Thunder Bay International Hostel in Shuniah, Northwestern Ontario

Take your time to visit the Thunder Bay International Hostel in Shuniah on the outskirts of Thunder Bay! You won't regret exploring the banks of the MacKenzie River or swim under the MacKenzie Falls or cliff-dive off Silver Harbour in the heart of the Canadian Shield. There are paths through the pine spruce and poplar forest across from the hostel for hikes to the lake or river. You can go amethyst hunting near the newly renovated 11-17 Highway, or travel into nearby Thunder Bay to visit Mount Mackay, Marina Park, or Fort William Historical Park. Guests at the hostel often have guitars and enjoy the crackling sound and heat from a large bonfire. Lloyd the friendly host of the hostel is happy to give people tours of the local 'dump' in hopes of seeing bears (or happening upon discarded 'treasures' with which to make interesting art).

The price is right at $25/night and the place is a real paradise. A shared kitchen is available as is a nice hot shower, a showcase of movies to choose from, and of course WIFI in the office space. Call 807-983-2042 to book your nights, summer or winter, or email info@thunderbayhostel.com.

Hostel of the Week, November 4th to December 15th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Trowbridge Falls Park, Thunder Bay, Northwestern Ontario

Trowbridge Falls Park contains over 600 hectares of boreal forest along the cascading Current River. This beautiful park features a full-service campground with RV and tent sites that is only a short distance from Boulevard Lake and Centennial Parks. Along with hiking, skiing and moutain biking trails, the campground and adjacent Kinsmen Park provide access to popular wading spots on the river. There is a store, washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, firewood sales, water and electrical services at the campground. City shopping and services are close by.

Feature of the Week, May 20th to June 8th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Thunder Bay International Hostel, Shuniah Ontario

The Thunder Bay International Hostel is a backpacker's paradise. Located in Shuniah (18km East of Thunder Bay), Northwestern Ontario it is surrounded by nature.  The hostel is in close proximity to many areas of interest. Swimming at the MacKenzie River is only 2km away. There are many swimming areas along the river and including the MacKenzie Falls. Cliffdiving at Silver Harbour is also very close--about a 3km walk, drive or bike ride to the harbour or cliffs where you can jump into the Lake Superior. The hostel offers free tours of the local garbage dump during dump hours to see the black bears while they forage for food. These lovable creatures are usually there on any given visit, and generally tolerate bear-watchers who leave them be to their daily routine and stand at a respectful distance. On summer nights, bonfires are a real treat at the hostel. Under the starry sky in a clearing in a red-pine forest, and with guitars brought out, guests talk, laugh and sing into the night.

Beds are available at a great low price, and camping is also very inexpensive. A great selection of DVD movies can be borrowed, free WIFI is accessible, and office computers are also available for a small fee. In the Boreal Forest of Northwestern Ontario, at the West end of the Great Lakes, come see what Thunder Bay and the land of the Sleeping Giant has to offer!

Hostel of the Week, October 26th to Nov. 4th
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

 

 

Hurkett Cove Lodge and Hostel in Northwestern Ontario!

Hurkett Cove Lodge and Hostel, is located between Hurkett and Dorion, (also 27km East of Nipigon and 83km East of Thunder Bay), on Hwy 11-17 in Northwestern Ontario!  The area incredibly rich with nature. Nearby is Eagle Canyon Suspension Bridge and Zip Line, Canada's longest suspension bridge. Also close is the Ouimet Canyon, a much smaller but impressive version of the Grand Canyon. Hurkett Dock is an excellent location for bird watching as well as kite surfing, though duck hunting and fishing are a common activity here also.

Hostel of the week, April 24th to May 2nd 2012
Submitted by Kennedy Jones

Backpackers Hostels Canada

7 Days with the Giant Sweepstakes, City of Thunder Bay

Backpacker Hostels Canada's sponsor, the City of Thunder Bay is giving away a trip for four to Thunder Bay, with plenty of other prizes to one lucky group from anywhere in Canada or U.S! The sweepstakes is called, 7 Days With The Giant. Since I live in Thunder Bay, I can tell you the Sleeping Giant is an awesome sight to see every morning, and we are very proud of it here. Go to www.visitthunderbay.com, complete the entry form and submit your entry. The contest closes Thursday, May 31, 2012.

