General Info & Registration
The City of Thunder Bay’s Recreation & Culture Division offers a wide range of recreational programs, services and facilities for people of all ages! View the navigation menu on the left for upcoming programs, events, services and facility information, or scroll down to browse programs.
Registration for Winter 2025 programming begins Monday, December 9th at 8:30am.
Courses and program information are available for viewing on Perfect Mind prior to registration going live. Login to your Perfect Mind account to be prepared for registration day!
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available for some City programs and rentals through PRO Kids and the Affordable Access to Recreation & Transit program.
PRO KidsAffordable Access Program (Adults)
Services for People with Disabilities
The Community Services Department works to improve the availability and accessibility of recreation for people of all ages and abilities. Information and program support is provided to assist people with a disability to participate in recreation activities. For more information, please call 807-626-6565 (Children & Youth) or 807-684-3338 (Adults) or the the TTY Relay Service at 711.
Children and Youth
Neighbourhood Recreation Program (NRP)
GRADES SK-6
Mondays – Thursdays
NRP is a free, inclusive registered recreation program for children offered in the City of Thunder Bay.
Join our staff after the bell for crafts, games, activities and sports, as well as a daily snack! NRP runs at the school’s dismissal and runs for two hours.
Our Leaders are trained in First Aid, the High Five principles of Healthy Childhood Development, Behaviour Management, Inclusion, and more.
NRP Locations:
- St. Margaret School
- St. Thomas Aquinas School
- Westmount Public School
If your child would benefit from support through Junior Inclusion Services please email jis@thunderbay.ca prior to registering.
For general program information:
Apply for Jobs with
Children and Youth Programs
We are currently hiring for our summer programs positions! If you are interested in applying to work in our programs, visit the city of Thunder Bay jobs page for job descriptions and to apply!
Qualifications:
- Standard First Aid, Level C CPR
- High Five PHCD
- Completed Grade 10 (or 16 years old)
- Police Record Check, Vulnerable sector (over 18)
Available Positions from Summer 2024:
- Program Co-ordinator
- Children & Youth Specialist
- Program Co-ordinator Junior Inclusion Services
- Junior Inclusion Services Facilitator
- Children & Youth Leader
The deadline to apply is February 18th!
Youth Move
FOR AGES 10-18
Drop In
Youth are encouraged to join us at any of our drop in locations (see below) during the week! Upon your first visit we will confirm we have a Participant Information Form (emergency contacts, allergies, etc.) on file. We enjoy snacks, outdoor games, crafts, board games, and more at our drop in programs.
KINSMEN CENTRE – 609 James St N
Mon-Fri 3:30-7:30pm, Sat 1-4pm
MINNESOTA PARK – 820 Minnesota St
Mondays and Fridays, 3:30-7:30pm
NORTH END REC – 954 Huron Ave.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-7:30pm
CANADA GAMES COMPLEX – 420 Winnipeg Ave
Fridays, 6:30-8:30 (bathing suit required)
Special Events & Virtual
Special Events occur at various locations around Thunder Bay. These include themed activities at our locations and outings with community partners (rock climbing, escape room, etc). Our Virtual Program features a new recipe or craft provided in a kit for each session with a link to join virtually!
Questions on programs? Call (807) 625-2344
Junior Inclusion Services
Meet Friends, Have Fun, Participate!
One-On-One Support
Facilitating the inclusion of Children & Youth with disabilities in the Recreation & Culture Division’s Programming
- JIS support is FREE! (not including registration fees)
- A site or virtual visit will be conducted prior to the start of support
- To initially apply for JIS, complete a Participant Intake Form
- Please contact us prior to registering for a program
JIS supports the Recreation & Culture Division’s Children and Youth programs, swimming lessons and 4U programs.
4U Programs
The 4U Programs are specialized programming for children and youth with disabilities. This session we will be running Swim 4U and Fit 4U.
- Swim 4U will be running at Churchill Pool, Wednesday evenings, January 15 – February 19, 2025.
- Fit 4U will begin March 19, 2025 and run until April 23, 2025.
- The cost is $25 per 4U program.
To register or if you have any questions, please email jis@thunderbay.ca.
PRO Kids
PRO Kids makes it possible for children and youth to get involved in activities when families cannot afford the fees.
