Welcome to Thundercon
ThunderCon is Northwestern Ontario’s premiere fan convention, bringing together lovers of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, comics, anime, and pop culture for an unforgettable celebration of fandom. We are a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and exciting space where fans can connect, learn, and have fun.
From celebrity guests and panels to cosplay competitions and gaming zones, ThunderCon is an adventure built for fans, by fans.
A Brief History...
ThunderCon began in 2015 as a small one-day event, which, following a successful outcome, prompted an expansion to a two-day event at the Valhalla Inn Hotel and Conference Centre from 2016 to 2018. Since 2019 ThunderCon has called the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition home. There, an integrated indoor-outdoor event was implemented, utilizing several of the buildings that make up the CLE grounds, including Silver City Cineplex, the Coliseum and Heritage buildings, the Cardinal Room, and even the Machine Shop and parking lot connecting the indoor attractions.
Now in its 10th year, ThunderCon continues to bring incredible talent, amazing artists, eclectic vendors, and fantastical activities into one place for a packed weekend for all things popular culture. What does the future hold? Well, we’re hoping for an expansion towards new horizons and higher levels of geekiness.
Giving Back
As a community based not-for-profit we strive to support other organizations by fostering an atmosphere that allows them to raise funds to support their missions or to provide an activity option for their clients. We are proud to have helped support the St. John Ambulance’s Therapy Dog Program, by helping them raise money for the program, to much acclaim…even from our guests.
ThunderCon partners with the following organizations to assist with their fundraising efforts and client bases:
Therapy Dog Program
Partner:
St. Johns Ambulance
Info:
The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program reaches out to thousands of people across Canada on a daily basis bringing comfort, joy and companionship to members of the community who are sick, lonely, reside in long-term care and mental health facilities; are in hospitals, schools and library settings. Program participants reap the therapeutic benefits of the unconditional companionship of a four-legged friend.
Our Friends
ThunderCon strives to build partnerships with similarly sized independent fan driven conventions across Ontario. Through these partnerships and collaborations we have built a foundation of collaboration through cross-promotion, guest acquisition, and vendor possibilities. Our goal is to continue to build upon and expand these relationships whenever possible to ensure that we keep convention culture alive and thriving in our local communities. For collaboration opportunites, please reach out through our Contact Us form.
Autism Support
Partner:
Autism Ontario
Info:
Autism Ontario is a charitable organization with a history of over 50 years representing the thousands of people on the autism spectrum and their families across Ontario.
Kidney Foundation
Partner:
Klingon Assault Group
Info:
The Klingon Assault Group collects donations at the ThunderCon main event through fun activities like a Tribble Toss, all proceeds go towards the Kidney Foundation.
our Kids Count
Partner:
Star Wars Costume Club
Info:
The Star Wars Costume Club fundraises through delicious bake sales! The charity that they collect towards changes from year to year.
Lake Superior Paracon
Get yourself ready for the spooky season with the Lake Superior Paranormal Convention, where investigators, enthusiasts, and researchers gather to discuss and celebrate all things paranormal.
Thunder Bay Witches Walk
Ride the winds to Belluz for a gathering of the Thunder Bay Witches Walk. Dance, craft, cackle and weave a little magic while raising money for a good cause.
CKExpo
CKExpo brings pop culture fans together while raising funds for charities in Chatham-Kent. Growing from a cosplay event in 2014 to a full-fledged annual convention.
Thunder Bay Renaissance Faire
Take a trip to ye olde tymes for an outdoor weekend festival featuring costumes, live entertainment, artisan booths, and food vendors in an immersive medieval world.
Sudbury Graphic-Con
Celebrate the positivity of comics, graphic novels, film, television and related media at Sudbury Graphic-Con. This not-for-profit, fan-organized convention’s goal is to unite all ages from all fandoms.