Thunder Bay travel guide

Thunder Bay Tourism | Thunder Bay Guide

You're Going to Love Thunder Bay

With a population of 99 334, Thunder Bay is a must-see destination in Ontario, Canada. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Thunder Bay deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Thunder Bay

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Thunder Bay (735 Hewiston St) and Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar (727 Hewitson St) are great picks.

When to visit Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay in January
Estimated hotel price
$125
1 night at 3-star hotel
Thunder Bay in January
Estimated hotel price
$125
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Thunder Bay in July, when the average temperature is 62.6 °F, and the highest can go up to 73.4 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as -4 °F, with an average temperature of 6.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in July, when precipitation is around 3.5″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Thunder Bay, with an average rainfall of 0.4″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Thunder Bay

Plane

When flying to Thunder Bay, you’ll arrive at Thunder Bay (YQT), which is located 6 km from the city center. The shortest flight to Thunder Bay from the United States departs from New York and takes around 4h 44m.

Bus

Ontario Northland operates bus routes to Thunder Bay. From Sault Ste Marie, the bus ride to Thunder Bay takes 888 km and will cost you around $202. From Sault Ste Marie, the ticket costs about $202 for a journey of 911 km. The most popular bus station is Thunder Bay 1010 Dawson Rd, located 8 km from downtown Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is also a commonly used station, and is 5 km from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Thunder Bay, you’ll arrive at Thunder Bay (YQT), which is located 6 km from the city center. The shortest flight to Thunder Bay from the United States departs from New York and takes around 4h 44m.

Bus

Ontario Northland operates bus routes to Thunder Bay. From Sault Ste Marie, the bus ride to Thunder Bay takes 888 km and will cost you around $202. From Sault Ste Marie, the ticket costs about $202 for a journey of 911 km. The most popular bus station is Thunder Bay 1010 Dawson Rd, located 8 km from downtown Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is also a commonly used station, and is 5 km from the city center.

Airports near Thunder Bay

Airlines serving Thunder Bay

Lufthansa
Good (4,616 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,599 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,934 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,127 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,735 reviews)
WestJet
Good (1,915 reviews)
Porter Airlines
Good (156 reviews)
Flair Airlines
Good (179 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Thunder Bay

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay and Best Western Thunder Bay Crossroads.

Where to stay in popular areas of Thunder Bay

Most booked hotels in Thunder Bay

The Courthouse Hotel Ascend Hotel Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 583 reviews)
$128+
Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre
3 stars
Good (7.4, 1692 reviews)
$114+
Modern Motel
2 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$64+
Nights Inn
2 stars
Good (6.9, 1000 reviews)
$73+
Ramada by Wyndham Thunder Bay Airlane Hotel
2 stars
Okay (4.8, 1143 reviews)
$104+
Travelodge by Wyndham Thunder Bay
2 stars
Okay (4.1, 1267 reviews)
$88+

Renting a car in Thunder Bay

Renting a car in Thunder Bay costs $48 per day, on average, or $96 if you want to rent if for 2 days. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget and National are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Thunder Bay is the Enterprise Rent-A-Car branch at 100 Princess St., which is 4 km from the city center.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 1% cheaper than airport locations in Thunder Bay.

Expect to pay $5.22 per gallon in Thunder Bay (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $62.69 and $83.58. The most frequently booked car type in Thunder Bay is Economy (Kia Forte or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 43% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Thunder Bay costs $48 per day, on average, or $96 if you want to rent if for 2 days. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget and National are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Thunder Bay is the Enterprise Rent-A-Car branch at 100 Princess St., which is 4 km from the city center.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 1% cheaper than airport locations in Thunder Bay.

Expect to pay $5.22 per gallon in Thunder Bay (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $62.69 and $83.58. The most frequently booked car type in Thunder Bay is Economy (Kia Forte or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 43% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.