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

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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
$156
1 night at 3-star hotel
Thunder Bay in January
Estimated hotel price
$156
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 Boston and takes around 12h 25m.

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 Boston and takes around 12h 25m.

Airports near Thunder Bay

YQTThunder Bay

Airlines serving Thunder Bay

Lufthansa
Good (8,123 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,104 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,450 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,953 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,609 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,320 reviews)
Air China
Good (158 reviews)
Air Transat
Good (563 reviews)
Porter Airlines
Good (442 reviews)
WestJet
Good (3,404 reviews)
Flair Airlines
Good (273 reviews)
Bearskin Airlines
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Where to stay in Thunder Bay

Average rates range from around $148 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $159 and up for a 5-star experience. 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
The Haven Hostel
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 432 reviews)
$113+
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay
3 stars
Excellent (9, 125 reviews)
$176+
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Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre
3 stars
Good (7.9, 1367 reviews)
$102+
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The Courthouse Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.9, 815 reviews)
$160+
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Lake Superior Boutique Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.2, 195 reviews)
$70+
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Travelodge by Wyndham Thunder Bay
2 stars
Okay (4.8, 1573 reviews)
$98+
View

Renting a car in Thunder Bay

Renting a car in Thunder Bay costs $47 per day, on average, or $140 if you want to rent if for 3 days. National, Budget and Enterprise Rent-A-Car 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 9% cheaper than airport locations in Thunder Bay.

Expect to pay $4.96 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 $59.51 and $79.34. The most frequently booked car type in Thunder Bay is Compact (Kia Seltos or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Kia Rio or similar) are, on average, 50% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Thunder Bay costs $47 per day, on average, or $140 if you want to rent if for 3 days. National, Budget and Enterprise Rent-A-Car 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 9% cheaper than airport locations in Thunder Bay.

Expect to pay $4.96 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 $59.51 and $79.34. The most frequently booked car type in Thunder Bay is Compact (Kia Seltos or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Kia Rio or similar) are, on average, 50% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Thunder Bay

Standard SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$56/day

Standard SUV

Pickup truck

5 Adults, 2 Bags

$68/day

Pickup truck
Find car rentals in Thunder Bay