Welcome to Thunder Bay, a stunningly beautiful city located in northern Ontario! With its breathtaking views, vibrant culture, and welcoming community, there is plenty to do and explore. Along with amazing outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking, you can also find world-class shopping and dining, as well as numerous popular attractions and landmarks. From the iconic Sleeping Giant to the Thunder Bay Marina, this city truly has something for everyone. Read on to find out more about what makes Thunder Bay so special!
Getting to Know Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is a city in the Province of Ontario, Canada. It is the most populous municipality in Northwestern Ontario and is located at the intersection of the two most important Great Lakes in the region, Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
In 2020, the population of Thunder Bay was 121,621, making it the second most populous city in the Province of Ontario. It is also the second most populous city in Northwestern Ontario, next to Greater Sudbury.
Thunder Bay is in the Eastern Time Zone and observes Eastern Daylight Savings Time (EDT).
The official language of Thunder Bay is English, although many citizens also speak French, Ojibwe and other languages.
The Canadian Dollar ($) is the official currency of the city and of the country.
Climate and Weather
Thunder Bay, located on the western shore of Lake Superior in the province of Ontario, Canada, has a moderate climate due to its location in the middle of a large body of water. The summer temperatures average around 22 °C (72 °F) with nights occasionally dropping below 15 °C (59 °F). Winters in Thunder Bay can be severe, with temperatures ranging from -38 °C (-36 °F) in January to as low as -50 °C (-58 °F). Snowfall is abundant during the winter months, with an annual average of 186 cm (73 in). Thunder Bay experiences a large amount of sunshine, averaging 333 days of sunshine each year. The spring and fall months are relatively mild and generally bring cooler temperatures than the summer months, though occasionally temperatures can reach the mid-20s.
Touring Thunder Bay: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in Thunder Bay: the Thunder Bay International Airport and the Marathon Airport. The Thunder Bay International Airport is the main airport, and is located 6 km (3.7 miles) south of downtown Thunder Bay. To get downtown from the airport, you can catch a city bus, which costs $2.75 USD , or take a taxi, which typically costs $14 USD. There are no currency exchange services at the Thunder Bay airport.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Thunder Bay
- Located in Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay has a rich cultural heritage, with unique attractions of both Indigenous and European Canadian influence, from historic sites and museums to art galleries and cultural events.
- Visitors can experience acts of traditional Aboriginal dance, drumming and song at live cultural shows and festivals in Thunder Bay, including Fisherman's Picnic, an Indigenous celebration in memory of the Fur Trade era.
- With a stunning natural backdrop rich in wildlife, visitors can explore Thunder Bay’s many parks and trails which feature amazing hikes, stunning overlooks, and sites for wild berry picking, canoeing and snow sports