Local Shops

Step outside the hotel and the Waterfront District opens into a walkable mix of independent boutiques, specialty shops, galleries and creative businesses. Along Red River Road, Court Street and Cumberland Street, you’ll find locally made gifts, jewellery, clothing, home goods and small-batch finds that feel distinctly Thunder Bay.

Take your time and follow whatever catches your eye. The district is home to more than 100 businesses, with cafés and restaurants tucked between shops—making it easy to turn an afternoon browse into coffee, lunch or a drink by the lake. For an even wider look at the city’s makers and merchants, continue toward Bay & Algoma or visit the Thunder Bay Country Market for regional food, crafts and artisan goods.

Shopping locally is one of the simplest ways to experience the character of Thunder Bay. Ask shopkeepers about the artists and makers behind what you see, look for work created in Northwestern Ontario, and leave room in your bag for something that carries a little of the lake home with you.