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3-star hotels in Thunder Bay
A shortlist of 11 three-star hotels in Thunder Bay, from downtown addresses to motels and conference centres on the highway approaches. It is for travellers weighing location against facilities, using guest ratings and the amenities each property actually lists.
Staying in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay spreads along the shore of Lake Superior, and its visitor life clusters in a few distinct pockets: the Waterfront District around the marina and Prince Arthur's Landing, the historic Downtown Port Arthur with its shops and cultural venues, the Intercity commercial strip, and Fort William in the south around Fort William Historical Park. Attractions sit far apart, so where you sleep shapes the trip.
The hotels on this list reflect that spread. Several sit close to the centre — Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay on Sleeping Giant Parkway, The Courthouse Hotel on Camelot Street, The Haven Hostel on Ambrose Street, Quality Inn & Suites Thunder Bay Downtown on Cumberland Street North and TownePlace Suites on Harbour Expressway. Others stand further out: Days Inn by Wyndham Thunder Bay North on Golf Links Road, Days Inn & Suites on Sibley Drive, Home2 Suites on Arthur Street West and Best Western Plus Nor'wester on Highway #61, with Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre on Valhalla Inn Rd. Couples favour the lakefront addresses, families the properties listing family rooms and pools, and business guests the conference centres and business centres.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Red Rock Inn
145 White Blvd, Thunder Bay, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Pool bar
- Car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereSet on White Blvd, the Red Rock Inn suits guests who want the outdoors close at hand: canoeing, fishing and skiing are all on offer, and there is a garden, terrace and picnic area for slower afternoons. A fireplace and lounge add somewhere to settle in the evening, while breakfast, free wifi and free car parking cover the essentials. With 361 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, it is a strong pick for active travellers and couples touring the area by car.
See Red Rock InnNipigon Travelers Motel
428 Highway 11 17 Nipigon Ontario P0t 2J0 Nipigon, Thunder Bay, Canada
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereOn Highway 11 17 in Nipigon, this motel works well for road-trippers who want an easy stop with a 24 hour front desk and express check in. Free car parking and free wifi keep the practical side simple, and air-conditioned non smoking rooms with a balcony give you somewhere to unwind. A picnic area and golf course nearby add to the stay. Guests have rated it 4.5 out of 5 across 267 reviews, which makes it a dependable choice for drivers passing through the region.
See Nipigon Travelers MotelBest Western Plus Nor'wester Hotel & Conference Centre
2080 Highway #61, Thunder Bay, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereAbout 15.8 km from the centre on Highway #61, the Best Western Plus Nor'wester combines an indoor pool and spa with a fitness centre and restaurant, so days can be as active or as restful as you like. Breakfast in room, room service and a shuttle service make the stay convenient, and family rooms are available. Its 4.4 rating from 960 reviews reflects steady approval. It suits families and conference visitors who want full facilities and their own parking on site.
See Best Western Plus Nor'wester Hotel & Conference CentreTownePlace Suites by Marriott Thunder Bay
550 Harbour Expressway, Thunder Bay, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereRoughly 2.9 km from the centre on Harbour Expressway, TownePlace Suites is built for longer stays: kitchenettes, dishwashers and family rooms let you settle in properly, and pets are welcome. An indoor pool, fitness centre and jacuzzi cover downtime, while free wifi, free car parking and breakfast remove the daily friction. Business travellers and relocating families will find the balance useful, and 727 reviews give it a 4.3 rating out of 5.
See TownePlace Suites by Marriott Thunder BayDays Inn by Wyndham Thunder Bay North
1250 Golf Links Rd, Thunder Bay, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereDays Inn by Wyndham Thunder Bay North sits on Golf Links Rd, about 2.8 km from the centre, and pairs a fitness centre and lounge with breakfast and free wifi. Free car parking and a 24 hour front desk keep arrivals and departures straightforward, and family rooms with sofa beds suit groups. It is a practical base for golfers and motorists, with a guest rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 684 reviews.
See Days Inn by Wyndham Thunder Bay NorthDelta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay
2240 Sleeping Giant Pkwy, Thunder Bay, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereOn Sleeping Giant Pkwy about 1.7 km from the centre, the Delta puts the lake and a restaurant and bar on your doorstep, with canoeing and skiing among the activities listed. A fitness centre, room service and free wifi round out the stay, and pets are allowed. Its 4.2 rating from 634 reviews reflects a solid record. Couples and leisure guests who want waterfront surroundings close to the city centre are the natural fit.
See Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder BayDays Inn & Suites by Wyndham Thunder Bay
645 Sibley Drive, Thunder Bay, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereDays Inn & Suites on Sibley Drive, roughly 3.4 km from the centre, offers a fitness centre, jacuzzi and terrace alongside breakfast and free wifi. Family rooms, express check in and free car parking make it easy for those travelling with children or arriving late. The guest rating stands at 4.1 out of 5 from 765 reviews, making it a sensible choice for families and drivers who want straightforward comfort.
See Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Thunder BayThe Courthouse Hotel
277 Camelot Street, Thunder Bay, Canada
- Gymnasium
Why stay hereThe Courthouse Hotel on Camelot Street is about 1.5 km from the centre and leans towards active guests, with a gymnasium, tennis court and golf course listed among its facilities. Lifts and luggage storage keep the practical side covered. Its 4.1 rating comes from 487 reviews. Travellers who want to walk into the centre and still fit in a game or a workout will find it a convenient, no-fuss base.
See The Courthouse HotelValhalla Hotel & Conference Centre
1 Valhalla Inn Rd, Thunder Bay, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereAt 1 Valhalla Inn Rd, about 7.6 km from the centre, the Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre pairs an indoor pool and sauna with a fitness centre, restaurant and bar. A shuttle service, free car parking and free wifi make getting around easier, and pets are allowed. With 1,972 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, it suits conference attendees and families who want extensive facilities and room to spread out.
See Valhalla Hotel & Conference CentreHome2 Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay
740 Arthur Street West, Thunder Bay, Canada
Best for: Pool and spa · Business trips
- Indoor pool
- Fitness Center
- Kitchen
Why stay hereHome2 Suites by Hilton on Arthur Street West, around 7.5 km from the centre, is designed for extended stays with kitchens, dishwashers and sofa beds in the rooms. An indoor pool and fitness centre give you somewhere to unwind, and a shuttle service plus express check in smooth the logistics. With only 51 reviews so far, it has a 3.6 rating out of 5. It fits longer visits and families who prefer to self-cater.
See Home2 Suites by Hilton Thunder BayQuality Inn & Suites Thunder Bay Downtown
61 Cumberland Street N Thunder Bay Ontario, Thunder Bay, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Fitness Center
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereQuality Inn & Suites Thunder Bay Downtown on Cumberland Street N is about 1.8 km from the centre, putting you close to the city's core. A fitness centre, family rooms and free wifi cover the basics, and free car parking and pets allowed add flexibility for drivers and animal companions. Its 3.6 rating comes from 207 reviews. It is a straightforward option for travellers who want a central base without paying for extras they will not use.
See Quality Inn & Suites Thunder Bay DowntownThe Haven Hostel
226 Ambrose Street, Thunder Bay, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereThe Haven Hostel on Ambrose Street, roughly 1.3 km from the centre, offers a kitchen, lounge and games room plus a bar and dinner, giving solo travellers and small groups a sociable stay. A garden, picnic area and beach nearby suit the outdoors, and free wifi, free car parking and family rooms make it workable for mixed groups. Pets are allowed too. No guest rating is available yet, so it is one to consider on facilities alone.
See The Haven Hostel
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Inn | ★★★ | 4.6 | 361 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Nipigon Travelers Motel | ★★★ | 4.5 | 267 | Yes | – | – | – |
| Best Western Plus Nor'wester Hotel & Conference Centre | ★★★ | 4.4 | 960 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| TownePlace Suites by Marriott Thunder Bay | ★★★ | 4.3 | 727 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Thunder Bay North | ★★★ | 4.2 | 684 | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay | ★★★ | 4.2 | 634 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes |
| Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Thunder Bay | ★★★ | 4.1 | 765 | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| The Courthouse Hotel | ★★★ | 4.1 | 487 | – | – | – | – |
| Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre | ★★★ | 3.8 | 1,972 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay | ★★★ | 3.6 | 51 | – | – | Yes | – |
| Quality Inn & Suites Thunder Bay Downtown | ★★★ | 3.6 | 207 | Yes | – | – | Yes |
| The Haven Hostel | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | Yes |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
These five all list family rooms, and most add an indoor pool: Best Western Plus Nor'wester, TownePlace Suites, Days Inn by Wyndham Thunder Bay North, Days Inn & Suites and Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre. TownePlace Suites and Valhalla also offer kitchen or kitchenette facilities, which helps with children.
