ISSUE #102

Good morning,

Sorry about Wednesday. I had family in from out of town that kept me busy! But we’re back and with a To-Do listing to boot! I hope everyone had a fun, safe, Canada Day and is looking forward to the weekend!

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Thunder Bay museum swings doors open 🖼

• Daily Poll - Did you know it existed?

• Crazy storm ripped through town 🌪

• Huge crowd on Canada Day 🍁

• Dangerous waves hit superior shoreline 🌊

• Visit Duluth to enter to win a cruise 🚢

• Tbay marks Indigenous Survivors Day

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Marina penthouse n 🏡

- Marcus Luft

History

Thunder Bay Museum’s Canada Day Gallery Doors Swing Open

On July 2, post-Canada Day excitement continued at the Thunder Bay Museum, which threw open its doors for a special Canada Day Long Weekend program (11 a.m.–5 p.m.). Visitors were greeted by the new exhibit marking the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Pacific Railway, complete with historic photos, artifacts, and interactive displays. Kids dove into a vibrant colouring contest, while families took self-guided tours through galleries spotlighting the region’s rich history—from Indigenous trade routes to lakeshore discoveries.

Curator Olivia Thompson shared that the exhibit “offers a peek into how the CPR connected Thunder Bay to the wider country,” and the team was thrilled to see a steady stream of enthusiastic guests. A free admission day for families added to the festive vibe, echoing Thunderbird Park’s celebratory mood. According to museum staff, the gallery buzz was especially high around the immersive train diorama with working lights and Steam Engine models.

The museum plans extended summer programming, including themed tours and guest lectures throughout July. On the heels of Canada Day, the museum’s celebration continues—but the history lessons and photo ops are just getting warmed up!

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Wednesday’s Results:

You can download the full results (including comments) here in an Excel file (email addresses have been removed for anonymity).

Weather

Northern Lights Chimney? Ontario Storm Watch Lights Up the Sky

A severe storm alert swept across Northwestern Ontario on June 30, with tornado watches and heat warnings issued.

The region braced for sudden downpours, hail, and abrupt wind shifts. Skywatchers were on high alert—and got rewarded, with social media buzzing about dramatic clouds and lightning shows at dusk.

While no confirmed tornadoes touched down nearby, meteorologists say rapid summer storms can surprise—even far north. The message? Keep your weather apps open, your camera ready, and stay weather-wise this season.

Canada

Canada Day on the Waterfront Draws Huge Crowds to Marina Park

On July 1, thousands flocked to Thunder Bay’s Canada Day on the Waterfront celebration at Marina Park.

The event kicked off with a Sunrise Ceremony and a sacred fire, then transitioned to a buzzing festival featuring food trucks, cultural performances, live music (Luke Warm & the Cold Ones headlined), and family-friendly activities like bubble stations and skate demos.

The St. Lawrence II tall ship welcomed public tours between 3–6 p.m. for curious explorers. Event organizer Karen Kadolph beamed, “We’ve gone big this year,” praising the diversity of music, food, and cultural representation. Vendors loved the crowd vibes.

The day wrapped up without fireworks but plenty of festive spirit, solidifying Marina Park as the go-to summertime hangout.

Superior

Impressive Lake Superior Seiche Rocks the Coast

On June 21, a rare seiche rippled through Lake Superior after a powerful storm—waves slammed shores from Duluth to Thunder Bay, toppling boats and rattling docks.

These standing waves, triggered by sudden pressure drops and wind bursts, sent photos and videos across social media, prompting skywatchers to take notice.

Meteorologists explained that though it’s not a tornado, a seiche can create unusual water movement with surprising intensity. The event served as a reminder of Lake Superior’s unpredictable might—and the dramatic forces tucked into Northern Ontario’s summer storms.

Tourists

Great Lakes Museum Raffles Off Freighter Cruises

Local maritime fans, get ready—tickets for Great Lakes freighter cruises are now up for grabs!

The Lake Superior Marine Museum Association launched their “Luck of the Lakes” raffle: first prize is a cruise aboard the Edwin H. Gott, a beloved freighter; second prize is a shorter excursion; and third prize offers a two-hour private boat tour.

Tickets are $10 each or three for $25, available through the Duluth Maritime Visitor Center. Raffle proceeds support historic shipping preservation—so even if you're not planning a voyage, you're helping keep the Great Lakes maritime story alive.

Indigenous News

Thunder Bay Marks Indigenous Survivors Day with Sacred Ceremonies

On June 30, Thunder Bay officially observed Indigenous Survivors Day with a moving flag raising at City Hall and a sacred fire ceremony at Hillcrest Park. The morning began with a ceremony led by Fort William First Nation Chief Michele Solomon, followed by Elder Elizabeth Peltier sharing her personal experiences at a residential school.