Application forms are also available at:
- Public Libraries
- Canada Games Complex
- Volunteer Pool
- Churchill Pool
- Victoriaville Civic Centre
PRO Kids partners with over 200 community activity providers! View our Partner List
For more information, visit our website or contact us:
Older Adults
55 Plus Community Programs
Unless noted all programs in the table below are drop in, no registration required.
| Activity | Dates/Times | Location | Cost | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LU Hangar Walks | Tuesdays, Oct 29 - Dec 3 from 2:30-3:30 pm AND Thursdays, October 31 - Dec 5 from 10:00-11:00 am | Lakehead University Hangar, 955 Oliver Rd. | FREE | No registration required. Please pay for parking outside of main entrance doors at parking machine. $1.50 per hour. Please bring indoor shoes. Parking passes will be available through the LU Parking Authority at 807-343-8110 or by email at parking@lakeheadu.ca. Can also be paid on site for $1.50. |
| Photography Club | Mondays, September 9 - December 2, 2024. (weather permitting). Time: 1:30-2:30 pm | Locations vary weekly | FREE | For weekly location information contact Julie at julie.cooke@thunderbay.ca or (807) 684-3066. No instruction or equipment provided, please bring your own camera. |
| Bocce (Ladies Only) | Thursdays, September 12 - December 5. Time: 12:30 - 2:00 pm | Da Vinci Centre, 340 Waterloo St S. | $4.00 | Ladies only |
| Mixed Bocce | Thursdays, September 12 - December 5. Time: 2:30 - 4:00 pm | Da Vinci Centre, 340 Waterloo St S. | $4.00 | Mixed |
| Darts | Wednesdays, September 11 - December 11. Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm | Galaxy Lanes, 636 Arthur St West. | FREE | Drop in program, no registration required. Darts provided or bring your own. |
| Coffee Shop Hop | Wednesdays, September 11 - December 11. Time: 11:00 am | Locations vary | Purchase your own coffee at each location, prices can vary | For a list of locations or more details, contact julie.cooke@thunderbay.ca or call (807) 684-3066 |
| Retirement Explorers | Fridays, October 6 - December 1. No programming on November 14. Time: 1:00 - 2:30 pm | Mary J L Black Library, Community Hub, 901 Edward St S. | FREE | Explore the benefits retirement has to offer. Some dates will include a variety of locations. Please call 807-684-3066 for info on field trip dates. |
55 Plus – Winter Registered Programs
Register Online or Call the Hotline (807) 625-8463
Toll Free – 1-844-288-4700
Classes begin the week of January 6
Centre CLOSED February 17
*PLUS HST*
- No membership fee to participate.
- Open to everyone 55 plus or better!
- Registered programs are offered at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre
Sign up for our E-Newsletter at www.thunderbay.ca/55plus to stay in the loop on all the programs and activities happening at the 55 Plus Centre!
55 Plus Centre ProgramsActive 55 Community ProgramsRegister Online
Fitness and Wellness Programs
Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre
The following Fitness and Wellness Programs are offered at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre (700 River Street). Classes begin the week of January 6. 55 Plus Centre CLOSED February 17, 2025.
| Program Name | Description | Code | Day | Time | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-20-20 with Bonnie Craig | Get your cardio fix with 20 minutes of cardio or step aerobics, then build up that muscle with 20 minutes of strength training and finish your workout with 20 minutes of core/stretching for a one-hour powerful workout! | 29477 | Wednesdays | 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Jan 8 - Mar 12 | $60.00 |
| Advanced Jazz with Lynda DePiero | Learn dance steps, combinations, transitions, and dances to pop music & Broadway musicals. Geared to those with some previous dance experience. | 29360 | Mondays | 2:45pm - 3: 45pm | Jan 6 - Mar 10 | $54.00 |
| Beginner Jazz with Lynda DePiero | It is never too late to learn to dance! Join Lynda to learn the basic dance steps and combinations of jazz dancing. No previous dance skills needed, improve your coordination, balance and physical fitness in this fun class! | 29361 | Mondays | 11:30am - 12:30pm | Jan 6 - Mar 10 | $54.00 |
| Beginner Jazz & Tap Dance with Lynda Depiero | It’s never too later to learn to dance. Beginner Jazz/Tap dance combo. Learn basic dance steps and combinations in this split class (half jazz and half tap). Improve your co-ordination, balance and fitness. Enhance your brain skills while having fun socializing. No previous dance experience is required. Wear comfortable, clean indoor shoes. | 29365 | Wednesdays | 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Jan 8 - Mar 12 | $60.00 |
