CORPORATE + SPORTS EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Transcription

1 THUNDER BAY CORPORATE + SPORTS EXPERIENCE GUIDE Meetings, Conventions & Corporate Retreats Sports We re Connected Food For Thought Business, Meet Pleasure

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3 Let Thunder Bay be your host where modernity meets tradition, where culture and wilderness coincide, a place that offers year-round activities and attractions to suit every palate. 1

4 THUND CORPORATE & SPORTS GUIDE Publisher Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay Tourism Division Design & Production Generator Strategy Advertising Editor RoseMarie Mancusa Tourism Thunder Bay Printing Lakehead Printing PHOTOGRAPHY Tourism Thunder Bay would like to acknowledge the many photographers and our industry partners who have contributed to the production of this guide. Tourism Thunder Bay makes no representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, of any kind with respect to the contents of this publication. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, it is possible that the information in this guide contains errors or omissions. Please verify information with the listed suppliers. While Tourism Thunder Bay takes reasonable care in selecting the listed suppliers, it does not have any control over them or their suppliers. Tourism Thunder Bay cannot be responsible for any of the acts or omissions of any suppliers. One of Canada s best outdoor cities Within minutes of the Thunder Bay International Airport five full service convention hotels More than Guest Rooms including new branded hotel properties Versatile sports complexes with a proven track record to host championship sports events From farm to table fresh, locally sourced, seasonally inspired dining City of Thunder Bay Tourism Division P.O.Box 800 Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5K4 Toll-free: visitthunderbay.com

5 ER BAY THE NATURAL CHOICE for a superior event Situated in the heart of Canada on Lake Superior s iconic north shore, Thunder Bay is easily accessible via ground, water and air. Here you ll discover a place where modernity meets tradition, where culture and wilderness coincide, a place where mixing business and pleasure is not only tolerated, it s actively encouraged. Home to over 120,000 inhabitants, the influence of European and First Nations cultures runs deep, providing a rich tapestry of history and heritage. It s in the way we talk, it s in the food we eat, it s in the things we do. Thunder Bay s dazzling array of event spaces means your hardest decision will be which one to choose. From our wide and varied selection you ll get the best of all worlds purpose-built event spaces, superior service, and firstclass amenities all delivered within breathtaking natural settings. CONTENTS Meetings, Conventions & Corporate Retreats 4 Sports 12 We re Connected 18 Food For Thought 20 Business, Meet Pleasure 24 3

6 Meeting Facilities at a Glance MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS & CORPORATE RETREATS This vibrant, bustling city by the bay is an inspired destination for meetings, conventions and corporate retreats, boasting big city amenities with all the comfort and ease of a small town. Planning an event in Thunder Bay means never having to compromise. From city centre convention hotels, to lakeside resorts, to remote wilderness retreats, Thunder Bay has it all. Choose from an array of meeting and convention properties featuring flexible meeting spaces and state-of-the-art technology. 4

7 SITE Total Sq. Footage for Events Largest Room (sq. ft.) Banquets (people) Theatre Style (people) Displays (booths) Guest Rooms Catering Available CONVENTION HOTELS Valhalla Inn 17,354 8, , Y Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre 15,000 9, , Y Airlane Hotel + Conference Centre 10,500 3, Y Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites 10,109 3, Y Best Western Plus Nor Wester Hotel & Conference Centre 8,978 5, Y HOTELS Marriott s TownePlace Suites 2,100 1, Y Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1,200 1, Y Days Inn & Suites Thunder Bay Days Inn Thunder Bay North Delta Hotel Coming Soon! Available on Request Available on Request UNIQUE & INTIMATE MEETING VENUES SLEEPS Fort William Historical Park Amphitheatre: 50,000 patron capacity 6, guests (shared bunk house) Camping (18 serviced 24 Non-serviced) Y Lakehead University* 140, guests May August Y *ADVANCED ACADEMIC & TECHNOLOGY CENTRE: STATE-OF-THE-ART SETTING FEATURING SMART CLASSROOMS, BOARD ROOMS, STUDENT LOUNGE AND INTERNET ATRIUM The Sports Dome 85,000 85, Y Confederation College 37,502 9, (Largest) 82 (Smallest) 25 (Residence see below) Canadian Lakehead Exhibition 35,000 10,800 1,000 1, Y DaVinci Centre 12,400 6, Y Italian Cultural Centre Y Thunder Bay Art Gallery 6,175 3, (Meeting Room) (Cocktail Meeting Room/Lobby) Whitewater Golf Club 2,820 2, Y Confederation College Residence & Conference Centre 2, Mink Mountain Resort 2, Chippewa Park Wilderness Discovery Family Resort & Conference Centre 1,943 1, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park guests May August 7 Units (20 Guests) 7 Cabins (28 Guests) 5 Cabins (32 Guests) 6 Units (60 Guests) 5 Y Y Y Available on Request Y -

