A Pre-Winter Trip To Thunder Bay

As time passes, the threat of winter weather gets greater. I guess that's just the territory of living in Wisconsin. With now owning a house and adopting a dog, I have a lot more responsibilities than in the past. It's hard for me to go away for an extended amount of time.

With that being said, I am excited I am *only* an 8-hour drive from Thunder Bay. When I lived in Austin, it was around a 24-hour drive. So I truly had to take a decent amount of time off to make a trip to Thunder Bay. Now, I could realistically do it in a weekend.

There is one caveat to that, though. The weather has to cooperate. It's an 8-hour drive in good conditions. The second you get any snow and have to slow down, that drive can be much longer. Lake Superior also has a way of amplifying winter weather. The second you get some lake-effect snow, or the wind picks up, the roads can become impassable.

With that being said, I wanted to get to Thunder Bay at least one more time. Victoria and I have a baby due in February, and this might be the last time that I can visit in a while. I was determined to make the best out of this trip.

I made sure to get my COVID test on the Wednesday before I left.

White door entrance to industrial building with brown brick wall and corrugated metal siding, yellow notice sign posted on door

With the increasing cases, it seems the results are taking longer. For the last trips I took, it was about 30 hours. It took around 40 hours to get my results this time. I was getting a little nervous since that 72-hour window was closing in.

Luckily, the results were here, and I was able to take off work a few hours early on Friday. Maya can usually stay in her crate a few hours between the time I leave and when Victoria gets home. We just don't want to leave her in her crate for extended amounts of time.

I hit the road and drove the long stretches of I-94 to US-53. It was right before the opening weekend of rifle deer hunting in Wisconsin. There were more people on the road that were clearly going north to deer camp.

Highway view from vehicle dashboard showing electronic sign reading 'WATCH FOR DEER DRIVE SAFELY' with rolling hills in background Multi-lane highway driving scene with vehicles ahead, guardrail visible on right side, bare trees and overcast sky

I just kept driving and stopped as few times as possible. I really wanted to maximize my time in Thunder Bay.

Night driving on two-lane highway with yellow center line, headlights of oncoming vehicle visible, motion blur from trees on sides

The border crossing was really fast. What actually took the longest time is I was selected for a random additional COVID test. I just had a few questions about that. I found out I would need to take the test and then put it in a dropbox within 24 hours.

Switch Health COVID-19 at-home test collection kit in clear plastic bag on burgundy textured seat

The first order of business was to get some Canadian currency. So I went to the trusted ATM on Arthur Street and withdrew some money.

TD Canada Trust ATM machine with green branding, screen displaying 'Your request is being processed' message Three Canadian twenty dollar bills being held in hand, showing green polymer currency with Bank of Canada text visible

Typically, I stay at the Prince Arthur Hotel. This time, I decided I'd stay at the Courthouse Hotel. If you know me, I visit courthouses to prove I was in a county. The Courthouse Hotel was Thunder Bay's old courthouse that had been renovated into a hotel. It was also only a short walk downtown, so I figured it would be an awesome place to stay.

Courthouse Hotel exterior at night, three-story brick building with white stone base and illuminated windows, blue hotel sign visible

Judging by the hallways, it looked nice.

Grand interior staircase with ornate black wrought iron railings, geometric patterned carpet runner, wooden paneling and crown molding Wooden display shelving unit with vintage law books, framed historical photographs, and informational materials about the courthouse Hotel hallway with gray walls, dark patterned carpet, wooden doors and trim, spherical pendant lights hanging from ceiling

The rooms were also top-notch!

Modern hotel room with king bed, white linens, dark wood headboard with integrated lighting, gray bench at foot of bed Ornate fireplace with carved wooden mantle, marble surround, and decorative cast iron insert in historic building

When I was checking in, I asked if they still had the old courtroom. Bailey, the guy behind the front desk, said he would show it to me. It appears they converted the old courtroom to their ballroom.

Solid oak double doors with raised panel detailing and brass hardware, restroom sign visible on wall Historic courtroom with elaborate coffered ceiling, crystal chandeliers, judge's bench, and gold accented architectural details Another view of historic courtroom showing wood paneling, gold trim, ornate ceiling work, and single crystal chandelier

I talked with Bailey for a while and then had to get going to meet my buddy, Ryan. We planned to meet at On Deck, and it was only a short walk away.

