Our Hometowns

Lakehead University offers you two beautiful main campus locations to choose from: Thunder Bay in Northwestern Ontario and Orillia in Central Ontario. Our recent partnership with Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario provides students with other study options as well. Let us tell you a little bit more about our vibrant hometowns:

Thunder Bay

Located on the north-west shore of Lake Superior, the City of Thunder Bay is built around the harbour of the largest inland port in Canada. Under the watchful gaze of the majestic Sleeping Giant, this home for 110,000 people is served by major and regional airlines, bus service, and the Trans-Canada Highway.

Thunder Bay City HallSleeping Giant during sunsetTerry Fox Monument at sunsetLakehead students at the marinaStudents going sailing in the Thunder Bay MarinaDowntown Port Arthur from the MarinaPeople hiking at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park The Eagle Canyon suspension bridgeA dancer at the Fort William First Nations Pow WowA dancer at the Festival of India Dog sledding in the Thunder Bay areaKakabeka Falls near Thunder Bay A historical demonstration at Fort William Historical ParkStudents canoeing in Lake Superiorsinger performs for a crowd at a downtown venueStudents take a selfie at Hillcrest Park in Thunder BayStudents exit The Hoito, a Finish pancake house and restaurantStudents celebrate Holi at a Festival in Thunder BayStudents enjoy the view and a visit at Hillcrest ParkThe Northern Lights dance over Boulevard Lake in Thunder BayA Student plays frisbee in the Spirit Garden at Marina ParkStudents visit over a coffee at a St. Paul Roastery
Learn about Thunder Bay

Tips for Getting to Know Thunder Bay:

  • Visit one of Canada’s 7 Wonders – The Sleeping Giant
  • Walk across the Eagle Canyon Suspension Bridge – the longest in Canada!
  • Take a Latin dancing class or listen to Fort William First Nation’s hand drumming at Culture Days
  • Take part in the City’s 20+ celebrations: Festival of India, Festa Italiana, Folklore Festival, Holi and Gaura Purnima, Eid at the Thunder Bay Masjid, Chinese New Year
  • Purchase fresh produce, cheese, and crafts at the Country Market
  • Go back in time at Fort William Historical Park

Superior By Nature

Year-round, Thunder Bay acts as the centre of a vast recreational and cultural area offering access to a wide variety of sports and activities. Winter is no time to hibernate in this city! There are two Alpine and two world-class Nordic ski centres in the area, as well as excellent curling and hockey facilities. Summer activities include sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, rock climbing, swimming, jogging, cycling, camping, golfing, hiking, and fishing in and around numerous lakes in the area. Thunder Bay's famed Sleeping Giant was voted #1 for the People's Choice in the Seven Wonders of Canada contest.

The City of Thunder Bay was designated as a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2003. Attractions include Fort William Historical Park, a 1,500-seat state-of-the-art Community Auditorium, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, the professional live Magnus Theatre, lots of community theatre, the annual Blues Festival, and much more!

In addition, a wide variety of excellent shopping opportunities exist, and no matter your taste, the choice is yours between a mix of traditional and fine dining experiences.

Check out the City of Thunder Bay online

On the Water

Arts and Entertainment

Outdoor Adventures

Culinary Experiences

Orillia

Located on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, the City of Orillia is situated in one of the most picturesque and tranquil locations in Southern Ontario.

Orillia City HallA sunset over the water at Orillia's Yacht ClubKids preforming at the Mariposa Folklore FestivalLakehead student during orientation in downtown OrilliaA concert at the Mariposa Folklore FestivalExterior shot of the Leacock MuseumDragon boats in the water in OrilliaMariposa Market People Mountain Biking the Simcoe County areaPeople on a boat in Lake Couchiching in the summerOrillia Museum of Art and HistoryPeople at the ski hillLakehead students hiking in Scout Valley
Learn more about Orillia

Tips for Getting to Know Orillia:

  • Spend your day at the beach at Lake Couchiching Beach Park
  • Hang out and indulge in the treats downtown at Mariposa Market
  • Explore the trails at Scout Valley
  • Catch a live band at the Brownstone or at the Roots North Music Festival
  • Join in one of the many city festivals: Mariposa Folk Festival, Streets Alive, Shakespeare in the Park, Culture Days, Orillia Jazz Festival

Sandy beaches, marina, parks, and monuments complement the beautiful waterfront. Residents and visitors enjoy over 9.5 km of paved trails that stretch throughout the city. From biking, rollerblading and cross country skiing to walking and jogging, you can be active for miles.

Orillia students downtown

But recreational opportunities isn't all Orillia can offer you. Enjoy the architectural beauty of the downtown area along with the neat boutiques and dining locations throughout the city. With museums, the opera house, tourist attractions, shopping, and the many festivals hosted in Orillia, you will never be bored in this vibrant city. 

Check out the City of Orillia online