8 THE MAJORS THUNDER BAY S LEADING FULL SERVICE EVENT SPACES Offering modern and flexible spaces to meet. Located within minutes of the Thunder Bay International Airport means easy arrivals, comfortable stays combined with service that anticipates your needs, all under one roof. TOP to BOTTOM INSET: Airlane Hotel & Conference Centre, Valhalla Inn, Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre THUNDER BAY AIRPORT HOTELS Accessible, connected, comfortable and convenient. With their uber-convenient locations next to the Thunder Bay International Airport and nestled amongst a bustling business district these three properties offer comfort, top-notch service and easy access to all major highways that will take you anywhere you need to be within the city. VALHALLA INN AIRLANE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE VICTORIA INN HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTRE 6

9 IT S A FACT: 2121 hours (305 days) of sunshine a year PRINCE ARTHUR WATERFRONT HOTEL AND SUITES With its ideal downtown location, the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel and Suites is Thunder Bay s most historic hotel and currently the only waterfront property in the city offering guests unobstructed views of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant. BEST WESTERN PLUS NOR WESTER HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE Located a short drive down Hwy 61, the Best Western Nor Wester Hotel and Conference Centre offers unbeatable views of the Nor Wester Mountains. Business visitors wake up to fresh mountain air. 7

10 UNIQUE SPACES A sample of stand-out event spaces in and around the Thunder Bay area. Host your next event at one of the many beautiful natural settings in and around the City surrounded by lush greenery, sunny blue skies, and historic and artistic inspirations. FORT WILLIAM HISTORICAL PARK World-class meeting & conference facilities in the middle of a living history attraction? Yes, it does exist. Host your next event in one of North America s Top Living History Attractions. Surrounded by nature, inspired by history! SILVER MOUNTAIN STATION Corporate retreats & intimate gatherings in a warm and rustic setting. Offering a unique setting that will make your event one that everyone talks about! WHITEWATER GOLF CLUB Meetings take on another dimension when paired with a good game of golf! Rushing rapids, mountainous backdrops, state-of-the-art conference facilities inside-to-out, Whitewater Golf Club has you covered. 8

11 IT S A FACT: The vast majority of the Gallery s Permanent Collection is Aboriginal Art, making it one of the most significant collections in Canada. Thunder Bay is the heart of amethyst country! THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY Add creativity to your next meeting. Exhibit a little artistic flair and hold your next meeting at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. The inspirational, creative ambience will make your event memorable, exciting and entertaining. These semi-precious gemstones are found in quantity in the Thunder Bay area. MEETING on CAMPUS Get schooled in the Art of Event Planning When you take a real look at the cost of meeting at a College or University, it all adds up to a great value. Looking for a little academic inspiration? Plan your next convention or event on campus. Lakehead University and Confederation College both offer full service, grade-a professional meeting spaces. more possiblities.. The Sports Dome Italian Cultural Centre The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Centre Fort William Country Club DaVinci Centre Mink Mountain Resort Chippewa Park Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Find the best location for your event with just the click of a button. visitthunderbay.com Experience Conservation Areas and explore networks of trails while viewing nature, cascading falls and sparkling waters. lakeheadca.com 9

