Sponsored By: Got Back Up
In this Harbour Beat Issue…
New homes on the horizon: the city sells surplus land
Police launch 'Project Support' downtown
The Thunder Bay Chill kick off their 2026 season
Could a Costco be coming to town?
Local Business Spotlight: Sweet Escape Cake Café
Thunder Bay Events
Your week ahead in and around Thunder Bay:
Monday, June 1
Rebecca Johnson Senior Award & Flag Raising — City Hall, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. · Free, coffee provided
Wednesday, June 3
Name That Tune Trivia — Sleeping Giant Brewing Co., 7–9 p.m.
Friday, June 5
Jazz & Old-Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo — Anchor & Ore, 6–9 p.m.
Looking ahead
Thunder Pride Festival kicks off — Saturday, June 6 — more details in Friday’s issue
Early June in Thunder Bay usually means mild, comfortable days — afternoon highs around the high teens (°C) with cool evenings — and a friendly mix of sun and cloud off Lake Superior. June 1 is typically one of the month's drier days, so it's a good bet for getting outside. For the exact hourly forecast, see Environment Canada.
New homes on the horizon: city sells surplus land
The City has sold four surplus municipal properties — a move the director of development services calls a milestone in tackling Thunder Bay's housing shortage, opening the door to hundreds of new homes.
Police launch 'Project Support' to rethink downtown safety
Responding to concerns from local businesses and residents, the Thunder Bay Police Service's new Project Support pilot leads with connections to social services rather than criminal enforcement.
The Thunder Bay Chill are back — now with a women's team
Soccer returns to Chapples Park as the Chill open their 2026 season, debuting a brand-new women's side alongside the men in the Prairies Premier League.
Could a Costco be coming to Thunder Bay?
Talk of a possible Costco has the city buzzing. A retail analyst weighs in on why the warehouse giant sparks so much excitement — and what it could mean for shoppers here.
Local Business Spotlight
Overview
Tucked into the corner of Bay and Machar in Thunder Bay's Bay & Algoma district, Sweet Escape Cake Café & Bakery is a local favourite for anyone with a sweet tooth. Started by owner Jamie — who first chased a passion for coffee micro-roasting — the café pairs a wide range of house-made desserts with proper espresso drinks in a cozy, art-filled space. Grab a treat, linger over a latte, or order a show-stopping custom cake for your next celebration.
Menu Highlights
Sweet Escape is all about desserts done right — cupcakes, cheesecakes, pies, brownies and custom cakes, alongside lattes and a solid tea selection. A few local favourites:
Red Velvet Cupcakes — a perennial best-seller.
Macarons — delicate, in a rotating range of flavours.
Brownies — rich and fudgy.
Lemon Bars & Butter Tarts — classic Canadian sweets.
Raspberry Dream Cake — a standout among their cakes.
[Add seasonal specials or signature items once confirmed with the business.]
Ambiance & Decor
A warm, relaxed café with walls full of local art — a comfortable place to settle in with a coffee and something sweet. [Confirm seating / patio details with the business.]
Location & Contact
📍 Address: Unit 2–271 Bay St (at Machar Ave), Thunder Bay, ON P7B 1R6
📞 Phone: (807) 344-7668
🌐 Website: sweetescapecakes.com
📸 Instagram: [add handle]
Operating Hours
Daily: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed Wednesdays & Sundays
[Confirm current hours with the business.]
Special Events & Promotions
Sweet Escape takes custom cake orders for birthdays, weddings, and celebrations. [Add current promotions, seasonal menus, or order lead-times once confirmed.]
Customer Reviews
⭐ Rated 4.6 on Google.
⭐ "A really cute café, with plenty of tasty treats."
⭐ "Great service and great sweets."
[Add your own collected customer reviews here.]
Final Bite
Whether you're celebrating something big or just treating yourself on a Tuesday afternoon, Sweet Escape serves up Thunder Bay's sweet side with friendly service and a cozy, art-filled setting. A local gem worth the stop.
Meme of the Day
June in Thunder Bay: sunglasses in one hand, snow brush in the other.