When you think of romantic getaways to Eastern Canada, you might think of the streetlights shining on the cobblestone streets of Quebec City or Toronto’s vibrant nightlife. If you keep heading west on the Great Lakes, you’ll reach Thunder Bay, the sunniest city in Eastern Canada.
Perched north of the 48th parallel, summer days last longer than 17 hours. As if to bring in even more light, the region “invented” daylight savings time in 1908, eight years before Germany! While the bigger cities bask in the glow of their electric lights piercing the night, Thunder Bay romance blossoms under near-endless summer days.
Here’s our three-day itinerary that captures the very best of Thunder Bay for a romantic, adventurous escape.
Day One: Arrival, Waterfalls, and Waterfront Magic
Your love story in Thunder Bay begins as you touch down at the airport and pick up your rental car—a simple act that feels like a blank page ready to be filled with shared memories.
Check into the Delta Hotel by Marriott, a sleek waterfront property that’s both modern and cozy. With sweeping views of Lake Superior and the iconic Sleeping Giant, it’s the perfect home base to set the mood for the days ahead. Don’t worry if you have to arrive the night before. For all its beauty, Delta Hotel is surprisingly affordable.
After settling in, start your adventure with breakfast at the hotel’s Anchor & Ore restaurant.
While the menu is straightforward, the lakeside views turn a simple morning meal into a moment to savor. Grab sandwiches and snacks from Maltese Grocery before hitting the road.
For your first taste of Thunder Bay’s natural wonders, head to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. Known as the “Niagara of the North,” Kakabeka Falls is a jaw-dropping sight, with water thundering down a 130-foot drop. Wander along the boardwalks hand-in-hand, feeling the mist on your skin—a sensory reminder that you’re far from ordinary life.
Continue your adventure to Pigeon River Provincial Park on the border with Minnesota. Take a short hike to High Falls, a quieter, more intimate spot to steal a kiss or enjoy each other’s company away from the crowds. The cross-border trails here offer an unusual twist—if you both have passports, you can hike in two countries to the same falls in the same afternoon. Few things say “adventure together” quite like that.
Later in the day, wander back to the waterfront and explore Prince Arthur’s Landing, a lively hub with art installations, sailboats bobbing in the marina, and wide-open boardwalks perfect for sunset strolls.
Wrap up your first day with dinner at Bight Restaurant & Bar, located in the Water Garden Pavilion at Prince Arthur’s Landing. It’s in the heart of Thunder Bay’s scenic marina and just a stone’s throw away from the Delta Hotel. The natural beauty of the lakefront patio provides the perfect backdrop for the local and seasonally inspired menus. The waterfront sunset and fresh air make it a great spot to linger over cocktails and reminisce about your favorite parts of the day.
Day Two: Sleeping Giant and Sail Superior
Today, you’re getting ready for an epic adventure of giant proportions. Go ahead and order the breakfast poutine at Daytona’s Restaurant before taking the scenic drive to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. The “sleeping giant” is a hill at the end of a peninsula that resembles a giant lying on its back.
Go big or go home, and it’s not time to go home yet. Today, you’re taking your relationship to new heights by conquering the 10-mile, out-and-back Head Trail that climbs over 1,800′ to the top of the giant’s head. Take the short detour on the Sea Lion Trail for an unobstructed view of your goal, gather your courage, and then take it to the top.
Next, head next door to the iconic Silver Islet General Store to celebrate your victory or commiserate the agony of “de feet.” The tea room offers fresh-baked goods and light lunches, including Thunder Bay’s most famous pastry, a purple-glazed fried cinnamon roll called a Persian.
Return to your hotel room to freshen up before heading out for dinner at Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar. The modern North American foodie haunt creates an experience that’s not only uniquely Thunder Bay, it’s unique unto itself. There’s nothing more romantic than a meticulously paired glass of wine with scrumptious food while you relive your adventures of the day.
Your day and wine aren’t over yet because Saturday night is Sail Superior‘s signature monohull wine and cheese tour. You board your vessel, the Journeyer, from the docks in front of your hotel and embark on a scenic harbor tour as the summer sun fades from the sky.
Day Three: Canyon Views and Crystal Hues
Your final full day begins with breakfast at Rooster’s Bistro, a local favorite renowned for its hearty plates and strong coffee—perfect fuel for a big day ahead. Before leaving town, fill your reserve tank (aka picnic lunch) with fresh local produce, baked goods, and full-service deli at George’s Market & Celebrations.
Once you’re fueled up, hit the road east to Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park. The easy 1.2-mile loop offers dramatic views over a gorge that feels almost prehistoric. Hold each other close as you peer over the edge—it’s breathtaking in more ways than one.
Next, head to Eagle Canyon Adventures, home to Canada’s longest suspension bridge, which extends 600 feet across and 152 above the canyon floor. Crossing these swinging spans together is equal parts thrilling and hilarious, and you’ll leave with photos (and memories) that are sure to make friends jealous.
From there, continue your drive to Amethyst Mine Panorama. There’s something wonderfully childlike and romantic about searching for your own shimmering treasures. Find a stone together, and take it home as a memento of your adventure.
On your way back, stop at the Terry Fox Scenic Lookout for a moment of reflection and a sweeping view of Lake Superior. Fox was an athlete who lost a leg from cancer. Undaunted, he began his Marathon of Hope across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He traveled from the Atlantic Coast to Thunder Bay, running nearly a full marathon every day for 143 days and covering a total of 3,339 miles.
Fox’s journey ended a few miles from the lookout because his cancer had returned and spread to his lungs. Less than a year later, he died from the disease. He was the youngest person named a Companion of the Order of Canada, and over C$900 million has been raised in his name through the Terry Fox Research Foundation.
The Terry Fox Lookout is the perfect place to pause, breathe in the crisp air, and feel grateful for the journey you’ve shared. If you ever think you have difficulties in your relationship, ask yourself, “What would Terry Fox do- WWTFD.”
As evening falls, head to Norteños Cantina for dinner. This vibrant Mexican restaurant brings an unexpected splash of color and spice to Thunder Bay. Share tacos, sip mezcal cocktails, and let the flavors transport you south of the border—even if only for a couple of hours.
Final Thoughts
Thunder Bay may not be the first place that comes to mind for a romantic getaway, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s a place for dreams and dreamers where you can chase waterfalls, cross canyons, explore the deep woods, and find hidden crystals together. Here, adventure and intimacy blend seamlessly, offering couples the chance to reconnect in the wildest, most beautiful ways.
Pack your hiking boots, your sense of curiosity, and your favorite person—and discover that love stories can unfold in the most unexpected corners of Canada.
Ready to Book Your Trip? These Links Will Make It Easy:
Airfare:
Car Rental:
Insurance:
- Protect your trip and yourself with Squaremouth and Medjet
- Safeguard your digital information by using a VPN. We love NordVPN as it is superfast for streaming Netflix
- Stay safe on the go and stay connected with an eSim card through AloSIM
Our Packing Favs:
- We LOVE Matador Equipment for their innovative products and sustainability focus. Their SEG45 is a game changer when you need large capacity while packing light.
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from Knack Bags
- Packing cubes make organized packing a breeze! We love these from Eagle Creek
Disclosure: A big thank you to Visit Thunder Bay for hosting us and setting up a fantastic itinerary! For more Medora travel inspiration, check out their Instagram and Facebook accounts.
As always, the views and opinions expressed are entirely our own, and we only recommend brands and destinations that we 100% stand behind.
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Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel.