Night street scene with sidewalk, utility poles, and illuminated courthouse building visible in background Courthouse building exterior at night on hillside, dramatic dark sky, warm lighting on classical facade

While waiting for Ryan, I got a beer and ordered some poutine for a really late supper.

Clear plastic cup filled with beer showing golden color and foam head, sitting on green coaster at bar Poutine served on white plate - french fries covered in brown gravy with cheese curds

Ryan arrived, and he had some other friends that were also there. We all talked and had another drink. We then decided to walk to Sovereign Room.

Downtown night street scene with brick paver sidewalk, storefronts including CBC business, street lighting, parked vehicles, and bare trees The Sovereign restaurant storefront window at night with stone foundation wall, 'WE'RE OPEN' sign visible, interior reflections in glass

Ontario had just lifted its capacity requirements, and the place was packed. We were able to get a seat and have another drink or two.

Crowded bar interior with patrons socializing, dark ceiling with decorative chandelier, bottles displayed behind bar Pint glass of dark stout beer with thick foam head on weathered wooden bar surface, candle visible in background

They had a DJ, and it was kind of loud. We then went to Waterhouse, where it was a lot quieter.

Waterhouse establishment exterior at night showing wooden sign with Coors branding and directional arrow pointing to entrance Two people taking selfie in front of shot menu board listing flavors including Crispy Crunch, Swedish Berry, Blue Balls, Grand AM, Apple Pie, Polar Bear, Porn Star, Burt Reynolds, and Peanut Butter & Jam

We ended up finishing the night at On Deck, where we got a pitcher of beer.

Dimly lit interior shot showing damaged ceiling with torn material and partial view of flag or banner Clear glass pitcher of Coors beer on wooden bar table showing golden liquid with white foam head

I walked back to the hotel and got a good night's rest.

Illuminated courthouse building on hillside at night with dramatic dark storm clouds, sidewalk and utility pole in foreground

The next morning, there was a bag of hot breakfast by my door.

White styrofoam takeout container with breakfast of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon strips, and diced hash brown potatoes Continental breakfast setup on brown paper bag with bottled water, banana, wrapped plastic utensils, and jelly packet

I looked outside, and it was a bit overcast.

Elevated daytime view of Thunder Bay cityscape overlooking waterfront harbor with buildings and water under cloudy sky

It was time to take my COVID test. So I got online with a telehealth nurse and got that all in order.

Hand holding clear COVID test collection vial with barcode label in front of laptop displaying active video call Red Purolator Express shipping package being held showing yellow shipping label with barcode and LS logo

I brought my test with me and dropped it in the box when I got to that end of town. I first stopped at the Thunder Bay Country Market and got some buttertarts.

Thunder Bay Country Market exterior showing white corrugated metal building, white tent with street musician performing, visitors entering Indoor farmers market with vendor booths, honey products displayed on yellow tablecloth, shoppers browsing, fluorescent overhead lighting Package of homemade butter tarts wrapped in clear plastic with handwritten price label reading 'Butter tarts 8.00' on car seat

I then found the dropoff location for my COVID test and put it in the box.

Printed instruction sheet held against steering wheel showing map and directions for COVID test drop-off location in Thunder Bay Hand depositing red Purolator package into white mail drop box slot marked 'deposit package here'

I then headed to Bogala's to get some jerky. They make some of the best jerky I've had!

Street view of tan brick commercial buildings with colorful geometric mural, Rogdala's Smoked Meats sign visible on yellow sandwich board Butcher display case showing sausages and cured meats under warming lights, including Nürnberger sausage coils with price tag and berry jerky labeled at $10.00 per pound with red checkered napkins

Besides the jerky, I picked up a pepperette to snack on.

Hand holding smooth brown wooden smoked meat stick against burgundy and black car seat fabric

Next up was the Persian Man to get both the legendary pastries local to Thunder Bay, the Persian and Sally Ann.

The Persian Man restaurant exterior with tan brick facade, parking lot with vehicles, clear blue sky Two pastries on wax paper, chocolate-frosted round pastry and strawberry-frosted donut with visible filling

I then picked up my buddy Ryan, and we did a little exploring. First to Prince Arthur's Landing and the Marina.

Concrete boat launch and dock area on calm waterway, distant treeline visible across water under overcast sky Dark rock breakwater extending into Lake Superior with triangular navigation marker at end, cargo ship visible on horizon

Then to Fisherman's Park.

