10 Excellent Event and Meeting Venues in Thunder Bay, Ontario

The city of Thunder Bay, Ontario may best be known for its impressive natural surroundings, on the shores of Lake Superior and views Sleeping Giant and the Nor’Wester Mountain range. But while visitors will want to make time for hiking, kayaking, power sports and other open-air experiences, this destination is also notable for its range of indoor offerings.

Specifically, meeting planners seeking effective and memorable venues for their gatherings will find no shortage of great options in Thunder Bay. Whether a group needs a traditional ballroom for a general session or an unconventional location for a reception, this scenic destination has conferences covered. 

Here are 10 venues in Thunder Bay that are great for groups.

1. Goods & Co.

Located in a former Eaton’s department store, Goods & Co. is a modern market where local restaurateurs, designers, artists and craftspeople offer up their wares. After hours, the market can be booked for private events of up to 380 visitors for receptions, trade shows or educational sessions. During working hours, the coworking space Co.Lab Gallery can be booked for blocks of time, as well — so a group can get some focused work done on a project and then break for lunch at one of the numerous culinary options in the market.

2. Fort William Historical Park

Located on the banks of the Kaministiquia River, the former fur-trading post of Fort William Historical Park still exudes history and offers a peek into an earlier era of Thunder Bay. But it also offers a range of cutting-edge meeting spaces for groups of 30 to 500 people. These include an amphitheatre and a large outdoor venue, as well as an astronomy centre (complete with a large outdoor fireplace). Visiting groups can tap into the venue’s catering service or even take a historical guided tour in between sessions.

3. Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Housing more than 1,600 works in its permanent collection (with a focus on works by contemporary Indigenous artists), the Thunder Bay Art Gallery also offers a number of meeting rooms and galleries, available for private rental when schedule allows. But more excitement is on the horizon here, as a new, $50 million venue is currently under construction on the shore at Prince Arthur’s Landing. Set to open in 2026, the Art Waterfront Experience will provide a stunning home to the museum’s works, as well as large exhibition galleries and flexible event spaces for gatherings of all types.

4. Sleeping Giant Brewing Company

Thunder Bay is home to several craft breweries, and Sleeping Giant is one of the local favourites. Visitors can not only stop by to sample some of their brews, but stay awhile by booking one of several venues on site. Whether looking to host a beer tasting or just get down to business in a unique space, this is a fun option.

5. Best Western Plus Nor'Wester Hotel and Conference Centre

Best Western Plus Nor'Wester Hotel and Conference Centre provides planners with 6 flexible event spaces lined with large windows and lots of natural light for up to 340 people. Two of the rooms even feature amethyst fireplaces—a local Thunder Bay gemstone that's mined nearby. Additional amenities include catering options and audio/visual set up, while on site there's the Cliffhanger Restaurant & Bar with a spacious patio offering mountain views.

6. Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites

Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites first opened in 1911. While attendees will be impressed by the historic details of the property, they will be equally impressed with the modern event spaces here, including the flexible Provincial Room (able to hold up to 350 people) and Bertrand Court (with a capacity for up to 100 guests). High-speed internet is available across all meeting rooms as well as guest rooms, and visitors will want to make time to dine at Portside Steak and Seafood Restaurant on the property.

7. Delta Hotels By Marriott Thunder Bay

On the northwestern shore of Lake Superior, Delta Hotels By Marriott Thunder Bay truly offers waterfront meeting space, with a number of flexible event spaces. These include the more than 5,500-square-foot Superior Ballroom (divisible into four smaller ballrooms), as well as the Cascades and Kakabeka Boardrooms, for smaller gatherings. The Anchor & Ore gastropub on the property provides a great dining option for attendees, as well.

8.  Superior Inn Hotel and Conference Centre

With a three-story waterslide, poolside rooms and a pet-friendly policy, Superior Inn Hotel and Conference Centre is a great option for attendees who are bringing their family. But it’s also got business gatherings of all sizes covered, with 12 meeting rooms able to accommodate groups from eight people to 700.

9. Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre

Just minutes from the Thunder Bay International Airport, Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre prides itself on providing “True Northern Hospitality,” with rustic Scandinavian-inspired design and a high level of service. Its event spaces can also accommodate groups of up to 1,000 attendees in memorable locations such as the Fireside Room (which includes a wood-burning fireplace) and expansive ballroom with views of Mount Mckay.

10. Ramada by Wyndham Thunder Bay Airlane Hotel

Just two kilometres from the airport (and not much further from many of Thunder Bay’s outdoor attractions including Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park and Mount McKay), Ramada by Wyndham Thunder Bay Airlane Hotel offers groups more than 8,700 square feet of event space able to accommodate up to 500 guests. Its group services team can also assist with everything from A/V equipment to planning a catering menu.

Bonus: Financial Incentives Available for Planners

Convention planners looking to bring their new or expanding corporate event to the city can apply for financial incentives from Tourism Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission through the CEDC Tourism Development Fund.

Plan Your Next Meeting or Event in Thunder Bay, Ontario Today

To learn more about planning your next meeting or event in the city check out Visit Thunder Bay. 

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