Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda
Encyclopedia
The Thunder Bay Tourist Pagoda, built in 1909, was an early tourist bureau promoting the city of Port Arthur, Ontario
. Located on the waterfront and close to the former train station, the pagoda was intended to attract the attention of visitors arriving by rail or water. Competition with nearby Fort William
was one factor leading to its construction. Another factor was the planned construction of the nearby Prince Arthur Hotel
, completed around 1910.
The hexagonal-shaped structure, designed by architect H. Russell Halton, was in use until 1986, when it was closed. In 1986, the building was designed as a National Historic Site of Canada. It was later reopened as a heritage building.
The stone panel over the entrance depicts a beaver and a maple branch, both symbols of Canada
. A gable extending over the entrance includes a small dragon’s head, said to be a Scandinavian good luck symbol. In 1961, 1973 and 1985, the roof of the pagoda was painted in multi-coloured polka dots.
Port Arthur, Ontario
Port Arthur was a city in Northern Ontario which amalgamated with Fort William and the townships of Neebing and McIntyre to form the city of Thunder Bay in January 1970. Port Arthur was the district seat of Thunder Bay District.- History :...
. Located on the waterfront and close to the former train station, the pagoda was intended to attract the attention of visitors arriving by rail or water. Competition with nearby Fort William
Fort William, Ontario
Fort William was a city in Northern Ontario, located on the Kaministiquia River, at its entrance to Lake Superior. It amalgamated with Port Arthur and the townships of Neebing and McIntyre to form the city of Thunder Bay in January 1970. Ever since then it has been the largest city in Northwestern...
was one factor leading to its construction. Another factor was the planned construction of the nearby Prince Arthur Hotel
Prince Arthur Hotel
The Prince Arthur Hotel now known as The Prince Arthur Hotel and Suites is a hotel in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The hotel was originally built by the Canadian National Railway and was operated as a CN Hotel until 1988. As CN divested its hotel properties to CP Hotels the hotel was sold and now operates...
, completed around 1910.
The hexagonal-shaped structure, designed by architect H. Russell Halton, was in use until 1986, when it was closed. In 1986, the building was designed as a National Historic Site of Canada. It was later reopened as a heritage building.
The stone panel over the entrance depicts a beaver and a maple branch, both symbols of Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. A gable extending over the entrance includes a small dragon’s head, said to be a Scandinavian good luck symbol. In 1961, 1973 and 1985, the roof of the pagoda was painted in multi-coloured polka dots.