Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a city rich in history and culture, nestled on the shores of Lake Superior. As the most populous municipality in Northwestern Ontario, it boasts a population of 108,843 according to the 2021 Canadian Census. The city's metropolitan area, which includes the municipalities of Oliver Paipoonge and Neebing, the townships of Shuniah, Conmee, O'Connor, and Gillies, and the Fort William First Nation, has a population of 123,258.
The Thunder Bay area was originally inhabited by the Anishinaabe peoples, including the Ojibwa. European settlement began in the late 17th century with French fur trading posts. The region grew into a significant transportation hub, with its port playing a crucial role in shipping grain and other products from western Canada through the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway to the east coast.
The 20th century brought significant growth to Thunder Bay, Ontario, with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1875 sparking a rivalry between the towns of Fort William and Port Arthur. This rivalry ended with their amalgamation in 1970 to form the City of Thunder Bay. The city's economy, initially based on forestry and manufacturing, transitioned to a "knowledge economy" focused on medical research and education.
On 1 January 1970, the City of Thunder Bay was formed through the merger of the cities of Fort William, Port Arthur, and the geographic townships of Neebing and McIntyre. The city's name, derived from the immense Thunder Bay at the head of Lake Superior, was chosen through a referendum.
Today, Thunder Bay, Ontario serves as the regional services centre for Northwestern Ontario, with most provincial departments represented. The city is home to Lakehead University and Confederation College, both of which contribute significantly to the city's "knowledge economy."
Thunder Bay, Ontario, covers an area of 328.48 square kilometres, encompassing the former cities of Fort William and Port Arthur, as well as the former townships of Neebing and McIntyre. The city's geography reflects the settlement patterns of the 19th century, with distinct neighbourhoods such as the Bay and Algoma area, Simpson-Ogden, the East End, Intercity, Current River, and Westfort.
Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a cultural capital of Canada, with a diverse population represented by various cultural centres. The city is home to the largest concentration of Finnish descendants in Canada and a significant Indigenous population. Thunder Bay's rich culture is reflected in its numerous music and performance arts venues, museums, galleries, and annual festivals.
Thunder Bay, Ontario, offers a variety of sports and recreational facilities, including community centres, ice rinks, pools, and golf courses. The city has hosted several large sporting events, including the Summer Canada Games, the Nordic World Ski Championships, and the U-18 Baseball World Cup.
Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a key transport hub, with air, rail, and shipping traffic due to its strategic location along major continental transport routes. The city is served by the Thunder Bay International Airport, the fourth busiest airport in Ontario, and is an important railway hub, served by both the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railway.
Thunder Bay, Ontario, is home to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, the city's major hospital. Other health care services include the St. Joseph's Care Group and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Thunder Bay, Ontario, has five sister cities on three continents, including Seinäjoki, Finland; Little Canada, Minnesota, United States; Duluth, Minnesota, United States; Gifu, Japan; Jiaozuo, China; and Siderno, Italy. These relationships are based on economic, cultural, and political criteria.