| Chair Pilates with Lynda DePiero | The benefit of Pilates using a chair without having to go onto a mat on the floor: a combination of traditional Pilates exercises and may include Barre, ZENGA, Fascia & Psoas conditioning – targets the deep abdominal muscles, improve muscle tone, posture, body alignment, lean muscle mass, balance, flexibility & core strength. | 29362 | Tuesdays | 2:45pm - 3:45pm | Jan 7 - Mar 11 | $60.00 |
| Evening Engergizer Gold with Lisa Mork-Guerts | With a mix of cardio, stretching, & toning using a variety of equipment and get moving to some fantastic music! | 29373 | Mondays & Thursdays | 5:15pm - 6:15pm | Jan 6 - Mar 17 | $120.00 |
| Feldenkrais Method with Oliver Reimer | The Feldenkrais Method is a mind-body approach which combines movement and awareness to teach people of all ages to move and live more comfortably and effectively. Through this, you can learn to ease pain, improve posture, balance, flexibility, prevent injury, increase energy, reduce stress, fatigue, and improve concentration. | 29375 | Fridays | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Jan 10 - Mar 14 | $60.00 |
| F.I.T (Functional Interval Training) with Anne Parr | Learn to work the core, become strong from the inside out. Specific exercise taught to strengthen weak muscles, ligaments and tendons, correct balance, alignment & posture. This progressive class will challenge cardiovascular & muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, co-ordination, and agility. | 29376 | Tuesdays & Fridays | 1:30pm - 2:30pm | Jan 7 - Mar 14 | $120.00 |
| Functional FIT with Lisa Winter | Using weights, balls and bands, this class is a mix of cardio and strength training to maintain the whole body for real life activities. The class will consist of a combination of both chair and standing exercises. | 29393 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:15am - 11:15am | Jan 7 - Mar 13 | $120.00 |
| Fusion Fitness with Lisa Mork-Guerts | Fusing movements of YOGA and PILATES together, you will metabolize, gain muscle and get into waist management in this amped up Body Resistance Workout...no weights...just sweat and smiles! All you need is a yoga mat, chair, water bottle and towel. Suitable for beginners and strong seniors as well. | 29377 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 8:45am - 9:45 am | Jan 7 - Mar 13 | $120.00 |
| Fusion Fitness with Lisa Mork-Guerts | Fusing movements of YOGA and PILATES together, you will metabolize, gain muscle and get into waist management in this amped up Body Resistance Workout...no weights...just sweat and smiles! All you need is a yoga mat, chair, water bottle and towel. Suitable for beginners and strong seniors as well. | 29378 | Saturdays | 10:45 am - 11:45 am | Jan 11 - Mar 15 | $60.00 |
| Hoop it up! with Lisa Mork-Guerts | In this fun class, use a hula hoop as an exercise tool for stretching, strengthening and to help you improve your balance and flexibility. | 29379 | Fridays | 11:15am -12:15pm | Jan 10 - Mar 14 | $60.00 |
| Irish Dance - Advanced with Lynda DePiero | High level of Irish Dance (must have previous experience in Irish Dance or Tap Dancing). Experience the “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance” eras. | 29364 | Wednesday | 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm | Jan 8 - Mar 12 | $60.00 |
| Joy of Latin Line Dancing - Beginner with Armin Del Rosario | Line dancing isn't just country and western anymore! It's modern, sophisticated, flowing waltz and night club rhythm with Latin flavour. It is fun, great exercise and YOU DON'T NEED A PARTNER. Learn new and traditional line dances in a comfortable, welcoming class. For beginners and those who feel they have two left feet. | 29380 | Thursdays | 9:00am - 10:00am | Jan 9 - Mar 13 | $60.00 |
| Joy of Latin Dancing - Intermediate with Armin Del Rosario | If you have already taken the Joy of Line Dancing at the beginner level, it is time to move on to the next steps…enjoy moving and grooving with Armin with new moves and more complex steps. | 29383 | Thursdays | 10:15am - 11:30am | Jan 9 - Mar 13 | $62.50 |
| Just for Guys Fitness with Derek Ortgiese | Help increase your cardiovascular fitness level along with toning and stretching. You will use a variety of equipment to help you reach those fitness goals! This class is geared towards men only. | 29371 | Mondays & Wednesdays | 9:00am-10:00am | Jan 6 - Mar 17 | $120.00 |
| Just for Guys Fitness with Derek Ortgiese | Help increase your cardiovascular fitness level along with toning and stretching. You will use a variety of equipment to help you reach those fitness goals! This class is geared towards men only. | 29372 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9:00 am - 10:00 am | Jan 7 - Mar 13 | $120.00 |
