Hotels in Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thunder Bay Hotels

Perched on the shores of the vast, yet serene Lake Superior, Thunder Bay offers a peaceful escape for those who want to enjoy the Great Lakes without the crowds. Overlooking the city is the Sleeping Giant, an imposing rock formation that seems to be guarding this close knit, yet diverse city. During the summer months, the area becomes one of the watersport capitals of Canada, with plenty of space for thrill seekers as well as those seeking calm. It’s a city that takes its heritage seriously, with perfectly preserved buildings dating back to the 1800s and colorful local festivals.

Things to see

The imposing Thunder Bay Community Auditorium hosts some big name acts from around the world, and although it offers 1,500 seats, it manages to keep a warm and intimate environment, with great acoustics allowing for some truly memorable performances. During the day, a time-traveling adventure is promised at Fort William Historical Park, where you can see historical buildings from different eras, mingle with the inhabitants of the past, and even try some historic cuisine for a full sensory experience. You can also find out what life was like in the early days of Thunder Bay by visiting the Founders Museum & Pioneer Village, featuring traditional wooden buildings stuffed full of authentic artifacts and brimming with local history. If you’re more into intergalactic adventures, the Thunder Bay Observatory allows you to try a range of scientific equipment to stare into space, and its proximity to a light pollution free zone means you’ll enjoy unrivalled views of the cosmos.

Hotels in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is host to many cozy inns, many with lakeside views, offering a romantic, peaceful escape for couples. With spa tubs, saunas, and indoor pools, you can wind down after a long day on the lakes, before retiring to rooms that feature bathtubs, designer toiletries, and air conditioning for extra comfort. There are also plenty of cheap Thunder Bay hotels, including many of the major chains, and these places offer clean, basic accommodations, with welcome extras such as WiFi, cable television, and coffee makers.

Where to stay

Hotels in Thunder Bay city center often attract families on vacation, and offer plenty of green space amongst the more somber business centers. It also offers a diverse shopping experience, from the eclectic, historical boutiques of the downtown area, to the upmarket chain stores of the Intercity Shopping Center. The area is also host to many casual dining establishments, and they suit the mood of this laidback, diverse city, although there are also plenty of fine dining establishments to be found, mainly on the waterfront area, giving unrivalled, romantic views of the lake.

How to get to Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay, ON (YQT-Thunder Bay Intl.) airport offers a non-stop service to Chicago, an easy stopover for most cities in the USA. The utilitarian structure is often busy, with many local flights to surrounding lake cities. Cheap local buses take you into the city center with ease, and you can also pre-book a taxi to make the transfer even smoother. Many Americans simply drive across the border, with Minneapolis less than six hours away, and some great views of Lake Superior to be had. The bay is also visited by cruise ships and recreational boaters, allowing for one of the most spectacular views as you arrive.