12 PLEASED TO MEET YOU LAURI HOSKINS VALHALLA INN Lauri has been the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Valhalla Inn since 2013, but her ties to the hotel go back much further. After 10 years in various positions at the Valhalla Inn and almost 10 years as a hospitality professional in the United States, Lauri s career path has come full circle, returning to the Valhalla Inn Sales Department in Featuring striking Scandinavianinspired décor throughout, the Valhalla Inn is one of the largest and most respected convention locations in Thunder Bay, providing the highest standard of service with a personal touch. In addition to the facilities and services that you would expect of a full service convention hotel, the Valhalla offers clients fully customizable packages. Together with the hotel s Catering Consultants, Lauri will help you create an event that s as hands-on or hands-off as you like. For Lauri, it s relationships that come first, not the hard sell. It all starts with getting to know the client and a conversation about needs and requirements. Then we work towards building and executing that dream. Lauri will work with you to ensure every detail of your event, both in and out of the hotel, is met from meeting facilities, equipment, and logistics, to planned excursions, entertainment and dining options. We re not just selling the Valhalla Inn, says Lauri, we re selling the complete Thunder Bay experience. EDWIN MARTINEZ BEST WESTERN PLUS NOR WESTER HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE With an employment history that includes Norwegian Cruise Lines, the OLG Casino, and ten years at the Nor Wester first as Director of Sales and Marketing and now Head of Business Development Edwin Martinez brings over 20 years of international hospitality experience to the table. Located a short distance outside the city, the Nor Wester delivers big city amenities within a stunning rural mountain setting. This certified ecofriendly hotel offers a free shuttle, customizable menus designed to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, complimentary high speed internet in every room, and unique features such as windows, patios and balconies all of which overlook the mountains. From time to time, Edwin has been known to assemble a welcome package for guests featuring handmade delicacies created by local independent artisans. When working with Edwin, you can expect unparalleled service and personal attention. The Best Western Mission is to lead the industry in superior customer care and we have created that culture amongst our staff, says Edwin. When hosting delegates it s important that everyone s needs are met and exceeded, and that our guests feel that we genuinely care, not just about attaining their business but more importantly ensuring their satisfaction. People do business with people they know and like! RACHELLE MURPHY AIRLANE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE Rachelle may have been at the Airlane for only four years but in that time she s gained a variety of experience - first as a Front Desk Clerk, then as the Executive Meeting Manager and now as the hotel s Area Sales Manager. The Airlane prides itself on its motto a guest when you enter, a friend when you leave, and with Rachelle at the helm, your experience is sure to live up to that promise. In addition to a complimentary shuttle service, free high speed internet and all the other amenities you d expect, the Airlane offers 10,500 sq feet of meeting space with room to accommodate groups from 5 to 300 people. When it comes to planning events a comfortable working relationship is always the most important factor, says Rachelle. I want our clients to know I care about them and their meeting and I ll go above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect. From offering upgrades to leaving handwritten notes or gifts in guests rooms, Rachelle will have your back, ensuring every detail is covered and that you are comfortable. First and foremost we care about our guests and their experience, says Rachelle, and I believe that s a big part of what makes us successful. 10

13 Meet your local team. Consider us an extension of your staff. Everything that matters to you matters to us! LIS MASDEA+ SHAWNA BEAULIEU VICTORIA INN HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTRE Conveniently located just minutes from the airport, the Victoria Inn is one of Thunder Bay s notable full-service hotels and convention centers. With Lis and Shawna working in unison, planning your event here means getting two professional sales representatives catering to your every need. For Lis and Shawna a successful event always starts with a positive working relationship. Once that personal connection has been established and the Victoria Inn is confident they can accommodate your event, they then invite you for a site visit. You can spend up to two years with a Planner organizing an event, says Shawna. It s great finally seeing it all come together and the end result is really rewarding. Lis and Shawna are passionate about what they do and take exceptional pride in the services they provide. So much so that the hotel offers a $500 Banquet Guarantee, which ensures all meetings are executed as specified. Plus, they guarantee callbacks within 2 business hours, or you will receive a $25 gift certificate towards your next meeting. The Victoria Inn is also the official caterer for Fort William Historical Park yet another unique and exceptional meeting venue. KORY MORABITO PRINCE ARTHUR WATERFRONT HOTEL & SUITES Featuring original fixtures and décor, the Prince Arthur Hotel has been a landmark building in downtown Thunder Bay since This well-appointed hotel offers historic grandeur and unrivalled views of the waterfront, Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant. What s more, planning an event at the Prince Arthur Hotel means you ll be working closely with one of the hospitality industry s most well-known and respected Sales Representatives, Kory Morabito. Like so many professionals in her field Kory began her career at a young age, working her way up through the industry to the position she now holds. As a lifelong Thunder Bay native and amateur history buff, Kory is a great ambassador not just for the hotel but for the city of Thunder Bay too. Kory will do her utmost to ensure you have a memorable experience both in the hotel during the event and out and about as you explore the city and beyond. With 10,000 square feet of inviting convention space; lake view dining and guest rooms; and with complimentary shuttle service, the Prince Arthur is an inspired location with an ideal downtown location. Your attendees will love the fact that the city s vibrant dining, arts and entertainment scene is just a short walk away. WE WANT TO PROVIDE MORE VALUE TO OUR MEETING & EVENT PLANNERS. IT S A FACT: Tourism Thunder Bay offers a dedicated, in-house Convention & Visitor Services Coordinator. Take advantage of our relationship with partner hotels and local service providers. Let us be your first point of contact. Rose Marie Tarnowski rtarnowski@thunderbay.ca at your service Whether you need a professional photographer or the services of a decorator to add some flair to your event our extensive offering of local service providers are available to help with all your planning needs. Review our Convention Services Directory at visitthunderbay.com (Meetings & Conventions) 11

14 Anil Mungal SPORTS THUNDER BAY IS SPORTS CENTRAL. WHERE ATHLETES COME TO PLAY! Discover why we are the ideal host city for sports of all seasons. With over 400 years of welcoming visitors to the centre of Canada, Thunder Bay has a history for staging top-notch tournaments, races, bonspiels and championship events. 12

15 Mike Lavoie SPORTING VENUES at a Glance SITE Fort William Gardens Fort William Stadium Port Arthur Stadium Chapples Park Stadium Canada Games Complex C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (Lakehead University) The Hanger (Lakehead University) seating 3371 arena seats 4600 with floor seating 1600 fixed and 2400 with bleachers 3800 fixed and bleachers 5400 with extra bleachers 2000 fixed and bleachers Ice Surface (Floor Area) 85 x 190 Box Suites (2), Media & Announce Booths Connects to Fort William Curling Club (80 x 200 ) IAAF certified 400 metre 8 lane all-weather track with a steeplechase water jump, high jump and pole vault areas and triple / long jump pits. Artificial turf field for soccer and football Lights and Scoreboard Natural grass baseball facility LF 330 CF 400 LF 330 Digital Scoreboard, Lighting Upgrades, Media Box Natural grass soccer pitch meters x 75 meters VIP, Media and Announce Boxes 864 Fixed Aquatic, fitness & recreation facility 77-metre, 8-lane pool includes 25m warm-up area 3-Diving Towers (5m, 7.5m & 10m) + 4-spring boards (1m & 3m) Fitness centre, indoor track & squash courts 800 pullout bleachers 1100 standing room No Fixed Seating ( for special events) area OF PLAY 15,000 sq. ft. gymnasium 2000 seat pullout bleachers 50m eight lane swimming pool Squash court, fitness & medical centre 55,000 sq. ft. indoor multipurpose facility 200m indoor track & Pro Grade Artificial Turf Field Fitness & medical centre MORE WINNING SPACES: TWO CROSS-COUNTRY SKI FACILITIES with over 45 kms of groomed trails TWO ALPINE SKI HILLS with 25+ runs THREE CURLING CLUBS with 20 sheets of ice FOUR 18-HOLE GOLF COURSES including championship links at Whitewater 85,000 SQUARE FOOT MULTI-USE artificial turf facility The Sports Dome NINE COURT TENNIS FACILITY with lights Photo: James Mirabelli 13

