walk to some of the Magnificent Mile’s cultural attractions. The City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower holds the work of local artists in a historic building. Just off the Mile, the Richard H. Driehaus Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art offer detours into Chicago’s cultural scene.

At the top of the Mile, the John Hancock Center can give you a view of the entirety of Chicago. On the 360 Chicago observation deck, the tilted windows of the 94th floor give you a vantage point over the city at 1,000 feet up. From this height, it feels as if you can see all the way home to Thunder Bay.

The heart of Chicago’s art and architecture

Business and leisure travellers from Thunder Bay can stay in the loop with Chicago’s attractions in the Loop.

If you’re travelling from Thunder Bay on business, the Loop is your best bet to see some of Chicago’s renowned architecture. Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower, stands as a 108 storey monument to Chicago’s architectural ambition. From the glass-bottomed viewing balconies, you’ll have a sweeping view of the city below.

The smaller, but still impressive, Rookery Building dates back to 1888 and features a lobby designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Public tours can guide you through one of the Rookery’s highlights, with its light court with intricate wrought iron details.

When you’re looking for leisure, the sprawling Grant Park provides an urban oasis. Whether you’re soaking in the spray of the rococo Buckingham Fountain, or soaking in the sounds of an outdoor concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, this park is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Reflect on one of Chicago’s favourite photo-ops, Cloud Gate, as you exit Grant Park. This metallic bean-like structure looks like something from a science-fiction movie and was designed as a futuristic gateway to the city.

When the sun goes down, the Loop really comes to life. These busy streets aren’t just for business. With a thriving theatre district, the Loop is Chicago’s main stage. The historic 1921 Chicago Theater, whose sign has become a symbol for the city, shines the spotlight on plays, comedy, and music, in its ornate, gilded interior.

For more music, turn your ears toward Jazz Showcase. This circa 1947 jazz club holds 170 people in an intimate setting. A much bigger venue is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It’s one of the five largest orchestras in the United States and will bring your trip from Thunder Bay to a grand crescendo.