THUNDER BAY — Parking will be at a premium at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
With large crowds expected for most draws, and particularly heavy attendance on the opening and closing weekends, local organizers have come up with a solution to get people to and from the Gardens without having to worry about where to leave their vehicle.
Thanks in part to funding provided by the Community Economic Development Commission, a shuttle service will be in place for the general public, and there will also be one running for visitors from out of town.
Rick Lang, co-chair of the 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, said it’s a great way to reduce congestion around the south-side rink, where parking spaces are few and far between and bound to be snapped up early in the day.
“It’s no secret the Gardens has very difficult parking, especially with the crowds we’re expecting on opening and closing weekend, for sure,” said Lang, a two-time world men’s curling champion who is also the coach of the Team Northern Ontario entry at the Scotties, skipped by Krista McCarville.
We’re very fortunate the CEDC sponsored, along with Tourism Thunder Bay, enough funding that we’ll have three buses running full time, morning, noon and night. You can get a ride to every draw.
“We’re going to be servicing hotel shuttles. There will be a bus before and after every draw from all the major hotels in town.”
For locals, there will be two park-and-ride sites to choose from, depending which side of Thunder Bay one is coming from.
Those on the south side can park in a designated area at the Valhalla Inn, while those on the north side may find it more convenient to park at the CLE, in spaces adjacent to the Kiwanis Christmas Tree building.
“We’re going to have continuous bus before and after every draw, picking you up out of your nice warm car, dropping you right at the door and taking you back after the game,” Lang said.
The Scotties Tournament of Hearts kicks off on Feb. 14.
Team McCarville plays in the opening draw, at 7 p.m., against Saskatchewan.
