Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Thunder Bay has to offer.

Article

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
$117
1 night at 3-star hotel
Thunder Bay in January
Estimated hotel price
$117
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 3 miles from the city center. The shortest flight to Thunder Bay from the United States departs from Los Angeles and takes around 9h 08m.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Thunder Bay 1010 Dawson Rd, located 5 miles from downtown Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is also a commonly used station, and is 3 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Thunder Bay, you’ll arrive at Thunder Bay (YQT), which is located 3 miles from the city center. The shortest flight to Thunder Bay from the United States departs from Los Angeles and takes around 9h 08m.

Bus

The most popular bus station is Thunder Bay 1010 Dawson Rd, located 5 miles from downtown Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is also a commonly used station, and is 3 miles from the city center.

Airports near Thunder Bay

YQTThunder Bay

Airlines serving Thunder Bay

Lufthansa
Good (7,208 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,981 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,861 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,286 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,677 reviews)
Air China
Good (92 reviews)
Air Transat
Good (407 reviews)
WestJet
Good (2,915 reviews)
Porter Airlines
Excellent (298 reviews)
Flair Airlines
Good (246 reviews)
Bearskin Airlines
Show more
Find flights to Thunder Bay

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

See all
Superior Shores Hotel, BW Signature Collection
2 stars
Excellent (8, 466 reviews)
$131+
View
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Thunder Bay
2 stars
Good (7.7, 819 reviews)
$110+
View
Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre
3 stars
Good (7.6, 1193 reviews)
$128+
View
Nights Inn Motel
2 stars
Good (7.2, 1005 reviews)
$69+
View
Travelodge by Wyndham Thunder Bay
2 stars
Okay (5.3, 1250 reviews)
$88+
View
Ramada by Wyndham Thunder Bay Airlane Hotel
2 stars
Okay (5.2, 1084 reviews)
$109+
View

Renting a car in Thunder Bay

Renting a car in Thunder Bay costs $51 per day, on average, or $154 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car 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 3 miles from the city center.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 10% cheaper than airport locations in Thunder Bay.

Expect to pay $4.58 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 $54.96 and $73.29. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Thunder Bay, while also 30% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Thunder Bay costs $51 per day, on average, or $154 if you want to rent if for 3 days. Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car 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 3 miles from the city center.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 10% cheaper than airport locations in Thunder Bay.

Expect to pay $4.58 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 $54.96 and $73.29. Compact (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Thunder Bay, while also 30% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in Thunder Bay

Compact SUV

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$34/day

Compact SUV

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$43/day

Supplier choice
Find car rentals in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Thunder Bay city guide for the best Thunder Bay travel tips. To help you organize your Thunder Bay trip ideas, this Thunder Bay visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.