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. From 2019-2025 ThunderCon 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.
Our last year at the CLE we celebrated our Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Whimey 10th Birthday, full of incredible talent, amazing artists, eclectic vendors, and fantastical activities into one place for a packed weekend for all things popular culture!
Following feedback from attendees, in 2026 we decided to return to our roots! Finding a new home for ThunderCon 2026, thanks to our friends at the Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre. ThunderCon 2026 was incredibly successful, bringing in new faces and familiar ones, amazing cosplays, incredible guests and so many smiling faces sharing the love of their fandoms in a safe, inclusive, and comfortable place.
What's next, you ask? Our team is already hard at work planning ThunderCon 2027 to try and make it our best year yet!
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. John Ambulance
Info:
The St. John Ambulance (SJA) 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.