Introduction
What to do
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. Thunder Bay deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

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
$157
1 night at 3-star hotel
Thunder Bay in January
Estimated hotel price
$157
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 Los Angeles and takes around 8h 06m.

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 Los Angeles and takes around 8h 06m.

Airports near Thunder Bay

YQTThunder Bay

Airlines serving Thunder Bay

Lufthansa
Good (8,294 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,285 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,720 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,698 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,487 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,894 reviews)
Air China
Good (168 reviews)
Air Transat
Good (585 reviews)
WestJet
Good (3,435 reviews)
Porter Airlines
Excellent (468 reviews)
Flair Airlines
Good (275 reviews)
Bearskin Airlines
Show more
Find flights to Thunder Bay

Where to stay in Thunder Bay

Average rates range from around $143 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $187 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Best Western Thunder Bay Crossroads and Howard Johnson by Wyndham Thunder Bay.

Where to stay in popular areas of Thunder Bay

Most booked hotels in Thunder Bay

See all
Hyatt House Thunder Bay
3 stars
Excellent (9.3, 10 reviews)
$166+
View
Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre
3 stars
Excellent (8, 1477 reviews)
$104+
View
The Courthouse Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.7, 895 reviews)
$128+
View
Superior Inn Hotel and Conference Centre Thunder Bay
3 stars
Good (6.9, 392 reviews)
$127+
View
Travelodge by Wyndham Thunder Bay
2 stars
Okay (4.5, 1723 reviews)
$77+
View

Renting a car in Thunder Bay

Renting a car in Thunder Bay costs $46 per day, on average, or $93 if you want to rent if for 2 days. National, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Budget are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Thunder Bay is the National branch at Thunder Bay Airport, which is 5 km from the city center.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 43% cheaper than airport locations in Thunder Bay.

Expect to pay $5.38 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 $64.50 and $86.00. The most frequently booked car type in Thunder Bay is Intermediate (Opel Zafira Tourer or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 42% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Thunder Bay costs $46 per day, on average, or $93 if you want to rent if for 2 days. National, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Budget are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Thunder Bay is the National branch at Thunder Bay Airport, which is 5 km from the city center.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 43% cheaper than airport locations in Thunder Bay.

Expect to pay $5.38 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 $64.50 and $86.00. The most frequently booked car type in Thunder Bay is Intermediate (Opel Zafira Tourer or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 42% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Thunder Bay

Compact SUV

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$27/day

Compact SUV

Intermediate SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$28/day

Intermediate SUV
Find car rentals in Thunder Bay