Summer activities are coming! Thunder Bay's CLE playground debuts in August, and Uride launches a new "pet-friendly" travel option

CLE Family Carnival: Local Flavor + Classic Traditions

Dates: August 6 to 10, 2025. CLE has been held continuously since 190 and has become one of Thunder Bay's annual highlights.

Event highlights:

The main stage features The Northern Pikes, The Caverners, Simply Queen, Carla Sacco, Taylor's Story, hypnotist Corie J, and beloved children's character meet-and-greets—Bluey & Bingo (Wednesday to Friday, 12 PM to 4 PM), Peppa Pig & George (same times on weekends).

Two amusement areas with about 47 rides in total, plus traditional activities such as farm animal displays, cooking demonstrations, a local crafts market, a baby beauty pageant, and historical exhibit boards, culminating in a fireworks show on the evening of August 10.

Ticket arrangements: Early bird tickets available before August 1 at $12 for adults, $8 for children, and $35 for ride wristbands, purchasable online and at designated outlets including Canadian Tire on Arthur Street and Shoppers Drug Mart at McIntyre Centre.

Uride's "Pet-Friendly" option launches: More humane rides

Launch date: Since July 7, this option has been available in 24 cities across Canada.

Feature description:

Users can swipe in the Uride app to select the "Pets" category, pay an extra $5, and be matched with drivers who accept pets.

Drivers have the option to join this category and can negotiate with passengers on how the pet will travel (e.g., in the back seat, on the lap, or requiring a carrier).

Service animals such as guide dogs remain exempt from the extra fee.

Origin: Uride CEO Cody Ruberto spoke with a frequent passenger named Nathan on a flight from Toronto to Thunder Bay, who had 75% of his trips cancelled because drivers refused to take him with his dog, prompting Ruberto and his team to quickly launch this feature.