Hotels in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is the biggest city on Lake Superior's Canadian shore, a working port where grain elevators still line the harbour and the Sleeping Giant, a long rocky peninsula, dominates the view across the bay. It was created in 1970 by merging the rival towns of Port Arthur and Fort William, and it still feels like two places, with two separate downtowns and a commercial strip in between. A strong Finnish heritage shows up in saunas and pancake breakfasts, and locals will insist you try a Persian, the city's own pink-iced pastry.

Kakabeka Falls, Fort William Historical Park and serious hiking, paddling and winter sport sit within easy reach. It is remote, a long drive from any other major city, winters are long and hard, and the city has struggled with crime and social problems that are visible downtown. Stay near the Port Arthur waterfront for walkable restaurants and lake views, or along Memorial Avenue if you're driving and want easy access to both halves of town.