5 Reasons to Bring a Conference or Meeting to Thunder Bay, Ontario

Set on the north shore of Lake Superior and surrounded by the Nor'Wester Mountain range, the city of Thunder Bay has long been a favourite destination for those looking to enjoy the stunning outdoor attractions of Northern Ontario. But while this destination offers no shortage of natural wonders, Thunder Bay is also a top-notch option for corporate groups seeking an impactful option for their conference, meeting or incentive escape. 

Here are five reasons why Thunder Bay is an ideal option for groups.

1. Thunder Bay's Easy Accessibility 

Whether attendees are coming from nearby, from across the border or from farther-flung destinations, it’s easy to get into Thunder Bay—and to get around once you are here.

The Thunder Bay International Airport has numerous daily flights from both regional and national airlines including Air Canada, Westjet and Porter. Just off the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 61, Thunder Bay is a 45-minute drive from the U.S. border with Minnesota and a six-hour drive to St. Paul, Minnesota. It’s even home to a cruise ship terminal where Viking and other cruise lines disembark.

“We are a city with an international appeal,” says Paul Pepe, manager of Tourism Thunder Bay, a division of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission. “Anybody crossing our country for any reason, comes right through Thunder Bay.”

Once in town, attendees will find Thunder Bay easy to navigate before, after and in between sessions, and planners will find it a breeze to manage transportation.

“There’s probably 55 restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries in the Waterfront District alone—and that’s all walkable,” says Pepe.

2. Out-of-the-Box Event Venues and Accommodations in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay boasts a number of convention hotels with tens of thousands of square feet for events, as well as catering options. These include the historic Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites (with more than 10,000 square feet of event space) and the more recent Delta Hotels By Marriott Thunder Bay (with a 5,000-square-foot ballroom and banquet capacity for up to 350 attendees). There’s also Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre (with 17,000 square feet of total event space) and Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre (with a ballroom of more than 9,000 square feet and theatre capacity for up to 1,000 people). The Best Western Plus Nor'Wester Hotel and Conference Centre (6 flexible event spaces for up to 340 people—plus fireplaces made of local amethyst). 

But for a destination as rich in history and culture as Thunder Bay, it makes sense that planners will also find plenty of memorable venues outside of the traditional hotel and conference center, as unique as the city itself.

Jennifer Grundy, coordinator for convention and visitor services for Tourism Thunder Bay, points to a pair of favourite out-of-the-box group venues.

“Goods & Co. is our newest makers market, downtown in a beautiful old Eaton’s department store that’s been renovated,” says Grundy. “It’s open most days of the week and is available after hours for private rentals. They have a gallery in the back called Co. Lab that’s great for smaller meetings and 400-500 can fit in the main space, standing.”

Another venue that’s especially popular with groups is Fort William Historical Park. The former fur-trading post makes for an unconventional location for galas, receptions and gatherings of all kinds.

“We hosted the opening ceremonies of the Ontario Winter Games there,” says Grundy.

More is on the way. The Superior Shores Hotel BW Signature Collection By Best Western recently opened its doors, expanding the destination’s hotel options, and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery is currently building a new $50 million venue on the waterfront, set to open in early 2026.

3. Thunder Bay's Financial Incentives for Groups

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission recently introduced a Tourism Development Fund, powered by the Municipal Accommodation Tax, which provides financial incentives for organizations to bring new conferences to the city. Conference planners can apply to Thunder Bay Tourism for a financial consideration of up to $50,000 or 25 percent of their total event cost.

“That’s to help planners invest in ground transportation to move their delegates around the city while they’re here to create unique conference experiences for their delegates,” says Pepe. “It’s a very unique incentive program in Canada for conferences in smaller cities.”

Last year, the program funded 37 projects and $800,000 in grants.

4. Thunder Bay's Range of Culinary Offerings 

Visitors here can take advantage of this city’s wide variety of culinary options. While the pink-frosted Persian might arguably be Thunder Bay’s best-known culinary creation, the dining options here are far more varied and rich. From upscale to casual, brunch spots to dessert destinations, the 100-plus restaurants throughout the city can suit every taste, not to mention its burgeoning food truck scene and vibrant farmers’ market.

“You can only talk about so much in a conference room or boardroom—the real deals and real networking happens over food and drink,” says Pepe. “And very few small cities can match what we have here in terms of culinary offerings.”

A few of Pepe’s favorites for groups: the farm-to-table Tomlin Restaurant, Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar, and the new Italian restaurant, Grotto Trattoria. He points out that the destination’s diverse population, including a sizable community of Polish, Portuguese and Southeast Asian people—not to mention a number of international students and the largest Finn-speaking population outside of Finland—helps to fuel the destination’s cornucopia of food and beverage choices.

“And you’ve got the growing, traditional Indigenous cuisine,” says Pepe, pointing to Tea Horse artisanal teas, Bannock Lady and the growing options around Fort William First Nation.

This is also a great city for craft breweries, including Sleeping Giant, Dawson Trail and Lakehead Beer Company—many of which include space available for private events.

5. Opportunities to Explore the Great Outdoors in the City of Thunder Bay

Of course, no visit to Thunder Bay, whether for business or pleasure, is complete without an excursion into its impressive outdoors. Pepe encourages groups to go for a hike, book a Zodiac tour, take kayak lessons or join some other activity that gets them exploring the stunning natural attractions surrounding Thunder Bay.

“It's about what’s outside the boardroom and convention spaces,” says Pepe. “It’s about getting out on active transportation trails, walking trails, waterfall viewing, taking a sailing charter in the harbour.”

Thunder Bay is home to more than 100 parks and conservation areas that are easy to reach from the city. Between sessions, attendees can take part in a golfing or horseback-riding outing while the more adventurous can take advantage of the local power sports or rock climbing options.

Pepe points to Sail Superior’s luxury catamaran that can take a group of up to 20 people out on the water, providing an afternoon outing or fully catered dinner on the lake.

Groups who time their visits here right can even catch a view of the Northern Lights.

“You don’t have to go very far to see them—you can see the Northern Lights right from the city when they’re shining,” says Pepe.

He emphasizes that for corporate groups coming to Thunder Bay, “It’s not just about flying in, having your meeting and flying out. It’s about building time to enjoy the destination while you’re here.”

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