12 best places to stay in Thunder Bay

A boutique courthouse, art-filled hostel, or a luxe waterfront hotel—TBay has accommodations for every taste.

Visitors to Thunder Bay are sometimes surprised to discover just how booked up the local accommodations can be, especially in the summer. The city can often have a 90% occupancy rate, making it the third-highest in all of Canada. Why? Thunder Bay is the perfect stop on your cross-Canada road trip: it’s an easy eight-hour drive from Winnipeg or Sault Ste. Marie and about 6 hours from Minneapolis.

Or maybe we're a popular destination due to all our art galleries, paddling and boating opportunities, hiking trails, and the Great Lakes Explorer that departs here in the summer! Whatever your reasons for visiting this scenic, lakefront city in Northwest Ontario, here are all the best places to consider when you’re planning ahead. Book your Thunder Bay accommodations now! 

1. The Courthouse Hotel

This boutique 40-room hotel, built in 1924, is located in the former Thunder Bay Courthouse, and offers lots of beautiful details like elegant wood finishes, oversized windows, chandeliers and authentic courthouse fixtures like the judge and jury seating in the ballroom, combined with contemporary furnishings and stellar views of the harbourfront.   

2. The Haven Hostel

At the Haven Hostel enjoy a prime location in downtown Port Arthur, close to the waterfront and on-trend eateries and shops. The 8,000-square-foot building has both private and group rooms including pod dorms, and a cool outdoor courtyard with a firepit. You can also book the whole site if you want. 

3. Mink Mountain Resort

Rent your own personal house right on Lake Superior, with breathtaking views of the Great Lake and the surrounding cliffs. At Mink Mountain Resort choose from six lakeshore houses, all on their own acre-plus lot with fireplace, BBQ and full kitchens, and several have hot tubs too. The property’s hiking trail system is amazing as well. 

4. Victoria Inn

Can you say “waterslide”? For families with water-loving kids, Victoria Inn is a go-to for locals and visitors alike. The indoor pool has a long curly-cue enclosed waterslide and adjacent hot tub. Poolside and non-poolside rooms are available and there is a casual restaurant on-site as well. 

5. Telstar Motel

This family-owned, recently updated motel is in the heart of the charming community of Kakabeka Falls, about 25 minutes away from Thunder Bay, and only two minutes away from the epic waterfall! Rooms with kitchenettes are also available. 

6. Rose Valley Lodge

A long-time local favourite for TBayers who want a romantic getaway, Rose Valley Lodge is a countryside jewel that’s a 30-minute drive south of Thunder Bay. Enjoy your own log cabin, lots of rural peace and quiet, and fine Euro-style dining. 

7. The Canvas Inn

If you’ve always wanted to try glamping, The Canvas Inn is for you. Camp in style in a five-metre canvas bell tent which comes with set-up service and accommodates two queen or four single beds. In addition to the beds, the tent comes equipped with accent furniture, indoor/outdoor rugs, solar lighting and comfy seating. (Note you are responsible for supplying the campsite. 

8. Porphyry Island 

Boaters, take note: you can rent a canvas tent (sleeps four) or book the guest house (sleeps six) on Porphyry Island on Lake Superior. (No boat of your own? You can book a charter to get there ) Explore the scenic island’s hiking trails and black sand beach, enjoy the sauna and firepit and of course see the historic lighthouse. 

9. Best Western Plus Norwester Hotel & Conference Centre

Mountain views are all yours at Best Western Plus Norwester Hotel & Conference Centre. Located within city limits but in a semi-rural area, this hotel has a prime view of the Nor’Wester mountain range, as well as an indoor pool, hot tub and saunas, a restaurant with patio, conference facilities and a large central fireplace studded with locally mined amethyst (Ontario’s gemstone). 

10. Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay

The Delta is a new multi-storey hotel right on the waterfront at Prince Arthur’s Landing, offering contemporary décor and upscale gastropub fare in the restaurant and patio. Enjoy beautiful views of the Sleeping Giant and the sailboats at the marina, just steps from the waterfront trails, splash pad, public art and downtown restaurants and attractions. 

11. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay

Close to the airport and offering a complimentary shuttle for arriving and departing guests, the Hampton Inn is a newer build that includes a variety of up-to-date guest rooms, an indoor pool and fitness centre. A hot breakfast is also included with the room.  

12. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Thunder Bay

Another newer build, the Holiday Inn Express is centrally located close to shopping, dining and other attractions. Features include modern rooms, an indoor pool and a complimentary hot breakfast.  

In addition to these hotel chains, a number of other major hotels are represented in Thunder Bay. Find them, and other places to stay, at Tourism Thunder Bay. There are also Thunder Bay rentals available via VRBO and Airbnb

About Bonnie Schiedel

Bonnie Schiedel is the founder of www.tbaywithkids.ca, which covers fun family-friendly attractions, events and restaurants in Thunder Bay. She enjoys canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing and travel, and you can read more of her award-winning work at www.northstarwriting.ca.

Related Articles

Experience Your Perfect Summer in Thunder Bay

An A to Z guide to outdoor adventure in this scenic Northern Ontario city

Conquer a Giant

This iconic Northwest Ontario landmark rises 1000 ft above the surface of Lake Superior.

A Pancake is Just a Pancake... Or Is It?

The Top 10 Places to get Finn Pancakes in Thunder Bay

Green Mantle and Nanabijou's Wife

Discover the Legends of Thunder Bay's Natural Wonders

A Bird's-Eye View of Thunder Bay

Mount McKay Lookout - Anemki Wajiw is a must-do in this Northwestern Ontario city

Fishing in the City

Discover Thunder Bay's Urban Angling Hotspots

The Best Sights to See in Thunder Bay

From the legendary Sleeping Giant to Indigenous art galleries these Thunder Bay attractions are not to be missed.

Top 5 places to view the Sleeping Giant

Thunder Bay's Most Famous Landmark and the best places to see it

Two Days of Italian Cuisine and Culture

An August Long Weekend Tradition

Rainy Days and Everyday

Indoor Play Areas for Kids in Thunder Bay

Memories of a Legend

Remembering Terry Fox at Memorial Sites near Thunder Bay

Landing the Big Fish at June Derby In Red Rock

Discover What’s New in Thunder Bay

From rainbow hot dogs to a massive patio expansion in the Waterfront District, here's what's new and hot right now. Hint: It's hot sauce.

12 Places to Go Walleye Fishing In and Around Thunder Bay

Catch your limit and experience the province's best angling near this Northwest Ontario city.

6 great hiking trails in and around Thunder Bay

Hike the famous Sleeping Giant or the Flett railway tunnel in this Northwest Ontario city.

The 5 Best Family-Friendly Hikes Near Thunder Bay

Discover these incredibly scenic nature trails around the city.

Outdoor Skills and Thrills

Touch the Sky in Thunder Bay

Chowing down in Thunder Bay

Discover a diverse Northwest Ontario food scene

Locally Roasted Coffee takes over Thunder Bay

From Rwandan to Columbian, they're all Thunder Bay

Good News Yarn Hunters!

Two New Yarn Stores have opened in Thunder Bay