AAO - Ontario Archivists

The City of Thunder Bay has a population of approximately 110,000. Located at the head of Lake Superior, it features a major grain handling port. Thunder Bay is the largest municipality in northwestern Ontario and is regarded as a regional centre. The city is home to two post secondary institutions, Lakehead University and Confederation College. Major industries in the region include forestry and pulp and paper manufacturing, as well as a light rail plant operated by Bombardier. Mining is becoming more important farther north, with Thunder Bay set to act as a service centre.

Thunder Bay grew from the amalgamation of the cities of Fort William and Port Arthur in 1970. Prior to that the area was a major gathering centre for aboriginal peoples, and had a large fur trading post which featured prominently in the annual Rendezvous. During the First and Second World Wars, the cities were greatly involved in manufacturing transport ships, mine sweepers, and airplanes. C.D. Howe, known as the Minister of Everything, directed the war effort and had his riding in Port Arthur.

With the close proximity of Fort William First Nations, aboriginal culture can be seen in many places in Thunder Bay. Many shops and art galleries feature aboriginal works of art, as well as aboriginal crafts. Thunder Bay also has one of the largest populations of Finnish people outside Finland. The Bay street area of Port Arthur shows their impact on the city. Be sure to check out the historic Finnish Labour Temple while dining in its basement at the Hoito Restaurant.

To learn more about the many things to do in Thunder Bay please view the pages.