| Keep Moving with Parkinson's with Karen Gorst-Vigliarolo & Derek Ortgiese | This class is specifically designed for those with Parkinson’s disease. Includes aerobic conditioning, functional strengthening, and mobility and balance exercises. Must have been assessed by St. Joe’s, call 346-2334. | 29368 | Mondays & Wednesdays | 11:15am - 12:15 pm | Jan 6 - Mar 12 | $114.00 |
| Keep Moving with Parkinson's with Karen Gorst-Vigliarolo & Derek Ortgiese | This class is specifically designed for those with Parkinson’s disease. Includes aerobic conditioning, functional strengthening, and mobility and balance exercises. Must have been assessed by St. Joe’s, call 346-2334 | 29387 | Fridays | 9:15am - 10:15 am | Jan 10 - Mar 14 | $60.00 |
| Low Impact Aerobics with Lisa Mork-Guerts | A gentle warm-up, 20 minutes of a low impact cardio, use of light hand weights, bands and other equipment. | 29388 | Mondays & Wednesday | 1:30pm - 2:30 pm | Jan 6 - Mar 17 | $120.00 |
| Lunch Express with Lisa Mork-Guerts | Dig into this new aerobics class with a mix of cardio and toning using a variety of equipment like weights, bender balls, bands and more. If you enjoy our low impact aerobics class, you will love this new class! | 29389 | Saturdays | 12:30pm - 1:00pm | Jan 11 - Mar 15 | $60.00 |
| Metabolic Pole Walking with Anne Parr | If you enjoy walking outdoors, join this fun group and learn how to use proper techniques for pole walking and all the numerous benefits that come with it! Weather permitting; you will walk at various outdoor trails around the city. First class takes place at the Centre, meet outside on the back patio. | 29390 | Wednesdays | 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Jan 8 - Mar 12 | $60.00 |
| Morning Energizer Gold with Lisa Mork-Guerts | With a mix of cardio, stretching, & toning using a variety of equipment, get moving to some fantastic music and get your morning energized! | 29391 (first time slot) 29392 (second time slot) | Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | 8:45 am - 9:45am OR 10:00am - 11:00am | Jan 6 - Mar 17 | $180.00 |
| Pilates for Beginners with Lynda DePiero | Join certified Stott Pilates Instructor Lynda for a combination of traditional Pilates mat work exercises; may include Barre, ZENGA, Fascia & Psoas conditioning. Target deep abdominal muscles, building strength from the inside out, improving muscle tone, posture, body alignment, lean muscle mass, balance, flexibility & core! | 29366 | Mondays | 10:15am - 11:15 am | Jan 6 - Mar 11 | $54.00 |
| Pilates for Beginners with Lynda DePiero | Join certified Stott Pilates Instructor Lynda for a combination of traditional Pilates mat work exercises; may include Barre, ZENGA, Fascia & Psoas conditioning. Target deep abdominal muscles, building strength from the inside out, improving muscle tone, posture, body alignment, lean muscle mass, balance, flexibility & core! | 29367 | Thursdays | 10:15am - 11:15am | Jan 9 - Mar 13 | $60.00 |
| Seated Bender Ball with Anne Parr | This low impact class uses the little ball that does it all! Bender Balls are highly effective for strengthening your core muscles, relaxing tight muscles, increasing your range of motion, improving your posture & body awareness. | 29394 | Thursdays | 1:30pm - 2:30pm | Jan 9 - Mar 13 | $60.00 |
| Simply Stretching with Lisa Mork-Guerts | This beginner stretch class will start your day with flowing movements of Tai chi, energizing postures of Yoga and gentle stability of Pilates. All fitness levels welcome in this fun and functional class. | 29395 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:00am - 11:00am | Jan 7 - Mar 13 | $120.00 |
| Simply Stretching with Lisa Mork-Guerts | This beginner stretch class will start your day with flowing movements of Tai chi, energizing postures of Yoga and gentle stability of Pilates. All fitness levels welcome in this fun and functional class. | 29396 | Saturdays | 9:30am - 10:30am | Jan 11 - Mar 15 | $60.00 |
| Sit and be Fit with Lisa Winter | This gentle seated exercise class is perfect for those just starting a fitness program or reintroducing fitness into their lives. It includes rhythmic movement, range of motion, strength and stretching exercises. | 29397 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 11:30am - 12:30pm | Jan 7 - Mar 13 | $120.00 |
| Step N' Sculpt with Lynda DePiero | Join this fun step aerobics class that involves stepping on and off a step platform and learning innovative choreography. Great for cardio as well as increasing bone mass and bone density. Sculpting intervals target muscle & fascia conditioning with the use of handheld weights, resistance loops and Pilates squishy balls. | 29368 | Thursdays | 11:30am - 12:30pm | Jan 9 - Mar 13 | $60.00 |
