For the Love of Fall
Photo by Jesse Milani
Nine Ways to Celebrate the Season
By Sidney Ulakovic
It’s official, the fall season is here in all of its pumpkin-spiced, red-leaved, and crisp-aired glory. Whether you’re ready for all things autumn or need a little help letting go of summer, we’ve compiled nine ways to help you celebrate the season.
Candle Class | September 25, October 16 & November 20 | Peace & Quiet Candle Company
One of the best parts of fall is without a doubt the scents of the seasons—cinnamon, nutmeg, mulled cider, brown sugar, and cardamom. And what better time of year is there to curl up in a blanket with a scented candle burning? Create your own signature candle for this fall at Peace and Quiet Candle Company’s candle-making classes. Classes will run between 60-90 minutes, over which time you’ll pour yourself two eight ounce candles, design your label, make a room spray, and perhaps even snag something from Peace and Quiet’s signature collection with an exclusive 10% off discount. Classes are $75 and registration can be completed online.
Autumn Rendezvous | September 27 | 4485 Highway 61
Nothing goes together quite like a crisp fall day and perusing a craft market. With craft market season upon us, we suggest checking out Autumn Rendezvous for a one-of-a-kind local shopping experience. The sixth annual artist show and sale is located just outside the city amidst the beautiful Slate River Valley where market-goers can shop local artisans, warm up with some tea and a treat, hear some live music by Jim Dacey, and take in the beauty of the changing season in the countryside. Autumn Rendezvous will run from 10 am to 5 pm and will have all kinds of treasures for everyone. Visit their Instagram page for a full list of vendors.
Fall Wonderland | Saturdays & Sundays until Halloween | Belluz Farm
If we had to guess, picking out the perfect pumpkin to make your space feel more festive or to carve a Jack-o-lantern is likely on your fall bucket list. Head out to Belluz Farm where you can pick your own pumpkin, amongst other natural fall décor, grown right on their farm. Make a day of it with the family by purchasing an activity pass, which will give you access to a bundle of other things to do like making your way through a corn maze, visiting the petting zoo, taking a wagon tour, and more. Fall Wonderland weekends will run from 11 am to 5 pm, and your activity pass can be purchased in advance on their website.
Creekside and Trevisanutto’s Fall Artisan Market | October 4 & 5 | Creekside Nursery & Garden Centre
Creekside and Trevisanutto’s Fall Artisan Market is your quintessential fall market—only on a very grand scale. Spread between both establishments over the first weekend of October, this annual market draws over 100 local vendors each year. Expect to find fresh mums, pumpkins, and fall planters, fall home and garden décor, food trucks and baking, cosy outdoor fire pits and more. This event is free to enter—all you have to do is show up and shop ‘til you drop!
Haunted Harbour | October 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 | Alexander Henry Museum Ship
If you’re looking to get your fill of frights this Halloween, you’ll want to check out Haunted Harbour. This haunted walk runs in support of Our Kids Count and the Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay, and you can secure your spot by booking tickets for your group online. Brave souls will board the Alexander Henry and embark on a 15-minute, guided tour of the ship full of jump scares and other frightening surprises. Enter if you dare!
Thunder Bay Renaissance Faire | October 11 & 12 | Murillo Fairgrounds
Photo by Gwen McCrone
So far, we’ve ventured through some tried and true TBay fall staples, but let’s take a look at some brand new territory that just might become your annual October tradition. Thunder Bay will host its first-ever Renaissance Faire celebrating all things medieval and fantasy. Come in costume or as you are to explore an assortment of unique vendors and witness the Knights of Valour (the largest extreme full-contact jousting company in the world) in the city’s very first live jousting show. And what’s fall without a feast? Fair-goers can expect to find a variety of food vendors on site—including some interesting theme-inspired dishes. Tickets to the fair are available online.
Fall Colours Walk | October 13 | Kamview Nordic Centre
Did you know that when there isn’t snow on the ground that the public is welcome to explore the trails at Kamview Nordic Centre free of charge? While you could go anytime, the folks at Kamview organize an annual Fall Colours Walk that brings a group together to take in the beauty of the changing leaves. This year the walk will be from 11 am to 3 pm and will start at the chalet before embarking upon a gradual climb to the South Lookout on a mowed, well-marked trail (dogs are welcome). The South Lookout offers a spectacular view of the Nor’Westers, and, should Mother Nature be on schedule, the leaves will be at their peak of brilliance. Donations are appreciated to help maintain the trails.
Halloween Hoot | October 18-19 & 25-26 | Fort William Historical Park
For some family friendly Halloween fun, you’ll want to check out Halloween Hoot at Fort William Historical Park where your little ones can trick or treat through Williams Town, witness the monster march costume parade, visit the creepy carnival corner, venture through a maze, and participate in Halloween-themed crafts, songs, and dances. For big kids (ages 12 and up), there will also be a historic warehouse haunt. The ticket price is $12 for adults and $10 for students, seniors, and youth (HST included). Children five and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person at the event.
Photo by Ascension Arts
The Hunger | October 31 | Waterfront District
If it’s Halloween, it must be The Hunger! Thunder Bay’s ultimate, downtown-wide Halloween celebration organized by Definitely Superior Art Gallery returns for its 18th edition. One cover price of $20 gets you into all of this year’s venues: The Foundry, Black Pirates Pub, The Paramount (which will have simultaneous performances on the first and second floor), Norteños Cantina, Bloom Bar + Lounge, Port Arthur Legion Branch 5, Red Lion Smokehouse, and more to come. The evening will feature 56 performance acts, so plan a crazy costume, gather some pals, and get ready to take in the spectacular sights of The Hunger.