Downtown Thunder Bay, particularly the Waterfront District along the shores of Lake Superior, is a food lover’s dream. With cafés, bakeries, markets, restaurants, breweries and artisan shops all within walking distance, you can easily stroll from pastries to cocktails without ever needing a car.
This lively area brings together the best of the city’s growing culinary scene, where small businesses and passionate makers serve up flavours that celebrate Thunder Bay.
From morning coffee to late-night bites, here are some of the best stops to make for a full day of tasting and sipping your way through downtown Thunder Bay’s Waterfront District.
Start the Day: Swell Bakeshop and St. Paul Roastery
Where: 15a St Paul St, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map) and 11 St Paul St, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
A great spot to begin your day includes a visit to Swell Bakeshop and St. Paul Roastery. The two businesses are connected with a passthrough door inside, making it an ideal double stop for a light breakfast or a midmorning pick-me-up.
At Swell Bakeshop, the pastry case is filled with small-batch creations like buttery croissants, unique seasonal treats like pumpkin pie danishes and freshly baked breads that all pair beautifully with coffee.
A few steps away, St. Paul Roastery serves freshly roasted beans brewed with care, from rich espresso to smooth pour-overs. Together they create an easygoing, delicious start to your day in downtown Thunder Bay.
Explore and Eat: Goods & Co. Market
Where: 251 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
A short walk away, Goods & Co. Market anchors the downtown food and shopping scene. Set inside a restored historic building, the market brings together local food vendors, creative artisans and an inviting mix of shops. It’s a lively place to browse handmade goods, pick up local produce, or grab a bite when hunger strikes.
Before grabbing a bite, take a moment to enjoy the Co.Lab Contemporary Art Gallery located inside the market. This creative space showcases the work of regional artists and adds a thoughtful cultural touch to your visit.
Once you’ve soaked in the art, it’s time to eat. Dining options inside the market include local favourites like Bread and Butter, known for their epic sandwich combos. Enjoy hearty sandwiches like the Reuben, or a classic beef dip sandwich served with au jus.
For a sweet treat, stop by Uncommon Baked Goods. Their menu changes with the seasons and is always inventive. A recent highlight included a spiced apple choux pastry filled with white chocolate cream. The bakery’s irresistible cake cups are a year-round favourite. We couldn’t resist the carrot cake during our visit.
Before you head out, take a stroll through Superior Seasons Market to stock up on local goods to bring home.
The shop features fresh, regional produce from local growers like Belluz Farms, as well as pantry staples and artisanal products made right in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario. You’ll find items like Heartbeat Hot Sauce, stone-milled flour from Brule Creek Farms and currated teas and wild rice from Tea Horse.
Sun-Down Cocktails At the Woodside Bar
Make note to come back as the evening approaches. The market transforms into a lively social hub.
The Woodside Bar inside Goods & Co. offers an inviting nightlife experience with handcrafted cocktails, local beer and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for winding down after a day of exploring.
While you’re there be sure to browse their seasonal cocktail menu and try the Northern Pear, a delicious fall-inspired cocktail made with gin, maple and topped with fresh pear slices to toast to your Thunder Bay adventure.
Learn and Taste: AfroGourmets
Inside Goods & Co., AfroGourmets brings global flavours and hands-on food experiences to Thunder Bay. This Feast On® certified business celebrates African and international cuisines while showcasing the best of Ontario ingredients.
Experience downtown Thunder Bay with a unique hands-on experience that leaves you with new recipes and a little extra confidence in the kitchen.
Guided by chef and owner Awa, whose warmth and passion make every class memorable, you’ll dive into vibrant flavours and learn some cooking techniques.
During our visit we prepared Moroccan-inspired dips like creamy hummus and a spiced beet spread then used them to build flavourful shawarma wraps with chicken we marinated and cooked ourselves.
The evening ended gathered around a communal table enjoying our creations, a delicious and personal experience that captures Thunder Bay’s welcoming culinary spirit.
Local Sips and Casual Bites: Lakehead Beer Co. and Tomlin Subdivision
Where: 206 Park Ave, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
For those who love local brews and bold flavours, make time for Lakehead Beer Co. and Tomlin Subdivision. Though they operate as two separate businesses, they share a connected space that encourages visitors to enjoy both.
At Lakehead Beer Co., you can sample a rotating selection of small-batch beers brewed on-site, from crisp lagers to hop-forward IPAs and limited seasonal releases.
A great option to start with is the Pilsner, a classic take on a traditional German style beer. Brewed with a single locally produced malt and finished with a subtle dry-hop of Spalt Select and American Noble Simcoe, it offers a light note of lemon that is refreshing and brewed on-site with precision.
To try some of their more innovative brews, keep an eye out for rotating seasonal brews like the Cherry Wave, a bright and tangy sour that’s easy-sipping and full of character.
Next door, Tomlin Subdivision serves a delicious menu built around Detroit-style pizza, shareable snacks and loaded sub sandwiches.
Their most popular choice on the menu is the Ezzo pizza, which features that signature crispy-edged, thick crust topped with tangy tomato sauce and Ezzo pepperoni, a local favourite that delivers big flavour in every bite.
For something smaller but just as satisfying, the fried pickle coins are delightfully cheeky, salty and best dunked in a rich and creamy ranch sauce.
Together, Lakehead Beer Co. and Tomlin Subdivision create an energetic, laid-back space where good food, friends and local craft beverages meet in the heart of Thunder Bay’s downtown.
A Cool Pause: Prime Gelato
Where: 200 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
When you’re ready to take a break from exploring, step into Prime Gelato for a sweet and refreshing scoop of gelato.
This small-batch gelateria crafts its gelato using traditional Italian methods and quality ingredients. The flavours range from a decadent double chocolate to creative dairy-free options like a tropical piña colada.
Whether you sit inside to take in the view of the waterfront or take your cup to walk the waterfront path, it’s a delicious way to slow down.
Smoky Showstoppers: Red Lion Smokehouse
Where: 16 Cumberland St S, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
A cornerstone of downtown Thunder Bay’s dining scene is local barbecue restaurant and smokehouse, Red Lion Smokehouse. This Feast On® certified restaurant is known for its commitment to local ingredients and craft, creating a menu that’s both hearty and refined.
Start your meal with their Scotch eggs, a rich and savoury appetizer that combines crispy sausage coating with a soft egg center that makes for a deeply satisfying first bite.
Next, sink your teeth into The Smokeshow, winner of the 2024 Novemburger of the Year. This indulgent burger features twin smashed patties layered with smoked cheddar, American cheese, maple bacon and the works all served under a sage-smoked cloche for an aromatic table-side finish that steals the show.
A menu item recommended by our server was the Loaded Poutine Burger, a hidden gem and a true ode to Canadian comfort food. Topped with crispy fries, cheese curds and rich gravy, it’s an indulgent twist that’s as familiar as it is over the top.
To complement it all, Red Lion showcases a stellar lineup of local brews, including favourites from Lakehead Beer Co., Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. and other Ontario craft producers.
Whether you’re sipping a pint of something local or trying one of their rotating guest taps, every pour feels connected to the community. With its lively, convivial atmosphere, regular live music and a welcoming crowd of locals, Red Lion is more than a restaurant, it’s a community hub and a must-visit stop on any Thunder Bay itinerary.
Ready to Taste Thunder Bay?
From flaky pastries to juicy smash burgers and local brews, downtown Thunder Bay offers a full day of taste adventures that celebrates local flavour.
Bring your appetite, and taste for yourself how Thunder Bay’s downtown has become one of northern Ontario’s most delicious destinations!