16 Anil Mungal TIME OUT! From comfortable and affordable ACCOMMODATIONS to fresh, seasonally inspired FOOD to fuel athletic excellence, Thunder Bay s hospitality sector has a proven track record for hosting large volume, high profile events. HOTEL GUEST ROOMS BANQUET SEATING DINING Valhalla Inn Full Service Restaurants (2) Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre Full Service Restaurant Airlane Hotel & Conference Centre Full Service Restaurant Marriot TownPlace Suites Breakfast (Complimentary) Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites Full Service Restaurant Days Inn & Suites Thunder Bay Breakfast (Complimentary) Days Inn Thunder Bay North Breakfast (Complimentary) Best Western Plus Nor Wester Hotel Full Service Restaurant & Conference Centre Holiday Inn Express Breakfast (Complimentary) Best Western Crossroads Inn 84 Breakfast (Complimentary) Comfort Inn 78 Breakfast (Complimentary) Travelodge Thunder Bay 78 Restaurant (Lunch & Dinner) Breakfast (Complimentary) Compare rates and Book Hotels and Experiences visitthunderbay.com 14 ACCOMMODATIONS AT A GLANCE Guest Rooms including new branded hotel properties Motels, Inns, Bed & Breakfasts, Campgrounds, Resorts and Cottages Five Full Service Hotels with banquet facilities Residence at Lakehead University sleeps 750 guests and Confederation College sleeps 229 guests [May August] BANQUET FACILITIES Events big or small, we re ready to serve you. VENUE BANQUET SEATING Canadian Lakehead Exhibition 1000 Lakehead University 1000 DaVinci Centre 550 Italian Cultural Centre 500 Slovak Legion 400 Fort William Historical Park 375 Confederation College 350 Columbus Centre 250 Current River Recreation Centre 240 Fort William Country Club 200 Whitewater Golf Club 200 Chippewa Park Pavilion 150

17 WHY THUNDER BAY? 1. excellent sports facilities and affordable accommodations 2. friendly, accessible community with an international airport 3. skilled volunteers and inspired spectators with a passion for sports 4. northern hospitality where athletes take centre stage 5. engaged media coverage from start to finish LOOK WHO S BEEN HERE & WHO S COMING 2017 U-18 Baseball World Cup 2016 Can-Am Police-Fire Games 2015 Canadian Cross-Country Ski Championships 2014 Canadian Lightning Sailing Championships Canadian Big League Little League Championships 2013 The Dominion Canadian Curling Club Championships Canadian All-star Girls Soccer Championships Canadian Senior Little League Championships 2012 Canadian National Dart Championships 2011 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2010 World Junior Baseball Championships Canadian University Men s Hockey Championships COORDINATED APPROACH TO PURSUING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS Executing a successful event in Thunder Bay starts with community support and an interest in becoming a host city. Our local sport organizations have a proven track record for executing high profile events making it easy for the City of Thunder Bay to champion promising BID opportunities. Here is our commitment to success: Liaison with sport facility managers and local accommodations Direction with sponsorship, funding and volunteer support Letters of support local politicians, sponsors, sports clubs Access to funding via EVENT DEVELOPMENT GRANT Cross marketing opportunities with media partners and local attractions Access to world-wide marketing via Tourism Thunder Bay Thunder Bay Welcoming Packages and gifts for your participants 15

18 Brook McIlroy Architects / David Whittaker Photographer VOLUNTEERS ARE THE SPIRIT, THE LIFEBLOOD, THE EVANGELISTS FOR ANY SPORTS EVENT. Sited in Adrenalin Canadian Sport Tourism Magazine WE WITNESSED TREMENDOUS COMMITMENT BY VOLUNTEERS AND MEMBERS OF THE THUNDER BAY SKI COMMUNITY AS THEY SHOVELED AND TRUCKED IN SNOW FROM AROUND THUNDER BAY TO ENSURE OUR EVENT COULD BE HELD IN Dave Dryer, Event Director Cross Country Canada World Championship baseball returns in 2017 after Thunder Bay amazed the international baseball community with its volunteer and spectator support in IT S A FACT: Thunder Bay, with its strong Nordic roots has the largest Finnish population outside of Finland. 16

19 The 2013 Dominion Canadian Curling Club Championships saw 28 provincial and territorial teams compete for Canadian men s and women s titles in what was described as the best in the five year history of this national championship. IT S A FACT: Fort William and Port Arthur Curling Clubs both date back to the late 1800 s. The 18-hole 7,293 yards par-72 layout at Whitewater Golf Club is the pure golfing experience that attracted the PGA Brand of professional golf to Thunder Bay. Mike Lavoie IT S A FACT: PGA CANADA TOUR boasts Thunder Bay as a tour stop in 2014, 2015, and 2016 with The Staal Foundation Open. Fans can expect to see some of the best young PGA tour prospects from around the world. Rick Monday, President PGA Tour Canada IT S A FACT: The Lakehead University Thunderwolves are one of the top draws in Canadian University hockey averaging 3000 fans per game, near sellouts at the Fort William Gardens. GET CONNECTED Host a winning event in Thunder Bay! THE CITY OF THUNDER BAY VALUES SPORTS TOURISM. Employing an in-house Special Events Developer and a Tourism Development Officer specializing in Sport Event Planning coupled with a multi-sport community of organizers, leaders and volunteers our local team definitely has the home town advantage for servicing championship events. CONTACT John Cameron Tourism Development Officer City of Thunder Bay Tourism Division jcameron@thunderbay.ca Where Athletes Come to Play 17

