Exciting New Rage Room Opens in Thunder Bay
THUNDER BAY — The sound of laughter and shattering glass filled the air as Bash Bays, Thunder Bay’s newest rage room, officially opened its doors on Wednesday.
Designed as a safe space for people to unleash pent-up energy and have fun, Bash Bays offers daily walk-ins from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with appointments available on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Sessions range from $49.99 plus HST for individuals to $139.99 for groups of four, with the number of breakable items increasing per package.
“You come in, grab your suit and protective gear, and step into the room. We have everything set up for you, and you get 30 minutes to break things,” explained Jeremy Moore, the owner of Bash Bays.
Once the destruction is complete, the team takes care of the mess.
“Sometimes you just need to break something. We’re emotional creatures—whether it’s positive or negative, we feel things. Why bottle them up?” said Moore.
One of the first visitors, Matthew Koski, said he felt a sense of relief after his session.
“It felt like I needed to get that out of my system. It was a great way to start my morning,” said Koski, whose favorite item to smash was a plate made in England. He plans to return and recommends the experience: “It’s worth it.”
For Moore, the grand opening was a mix of excitement and nerves.
“I hope Thunder Bay is ready for an idea like this. I just feel lucky to provide this kind of service,” he said.
The idea for Bash Bays began last April when Moore found himself overwhelmed with stress and in search of an outlet.
“I could’ve used a batting cage to swing at baseballs until my arms gave out, but there wasn’t anything like that in town anymore,” he said.
Knowing rage rooms existed elsewhere, he consulted his therapist, who offered professional insight into its potential benefits.
“My experience led me here, and I realized there are more tools that could help people dealing with hard times,” Moore shared.
If Bash Bays proves successful, Moore hopes to support mental health organizations such as Dorset Pier Community Cares, Kelly’s Mental Health Foundation, and Boots on the Ground, which assist individuals without benefits and first responders coping with PTSD.
The business has also become a family effort, with Moore’s wife managing social media and administrative tasks and his children helping prepare for the opening.
“Having them involved means a lot. It teaches them that mental health is important and shows them the value of hard work,” he said.
Breakables come from partnerships with local businesses, including On the Links, Stanley Hotel, and Moore’s family liquor store. Bash Bays also welcomes donations, except for CRT TVs, fluorescent bulbs, and hazardous materials that require proper disposal.
Sustainability is another focus, with plans to repurpose glass waste—about 85 percent of the debris—by using a cement mixer to create sea glass. Moore has also applied for a startup grant to fund a glass crusher for recycling efforts.
For those eager to release stress and break some glass, bookings and payments can be made online.
