Tips for Americans: What You Should Know Before Visiting Thunder Bay

If you’re planning a trip to Thunder Bay, don’t make it a quick stop. The region surprises visitors with its scale, solitude, and personality. Many who come for a weekend leave wishing they’d stayed longer—Thunder Bay rewards those who slow down. It’s quiet, welcoming, and full of character.

Why Thunder Bay Is Worth More Than a Weekend

Thunder Bay area landscapes stretch from the Nor’Wester Mountains to the Sibley Peninsula, where Sleeping Giant Provincial Park offers one of Canada’s crown-jewel hikes: the Top of the Giant Trail. Nearby, Kakabeka Falls and Pigeon River provincial parks reveal more wilderness beauty, while inside city limits, mountain bikers will find Canada’s best riding on the Trowbridge Forest Multi-Use Recreation Trail System.

Big Landscapes, Small-Scale Hospitality

The area’s smaller, often family-run outfitters make travel here personal. Many don’t post full schedules online, so reach out before you come. Locals are generous with advice and will often tailor trips for those who plan ahead.

Thunder Bay’s friendly, unhurried pace extends from the trails to the taprooms. The city’s independent restaurants and breweries rival larger urban scenes, and the exchange rate gives American travelers a bonus—your dollar buys about 35% more here.

Urban speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph); highways average 90 km/h (56 mph). Canada’s scenic Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 11/17) winds past cliffs, boreal forest, and glittering lake views, with frequent wildlife crossings, so take your time.

Crossing the Canada-U.S. Border

Both Canada Border Services and U.S. Customs & Border Protection aim to make your border-crossing experience smooth and efficient. Preparing in advance by understanding entry forms, restricted items, duty regulations, and other key details can help speed up the process.

U.S. Citizens Entry Requirements

U.S. citizens aged 16 and older entering Canada by air, land, or water must present a valid passport, passport card, Enhanced Driver’s License, or a Trusted Traveler Program Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST).

For children 15 and under, a birth certificate is sufficient for land or sea travel, though a passport is required for air travel. Travelers with children should carry birth certificates and, if traveling with minors who are not their own, a signed letter of permission from the parents or guardians.

cic.gc.ca

Traveling with Pets

Pets from the U.S. require a rabies vaccination certificate issued within the past 36 months. Travelers from other countries should contact Canadian inspection services for specific requirements.

Thunder Bay is Proud to be a Pet-Friendly City!

The City of Thunder Bay maintains four free-of-charge off-leash dog parks for our canine residents, visitors, and their humans to enjoy year-round.

Hillyard Lands Dog Park: North of Central Avenue between Memorial and 8th Avenue, turn north off Central Avenue at Carrick Street

Beverly Street Dog Park: South of Port Arthur Stadium on the corner of Beverly Street and Winnipeg Avenue

Neebing Playfield Dog Park: Corner of Neebing Avenue and Mary Street West

Centennial Park Leash-Free Area: Centennial Park, off Arundel Street

Returning to the U.S.

U.S. residents returning home are eligible for an $800 duty-free personal exemption every 31 days, provided their stay abroad exceeds 48 hours. This includes up to 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars.

cbp.gov

U.S. visitors can bring a reasonable amount of personal goods duty-free, appropriate to their length of stay. Specific limits apply to alcohol, tobacco, and food products, and regulations frequently change.

inspection.gc.ca

Cannabis in Canada

Cannabis is legal in Ontario for adults 19 and older, sold only through ocs.ca or licensed retailers. You can possess up to 30 grams of dried flower. It’s illegal to bring cannabis across the border, drive while impaired, or smoke near schools or playgrounds. Travel within Canada is allowed but subject to provincial laws.

Consumption is regulated under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Know where smoking and vaping is permitted. Impaired driving, including by cannabis, is a serious offence with penalties such as fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. Police use roadside screening for enforcement.

For FAQs, visit visitthunderbay.com/cannabisFAQ. 
For detailed legislation and retail info, visit ocs.ca.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THUNDER BAY

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