20 we re connected! The Thunder Bay International Airport is the 4th busiest in Ontario and is a one or two-hour flight from major centres in Canada. Just shy of 780,000 passengers and roughly 2.3 million meeters & greeters frequented the Airport in Thunder Bay continues to be well served by Air Canada Jazz, Porter Airlines and Westjet, with Bearskin Airlines, Wasaya Airways and Nakina Air Service continuing to network passengers within the region and the North. IT S A FACT: The Thunder Bay International Airport remains the lowest priced of Canada s National Airports and the only one with no airport improvement/passenger departure fees. MINNESOTA Duluth ONTARIO Thunder Bay DRIVING KM MILES DISTANCE Duluth Minneapolis Winnipeg Sault Ste. Marie Milwaukee Sudbury Chicago North Bay Detroit Toronto Ottawa Niagara Falls Kingston Buffalo Montreal Minneapolis WISCONSIN St. Paul Milwaukee Located near the geographical centre of Canada, Thunder Bay is easily accessible via ground, water or air. Situated near the Trans-Canada Highway, the Ontario/Minnesota border crossing is less than one hour south of Thunder Bay. IT S A FACT: A Regional Business Hub Lake Michigan Lake Huron Toronto Lake Erie Ottawa Lake Ontario Thunder Bay is a vibrant and growing community and is the region s commercial, administrative and medical hub. From trees to transportation to the new frontier for research, health and life sciences, the community stands for hard work and innovation. Canadian Business Magazine ranked Thunder Bay in the top ten best cities in Canada in which to conduct business (2005). 18

21 WE LL GET YOU AROUND Daily flight arrival and departure information at Thunder Bay Airport tbairport.on.ca Tel: (807) It s easy travelling around Thunder Bay. A world away from the big city stresses of back to back traffic - Thunder Bay s abundant ground transportation options make this a very accessible destination. From rental cars, taxi, limo, hotel shuttles and city transit to motorcoach or chartered bus, we ll get you anywhere you need to be in record time. IT S A FACT: The City s Engineering and Parks Divisions have developed a comprehensive Active Transportation plan aimed at making Thunder Bay one of the most bikeable and walkable communities in Canada. discovery walks Self-guided walking tours are one of the best ways to get to know a city. Get some exercise while discovering the architecture of our historic neighbourhoods, the calibre and variety of our public artworks all while enjoying spontaneous local diversions along the way. I TBAY T-SHIRTS various retails locations Ihearttbay.ca The City of Thunder Bay has 36 kilometres of paved recreational trails for public enjoyment. 19

22 bight Restaurant and Bar food FOR thought CONVENTION HOTEL CHEFS ARE INJECTING LOCAL, FRESH AND SEASONALLY INSPIRED INGREDIENTS INTO LARGE CROWD CUISINE. Awaken your senses to Thunder Bay s thriving culinary scene the perfect blend of taste, imagination, and just a dash of our unique northern flair. The locavore movement has gained momentum in Thunder Bay. Discerning chefs and diners alike are embracing fresh, sustainably grown and raised produce. This translates into more and more hotels, restaurants and catering menus serving up ingredients straight from farm to table to you. THE PRODUCERS DeBruins, Belluz Farms and Gammondale Farm yield beautiful produce that tastes even better than it looks. Tarrymore Farm, Mile Hill Farm, and Sandy Acres are just a handful of local farms supplying ethically raised, grass-fed and pastured, hormone and GMO-free meat to kitchens throughout the city. Growing their own grain, Brule Creek Farms is leading the way in organic milled products. For delicious, fresh, straight-fromthe-lake fish, smoked the old fashioned way The Fish Shop. 20

