Thunder Bay, on the north shores of Lake Superior, boasts expected tourist amenities along with access to some of the region's best natural highlights. A hop-skip from Minnesota and over the water from Wisconsin, the city is Ontario's largest in the western corner of the province and within easy striking distance from several provincial parks.

Take a day to poke around Old Fort William Historical Park for a peek at early 19th-century period dress, or find pioneers as they might have been at the Founders' Museum & Pioneer Village. Move on to more local lore at the Thunder Bay Museum. Stroll the old areas of Thunder Bay for a walking tour of historic buildings, and round off a day of exploring with a few art gallery stops.

When nature calls, steer for the striking views down the steep cliffs of Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park. Hikers can explore some of the trails at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Superior, or get a glimpse of gushing water at Kakabeka Falls. Anyone after long-term adventure can book a canoe trip with local operators and disappear on the waters of Pukaskwa National Park for a week or more.

Thunder Bay is 576 miles from Toronto as the Crow Flies - 970 miles if the crow drives, and 626 miles from Sudbury. Winnipeg, Manitoba is comparably close, only 440 miles west of Thunder Bay.