Thunder Bay is a city of 150,00 located in northwestern Ontario on Lake Superior. The city has a scenic geographic setting on the lake, with views to the Sleeping Giant cliffs. There’s some decent running in Thunder Bay, mainly incorporating the 56 km of multi-use trails. Unfortunately, except for Marina Park, there aren’t good running options along Lake Superior. Any runner visiting Thunder Bay should make a pilgrimage to the Terry Fox Monument and Statue, commemorated for the amputee & activist who ran across Canada to raise funds for cancer research.
A great way to get oriented to running in Thunder Bay is to park at the terrific Legion Running Track and then run on paths along the Nebbing River, around Friendship Garden, and Chapples Park. In the downtown area, there’s a nice run incorporating Marina Park along Lake Superior, the Ravine Trail, and other central parks. Nearby is the loop Boulevard Lake — among the best places to run in Thunder Bay. Just north of there is scenic trail running in Trowbridge Falls & Centennial Park. For those looking for a longer off-road run in Thunder Bay, there’s a series of multi-use paths in the western part of the city that can be combined for ~10 km one-way. For a destination trail run, the 80 km drive to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is well worth it.
Runners should note that Thunder Bay’s winters are very cold and snowy. This might affect trail conditions. And some trails might be used for XC skiing. Summers are quite warm, by contrast.
