Natural wonder and cultural thunder
Book a flight from Québec City to Thunder Bay and be transported to a hub of outdoor activities.
Thunder Bay is nestled on the shores of Lake Superior and has traditionally been at the heart of the fur trade in Northwestern Ontario. Large provincial parks surround the city and offer a serene retreat into the wilderness. Rivalling these pristine environments are breathtaking green spaces within the urban core.
Along the Thunder Bay waterfront is the scenic remnant of an early settlement. Marina Park is an ode to the historic town of Port Arthur and a modern triumph for the city. Stop by the Spirit Garden with outdoor sculptures that are sure to inspire. Or, enjoy one of the free outdoor concerts at Prince Arthur’s Landing in the summer.
Glance into the 19th century at the Fort William Historical Park. Costumed performers at this fur trading post transport you to a time when Canada's most renowned explorers played a key role in the forming of Canada’s solid foundation in the trading business. Climb into an old-world canoe for a ride on the Kaministiquia River as tour guides recount tales of legendary adventures.
Visit some natural Thunder Bay attractions at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. Home to a magnificent cascade of the same name, it is one of Thunder Bay’s best kept secrets. The park’s Boardwalk Trail serves up amazing views of the Kaministiquia River plunging 40 metres over Precambrian cliffs.
Equally steeped in natural beauty and mystery is the Sleeping Giant, resting in Lake Superior. This rugged landscape on the Sibley Peninsula is home to the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Wander over to the renowned nature reserve and explore the 80 km of remarkable hiking trails.
During winter, the area is transformed into a frozen wonderland. Glide through the cross country ski trails of the provincial parks and skate on the ice rink at Prince Arthur’s Landing, when you fly from Québec City to Thunder Bay.
Quetico Provincial Park
Peace and Quetico
Fly from Québec City to Thunder Bay for an amazing adventure in the secluded wilderness of Quetico Provincial Park.
You’ll discover the pristine nature reserve on a drive west of Thunder Bay. Experience a sense of freedom as you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Revel in the anticipation of exploring the lakes, rivers, and backcountry of Northwestern Ontario.
Settle down at the Dawson Trail Campgrounds before heading into the woods. Pick from the 100 campsites at the Chippewa and Ojibwa campground loops. Or, with a short hike on the Pines Trail, pitch a tent on the picturesque beach at Pickerel Lake. You can also find cozier accommodations in the campground’s rustic log cabins.
Dawson Trail grants access to a broader range of canoe routes and hiking trails. Shove off the shores near the Lac La Croix Ranger Station for some easy paddling along McAree Lake. On the Cirrus Lake to the Sue Falls Loop, enjoy spectacular sights of cascading waterfalls, and ancient Anishinabe rock paintings near Quetico Lake.
Capture a different view of the forest on the 35 km of hiking trails near the Dawson Trail Campgrounds. Get a lesson in nature on the Teaching Trail, or track the area’s history on the French Portage Trail. The latter route connects to French Lake and is part of an old-world trek made by First Nations and European fur traders travelling further west.
There is a slim chance of encountering other explorers on your escape into the backcountry. However, you can come across the park’s diverse wildlife. Bald eagles and osprey soar over the forest’s leafy canopy. Beneath the clear waters of Quetico’s lakes and rivers is a diversity of freshwater fish including lake trout and northern pike.
Get hooked on some quiet fishing in Quetico Provincial Park with flights from Québec City to Thunder Bay.
Little Finland
The best way to Finnish
Discover the Nordic culture of Northwestern Ontario with flights from Québec City to Thunder Bay.
Located on Bay Street, Little Finland is a charming community in the centre of Thunder Bay. The corridor is packed with bakeries, shops, and restaurants infused with Finnish flavour. The Hoito Restaurant has been serving Thunder Bay since 1918. Your trip isn’t complete until sampling its delicious Finnish pancakes, topped in your choice of sweet jams or maple syrup.
Finnish immigrants began arriving in Thunder Bay during the prosperous logging and fur-trapping era. The rugged landscape surrounding the city may have been a warm reminder of the woods in their native Finland.
Today, you can feel the Finnish influence in Thunder Bay’s festivals. The melding of the two cultures is especially present at the Finnish Canadian Grand Festival. For more than 70 years, the annual celebration has taken over Thunder Bay and Little Finland. At these festivities, you can enjoy a traditional dance recital to the tune of lively folk music.
The Bay Street Film Festival is another popular Thunder Bay event. Hosted at the iconic Finnish Labour Temple, the festival curates a quirky collection of independent films. Featured among the screenings are the cinematic works of local artists.
Recognized as a national historic site, the Finnish Labour Temple is deeply rooted in the community. Home to the Hoito Restaurant, the building continues to function as a lively meeting and event space.
Another enduring contribution of the Finns is the abundance of saunas spread across the city. While a common feature in many households, Little Finland isn’t without its own hotspots. Step into one of the steamy saunas for a relaxing end to your trip from Québec City to Thunder Bay.
How to get to Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is about 16 km / 10 mi from downtown Québec City.
Transportation to Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
Take the Réseau de Transport de la Capitale 78 bus to the airport stop. The fare is $3.50 CAD.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxis from downtown cost about $35 CAD. Car service costs about $85 CAD.
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport Parking
Driving to Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport? There are options to choose from. InParq multi-level parkings cots $2.50 per 15 minutes, for a maxium of $24.50 for 24 hours or $147 for the week. ProxiParq outdoors parking has rates of $19.50 for 24 hours and $97.50 for one week.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Landing in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is about 5 km / 3 mi from downtown Thunder Bay.
Transportation
Taxis to downtown cost about $30 CAD. Car service costs about $85 CAD.
Take the Thunder Bay Transit 3 Memorial / Airport bus from the airport stop. The fare is $2.65 CAD.
Several hotels offer complimentary shuttle bus service from the airport.
Car rental services are available at Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT).
Thunder Bay International Airport Parking
Driving to Thunder Bay International Airport? The airport provides 100 short term spaces at $3.25 per hour and 50 cents for each additional 10 minutes, and 400 long term spaces at $14 per day or $98 per week.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