Best Western Plus Nor'wester Hotel & Conference Centre · TownePlace Suites by Marriott Thunder Bay · Days Inn by Wyndham Thunder Bay North · Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Thunder Bay · Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre
For couples
Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay sits on Sleeping Giant Parkway, with views toward the lake and a restaurant and bar on site. The Courthouse Hotel on Camelot Street is a compact downtown base, and Red Rock Inn on White Blvd offers a fireplace, garden and terrace for quieter evenings.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay · The Courthouse Hotel · Red Rock Inn
For business travellers
Best Western Plus Nor'wester calls itself a conference centre and lists a business centre; Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre adds meeting space, a business centre and a shuttle service; Delta Hotels by Marriott and TownePlace Suites both offer business centres and fitness centres.
Best Western Plus Nor'wester Hotel & Conference Centre · Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay · Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre · TownePlace Suites by Marriott Thunder Bay
For pet owners
Pets are allowed at TownePlace Suites, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre, Quality Inn & Suites Thunder Bay Downtown and The Haven Hostel. The Haven Hostel also has a garden, picnic area and games room, handy for dogs and their owners.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Thunder Bay · Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay · Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre · Quality Inn & Suites Thunder Bay Downtown · The Haven Hostel
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Thunder Bay International Airport has flights from major Canadian cities, and by road the city sits on Highway 17 (Trans-Canada Highway) and Highway 11/17, with connections to Winnipeg and Sault Ste. Marie. Intercity bus services also serve the city. Getting around is easiest by car, as attractions are spread out. Public transit is provided by Thunder Bay Transit, with bus routes covering most areas, and taxis and ride-sharing are available. Walking is feasible in the downtown and waterfront areas, but a vehicle is recommended for exploring further afield.
When to go
Summer, June to August, brings warm weather and suits hiking and boating; autumn, September to October, brings colourful foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter, November to March, is cold and snowy and suited to skiing and snowshoeing, while spring, April to May, can be unpredictable with melting snow and milder days. Thunder Bay has a humid continental climate, with temperatures from well below freezing in winter to around 25°C (77°F) in summer.
Questions, answered
Which hotels are closest to the centre of Thunder Bay?
The Haven Hostel on Ambrose Street is 1.3 km from the centre, The Courthouse Hotel 1.5 km, Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay 1.7 km, Quality Inn & Suites Thunder Bay Downtown 1.8 km and Days Inn by Wyndham Thunder Bay North 2.8 km.
Do any hotels have an indoor pool?
Yes. Best Western Plus Nor'wester Hotel & Conference Centre, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Thunder Bay, Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre and Home2 Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay all list an indoor pool; Valhalla and Home2 Suites also list a shuttle service.
What is the highest-rated hotel on this list?
Red Rock Inn scores 4.6 out of 5 from 361 reviews, followed by Nipigon Travelers Motel at 4.5 from 267 reviews and Best Western Plus Nor'wester Hotel & Conference Centre at 4.4 from 960 reviews.
Which hotels allow pets?
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Thunder Bay, Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay, Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre, Quality Inn & Suites Thunder Bay Downtown and The Haven Hostel all list pets allowed.
Do the hotels offer free parking?
All the hotels on this list except The Courthouse Hotel, Home2 Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay and The Haven Hostel list free car parking; The Haven Hostel does list parking. Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre and Home2 Suites list a shuttle service.
Which hotels have a restaurant or bar on site?
Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay, Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre and Best Western Plus Nor'wester Hotel & Conference Centre list restaurant(s) and bars. Nipigon Travelers Motel lists bars, and The Haven Hostel lists a bar and dinner service.
Which hotels are best for skiing and outdoor activities?
Red Rock Inn, Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay and The Courthouse Hotel list skiing, and Red Rock Inn adds canoeing, fishing and a picnic area. Delta Hotels by Marriott also lists canoeing, and TownePlace Suites lists beach nearby, canoe and fishing.
How far are the hotels from the airport and highways?
Nipigon Travelers Motel is on Highway 11 17 in Nipigon and Best Western Plus Nor'wester Hotel & Conference Centre is on Highway #61, both suited to drivers. Thunder Bay International Airport has flights from major Canadian cities, and the city lies on Highway 17.