Charter Boat Operators Still Operating During Construction

There's no doubt that the phase one waterfront transformation currently underway at Prince Arthur's Landing is going to be spectacular when finished. It is important, to remember, that during construction this year, some things of convenience we take for granted are going to have to be sacrificed.

We're pleased to report that the charter boat perators out of Marina Park are operating as usual through this year and we want to make sure our visitors and tourism partners know who they are and where they're operating out of during construction season.

Archie's Charters, our local Lake Superior fishing tour operator (and resident Up! Magazine celebrity) is operating on pier one on the second dock in to the right off the main pier. To access Archie's, enter the park at the Pearl Street Lights and check in with the security guard who will direct you to the boaters parking area to the right - by the fuel dock and boaters washrooms. Most of Archie's work is pre booked so its good to call ahead to make sure you're on the security list. Contact Archie at 1-807-473-9435 or http://www.archiescharters.com/

SailSuperior.com will be operating off of pier 3 this year, as they always have. With the regular parking area currently within the construction area, those wanting an unforgettable sail tour of the harbour will need to park at the parking lot closest to the Tai Chi Park and skate and BMX Plaza and walk along the trail, over the bridge and towards pier 3. Enter the Park at the north end overpass, turn left at the intersection and head past the play area and band shell to find the parking area. Its a bit of a walk but worth every step once you're aboard with Captain Gregory. For more info, contact http://www.sailsuperior.com/ or call 1-807-628-3333.

This is an exciting transitional year in our city's waterfront and the end result is going to be world class. We want to see our great tour boat operators continue to do well through the construction season, offering visitors to the community some spectacular angling and sailing experiences throughout what is going to be a warm summer.

I encourage all of our tourism partners to help promote our charter operators to their guests.

Unique Culinary Spin Featured in Westjet's Up! Magazine

Building Thunder Bay as one of Canada's best- and hippest -outdoor communities to visit gives us a lot of material to work with, especially when courting new visitors who are looking for sustainable tourism experiences. Its also a chance for us to weave sustainable tourism experiences with more traditional urban experiences to create memorable vacations.

Working with Lois Nuttal at Lake Superior Visits (http://www.superiorvisits.com/), a fun little package called "Loaves and Fishes" took on a life of its own this spring when former Senior Managing Editor of Up! magazine (http://www.up-magazine.com/), Eric Rumble, heard about it from me over coffee in Calgary. Eric loved the concept and had to write about it.

This 3 day epic adventure combines outdoor experiences, culinary and unique accommodation options to encourage visitors (and our tourism partners for that matter) to explore the city in exciting new ways. The core of Loaves and Fishes is essentially collecting local ingredients for your own dinner - even if your cooking skills involve burning water. A stay aboard the http://www.sailsuperior.com/ floating bed and breakfast and at the iconic McVicar Manor Bed and Breakfast, a lake superior salmon and trout fishing excursion with Archie's Charters (http://www.archiescharters.com/), visits to Thunder Oak Gouda (http://www.cheesefarm.ca/), Both Hands Bread and other local food producers fills ones' basket with fresh, locally made ingredients while taking in the city's iconic land and water scapes. The day ends at the spa while The chef's at Lot 66 (www.lotsixtysix.com ) cook it all up and pair it with worldly wines to create a memorable dining experience.

At the end of the day, Loaves and Fishes demonstrates creativity in product and experience development that consumers are looking for, weaves urban and outdoors together and builds upon our mandate to build Thunder Bay as a urban sustainable tourism leader.

Don't take my word for it. Read Eric Rumble's mouth watering take on it in the September edition of Westjet's (http://www.westjet.com/) Up! Magazine. You can read the online version on page 53 and 54 at:

http://www.soulintegrated.com/up/