Abandoned boat named 'MARILYN GRACE' on land supports showing severe rust deterioration on white hull, clear blue sky background Two large gray metal canoe-shaped storage containers with Lake Superior Water Trail informational plaques, river and bare trees in background Fast-flowing river with white water rapids, covered bridge visible upstream, birch and evergreen trees lining banks

Next was Kaministiquia (Kam) River Heritage Park.

Historic red and black tugboat museum display at waterfront with access ramp, rocky shoreline and blue sky Vintage yellow and blue diesel locomotive on outdoor display tracks with passenger cars attached, partly cloudy sky Metal pedestrian bridge with railings crossing small waterway inlet, white birch trees flanking path, water and distant shore visible

Ryan insisted we check out Victoriaville Mall. I know this mall had been circling the drain for a while, but it was the quietest mall I had ever been in. In some ways, it was peaceful. In other ways, eerie.

Victoriaville Centre building exterior showing modern parking structure with horizontal striped metal facade and glass entrance doors Long underground shopping mall corridor with white tile floor, advertising posters on both walls, fluorescent lighting overhead Nearly deserted shopping mall food court interior with Christmas decorations, brick support columns, white tile flooring, high open ceiling Red Canada Post mailbox with 'OUT OF SERVICE' sign next to black mesh trash receptacle on white tile floor

After the mall, we stopped at Ryan's mom's place. He had to pick up a t-shirt. We ended up there for over 3 hours having, and I had an awesome conversation with Ryan, his mom, and step-dad. By the time we left, we were getting hungry. We were trying to find a place to get a coney dog inside, but it seemed like most places weren't allowing inside dining.

We then decided it wasn't horribly cold, so we ordered food at Nipper's and ate outside. I got a coney dog and Italian sausage.

Small turquoise blue convenience building at street intersection during dusk, bare tree and street signs visible Two hot dogs on white paper wrapper, top one with meat sauce and diced onions, bottom one covered in marinara sauce

For this night, I planned to stay sober so that I could drive. Ryan had mentioned meeting some friends at The Hodder. This bar was not within walking distance of my hotel. If I didn't stay sober, I would have needed to arrange to get a ride to and from there. I dropped Ryan off at home and decided to explore a little more.

I first got to see the lights of Thunder Bay at Hillcrest Park.

Elevated twilight view of Thunder Bay showing residential neighborhoods in foreground, downtown buildings and Lake Superior waterfront in distance Similar elevated dusk view of Thunder Bay with city lights beginning to illuminate, Lake Superior visible on horizon Sunset view from residential area showing silhouetted evergreen trees, bare trees, and Thunder Bay city lights glowing in distance under orange and blue sky Canadian flag flying on tall white flagpole against twilight sky with trees and buildings silhouetted below

I then went to Real Canadian Superstore. I wanted to see if they had the same sort of supply shortages that we were experiencing in the USA. It appears they did.

Real Canadian Superstore exterior at night with illuminated yellow and blue signage, Canadian flags mounted on red pillars flanking entrance Depleted grocery store dairy aisle with mostly empty shelves showing yellow price tags, few remaining yogurt and dairy products scattered on upper shelves Nearly empty grocery store paper goods aisle with 'CLUB SIZE' sign overhead, scattered toilet paper packages and cardboard boxes on bare white shelves

My next stop was the LCBO. I wanted to get some canned Caesars to take home.

LCBO liquor store exterior at night showing white facade with large black lettering, green accent panels, and 'WINE SPIRITS BEER' signage above storefront windows Liquor store refrigerated shelf displaying canned cocktails including multiple rows of Mott's Clamato Caesar drinks in blue and green packaging, Smirnoff White Peach Rose vodka sodas

I was getting hungry again, so I stopped at EatLoco Tacos. I knew this was a new addition to Thunder Bay, and I wanted to try it.

Eatloco tacos restaurant storefront at night showing unit number 16, pink interior lighting visible through large windows with taco logo Modern taco restaurant interior with brick accent wall, order counter, menu boards, commercial refrigerators, small table with red-cushioned chairs, decorative light fixtures

I got a flank steak and also a pollo taco.

Two soft tacos in red basket on black and white checkered paper, top taco with grilled meat and diced vegetables, bottom taco with red sauce and white cheese drizzle

After that, I went back to the hotel and took a short nap. Then I picked Ryan back up, and we met up with some of his friends and went to The Hodder.

Hodder business sign mounted on brick building exterior at night with accessibility parking restriction sign below

I was drinking 7-Up on the rocks all night.