23 FOUND LOCAL Just a sampling of some of Thunder Bay s most preferred suppliers of fresh & local. PLUS... more at visitthunderbay.com TOP to BOTTOM: Caribou Restaurant & Wine Bar, Bistro One, Lot 66, The Silver Birch, Giorg Ristorante THE PERSIAN Thunder Bay locals have grown up with the Persian, the only place where they are baked. The recipe for this popular, icingcovered treat remains a secret. Whether the icing contains raspberries or strawberries is still a hot topic of debate among Persian-aficionados. Former city residents fondly recall Persian sales at local high schools to raise funds for sports teams and school clubs, and often make a stop at The Persian Man when in town. Award Winning Made with fresh milk from their own Holstein cows and containing no added preservatives or colouring Thunder Oak Cheese Farm s Dutch Gouda come in 13 different flavours. 21

24 CHECK EM ALL OUT ONLINE visitthunderbay.com (Shopping & Dining Section) ON FOUR WHEELS Food Trucks have hit the streets of Thunder Bay - offering fine food on four wheels. Check out one of many trucks either stationary or moving through-out the streets of Thunder Bay. 22

25 Shaved root vegetable salad A Fine Fit NEW ON THE SCENE First opened in 2012, the Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. has the distinction of being the only brewery between the Muskokas and Manitoba. Serving fresh, authentic, handcrafted ales and stouts, this locally owned and operated brew house exemplifies everything that s good about the real ale resurgence in North America. CATER TO ALL TASTES Read on to discover some of Thunder Bay s hot spot destinations and a sampling of caterers that deliver fresh, locally sourced, seasonally inspired dining. CATERERS: A Fine Fit Ambiance Fox on the Run Salt & Pepper Private Catering Sweet Pea s The Blue Door Bistro The Redhead & The Chef It may take some finding but the Sovereign Room is definitely worth seeking out. Winner of the 2013 New Business Award, The Sov features craft ales, high backed wooden booths, hip music, and a menu the likes of which you d expect to find in a upscale restaurant, making this charming gastropub one of the city s most happening spots. Overlooking the newly developed Prince Arthur s Landing marina and commanding spectacular views of the Sleeping Giant, bight Restaurant and Bar (left) serves up a local and seasonally-inspired fresh menu in a modern yet relaxed atmosphere. 23

26 PLEASURE Meetings, Conventions and Sport Championships are serious business. We get that. But you know what they say about all work and no play. If time permits, sneak in some quality team building time and maybe even have some fun doing it. Business, Meet Pleasure 24

27 LOIS NUTTALL RECECPTIVE TOUR OPERATOR take the guess work out of planning memorable experiences for your attendees. Growing up in the family school bus and charter company, Lois has a lifetime of experience in helping people get where they need to go. Thunder Bay and Northwest Ontario are two of Lois principal passions and her desire to spread the message has been a lifelong labour of love. Over the past 30 years and as a long-time member of the Ontario Motorcoach Association she has dedicated herself to the hospitality and touring industry, first with the family business, then as an out-bound tour operator with Bayway Transit and Tours, and finally with Lake Superior Visits, her in-bound tour business, which she still operates today. Established back in 1992 and built around the tagline great guides and getaways, Lake Superior Visits employs local tour guides to bring Northwest Ontario alive and showcase all the wonderful attractions the city of Thunder Bay and the Lake Superior area has to offer. From orientation and small corporate tours, to convention excursions, spousal tours and everything in between, Lois and her team will work tirelessly to augment your event by building a customized itinerary for your group and ensuring you get the best out of your time in our city. Outgoing, detail oriented and in love with the area, she s the expert on local attractions and sights, and the one call you make to kick it up a notch for your attendees. So after over 30 years in the hospitality industry what keeps her motivated? I love sharing our area with people because they always come away amazed, says Lois. I feel what we do and what we have here is a well kept secret, the treasure of the shield. superiorvisits.com 25

28 VENTURE OUT WITH YOUR GROUP OR SOLO EXPERIENCE THE LAKE EFFECT From sailing and kayaking, to windsurfing and fishing Lake Superior is the perfect destination for all forms of aquatic activities. And what better way to explore the world s largest freshwater lake than by sailboat? INSET: Aerial tours with Wilderness North RIGHT: Sailing with Sailsuperior.com BELOW: Kayakers at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park 26

