7 Places that Serve Finn Pancakes in Thunder Bay

If you’ve done a little research on Thunder Bay, Ontario, you’ve probably discovered the city is home to one of the largest Finnish populations per capita outside of Finland. Canada’s latest census data reports that Thunder Bay—a city with a population of about 109,000—is home to 10,705 people of Finnish origin.

As a visitor to this scenic waterfront city, you’ll notice the map of the area is dotted with Finnish place names, like Suomi, Kivikoski, Lappe (originally spelled “Lappi”), and Intola. But an even more obvious sign of the influence of Finnlanders is seen on local breakfast menus—Finnish-style pancakes are a favourite.

So, what is a Finnish pancake? 

To understand, you need to park your pancake bias. Finnish pancakes look more like a French crepe—they are bigger and much thinner than fluffy buttermilk pancakes, are sweet and light, and have deliciously crispy edges. You’ll find them served plain, with maple syrup, or decked out with whipping cream and fresh fruit. What you won’t find is a tall stack or a savoury version (no spinach and sweet potatoes here!). Take our word for it, they’re even more delicious than they sound.

Here’s where you can get Finnish pancakes in Thunder Bay. 

1. Hoito Restaurant 

Serving Finnish food since 1918!! This is the real deal, folks—don’t forget the Kiitos blend coffee. While the restaurant's iconic original location was closed due to fire, the pancakes live on at the Thunder Bay Country Market. 

435 Northern Avenue (at the Thunder Bay Country Market)

2. Java Hut 

A little diner on one of the city’s main drags, Java Hut serves breakfast all day (go for the strawberries).

465 Memorial Avenue

3. Kangas Sauna 

A TBay classic! You can rent a private sauna and enjoy some Finn pancakes for a full-on Finnish experience

379 Oliver Road

4. Niva’s Restaurant 

No need to rush, Niva’s serves breakfast all day. If you’re extra hungry, go for “The Big Finn.”

376 Lisgar Street

5. Rooster’s Bistro 

A family-run restaurant in the heart of the Waterfront District, a gluten-free option is available.

32 St. Paul Street

6. Skål Restaurant 

Enjoy the Scandinavian style of the Valhalla Hotel while devouring your Finn pancakes with berry compote, maple, and cream.

1 Valhalla Inn Road

7. Tina’s 

Dessert for breakfast? Tina’s Finn pancakes are topped with strawberries, blueberries, icing sugar, and whipped topping.

1170 Memorial Avenue

Want to take some Finn pancakes home? The Hoito Restaurant in the Country Market and several local grocery stores and shops sell their Finnish Pancake Mix and it's also available online—a great gift paired with a bottle of local maple syrup. Yum!

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