The two sides of Thunder Bay
Discover a perfect balance of historical sightseeing and modern recreation with flights from Timmins to Thunder Bay.
Before uniting to form Thunder Bay, the city was divided into two historic settlements, Fort William and Port Arthur Fort William lay inland on the banks of the Kaministiquia River, while Port Arthur was nestled along the shores of Lake Superior. Both communities thrived during Northern Ontario’s illustrious fur trade and later industrial eras.
Today, Fort William forms part of the Thunder Bay’s downtown core. The area hosts some notable points of interest downtown such as the Thunder Bay Historical Museum.
The museum curates close to 10,000 years of Thunder Bay’s history, with captivating exhibits on its main floor. Inside this early 20th century building, you’ll find the Antechamber Gallery showcasing works by local artists. Pay a visit to the gallery’s constantly changing collections of masterpieces from well-known Canadian artists.
Bridging Port Arthur with Fort William, the Thunder Bay Public Library contains a detailed archive of the city’s past. It’s one of the best places to learn about aboriginal culture, language, and art. Uncover some exciting stories about the Ojibway and European voyageurs among other extensive resources.
Stroll down to Thunder Bay’s waterfront, where Marina Park shows the legacy of Port Arthur. It contrasts the Old World atmosphere of downtown as a contemporary hub of arts and culture. Enjoy the sculptures along the lakeshore, or an evening of great music at the Live on the Waterfront concert series.
Travel between the city’s historic quarter and cultural centre following your flight from Timmins to Thunder Bay.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
It’s a walk in the park
Fly from Timmins to Thunder Bay to experience the natural wonders, historic trails, and Northern wilderness in Kakakeba Falls Provincial Park.
The park is named for the waterfall often referred to as the “Niagara of the North”. Kakabeka Falls is Kaministiquia River’s 40 metre dive into a gorge below. Said to be the second highest waterfall in the province, it’s a spectacular sight that you won’t want to miss.
The old routes of fur traders and surveyors can also be found within Kakabeka Park. Hop on the Mountain Portage Trail, a 1.25 km hike over the rugged landscape. Centuries earlier, explorers carried their canoes over the trail to avoid the impassable crossings along the river.
Hiking in Kakabeka Provincial Park is an excellent way to get closer to nature. On the Poplar Point Trail, you’ll be greeted by songbirds and the occasional sighting of the forest’s furry residents. As summer transitions into autumn, the trail’s bright foliage becomes a focal point for visiting hikers.
With the onset of winter, the park continues to be a hub of outdoor activities. Kakabeka Park’s Beaver Meadows and River Terrace Trails are primed for cross-country skiing. You’ll can also hear the steady roar of snowmobiles gliding across a trail that runs through the park.
During the warmer months, the Whispering Hill Campgrounds offer some modern amenities including showers and electricity while in the wilderness. After setting up camp, learn more about the park’s diverse wildlife at the Visitor Centre.
Stop by Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park on a trip to Thunder Bay from Timmins.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Take a walk on the wild side
Delight in the warm sunrise and quiet sunset at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park when you fly from Timmins to Thunder Bay.
The park is cradled on the outskirts of Thunder Bay, with trails leading to Lake Superior. Sleeping Giant lives up to its name as an escape into the Northern wilderness; with 100 km of hiking trails, visitors can climb over the hilly terrain that actually resembles the giant’s resting physique.
For an easy hike, try the Burma Trail, a route that offers a glimpse of Thunder Bay’s wildlife. Listen to the sounds of the park’s nearly 200 bird species as you wander through the woods. Burma Trail is also well suited for mountain biking, but be watchful for deer darting across the path.
After finishing the Burma Trail, try a slightly bigger challenge with the Top of the Giant Trail. The 2.7 km route can be reached by first traversing the Kabeyun Trail and then Talus Lake Trail. Seasoned hikers will find the path exhilarating, with magnificent views of Lake Superior at Tee Harbour. At the end of this hike, take in the panoramic views of Thunder Bay and Sleeping Giant’s boreal forest.
Kabeyun Trail also serves as a scenic passage to the park’s backcountry campsites. Hikers have the option to pitch a tent on the sheltered shores of Lake Superior, or head to Marie Louise Lake Campground for the company of other leisure hikers.
Before packing up, drop by the Visitor Centre for a different view of the park. Glance through the fascinating exhibits outlining the natural heritage of the area. Here, visitors will see a replica of the silver mine at the heart of the Sleeping Giant legend.
Explore the tranquil landscape of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park with flights from Timmins to Thunder Bay.
Getting to Timmins Victor M. Power Airport (YTS)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area, near security checkpoint A.
Timmins Victor M. Power Airport (YTS) is about 13 km / 8 mi from downtown Timmins.
Transportation
Taxis from downtown cost about $25 CAD. Car service costs about $70 CAD.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
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.
