Thunder Bay International Airport

Gateway to the North, Where the Lake Meets the Wilderness

Thunder Bay sits on the northwestern shore of Lake Superior in Ontario, Canada, and serves as the largest city in Northwestern Ontario. Flanked by boreal forests, dramatic cliffs, and one of the world's largest freshwater lakes, it blends rugged outdoor adventure with a surprisingly vibrant arts and culture scene.

The city has deep Indigenous heritage, particularly from the Ojibwe and Anishinaabe peoples, and a rich history tied to the fur trade, grain shipping, and Finnish immigration. Visitors will find a welcoming, unpretentious community proud of its unique identity at the edge of the Canadian Shield.

• •Kakabeka Falls — Nicknamed 'Niagara of the North,' a stunning 40-metre waterfall in a provincial park.
• •Sleeping Giant Provincial Park — Iconic mesa formation overlooking Lake Superior with world-class hiking trails.
• •Fort William Historical Park — Living-history fur trade fort with costumed interpreters and immersive programming.
• •Terry Fox Monument & Scenic Lookout — Tribute to Canada's hero with sweeping views of Lake Superior.
• •Thunder Bay Art Gallery — Strong collection of Indigenous art from Northwestern Ontario artists.
• •Amethyst Mine Panorama — Dig your own amethyst gemstones at one of Ontario's largest deposits.

Getting around: Thunder Bay is best explored by car, as the city is spread out and public transit is limited; the Thunder Bay Transit bus system covers main routes but operates infrequently. Taxis are available, and rideshare apps like Uber operate locally. Renting a car is strongly recommended for reaching outlying parks and attractions.

Best time: Late June through early September offers warm weather and full access to hiking, waterfalls, and lake activities, making summer the ideal time to visit.

Local food: Try Persian doughnuts — a Thunder Bay original — along with Finnish nisu bread, fresh Lake Superior whitefish, and the locally beloved meat-filled pastie.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.