Episodes

6 days ago
6 days ago
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.
🧭 Topics Covered:
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What summer in Thunder Bay really feels like
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Top outdoor activities: hiking, biking, paddling, and exploring
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Best water-based adventures on Lake Superior and surrounding areas
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Signature summer festivals and hidden gem events
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Celebrating Finnish and Indigenous culture in Thunder Bay
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Iconic restaurants and Thunder Bay food classics
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New restaurants and emerging culinary trends
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Paul’s dream “eat your way through the city” itinerary
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What makes the people and spirit of Thunder Bay so unique
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Tips for first-time summer visitors
🔗 Connect with Thunder Bay Tourism:
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Website: Visit Thunder Bay
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Instagram: @visitthunderbay
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Facebook: Visit Thunder Bay
🌍 Follow Travel Mammal:
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Website: www.travelmammal.com
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Instagram: @travelmammal
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YouTube: Travel Mammal
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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

Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
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:
Connect with Thunder Bay Tourism on Social:

Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
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:

Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
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:
Connect with Flight Centre Canada on Social:

Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
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:
Connect with Andrew @ Wanuskewin on Social:

Saturday Mar 11, 2023
Saturday Mar 11, 2023
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:
Connect with Adina & LymeTV.org on Social:

Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Fact Up Podcast | Episode #49 | Tracy Ford @ Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
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:
Connect with the Chelsea on Social:

Friday Jan 13, 2023
Fact Up Podcast | Episode #48 | Alex Pope @ Canadian Geographic
Friday Jan 13, 2023
Friday Jan 13, 2023
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:
Connect with Canadian Geographic on Social:

Saturday Aug 13, 2022
Fact Up Podcast | Episode #47 | Neil Hodge @ Tourism New Brunswick, Canada
Saturday Aug 13, 2022
Saturday Aug 13, 2022
Episode #47 of the Fact Up Podcast features Neil Hodge, Travel Media Rep from New Brunswick Tourism in Canada. In this episode, we talk about:
- Why New Brunswick is a must see destination.
- Culinary experiences to be had, including Ballet on the Ocean.
- Experiencing the largest tides on Earth, and the warmest ocean waters north of the Carolinas.
- Cultural experiences, including immersive Acadian, and Indigenous gems.
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:
Connect with New Brunswick Tourism on Social:

Friday Mar 18, 2022
Fact Up Podcast | Episode #46 | Merren McArthur @ Lynx Air
Friday Mar 18, 2022
Friday Mar 18, 2022
Episode #46 of the Fact Up Podcast features Merren McArthur, President and CEO of Lynx Air, one of Canada's newest airlines. In this episode, we talk about:
- What Lynx Air is all about and why travellers should be paying attention.
- Voids Lynx Air fills that other airlines lack.
- Establishing trust with travellers, and the challenges of being at the helm of a new airline, especially post-covid.
- Amount travellers can expect to save flying Lynx Air
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:
- https://www.youtube.com/travelmammal
- https://www.facebook.com/travelmammal
- https://www.twitter.com/travelmammal
- https://www.instagram.com/travelmammal
Connect with Lynx Air on Social: