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 Fort Lauderdale and takes around 8h 53m.

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 Fort Lauderdale and takes around 8h 53m.

Airports near Thunder Bay

YQTThunder Bay

Airlines serving Thunder Bay

Lufthansa
Good (8,176 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,152 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,497 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,092 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,648 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,455 reviews)
Air China
Good (160 reviews)
Air Transat
Good (572 reviews)
Porter Airlines
Excellent (453 reviews)
WestJet
Good (3,430 reviews)
Flair Airlines
Good (275 reviews)
Bearskin Airlines
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Find flights to Thunder Bay

Where to stay in Thunder Bay

Average rates range from around $152 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $160 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
Days Inn by Wyndham Thunder Bay North
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 685 reviews)
$172+
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Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre
3 stars
Good (7.9, 1390 reviews)
$116+
View
The Courthouse Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.7, 836 reviews)
$153+
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Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites
2 stars
Good (6.2, 635 reviews)
$132+
View
Kingsway Inn
2 stars
Okay (5.8, 371 reviews)
$81+
View
Travelodge by Wyndham Thunder Bay
2 stars
Okay (4.7, 1619 reviews)
$98+
View

Renting a car in Thunder Bay

Renting a car in Thunder Bay costs $49 per day, on average, or $146 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 19% cheaper than airport locations in Thunder Bay.

Expect to pay $5.53 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 $66.32 and $88.43. The most frequently booked car type in Thunder Bay is Intermediate (GMC Terrain or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Kia Rio or similar) are, on average, 26% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Thunder Bay costs $49 per day, on average, or $146 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 19% cheaper than airport locations in Thunder Bay.

Expect to pay $5.53 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 $66.32 and $88.43. The most frequently booked car type in Thunder Bay is Intermediate (GMC Terrain or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Kia Rio or similar) are, on average, 26% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Thunder Bay

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$36/day

Compact

Compact SUV

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$37/day

Compact SUV
Find car rentals in Thunder Bay