Thunder Bay Museum

About this activity

History is waiting to be explored at the Thunder Bay Museum! This fascinating museum tells the story of the history and change of Northwestern Ontario over the past 10,000 years.

Thunder Bay Museum features four galleries that are spread across three floors, as well as a library which can be accessed by researchers. Don't miss a stop by the gift shop on your way out!

The Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society was created all the way back in 1908 as a way to preserve and interpret the history of Northwestern Ontario (with a history so fascinating, that makes sense!)

Among the Society’s many accomplishments during its early years, was the publication of a series of incredibly valuable historical reports as well as the construction of a monument to the original Fort William fur trading post at the foot of McTavish Street in Thunder Bay! This was all unveiled in 1916, and by 1942, enough documents and artifacts had been collected to warrant the opening of a museum - which as you guessed, is Thunder Bay Museum!

Exploring the first and third floors you'll find long-term exhibits which chronicle the over 10,000 year history of the area. The second floor gallery is where travelling exhibits from other museums can be found, and the Antechamber Gallery on the third floor is devoted to the celebration of the community’s artistic and creative endeavours, and the displays rotate approximately three times per year so there is always something to go back to enjoy!

History is waiting to be discovered at Thunder Bay Museum!