City Manager of Indigenous Relations, Tanis Thompson, emphasized the emotional power of this day, noting it prompts reflection on historical and ongoing trauma—especially poignant just before Canada Day. She stated, “It’s a very significant day when we look back and reflect to see how far we’ve come.”

The event helped carve space for healing, storytelling, and community unity. Attendees closed with a ceremonial smoke blessing, marking the day as one of remembrance, recognition, and cultural renewal.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

July 4

PIEROGI DAYS!!!
Local pierogi festival celebrating Polish cuisine
Location TBA (check listings)
9:00 am
$ FREE 

Storytime with Queens & Kings
Family drag-queen storytime & crafting
Waverley Library – 285 Red River Road
2:30 pm–4:00 pm
$ FREE 

Misfits Matchmaking: Pride Edition
Singles social game night hosted by Mz. Molly Poppinz
Woodside Bar (inside Goods & Co.) – 251 Red River Road
8:30 pm–11:30 pm
$10 

Thunder Bay Country Market
Local vendors, fresh produce & crafts
Dove Building, Canadian Lakehead Exhibition – 126 E. Memorial Ave
3:30 pm
$ FREE

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar Night
Live piano & vocal entertainment
Shooters Tavern – 303 Red River Road
8:00 pm
$ FREE 

Bron of Osiris Metalcore Show
High-energy metalcore concert
Black Pirates Pub – 215 Red River Road
9:00 pm–11:30 pm
$25 

Chippewa Park (daily amenities)
Amusement rides, concessions, beach & Muskeg Express train
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
12:00 pm–4:00 pm (train), park open daily
$ FREE entry; Muskeg Express $1–$2.50 

Boulevard Lake Park
Picnic spots, beach, canoe rentals & scenic trails
Boulevard Lake Park – Boulevard Lake
All day
$ FREE (amenities priced separately) 

Current River Greenway
Scenic riverfront trails & lookout points
Current River Greenway – Arundel Street off Boulevard Lake
All day
$ FREE

July 5

Tai Chi in the Park
Gentle outdoor tai chi session for all ages
Hillcrest Park – High Street N
7:30 am
$ FREE

Thunder Bay Country Market
Local vendors, fresh produce, baking & crafts
Dove Building, CLE Grounds – 425 Northern Avenue
8:00 am–1:00 pm
$ FREE

Goods & Co Market
Urban artisan market with local shops & pop-ups
Goods & Co Market – 251 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE

Chippewa Park Rides & Concessions
Amusement rides, cotton candy, beach access & Muskeg Express train
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry (rides individually priced)

Pride After Dark at Black Pirates Pub
19+ drag, dance and Pride-themed nightclub party
Black Pirates Pub – 215 Red River Road
Doors 9:00 pm / Show at 10:00 pm
$ Cover TBD

Tin Pan Alley at Wayland Bar & Grill
Live performance by local classic rock cover band
Wayland Bar & Grill – 1019 Gore Street W
10:00 pm
$5 cover

July 6

Jazz & Old-Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Relaxed live jazz with classic cocktail vibes
Venue TBA
6:00 pm
$ FREE (?) 

Acoustic Night at Norteños Taqueria
Laid-back local acoustic music evening
Norteños Taqueria – 235 Red River Rd
7:00 pm
$ FREE 

Bar Polonia – Sundays Live Music
Casual live music performances
Bar Polonia – 209 N Cumberland St
8:00 pm
$ FREE 

Luke Warm & the Cold Ones at The Foundry
Rock/pop covers in a laid-back venue
The Foundry – 242 Red River Rd
10:00 pm
$ FREE 

Cheap & Easy at Wayland Bar & Grill
Classic rock and punk cover band night
Wayland Bar & Grill – 1019 Gore St W
10:00 pm
$ FREE (?) 

Chippewa Park Rides & Concessions
Amusement rides, Muskeg Express train, beach access
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry; rides priced individually 

Thunder Bay Country Market
Local vendors offering produce, baking & crafts
Dove Building, CLE Grounds – 126 E Memorial Ave
8:00 am–1:00 pm
$ FREE

Goods & Co Market
Urban artisan pop-up market with workshops
Goods & Co Market – 251 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE

Home of the Day

P2605 - 2260 Sleeping Giant Parkway

(Realtors if you want your home featured - send us an email: [email protected])

4 bedrooms
3 bathroom
2,168 sqft

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