As visitors step into Marina Park, the crisp winter air off the lake fills their lungs, and the crunch of snow underfoot mixes with joyful shouts in the distance. Puffs of breath rise into the frosty air from children at play, creating a scene that captures the spirit of winter.
Winter in Thunder Bay can feel long, cold and, for some, isolating. But on Sunday afternoons at Marina Park, winter is being reimagined as something joyful, social and
welcoming through the ongoing return of Winter FunDays.
Now several weeks into its 2026 run, Winter FunDays is already drawing crowds, with momentum building as word continues to spread. Launched in 2012, the initiative was created with a simple but powerful goal: helping people embrace winter rather than endure it. By offering free, drop-in programming along Thunder Bay’s waterfront, Winter FunDays encourages residents to stay active, connect with one another and continue using one of the city’s most popular public spaces year-round.
“We want Sundays to feel easy and inviting,” said program co-ordinator Brayden. “Families should feel comfortable dropping in, trying something new and spending time together without pressure or cost. Whether someone stays for 30 minutes or the full afternoon, the hope is that they leave feeling more connected — to the season, to the park and to their community.”
That vision has already been reflected in the early response. Opening Sundays brought roughly 100 people out despite the cold, and what stood out most was the energy. Families bundled up and moved between indoor and outdoor activities, neighbours chatted and laughter carried across the park.
So far, the crowd has been exactly what organizers hoped for: a truly intergenerational mix. Families with young children, teens, adults, seniors and individuals attending on their own have all been part of the scene. Winter FunDays was designed to be inclusive and welcoming, and seeing people of all ages sharing the space together has been one of the most rewarding outcomes.
A big part of that success comes from thoughtful, accessible programming. Each Sunday offers a rotating mix of playful, hands-on activities designed to appeal to different ages, interests and comfort levels. Community partnerships play a central role, helping bring local expertise into the park while keeping programming free and approachable.
With the season well underway, there are still several highlights ahead. Fat-tire biking with Community Spokes offers a new way to explore Marina Park this winter, while Dog Sledding 101 returns as a perennial favourite later in the season. Bannock-making provides an opportunity for families to learn through culture and tradition, and special events such as the Family Pride Skate with Rainbow Collective add to the variety of experiences still to come.
Equally important is the balance between outdoor winter fun and warm indoor options. Weekly arts and crafts hosted at the Baggage Building Arts Centre ensure that everyone — from young children to first-time winter explorers — can participate at their own pace, regardless of weather or comfort level.
“That mix of creativity, movement and connection is what Winter FunDays is all about,” he said.
For anyone who has not yet made it down to the park, the invitation remains simple: bundle up, bring a friend or family member and give it a try. With no cost, no commitment and something different happening each week, even a short visit can turn into a winter memory worth keeping.
