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Thunder Bay International Airport

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Gateway to Northern Ontario’s natural wonders
Airport in Canada
Mainly serving (5 km)
10 destinations

Thunder Bay International Airport serves as a key gateway to Northeastern Ontario’s wilderness and urban hubs. Located about 12 kilometers east of downtown Thunder Bay, the airport handles flights from major Canadian carriers connecting travelers to cities like Toronto and Montreal. Its modern terminal provides clear signage and basic amenities such as ticket counters, baggage claim, restrooms and limited dining options. The facility operates efficiently year-round despite harsh winter conditions common in the region. Pilots use its long runway for safe landings during snow or rain.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Thunder Bay Airport Summary
Thunder Bay International Airport is an airport near Thunder Bay in Canada. It currently offers regular passenger service to 10 destinations operated by 7 airlines.
Top airlines
Logo of Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines (PD)
41 flights per week
Logo of Bearskin Airlines
Bearskin Airlines (JV)
34 flights per week
Logo of WestJet Airlines
WestJet Airlines (WS)
21 flights per week
Top destinations
Cheapest destinations
Best destinations
Canada – Quick facts
Power Grid: 120 V, 60 Hz
Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
Diagram of a Type A power plug
Type B:
Diagram of a Type B power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
£1 ≈ CA$1.87
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay are popular.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is customary in Canada, with a typical tip of 10-20% in restaurants. Tipping is also expected in taxis and for hotel staff, usually 1-2 CAD for bellhops and housekeepers.
Public drinking: Public drinking laws vary by province, but it's often allowed in designated areas such as festivals or certain parks.
Public smoking: Smoking is prohibited indoors in public spaces and in most outdoor spaces in urban areas. Some provinces have stricter laws than others.
Canada Day
(July)
The country celebrates with fireworks and festivals. Expect crowded tourist spots and high demand for accommodations.
Thanksgiving
(October)
A major family holiday with many businesses closed, especially in rural areas.
Christmas
(December)
Festive markets and winter activities are popular, but expect higher accommodation prices and busy cities.
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Other: Canada is vast, so be prepared for long distances between cities and varying weather conditions depending on the region.

Thunder Bay International Airport serves as a key transportation hub in Northwestern Ontario. The facility handles both domestic and limited international flights connecting travelers to the region’s diverse landscapes. Operated by local authorities it supports economic activity through cargo services and passenger travel. Its runways accommodate various aircraft sizes ensuring reliable access for residents and visitors alike.

The airport features modern terminals equipped with essential amenities such as ticketing counters baggage claim areas and security checkpoints. Travelers can find dining options retail stores and basic dining facilities within the premises. Parking spaces are available both short term and long term catering to different needs. The layout prioritizes efficiency allowing smooth movement between services.

Location plays a central role in Thunder Bay’s appeal. Situated near Lake Superior it provides convenient entry points for exploring nearby parks trails and cultural sites. Outdoor enthusiasts find opportunities for hiking fishing and winter sports within reasonable distances. The airport acts as a gateway linking urban infrastructure with natural attractions making regional exploration practical.

Community connections matter. The airport works closely with local businesses schools and organizations to support sustainable growth. Initiatives focus on reducing environmental impact while maintaining safety standards. Staff members receive training in customer service ensuring travelers encounter helpful assistance at every stage of their journey. This approach reflects a commitment to serving both immediate needs and long term goals.

Helpful tips for Thunder Bay International Airport

  • Arrive at least two hours before departure for security and customs.
  • Check the airport's website for updated terminal maps, parking options and public transit connections to avoid delays.
  • Use the free Wi‑Fi and charging stations in Terminal A; consider downloading the Thunder Bay Airport app for real‑time flight updates.
  • Thunder Bay International Airport hosts seasonal events like the Northern Lights Festival; timing your arrival during these can offer unique cultural experiences.

How to get from Thunder Bay Airport to popular destinations

To Thunder Bay City:
Thunder Bay City is only 12 km from the airport. The local transit system runs Route 10 every 30 minutes, costing CA$3.50 (£1.86) and taking about 25 minutes. Taxis or rideshare cost roughly CA$35 – 45 (£18.63 – 23.95). A car‑rental desk sits in the terminal for those who prefer driving.

To Fort Frances:
Fort Frances lies about 120 km north of Thunder Bay. From the airport you can take a taxi or rideshare for roughly CA$200 – 250 (£106.44 – 133.05) and a 1½‑hour drive. Alternatively, hire a car at the terminal (CA$70 (£37.25)/day) and follow Highway 17 to reach the town’s centre.

To Kenora:
Kenora sits roughly 250 km west of Thunder Bay. The most common way is to rent a vehicle (CA$70 (£37.25)/day) for a 4‑hour drive via Highway 11 and 71. A Greyhound bus departs from downtown every two hours, costing CA$35 – 45 (£18.63 – 23.95) and taking about five hours.

Top destinations from Thunder Bay Airport

Destination
Duration/Price
Weekdays
Airlines
Info
YXL Sioux Lookout Airport

1 h 00 min.
£370 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
2-8 flights per day
Logo of Bearskin Airlines +2
YYZ Toronto

1 h 45 min.
£36 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
4-5 flights per day
Logo of Air Canada +2
YTZ Toronto

2 h 00 min.
£120 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
3-4 flights per day
Logo of Porter Airlines
YWG Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport

1 h 35 min.
£100 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
2 flights per day
Logo of WestJet Airlines
YAM Sault Ste. Marie Airport

1 h 15 min.
£430 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
0-3 flights per day
Logo of Bearskin Airlines
YYC Calgary

3 h 05 min.
£160 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1 flights per day
Logo of WestJet Airlines
YOW Ottawa

2 h 10 min.
£180 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1 flights per day
Logo of Porter Airlines
YWP Webequie Airport

1 h 30 min.
£90 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1 flights per day
Logo of

Top airlines operating at Thunder Bay Airport

Airline
Rating
Skytrax rank
Statistics
Top destinations from here
Logo of Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines (PD)
# 44

3 destinations
41 flights per week
Most/Best:
Toronto
Logo of Air Canada
Air Canada (AC)
# 19

1 destinations
21 flights per week
Logo of WestJet Airlines
WestJet Airlines (WS)
# 75

2 destinations
21 flights per week
Most/Best:
Calgary
Logo of Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines (F8)

1 destinations
4 flights per week
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