Getting to Thunder Bay
From highways to runways, getting to ThunderCon in Thunder Bay is simple no matter how you choose to travel.
Your Next Great Adventure Starts in Thunder Bay
Make your trip to Thunder Bay part of the adventure! Whether you’re travelling from across Northwestern Ontario or making the journey from farther away, Thunder Bay offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable ThunderCon weekend. Explore the beauty of Lake Superior, discover local restaurants and attractions, and experience the warm Northern hospitality the city is known for. With exciting fandom fun waiting around every corner, ThunderCon is more than just a convention — it’s a full weekend experience worth travelling for!
How can I get to Thunder Bay?
I want to travel by Plane
Fly Into ThunderCon with Ease
Getting to ThunderCon 2026 by plane is one of the fastest and easiest ways to travel to Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT). The airport is located just minutes from the city and offers flights from major Canadian hubs as well as regional northern communities.
Major Airlines Flying Into YQT
These larger airlines connect Thunder Bay with major cities across Canada:
- Air Canada — regular service to Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
- Porter Airlines — flights to Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), and Ottawa (YOW)
- WestJet — service to Winnipeg (YWG), Calgary (YYC), and seasonal routes
- Flair Airlines — ultra low-cost seasonal flights to Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
Regional & Northern Airlines Serving YQT
Thunder Bay is also a major regional aviation hub, meaning several smaller airlines fly into YQT from communities across Northwestern Ontario:
- Bearskin Airlines
- North Star Air
- Wasaya Airways
These airlines help connect Thunder Bay with northern and remote communities such as Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Webequie, Fort Hope, and more.
Popular Connection Cities
If you are travelling from outside Northwestern Ontario, most trips to YQT (Thunder Bay Airport) connect through:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
- Calgary International Airport (YYC)
- Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG)
For flight schedules, airport services, parking, transportation, and airline information, visit the official Thunder Bay Airport website.
I want to Travel by Bus
Travelling to ThunderCon by Bus or Shuttle
Getting to ThunderCon without a car is easier than you might think! Thunder Bay is connected to communities across Ontario and Manitoba through several bus, shuttle, charter, and transportation services that can help you make your way to the convention.
Bus Line Services
Two major bus providers currently serve Thunder Bay and connect the city to destinations across Northwestern Ontario and beyond.
Kasper Bus Lines
Kasper Bus Lines isthe primary regional bus network in Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba. They offer scheduled passenger service connecting Thunder Bay with communities including:
- Winnipeg, MB
- Kenora, ON
- Dryden, ON
- Fort Frances, ON
- Sioux Lookout, ON
- Nipigon, ON
- Longlac, ON
- White River, ON
Kasper operates regional coaches and minibuses and also offers parcel delivery and charter transportation services.
Ontario Northland
Ontario Northland provides long-distance coach service connecting Thunder Bay with larger Ontario cities including:
- Toronto
- Sudbury
- Sault Ste. Marie
- North Bay
- Ottawa (via transfers)
Ontario Northland is one of Ontario’s largest remaining intercity bus networks and can be a great option for travelers coming from Southern or Northeastern Ontario.
Shuttle & Charter Services
If you are travelling with friends, a cosplay group, or a larger party, several companies offer charter and private transportation services.
Kasper Charters
Kasper Charters offers:
- Group transportation
- Convention and event shuttles
- Airport transfers
- Community and private charters
Kelly Coach
Kelly Coach provides custom shuttle and transportation services throughout Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, including airport rides and event transportation.
TBay Hotshot Service
TBay Hotshot Service provides regional transportation and may be able to arrange custom passenger transport depending on availability.
Important Travel Tips
- Book transportation early for ThunderCon weekend, as seats can fill quickly.
- Some regional routes only operate a few times per week.
- Winter weather in Northwestern Ontario can occasionally impact travel times.
- For many attendees, the easiest travel options are flying into Thunder Bay (YQT), taking a regional bus service, or driving via the Trans-Canada Highway.
I Want to travel by car
Getting to Thunder Bay for ThunderCon by Car
Driving to Thunder Bay is one of the most scenic ways to arrive for ThunderCon, with the journey bringing you through forests, lakes, and wide-open stretches of Northern Ontario no matter which direction you come from. The city sits along the Trans-Canada Highway, making it accessible from east, west, and south.
From the East (Sault Ste. Marie / Sudbury / Southern Ontario)
Travel west along Highway 17 (Trans-Canada Highway) through classic Northern Ontario landscapes, passing towns like Wawa and Marathon before arriving in Thunder Bay. This route is long but iconic, with plenty of scenic stops along Lake Superior.
From the West (Manitoba / Winnipeg)
Drive east via Highway 17 through Kenora and Dryden, then continue along Lake Superior’s north shore. This route is popular for Manitoba travellers and offers beautiful forest and lake views as you approach the city.
From the South (U.S. Border via Minnesota)
Cross into Canada near Fort Frances or Thunder Bay’s southern access points, then take Highway 11/71 or Highway 61, connecting back to Highway 17 toward the city. This route brings you through river valleys, border towns, and scenic northern highways.
From Northern Ontario Communities
Smaller highways and regional routes connect Thunder Bay to surrounding communities like Nipigon, Geraldton, and Terrace Bay. These shorter drives often hug Lake Superior’s shoreline and are especially stunning in fall.
Final Stretch into the City
No matter your route, all highways funnel into Thunder Bay along Highway 11/17, bringing you directly into the city and close to hotels, restaurants, and the ThunderCon venue.
Pro tip:
Northern drives can be long between services—plan fuel stops, check road conditions, and allow extra travel time, especially in winter or peak travel weekends.
However you arrive, the road trip to Thunder Bay is part of the adventure—and the gateway to ThunderCon!
I Want to Travel by Train
Can You Travel to Thunder Bay by Train?
Unfortunately, there is currently no direct passenger train service to Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay has not had regular VIA Rail passenger service since around 1990, when routes were shifted to Northern Ontario lines that bypass the city.
So Is Train Travel to Thunder Bay Possible?
Not directly — but there are a few partial options for adventurous travelers:
- You can take VIA Rail trains to nearby Northern Ontario communities such as:
- Armstrong, Ontario
- Longlac, Ontario
- White River, Ontario
However, these stations are still several hours away from Thunder Bay by car or bus.
Closest VIA Rail Routes
The nearest active VIA Rail services are:
- Sudbury ↔ White River route
- Toronto ↔ Western Canada “Canadian” route (through Northern Ontario, but north of Thunder Bay)
These routes mainly serve remote communities and do not stop in Thunder Bay itself.
Best Alternatives to Train Travel
If you are heading to ThunderCon, the easiest ways to reach Thunder Bay are:
- Flying into Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT)
- Driving via the Trans-Canada Highway
- Regional bus or shuttle services (availability can vary seasonally)
Many Canadians and rail fans still hope passenger rail service will one day return to Thunder Bay, but there are currently no announced plans for direct VIA Rail service to the city.
I've planned my travel, what should I do Next?
Now that you’ve figured out how you’re getting to ThunderCon, your next step is simple: find a place to stay and plan how you’ll get to the venue.
Thunder Bay has got you covered with all the info you need. Click the buttons below to help you get ready to roll for ThunderCon—your adventure is just getting started!