29 NOTABLE Home to some of the world s most beautiful protected parks, such as Quetico, Wabikimi, Pukaskwa, Lake Superior Marine Conservation Area, and the Sleeping Giant peninsula, few places can boast the magnificent scenery and unspoiled wilderness on offer in Thunder Bay and it s surrounding region. Hike kayak, cycle or camp however you choose to experience the area s beautiful landscape, one thing you can count on is an adventure you ll never forget. Planning a winter event? With fantastic cross country and downhill skiing, natural and man-made ice rinks, dog sledding expeditions, snowmobiling and world class ice climbing, no one does cold weather recreation better. For a preview of more great things to see and do in the Thunder Bay area, get inspired at visitthunderbay.com Lois Nuttall 27

30 CANADIAN GOLF HAS A NEW HOME This summer, PGA TOUR Canada comes to Thunder Bay. Don t miss your chance to see Canada s brightest up-andcoming golf stars as they battle for a place on the coveted Web.com Tour. THE ROAR STARTS HERE MIKE WEIR PGA TOUR CANADA ALUMNUS WHITEWATER GOLF CLUB THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, CANADA PLATINUM SPONSORS MEDIA SPONSORS MAROSTICA To buy tickets, volunteer, caddie or for more information about this exciting event go to, STAALOPEN.CA COMMUNICATION SPONSORS Design and creative by Generator.

31 Look Who s Playing on Paul s Street... For the Best live entertainment be sure to visit the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium - Located at 1 Paul Shaffer Drive! Our impressive 1,500-seat performing arts centre is one of the finest concert halls in North America, and offers some of the best acoustics in the world... Enjoy an evening of Dance, Symphony, Broadway, Theatre, Comedy and Popular Music - ranging from Classic Rock, Jazz, Roots or Country, to Hard Rock or Punk to name a few... There s something for everyone at Your Thunder Bay Community Auditorium! Visit to See Who s Playing Next!

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33 C YC LIN SAIL ING NO G K AY NO A CULRTS & TUR E RT HW ES T O N TA FIS HIN NORTHWEST ONTARIO NIC L CYCLING OOKKAYAKING OUT RT HW ES T O N TA RIO G RT HW ES T O N TA RIO HIK I NG BIRDING PRO VINC PATOURING RKS IAL WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND? HIKING CAM PIN CULI NAR Y NG CULINARY FESTIVALS + ATTRACTIONS SCE NO AKI RIO SAILING FE ATTRSTIVAL ACT S + ION S G WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND? BIRD ING TOU RIN G HER ATTR ITAG ACTI E O NS HERITAGE ARTS & PROVINCIAL ATTRACTIONS FISHING R unforgettable Working late? Stuck in traffic? Or you could give humdrum the heave-ho and exploreo Northwest CULTURE PARKS C the everyday C L Ontario a whole new world of adventure is waiting. So what are you waiting I for? EscapeK and M MOT BIN give it a go one weekend won t be enough. ORC G YCL Northwest Ontario, Canada Close enough to experience far from conventional. ING CAMPING MOTORCYCLING NORTHWEST ONTARIO visitnorthwestontario.com SCENIC LOOKOUT NORTHWEST ONTARIO ROCK CLIMBING LAKE SUPERIOR ADVENTURES Harbour Tours Marina Park, Thunder Bay (807) Events thunderbay.ca/eventcalendar For a complete listing of Events and Festivals happening during your visit to Thunder Bay view the City s Event Calendar or The Walleye. Book an afternoon or evening sail for your convention delegates. There s no better way to relax and refocus! DURING YOUR STAY CHECK OUT the WalleyE for THUNDER BAY S BEST MUSIC LISTING AND DETAILS ON SHOWS vailable for free at thewalleye.ca A and on newsstands Monthly!

34 Red Lake Winnipeg Kenora Sioux Lookout Dryden Fort Frances Thunder Bay Kapuskasing Timmins Sault Ste. Marie Sudbury North Bay You plan the perfect visit We ll provide the perfect venue Group Packages Available Full Banquet and Conference Facilities Indoor Pool, Spa and Fitness Centre Timbers and Runway 25 Restaurants valhallainn.com Reservations

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