Thunder Bay Travel Guide: Canada Undiscovered

Thunder Bay is a hidden gem in Ontario, Canada, nestled on the shore of the world-famous Lake Superior. Is Thunder Bay worth visiting? Thunder Bay has an excellent appeal for outdoor enthusiasts, but it is also an attractive destination for history buffs and road trippers from Toronto. Thunder Bay will make a great addition to your Canada holiday if you are looking for dramatic landscapes, outdoor activities, and Canadian history.

Here at Canadian Affair, we are the Canada travel experts, so get in touch today to start planning your trip. Read this in-depth guide to learn more.

Learn more about Canadian Affair

Where is Thunder Bay?

Thunder Bay is located in Northwestern Ontario. It can be found on the Northwestern shore of Lake Superior. Thunder Bay is a key stop on the Trans-Canada Highway (one of the world’s longest single-country routes) and, therefore, a popular stop on Canada motorhome holidays. Thunder Bay is about 1,400 km away from Toronto, and it is near the USA border.

View all Ontario holidays

What is the weather like in Thunder Bay?

Thunder Bay has a humid, continental climate, featuring warm summers and cold, snowy winters.

• Spring (April-May): Climbing temperatures (5-15°C) and great weather for visiting waterfalls due to the melting snow.
• Summer (June–August): Warm (20–25°C) and ideal for hiking and lakeside activities.
• Autumn (September to October): Pleasant temperatures (5-15°C) and the best time for fall colours and photography.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold (between -10°C and -20°C) and popular for snowshoeing and skiing.

The best time to visit Thunder Bay depends on the type of experience you are after. Due to its sunny weather and warm temperatures, summer is a lovely time of year to visit. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking on Lake Superior.

As Thunder Bay gets very cold and snowy in the winter, it’s a great destination for enjoying winter activities. Thunder Bay has excellent facilities for the likes of skiing, dog sledding, fat biking, and ice fishing.

What is Thunder Bay known for?

Thunder Bay is known for its position on the scenic Lake Superior, natural beauty (such as the iconic Sleeping Giant rock formation), and countless outdoor activities. It is the sunniest city in eastern Canada and a winter sports hub. Thunder Bay was also the first location to see the implementation of Daylight Saving Time in 1908.

Key facts about Thunder Bay

• Thunder Bay has a population of 110,000 people.
• The city was officially formed in 1970 from the amalgamation of Fort William and Port Arthur.
• Thunder Bay is known as "Canada’s Gateway to the West" due to its port on Lake Superior.
• The city has more than 100 parks and several conservation areas.

Thunder Bay has the highest amount of sunshine in Eastern Canada, with 2,200 hours annually.

• Hike to the top of the Sleeping Giant rock formation for scenic views.
• Visit Prince Arthur’s Landing at Marina Park, home to art galleries, restaurants, and boardwalks.
• Explore Fort William Historical Park.
• See the Terry Fox Monument.
• Kayak or paddleboard on Lake Superior.
• Experience Kakabeka Falls (the "Niagara of the North").
• Visit local galleries and Indigenous cultural centres.
• Try fat biking, skiing, or snowshoeing in winter.

There are many things to see and do during a Thunder Bay holiday. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is one of the best places to visit near Thunder Bay, where you can witness the famous Sleeping Giant rock formation – voted one of the Seven Wonders of Canada.

Prince Arthur’s Landing is Thunder Bay’s pretty marina, sporting scenic views across the bay towards Sleeping Giant and the perfect spot to relax with a nice meal or a drink after a day of exploration.

Other options nearby include the Kakabeka Falls, known as the “Niagara of the North”, a stunning waterfall just 19 miles west of Thunder Bay. If you want to compare Kakabeka with Niagara Falls, a road trip across Ontario is entirely possible.

Hire a car in Canada

Are there any good places to eat in Thunder Bay?

Many fantastic restaurants in Thunder Bay serve tasty meals. From upscale Canadian dining to casual fare, there are plenty of options. Some of the best restaurants include:

• Tomlin Restaurant: This spot specialises in craft cocktails and Canadian cuisine to be shared at the table.
• Niva’s Restaurant: This casual eatery is known for its all-day breakfast, including Finnish pancakes, which are popular with Thunder Bay’s large Finnish population.
• Lot 66: The menu here focuses on high-quality meats, seafood and fresh pasta made from premium ingredients.
• Caribou Restaurant and Wine Bar: Award-winning restaurant, famed for its wines and signature Angus tenderloin.

Can I stay in Thunder Bay?

It is possible to stay in Thunder Bay at one of the city’s many hotels. You can also stay at one of the area’s campgrounds or RV parks – ideal if you are dreaming of an Ontario road trip.

Another option is to stay elsewhere in Ontario and travel between Thunder Bay and other top destinations in the province. Get in touch, and we can offer you tailored hotel recommendations.

Book hotels in Canada