Clear plastic cup filled with carbonated sparkling water and ice cubes on dark countertop, hand sanitizer bottle visible in background

After a bit, everyone was starting to head home. I dropped Ryan back off at home and headed to the hotel. I got a decent night's sleep to prepare for my 8-hour drive back to Wisconsin. The following day, I woke up when they delivered my breakfast.

Early morning Thunder Bay cityscape from elevated viewpoint showing downtown buildings, Lake Superior waterfront, residential areas under cloudy sky with golden sunrise light White plastic shopping bag tied closed sitting on hotel room floor at doorway threshold between patterned hallway carpet and room flooring

I ate my eggs and bacon and then relaxed a bit. I had planned to pick up some spices at 10:30, so I had some time. I got up to stretch and then looked out the window. Oh no! It was snowing! I thought it was supposed to hold off for a few more hours.

Daytime snowfall view of Thunder Bay showing snow-covered buildings and streets, poor visibility conditions during active winter storm

I realized it was going to snow a while, so I knew the drive would be a bit more treacherous and take longer.

iPhone weather radar app screen displaying precipitation map of Thunder Bay, California area at 9:54 AM on November 23, 2021 White Ford Focus sedan covered in fresh snow in snowy parking lot, brown brick apartment building visible in background during active snowfall Snow-covered residential street with utility poles and power lines, empty road and snow-dusted sidewalk during winter storm conditions

When I started the Focus, the low tire pressure light came on. The colder temperatures must have brought the pressure down a bit.

Car dashboard information display showing low tire pressure warning icon, outside temperature of 32°F, odometer reading 203411 km

I looked at my tires, and I knew they were borderline low. I'd be fine to drive on them, and I'd find a Kwik Trip once I got back to the USA. They usually have free air, so I'd take care of that then. My main focus was picking up the spices and making as good of time as I could.

I got the spices and then headed to my last stop, Metro.

Two black resealable packages of Texas brand beef jerky on car seat, left package showing Original variety (110g), right package showing Gluten Free Crispy variety (25g) Metro grocery store exterior in winter showing curved glass facade with large red 'metro' and 'Thunder Bay' signage, snow-covered parking lot with vehicles and shopping carts

I loaded up the cart with the usual Canadian staples I buy.

Shopping cart interior view containing Canadian snacks including Old Dutch Ketchup chips bag, party mix, bottled beverages, and various packaged snack foods

I then started driving to the border. I did stop on one road to get a quick picture.

Snow-dusted rural highway with 'MAXIMUM 60 km/h' speed limit sign, mixed forest of evergreen and bare deciduous trees lining road Curving snow-covered rural road with visible tire tracks, evergreen and birch trees on both sides, forested hillside visible in distance

The U.S. border crossing was also very fast, and I was soon back in Minnesota. Unfortunately, it looked like the weather wasn't holding up.

Highway view through windshield in poor visibility showing Cook County sign and State Forest/State Park directional signs during snowy conditions Dashboard view of highway during heavy snowfall with severely reduced visibility, snow accumulating on road surface, evergreen trees barely visible

It would snow on and off. Sometimes the road was clear and other times, it was all covered in snow. That's what happens when traveling around Lake Superior. But, overall, I didn't have to slow down too much, so I made decent enough time.

By the time I hit Wisconsin, everything was clear.

Large stone monument welcome sign with evergreen trees behind it viewed from moving vehicle, clear blue sky, highway entrance

In Superior, I finally stopped at a Kwik Trip. I got some gas and then some air for my tires. The back of my car was full of snow.

Rear view of salt-covered white Ford Focus at gas station showing road grime and winter residue on bumper and trunk lid Free public air pump station with red housing and pressure gauge, coiled black air hose, black protective bollards on sides, Tim Hortons visible in background

From there, it was smooth sailing. After that, it was just a long drive back.

Highway driving at sunrise/sunset showing pink and orange sky, green distance sign for nearby cities, trees lining roadway

Besides the spices, I did get a decent amount of stuff from the grocery store. Ryan also gave me a few records for my collection.

Assortment of Canadian food and beverage purchases displayed on wooden table including multiple craft soda cans, Old Dutch ketchup chips, perogies in package, Texas beef jerky, Crispers chips, Walter Caesar mix bottle, and various other snacks Four vintage vinyl record albums on wooden surface: Mark Don & Mel 1969-71 black cover, Bee Gees ornate patterned cover, Grand Funk Railroad band photo cover, Boston spaceship album art

I'll maybe have to review a few of the things I bought. I know I'll be posting more on that on Facebook, so stay tuned!

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