Grand Prize package includes:

• Round-trip airfare for four to Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada from anywhere in Canada and U.S.
• Accommodations at Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre and three nights at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
• Meals at Thunder Bay’s finest restaurants including Caribou, Lot 66 & 5 Forks Fine Food & Drink
• One week car rental with National Car & Truck Rental
• Camping and Outdoor gear supplied by Gear Up For Outdoors
• $100 Grocery Certificate compliments of Tourism Thunder Bay
• A digital camera package provided by Primary Foto Source
• Watercolour Painting of the Sleeping Giant courtesy of local artist Biljana Baker
• 1 Year Free Subscription to Lake Superior Magazine
• Skimming the waves of Lake Superior with a half day fishing charter courtesy of Archies Fishing Charters
• 90 minute Harbour Sailing Tour with SailSuperior.com
• One Round of Golf at the end of the sentence compliments of Golf Thunder Bay
• Admission for four people to Fort William Historical Park
• Admission for four people to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery
• Mountain Biking and Hiking experiences with Epic Adventures in Nipigon, Ontario
  
• A Thunder Bay Observatory Experience for Four

Feature of the week, March 27th to April 6th 2012
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Lakehead University Guest Accommodations, Thunder Bay Ontario

Lakehead University Guest Accommodations, in Thunder Bay, Ontario--available summers, May till August!

Whether you're a conference group looking for a convenient location, a school group looking for an educational environment, a sports group seeking affordable rates, or an individual wanting to stay somewhere with great access to the City of Thunder Bay, Lakehead University Guest Accommodations is an ideal choice.

Lakehead's scenic campus is centrally located within the city and maintains the integrity of its naturally wooded surroundings. Created in 1965 as the University of the North, Lakehead University is located on approximately 150 hectares of land. The campus is situated around man-made Lake Tamblyn and provides the opportunity for many recreational activities throughout the year. Running through the university campus is the McIntyre River which creates a beautiful backdrop for our residence complexes.

During your stay at the University, a variety of indoor and outdoor activities may be enjoyed. Take advantage of Thunder Bay's 28 kms of recreation trails or make use of Lakehead University's recreational facilities including:

Olympic sized swimming pool, Gymnasium, weight room and track, Sauna, Squash, racquetball, basketball, tennis courts and volleyball courts, Climbing wall and indoor soccer field.

Please call Lakehead University Guest Accommodations directly at (807) 343-8485 for more information.

Feature of the week, December 22nd to 30th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

2010 Backpackers Hostels Canada booklet party

2010 Backpackers Hostels Canada Booklet Party

Every year an incredibly chaotic and intense but equally friendly and fun event occurs in Thunder Bay--namely the hostel booklet packing party. This year again, on Tuesday May 18th, we were fortunate to have volunteers of different ages and nationalities come to the booklet-packing headquarters to help pack the envelopes and boxes sent to each of the hostels across Canada.

We appreciate each and every person who participated as each person worked diligently in their duties. In the end we supplied 169 hostels with 2010 BHC Hostel Booklets (as shown in the above-right of this page), which you can now find at any of our member locations across Canada.

Thanks to Fada, Emily, Neil, Julius, Willa, Lloyd, Ralph, Brad, Eugene, Marina, Brendon, Daniel, Tina, Martin (and I was there too, Ken) for making the event so productive and for such great company.

Feature of the Week, June 2nd to 11th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

The city of Thunder Bay, Ontario

The city of Thunder Bay, at the head of Lake Superior, Northwestern Ontario!

Thunder Bay and its surrounding areas offer something for everyone. For the rural explorer; a wide range of parks, conservation areas, trails and green spaces within the city limits and short distances away. For the urban enthusiast; the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Magnus Theatre, OLG Casino and Art Galleries.

Plan an evening at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium to hear the sounds of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Stop by Magnus Theatre, the only professional theatre company in Northwestern Ontario and delight in the skilled acting, writing and direction of the region’s best. Enjoy a first class gaming experience at OLG Casino conveniently located in the heart of the City - play roulette, blackjack, hold em’ poker and slots. Take in one of the many eclectic exhibitions at one of three art galleries. Delve into the contemporary work of First Nations artists with a visit to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Observe cutting edge installations, paintings and films at Definitely Superior Artist-Run Centre + Gallery. Tour the Lakehead Visual Art Gallery for a glimpse of original works in a variety of mediums created by regional artists. Get active or relax - just be sure to take some time to appreciate the clean air, culture and stunning environment.

The four hostel locations in Thunder Bay--Sibley Hall Residence Hostel and Conference Centre, Lakehead University Residence and Conference Centre, Sleeping Giant Guesthouse, and Thunder Bay International Hostel--are proud to have the beautiful city of Thunder Bay as a sponsor of Backpackers Hostels Canada. Come spend a few days exploring the scenery of Thunder Bay and you'll never forget it!

To plan an unforgettable vacation, visit www.visitthunderbay.com.

Feature of the Week, July 20th to July 27th 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada