Gathering Spaces for GRANDs
A list of favourite Thunder Bay parks, suggested by participants. Check out these spots for chats, picnics and story circles with friends and family. View all the spots on Google Maps by clicking the button below or view the individual listings below.
Alma Adair Park
Corner of Walsh and Waterloo Streets
“There’s a gazebo there if it’s sunny or raining. Nice little urban park with land donated by a son to honour his mother, Alma.”
Boulevard Lake
400 Lyon Blvd West
“Check out the sculpture garden on the east side of the lake!”
“Enjoy a picnic area near the Rita Street parking lot. Nice spot to watch kayakers on the lake.”
“There are numerous spots to park or pull over on the west side of the lake, near the beach, the playground, and the developing water garden.”
Cascades Conservation Area
1157 Balsam Street, approximately 3.5 km north of the Thunder Bay Expressway (Hwy 11/17)
“Lovely gazebo for shade and pleasant walking trails. An oasis in the city!”
“There is a paved loop off the parking lot for a gentle stroll but the lower paths are gravel.”
Centennial Botanical Conservatory
Dease Street off Balmoral Avenue
“The Conservatory is closed for renovation but the grounds are a lovely meeting place with plenty of parking and a coffee shop nearby.”
Centennial Park
Centennial Park Drive off Arundel Street
“A short walk across the bridge from the parking lot to paths along Current River and many scenic spots to enjoy the view.”
Central Natural Environmental Gardens
Central Avenue & 10th Avenue
“Ecosuperior has done a wonderful job at this gathering space. It truly is a sanctuary in the heart of our city. It showcases pesticide-free approaches to horticulture and landscaping through the use of native plant species. Watch for butterflies and maybe deer! A covered pavilion and washroom facilities make it a must visit for a picnic. You can practice your photography skills here too.”
Chippewa Park
2465 City Road
“Walk from the break wall all the way around the beach.”
“This is one of the best spots for bird watching in Thunder Bay. Bring a chair and watch the show!”
Dick Waddington Park
431 Dewe Avenue
“This is a new park that has plenty of parking. It’s a great spot to gather with friends for lunch outdoors. It’s beside the Current River Community Centre. You can take a short trail through to Boulevard Lake.”
Heath Park & Pool
1251 Heath Street, corner of Heath St & Francis Street West
“A gem! Features the Heath Park Pool open in July & August. Wonderful mature trees so good for bird watching and visiting. It’s an oasis in Westfort!”
“This is a cool summer retreat at a pool with a large grassy space, mature shade trees and accessible parking.”
George Burke Park
127 Montgomery Street, off Balmoral
“This is a lovely green space between Balmoral and Golf Links Road with many spots to stop and enjoy the McIntyre River and its peaceful setting.”
Green Space below the Former Sir John A McDonald School
On Hinton Avenue where McVicar’s Creek crosses Hinton
“A large open green space with a beautiful water garden, some treed areas where you can sit and write or paint. The old school is now owned by Nordmin.”
Hillcrest Park
High Street between Red River Road & Oliver Road
“I love this park with its beautiful views. It’s calming.”
Hope & Memory Garden
958 Balmoral Street on McIntyre River
“This treasured space was started by volunteers over 20 years ago. Sit, enjoy and be hopeful.”
Junot Park
60 Junot Avenue
“This park near a playground is beautifully landscaped, well maintained with paved paths, benches and a nearby parking lot.”
Lorne Allard Fisherman’s Park
24 Shipyard Road
“This is an interesting little park at the mouth of Current River where some commercial fishers moor their boats. The ice dams are a powerful sight to see in the spring with enormous chunks of ice pushed up on the banks. There is a picnic table and places to sit and enjoy the river.”
Marina Park
Marina Park Drive
“A Thunder Bay gem and community gathering place. The Spirit Garden is a special place to reflect and connect.”
McIntyre/Neebing Lake Superior shore footpath and benches
110th Avenue
“There is a little parking lot on 110th Avenue near the river. This park has benches along the river and plenty of birds to watch.”
Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area
Turn on Main Street (off of the Harbour Expressway), then turn right onto Island Drive. Follow it all the way until you reach the end, and make a left on 106th St. Follow it until you reach the Conservation Area parking lot.
“This is an interesting area to bird watch, watch people wind surfing or just sit and enjoy the beauty of Lake Superior and nature.”
Paterson Park
Downtown Fort William on May Street
“This is a nice small community park lined with oak trees with a fountain in the middle. There are about 10 benches.”
St Paul’s Anglican Church Labyrinth
808 Ridgeway Street
“On the grounds of the church is a replica of a labyrinth in the Chartes Cathedral in France. Walk this one in quiet contemplation. You will eventually get to the centre. A beautiful way to take a time-out in our busy lives.”
Silver Harbour Conservation Area
Shuniah
“There are short paths, a green area for picnics and a great scenes of Lake Superior.
Soroptomist International Friendship Gardens
Victoria Avenue & Legion Park Dr.
“One of the best parks for writing and sketching in Thunder Bay! Plenty of benches and lovely scenery.”
Terry Fox Monument
Highway 11/17, 1 kilometre (.6mi) east of Hodder Avenue
“There is a panoramic view of Thunder Bay, well kept grounds, picnic areas, wheelchair accessible building with washrooms”. “A special tribute to a remarkable Canadian hero and mentor.”
Thornloe Park
627 Thornloe Dr.
“A well maintained, accessible green space with paved trails, mature trees.”
Vickers Park
Arthur Street & Selkirk Avenue
“This beautiful park with mature trees, children’s playground, walking trails, picnic tables and benches is a Fort William gem.” “A new gazebo provides shelter from rain or sun.”
Waverly Park
Red River Road & Algoma Street
“A beautiful spot. In the summer the entertainment schedule is a delight.”