Canadian Lakehead
Exhibition.

About the Fair

A Northern Ontario Tradition Celebrating Community, Heritage & Regional Pride

The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE), operated by the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Association, is one of Northern Ontario’s most storied and significant community exhibitions. With roots that stretch back more than a century, the CLE continues to honour the traditions, industries, cultures, and community spirit that have shaped life in Thunder Bay and the entire Lakehead region.

A Fair with Roots in 1890

The origins of the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition date to 1890, when the twin cities of Port Arthur and Fort William (later merged to form Thunder Bay) were fast-growing centres for agriculture, rail transport, lumber, and shipping on the Great Lakes.

Local leaders recognized the need for an exhibition that could celebrate the region’s achievements, showcase its economic strengths, and bring together diverse communities across Northwestern Ontario. The early fairs highlighted agriculture, forestry, craftsmanship, and regional innovation, setting a foundation that continues to guide the exhibition’s character today.

Honouring Regional Traditions

Though the Lakehead region is known for its rugged landscapes and major industries, agriculture has long played a meaningful role in Northern Ontario’s story. The CLE has historically celebrated:

• Livestock from regional farms
• Field and garden crops
• Homecraft and domestic arts
• Rural craftsmanship
• Youth agricultural learning

These exhibitions illustrate the resilience and ingenuity required to farm in Northern Ontario’s demanding climate.

A Showcase of Community Achievement

Beyond agriculture, the CLE has always highlighted the skills, creativity, and innovations that define life in the Northwest. Historically, exhibits featured:

• Woodworking and lumber products
• Local crafts and handwork
• Domestic arts and home industries
• Regional businesses and organizations
• School and youth projects

These displays reflect the strong work ethic and creative spirit found throughout the region.

A Strong Emphasis on Youth

Youth have always been an important part of the CLE. Through school programs, junior exhibits, craft classes, and agricultural learning opportunities, young people develop:

• Leadership skills
• Practical knowledge
• Artistic talent
• Pride in their region’s heritage

Many adult volunteers and exhibitors first participated as children, helping maintain the exhibition’s traditions across generations.

Organized & Sustained by Dedicated Volunteers

The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition owes its longevity to the dedication of volunteers, community leaders, and staff who work throughout the year to preserve traditions and strengthen the fair’s role in the region. Their commitment supports the exhibition’s mission of celebrating local heritage and fostering community unity.

A Reflection of Lakehead Identity

The CLE mirrors the qualities that define Thunder Bay and the surrounding region:

• Pride in heritage and history
• A hardworking, community-first spirit
• Rural and urban traditions
• Cultural diversity
• Multi-generation participation
• Northern resilience

The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition remains one of the Northwest’s most enduring symbols of regional identity.

A Tradition That Endures

While the world and the Lakehead region continue to change, the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition remains a beloved annual celebration, connecting generations, honouring Northern Ontario heritage, and reflecting the stories of the people who built the region.

About the Community

Thunder Bay, Ontario: A Northern City of Heritage, Wilderness & Strong Community Spirit

Situated on the shores of majestic Lake Superior, Thunder Bay, Ontario is a city where natural beauty, deep history, and resilient community spirit come together. As the largest urban centre in Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay blends Indigenous heritage, European settlement history, outdoor adventure, and a thriving modern culture into a uniquely Northern identity.

A City Built on Ancient Footsteps & Early Trade Routes

Thunder Bay’s story begins long before European settlement. The region is part of the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people, who have lived along the lake’s shores for thousands of years. Their knowledge, culture, and traditions continue to play a vital role in shaping the city’s identity.

With the arrival of French voyageurs and later the Hudson’s Bay Company, the region developed into a major fur-trade hub. Fort William became one of the most significant trading posts in North America—its legacy preserved today in the region’s cultural memory.

A Historic Port City Shaped by Industry

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the twin cities of Port Arthur and Fort William grew rapidly thanks to:

• Shipping and rail transport
• Forestry and lumber industries
• Mining and resource development
• Milling and agriculture
• Lake Superior port activity

In 1970, the two cities amalgamated to form Thunder Bay, creating a unified regional centre that remains the economic and cultural hub of Northwestern Ontario.

Historic buildings, grain elevators, lakeside rail lines, and early neighbourhoods still reflect the community’s industrial and transportation heritage.

A Landscape of Remarkable Natural Beauty

Thunder Bay is surrounded by dramatic and iconic natural features, including:

• The rugged cliffs of the Sleeping Giant
• Lake Superior’s sweeping shoreline
• Boreal forests and wildlife-rich trails
• Rivers, waterfalls, and conservation areas
• Nearby mountains and scenic lookouts

With its mix of wilderness and waterfront, the city offers an environment that feels both expansive and serene.

A Diverse & Welcoming Community

Thunder Bay is known for its friendly residents, strong volunteer culture, and deep sense of community pride. The city embraces a multicultural identity shaped by:

• Indigenous heritage
• Finnish, Italian, and Eastern European traditions
• Settlers from across Canada
• Newcomers from around the world

Cultural festivals, community groups, and arts organizations keep the city vibrant and engaged.

A City with a Thriving Arts & Cultural Scene

Local culture thrives in:

• Art galleries
• Live theatre and music venues
• Historic sites
• Artisan markets
• Community celebrations

Thunder Bay’s creative spirit reflects both its northern environment and its multicultural influences.

Deep Rural Roots Beyond the City

Although Thunder Bay is an urban centre, its surrounding landscapes are shaped by farms, rural communities, and northern agricultural traditions. Local food producers, small farms, and multi-generation rural families contribute to the region’s character.

This agricultural heritage is proudly recognized each year at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, one of the area’s most enduring and important community traditions.

A Natural Partner to the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition

The CLE reflects Thunder Bay’s strongest qualities:

• Heritage and history
• Cultural diversity
• Community involvement
• Youth participation
• Northern resilience
• Pride in local achievement

Together, the city and its exhibition tell a complete story—one of cooperation, tradition, identity, and regional pride.

A City That Captures the Northern Spirit

Whether exploring the dramatic landscapes, connecting with local culture, enjoying a strong community atmosphere, or celebrating longstanding traditions like the CLE, Thunder Bay offers a warm, memorable, and distinctly Northern experience.

It is a city where history meets wilderness, where community meets resilience, and where Northern Ontario’s spirit shines year-round.

Keep exploring

🌾 Explore Nearby Experiences

Explore more of Thunder Bay’s local food and surrounding countryside. Confirm current visiting hours, access and seasonal programs before travelling.

Thunder Bay Country Market

Discover local food, farm products and makers at a year-round market.

Murillo Fair

Explore a neighbouring agricultural fair and its community story.

Slate River Dairy

Learn about a local dairy producer and where its products are available.

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park

Check current visitor information for an outing beyond Thunder Bay.

Nearby suggestions are independent experiences. Confirm current opening dates, reservations and visitor details with each operator before travelling.