Superior views
Go north into nature with flights from Windsor to Thunder Bay.
Set on the shores of Lake Superior, Northern Ontario’s scenic landscapes shine in Thunder Bay. From the quiet cliffs of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, to the crashing cascades of Kakabeka Falls, Thunder Bay contains volumes of natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the wilderness or the city, you’ll find an abundance of things to do in Thunder Bay.
With surrounding attractions like the towering heights of Mount McKay and soaring views of Pigeon River Provincial Park, Thunder Bay is overflowing with natural wonders. In town, the gorgeous gardens of Hillcrest Park and Centennial Park’s greenhouse offer serene retreats for the busy visitor from Windsor.
Uncover the city’s natural resources at the Blue Point Amethyst Mine where Ontario’s official gemstone glitters just below the surface. With a little digging, you can find a stone of your own to take home to Windsor. You’ll also find amethyst throughout the shops of Downtown Fort William, where talented artisans turn the semi-precious stones into one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery.
While you’re exploring Downtown Fort William, step inside the Thunder Bay Historical Museum to discover the city’s past. Set inside the city’s former courthouse and police station, the museum’s venue is as historic as the artifacts.
At Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay’s origins as a fur trading post come to life through historically accurate costumes and buildings that recreate life in the early 19th century.
See what’s current in the city’s cultural scene at the Magnus Theatre. More than just a stage for Thunder Bay’s performing arts, the Magnus is also Northwestern Ontario’s premier professional theatre. If you want even more art, spend an afternoon in the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. After a visit to this gallery, you’ll have a whole new perspective on Thunder Bay to bring back to Windsor.
Pigeon River Provincial Park
Soaring scenery
After your flight from Windsor to Thunder Bay lands, take off for the amazing wilderness of Pigeon River Provincial Park.
Just 45 minutes away from Thunder Bay, Pigeon River sits on the border between Ontario and Minnesota. Thundering waterfalls and thick woods make this park a wildly beautiful destination for visitors from Windsor hoping to get closer to Northern Ontario’s natural wonders.
If you like to hike, step onto Pigeon River’s extensive trail system. Follow the Boardwalk Trail to reach a scenic vantage point above the waters of Lake Superior. The Finger Point Trail points you towards more stunning shoreline views. At the end of this trek, take a break on the park’s chiseled bench, designed with inspiration from the Lake Superior scenery.
Perhaps the most visited path in the park, the High Falls Trail traces along a logging road to the heights of High Falls. Belonging to both Minnesota and Ontario, these waterfalls tower 28 metres over the rocks below. As you walk the loop to High Falls, be on the lookout for the infamous chimney site. This overgrown fireplace and chimney show evidence of what was once a hunting and angling lodge in the 1930s.
While you walk through the woods, keep your eyes on the skies for a chance to spot some of the park’s native birds. With gray jays, ravens, and grosbeaks known to frequent Pigeon River Provincial Park, there’s a good chance you’ll catch a glimpse of feathers flying by.
When Pigeon River’s birds fly south for the winter, the park still bustles with activity. Take to the trails on foot or snowshoe to make the most of Pigeon River Provincial Park, whenever you fly from Windsor to Thunder Bay.
Little Finland
At the Finnish line
Finnish up your visit from Windsor to Thunder Bay with a visit to this Nordic neighbourhood.
Thunder Bay boasts a rich Finnish heritage, with one of the world’s largest Finnish speaking populations outside of the country itself. In the late 1800s a flux of Finns entered Thunder Bay, seeking work in the surrounding logging camps. When they weren’t busy building the city’s lumber industry, the Finnish labour force made their homes in Thunder Bay’s Little Finland.
While the dangerous days of 19th century logging are gone, the neighbourhood preserves its laboured past. Once the main meeting place for the Finnish workers, the Finnish Labour Temple is still at the centre of this community. Over the entrance you’ll see the 100-year-old building’s original inscription: “Labor Omnia Vincet.” Meaning, “labour conquers all” in Latin, these words carry on the legacy of the city’s Finnish loggers.
Today, the Finnish Labour Temple (also known as Big Finn Hall or Finlandia Club) holds heritage festivals and dances, and houses a small museum on site. As a host for Finnish Canadian art exhibitions and the Bay Street Film Festival, this century old structure is constantly bustling with activity.
Behind the basement doors of Big Finn Hall, you’ll find one of Little Finland’s favourite restaurants. The Hoito serves up classic dishes (including thin Finnish Pancakes) in a low-key, cozy venue. Originally opened in 1918 as an affordable way for Little Finland’s lumber workers to eat, The Hoito is still loved by locals and visitors alike.
Pair your pancakes with another essential Finnish experience at the Kangas Restaurant and Sauna. This restaurant-sauna hybrid is just the start of the neighbourhood’s sauna offerings, with dozens more throughout Little Finland. Stop by for a relaxing steam to warm up after you explore the area.
Before leaving Little Finland, make a stop at some of the neighbourhood’s shops. If you’re looking for the best place to find Finnish goods, set a course for Finnport. Open since 1975, this store knows its Marimekko from its Moomin. Whether you’re looking for something for yourself or to bring back to Windsor, you’ll want to see what Finnport has in store.
Getting to Windsor International Airport (YQG)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
Windsor International Airport (YQG) is about 10 km / 6 mi from downtown Windsor.
Transportation
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxis from downtown cost about $25 CAD. Car service costs about $35 CAD.
Take the Transit Windsor 8 Walkerville bus to the airport stop. The fare is $3.00 CAD.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Landing in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is about 5 km / 3 mi from downtown Thunder Bay.
Transportation
Taxis to downtown cost about $30 CAD. Car service costs about $85 CAD.
Take the Thunder Bay Transit 3 Memorial / Airport bus from the airport stop. The fare is $2.65 CAD.
Several hotels offer complimentary shuttle bus service from the airport.
Car rental services are available at Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT).
Thunder Bay International Airport Parking
Driving to Thunder Bay International Airport? The airport provides 100 short term spaces at $3.25 per hour and 50 cents for each additional 10 minutes, and 400 long term spaces at $14 per day or $98 per week.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