| Strength in Motion with Karen Gorst-Vigliarolo | Join us for an easy-to-follow work out that includes exercises designed to increase flexibility, joint stability, balance, coordination and muscular strength. You can use a chair for support if needed. | 29398 | Mondays | 10:00am-11:00am | Jan 6 - Mar 10 | $54.00 |
| Strength in Motion with Karen Gorst-Vigliarolo | Join us for an easy-to-follow work out that includes exercises designed to increase flexibility, joint stability, balance, coordination and muscular strength. You can use a chair for support if needed. | 29399 | Wednesdays | 10:00am - 11:00 am | Jan 8 - Mar 12 | $60.00 |
| Strength in Motion with Karen Gorst-Vigliarolo | Join us for an easy-to-follow work out that includes exercises designed to increase flexibility, joint stability, balance, coordination and muscular strength. You can use a chair for support if needed. | 29400 | Fridays | 10:00am - 11:00am | Jan 10 - Mar 14 | $60.00 |
| Strength in Motion - Gentle with Karen Gorst-Vigliarolo & Susan Trevisen | This gentle seated exercise class is perfect for those just starting a fitness program or reintroducing fitness into their lives. It includes rhythmic movement, range of motion, strength and stretching exercises. | 29401 | Tuesdays | 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Jan 7 - Mar 11 | $60.00 |
| Strength in Motion - Gentle with Karen Gorst-Vigliarolo & Susan Trevisen | This gentle seated exercise class is perfect for those just starting a fitness program or reintroducing fitness into their lives. It includes rhythmic movement, range of motion, strength and stretching exercises. | 29402 | Thursdays | 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Jan 9 - Mar 13 | $60.00 |
| Tabata Fitness with Bonnie Craig | For those who love to move! Join Bonnie for a new Tabata Fitness class that will get you moving with short bursts of activity followed by active recovery. This class will use high intensity intervals (modifications will be available for all fitness levels) and weight training for 20-30 seconds followed by short rests. | 29412 | Wednesdays | 8:45am - 9:40am | Jan 8 - Ma 12 | $60.00 |
| Tabata Fitness with Bonnie Craig | For those who love to move! Join Bonnie for a new Tabata Fitness class that will get you moving with short bursts of activity followed by active recovery. This class will use high intensity intervals (modifications will be available for all fitness levels) and weight training for 20-30 seconds followed by short rests. | 29413 | Friday | 8:45am - 9:40am | Jan 10 - Mar 14 | $60.00 |
| Taiji with Bryon Nelson | We begin with loosening movements of the joints and learn to find the relaxed, fluent and strong ways of moving. We move into the 8 and 16 Forms choreography. In the last 1/2 hour of the class, we move into the 24 & 48 Forms. The class is adapted to participants abilities, all are welcome! | 29403 | Mondays | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Jan 6 - Mar 10 | $54.00 |
| Taiji Gigong for Health with Sandra MacKenzie | Coordinate breathing with gentle movements to improve your health and wellness with Sandra MacKenzie. | 29404 | Friday | 10:45am - 11:45am | Jan 10 - Mar 14 | $60.00 |
| Variety Nouveau with Lynda DePiero | Movement that Matters for seniors includes light cardio, "Core off the Floor" exercises to improve stability, balance & flexibility. Focus on the importance & awareness of pelvic floor and fascia & fascial movement. | 29369 | Wednesday | 12:20pm - 1:20pm | Jan 8 - Mar 12 | $60.00 |
| Zumba Gold with Karen Gorst-Vigliarolo | Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Join the fitness class that is fun, full of energy and tailored to people 55 Plus! Groove your way to a healthier you! This program is exhilarating, effective and easy to follow. | 29405 | Tuesdays | 2:15pm - 3:15pm | Jan 7 - Mar 11 | $60.00 |
| Zumba Toning with Karen Gorst-Vigliarolo | Join Karen for this fun class incorporating the moves of Zumba along with strength and toning exercises. | 29406 | Friday | 11:10am - 11:50am | Jan 10 - Mar 14 | $60.00 |
Community Interest
Family Day
Monday February 19th, 2024
Join us at Marina Park for a variety of Fun Winter Activities at Snowday on the Waterfront!
For event information and how to get involved visit:
Snow Sculpture Competition
Experienced and First Timers are welcome to apply.
Professional category and community group category.
Carving Dates: February 13-17, 2024
Thunder Bay's Outdoor Skating Rink
2023 - 2024
City Supervised Rinks
North
- Carrick Park: open 7 days per week
- North End C.C: open 7 days per week
- West End Park: open 7 days per week
- Brent Park closed Wed/Thurs
South
- James St. Playfield: open 7 days per week
- West Thunder C.C.: open 7 days per week
- Wayland Park: closed Mon/Tues
- Tarbutt Park: closed Wed/Thurs
