In this episode of “Thunder Bay — On Land, On Water, and On Your Plate,” we sat down with Paul Pepe from Tourism Thunder Bay to explore everything that makes this Northern Ontario gem a must-visit summer destination. From scenic hikes and paddling adventures on Lake Superior to vibrant cultural festivals and a dynamic food scene blending tradition with trend, Paul gave us the inside scoop on how to make the most of your time in Thunder Bay. We also dug into some classic local eats, new restaurant buzz, and even his dream “eat your way through the city” food day. Whether a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, this episode is your bite-sized guide to the ultimate Thunder Bay summer.

• What summer in Thunder Bay really feels like

• Top outdoor activities: hiking, biking, paddling, and exploring

• Best water-based adventures on Lake Superior and surrounding areas

• Signature summer festivals and hidden gem events

• Celebrating Finnish and Indigenous culture in Thunder Bay

• Iconic restaurants and Thunder Bay food classics

• New restaurants and emerging culinary trends

• Paul’s dream “eat your way through the city” itinerary

• What makes the people and spirit of Thunder Bay so unique

• Tips for first-time summer visitors

🔗 Connect with Thunder Bay Tourism:

• Website: Visit Thunder Bay

• Instagram: @visitthunderbay

• Facebook: Visit Thunder Bay

🌍 Follow Travel Mammal:

• Website: www.travelmammal.com

• Instagram: @travelmammal

• YouTube: Travel Mammal

• Facebook: Travel Mammal

📩 Share this episode with someone looking for a unique Canadian summer getaway—and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an adventure.

See you on the trail (or at the next food truck). Cheers!

Jim Bamboulis Host, Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis

It's a pleasure to present Episode #54 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Paul Pepe, Manager of Thunder Bay Tourism in northwest Ontario, Canada. In this episode, we talk about:

• What makes Thunder Bay an ideal 4-season destination.
• Why Thunder Bay should be on your Travel Radar.
• Thunder Bay's endless outdoor adventures, culinary offerings, and cultural richness.
• Finnish Pancakes @ the Sauna??

The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!

TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.

Connect with me on Social:

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Connect with Thunder Bay Tourism on Social:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

I'm delighted to present Episode #53 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Isabel Hilgendag, Scientist, Explorer & CEO @ Pursuit of Exploration. In this episode, we talk about:

• Completing the Pacific Crest Trail, solo.
• Rewards & challenges traveling the world, solo.
• Passion for the land, and a nomadic-inspired lifestyle.
• Traveling while looking at the world with scientific eyes, as much as adventurous ones.

The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!

TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.

Connect with me on Social:

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

I'm delighted to present Episode #52 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Amra Durakovic, Head of Communications @ Flight Centre Canada, one of the country's premier travel agencies dating back 30 years. In this episode, we talk about:

• The importance of booking a trip well in advance.
• Whether last-minute deals are actually good deals.
• Flight Centre Canada's human touch.
• Getting more value for your travel buck with off-season travel.

The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!

TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.

Connect with me on Social:

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

Connect with Flight Centre Canada on Social:

• Facebook
• TikTok
• Instagram
• YouTube

I'm delighted to present Episode #51 of the Fact Up Podcast featuring Andrew McDonald, Director of Marketing and Communications @ Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a future UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. In this episode, we talk about:

• Wanuskewin itself, and its cultural, social, and geographic importance in the span of human history.
• Experiences visitors can expect to have at Wanuskewin.
• Its journey to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• What past visitors have taken away after visiting.

The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!

TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.

Connect with me on Social:

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram

Connect with Andrew @ Wanuskewin on Social:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

Episode #50 of the Fact Up Podcast features Adina Bercowicz, Founder & Executive Director @ LymeTV.org. In this episode, we talk about:

• What is Lyme Disease, and efforts being made to teach kids prevention methods in school.
• Detecting, diagnosing, and treating Lyme Disease.
• Steps you can take to protect yourself and your pets from Lyme Disease.
• Does celebrity raise further awareness about Lyme Disease?

The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!

TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.

Connect with me on Social:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Instagram

Connect with Adina & LymeTV.org on Social:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

Episode #49 of the Fact Up Podcast features Tracy Ford, Director of Public Relations at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto, Canada. In this episode, we talk about:

• How Canada's largest hotel managed to persevere through the pandemic.
• What it takes to manage and operate a hotel of that size.
• Experiences Guests can expect to have, and renovations underway that will make it better.
• Activities in-house, including the unforgettable 130 ft Corkscrew Waterslide.

The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!

TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.

Connect with me on Social:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Instagram

Connect with the Chelsea on Social:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Episode #48 of the Fact Up Podcast features Alex Pope, Editor-in-Chief @ Canadian Geographic, based in Ottawa, Canada. In this episode, we talk about:

• Destroying comfort zones, professionally and personally.
• Why Canadian Geographic continues to be a media standout after nearly 100 years.
• The culture of smart content creation, and shifts in the media landscape.
• Why People play an important, central role in published content.

The Fact Up Podcast with Jim Bamboulis features informative, casual conversations about topics of the day with industry leaders and thinkers in the travel, food and culture industries!

TravelMammal is a media company that aims to unite the global community through travel, food and cultural experiences worldwide.

Connect with me on Social:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Instagram

Connect with Canadian Geographic on Social:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube