Things to do in Thunder Bay that don’t involve alcohol or drugs

By Marianne Wylie, MSW, RSW

​Trying to avoid drinking or using when in Thunder Bay? Are you finding it harder to resist the temptation when alcohol is more readily available in the city compared to your home community? You aren’t the only one. Many people who visit Thunder Bay want to avoid the temptation to drink or use and find it hard to resist once in the city. People will often avoid leaving their hotel altogether. While this can be helpful, it can also be isolating. Here are some things you can do to fill your time that don’t involve substance use. 

• Eat at a local restaurant. Be sure to ask to sit away from the bar area if there is one. Make sure you’re eating regularly, and try to choose healthy, whole foods that nourish your body. Being under- or malnourished can increase the intensity of urges to drink or use drugs. Avoid restaurants you normally drink at. Change it up. 
• Go out for Coffee. The city has many welcoming, locally-owned cafés (e.g., Calico Coffeehouse, Sweet North Bakery, Bay Village Coffee, Bean Friend Café, Club Cappuccino, and more).
• Explore Thunder Bay’s Outdoor Scenery. Go for a hike along the many trails around the city. Remember to go in groups or pairs for increased safety.
• Visit a museum. Thunder Bay has a lot of interesting museums including the Thunder Bay Museum, Fort William Historical Park, The Alexander Henry Museum Ship, Founders’ Museum and Pioneer Village and more. (www.visitthunderbay.com)
• Go to the local Library. The Thunder Bay Public Library’s 4 locations have many activities and things to do including reading, sharing circles, provide rentals of items like fishing poles for kids and walking poles, and groups and programs for people of all ages! Check them out at www.tbpl.ca.
• Visit a local Art Gallery. Explore the beautiful talent of people in the Thunder Bay District at the Anishinaabe Art Gallery, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Superior Neechee Studio Art Workshops of Indigenous Youth, The Creative, and many more (www.visitthunderbay.com).
• Try renting a canoe or kayak at Boulevard Lake or at the Thunder Bay Harbour.
• See a movie at Silvercity or a live performance at Magnus Theatre or other local productions. (https://magnustheatre.com/)
• Check out Marina Park for many fun things to do for people of all ages. There are often many activities available for families at the park.
• Check out the many Festivals at www.visitthunderbay.com.
• Check out the Thunder Bay Country Market: www.thunderbaycountrymarket.com/
• Go Skating at Thunder Bay’s free outdoor rinks in the wintertime. You can rent skates through “Busted Skate” on Facebook ($10). https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/recreation/outdoor-skating.aspx
• Many local Social Services offer a variety of programs for adults such as beading classes, cooking classes, sharing circles, hiking adventures, etc. You can find these at John Howard Society of Thunder Bay, Beendigen, and Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre.
• Urban Abbey (308 Red River Road) hosts weekly dinners, music nights, and other events for the community at no charge, and serve warm beverages at The Habit coffeehouse.
• Don’t forget to surround yourself with people who will respect your desire to not use or drink. Remind them of your goals and let them know that they don’t have to offer you any, and that you’d prefer to do something else.  
• Some other things to look into: Thunder Bay's various yoga studios (approx. $16), Army of Sass, Crickets Comedy Club, International  Friendship Garden , Centennial Botanical Garden (free), David Thompson Astronomical Observatory (Adults $10, Child $8), and River Rat Rentals Tubing.