Thunder Bay International Airport

Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is not merely a transit hub, but a true air gateway to the heart of Northwestern Ontario, a region renowned for its pristine wilderness and the majestic landscapes of Lake Superior. Located just a few kilometres from the city, it welcomes travellers with a modern terminal and an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. As one of the busiest airports in the province of Ontario, it plays a key role in connecting the region with major cities in Canada and other countries.

For the convenience of travellers, essential information about the airport is provided below.

Thunder Bay Airport offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable journey. Within the terminal building, you will find a dining area, a souvenir shop, and car rental counters from leading companies. For those arriving or departing, various ground transport options are available, including taxis, city buses, and hotel shuttles. The airport also serves as a vital base for air ambulance services and forest fire suppression operations, highlighting its importance to the entire region. Thanks to recent runway modernization, the airport continues to enhance its infrastructure to ensure flight safety and convenience.

Below you will find useful contact information for planning your journey through Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT).

• Official Website: www.tbairport.on.ca
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (807) 473-2600
• Address: 100 Princess St, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S2, Canada
• Email for General Inquiries: info@tbairport.on.ca
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on their pages on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost and Found Information: If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the airport's lost and found service. For luggage lost during a flight, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with general inquiries, please use the main airport information desk phone number.

Getting to Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) from the city centre of Thunder Bay in Canada is straightforward due to a variety of transport options. The airport is located just a few kilometres southwest of the centre, and the journey usually takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on the chosen mode of transport and traffic conditions.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. Thunder Bay Transit buses run regularly between the airport and key locations in the city. The cost of a single trip is typically around 3-4 Canadian dollars. While this may take slightly longer than travelling by car, it is an excellent choice for travellers with light luggage looking to save money. We recommend checking the current schedule and routes on the carrier's official website in advance.

Taxis and Transfers offer the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the terminal. A trip from the city centre by taxi or via ridesharing apps will cost on average 20-30 Canadian dollars. This is the ideal choice if you have a lot of luggage, are travelling with family, or are flying at an inconvenient time. Some hotels also offer shuttle services for their guests, which is worth verifying when booking your accommodation.

Car Rental provides maximum freedom of movement, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Major car rental companies have offices at the airport. If you are arriving in your own vehicle, parking zones are at your disposal. Short-term parking costs approximately 2-4 CAD per hour, while long-term parking is about 15-20 CAD per day, with more favourable rates for weekly stays or longer.

Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is distinguished by a well-thought-out and passenger-friendly structure. The airport operates one main terminal that handles all domestic and international flights. This significantly simplifies navigation and saves travellers from the need to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitively understandable. The building has two main levels:

• First Floor — Arrivals area. Here you will find baggage claim belts, car rental counters, customs control for international flights, and exits to city transport and taxis.
• Second Floor — Departures area. Located on this level are airline check-in counters, security screening points, and boarding gates. The main infrastructure for those waiting for flights is also concentrated here: a dining area, shops, and waiting lounges.

Because all services are located in one building, moving between zones takes minimal time. Navigation through the terminal is facilitated by clear signage in English and French. The modern design, featuring plenty of glass and open space, creates a sense of comfort and helps with easy orientation.

Check-in and security screening at Thunder Bay Airport generally proceed faster than at major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: approximately 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 2-3 hours before an international one. During peak seasons or holidays, waiting times may increase, so it is wise to allow for extra time.

The history of Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is closely linked to key events in the 20th-century history of Canada. The airport was founded in 1938 and was originally named Fort William Municipal Airport. Its creation was dictated by the growing need for air connectivity in this actively developing region.

The airport played a special role during the Second World War. It was transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force and became an important training base under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Additionally, a factory for the Canadian Car and Foundry company was built on the adjacent territory, where the famous Hawker Hurricane fighter planes were manufactured. This period became a crucial stage in the development of the airport's infrastructure and laid the foundation for its future growth.

After the war, the airport returned to civil use, gradually increasing passenger traffic and the number of flights. A significant event was a major reconstruction in the 1990s. In 1994, a new, modern terminal was opened, which continues to serve passengers today. This project was so successful that in 1995, the terminal building received a prestigious architectural award from the Governor General of Canada for its unique design and functionality.

Today, Thunder Bay International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the province of Ontario after Toronto's airports. It continues to serve as a vital transport hub connecting Northwestern Ontario with the rest of Canada and the world. Its history is a journey from a small municipal airfield to a strategically important military facility and, finally, to a modern and efficient international airport playing a key role in the region's economy.

Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is a modern and well-equipped terminal offering passengers a full range of services for a comfortable journey. Conditions here are designed to ensure your wait for a flight is pleasant and productive, regardless of the purpose of your trip.

At the airport, you will find several establishments where you can have a snack or drink coffee. At your service are a restaurant and lounge with a full menu, as well as cosy cafes. For those wishing to shop, there are stores offering souvenirs, newspapers, books, and essential goods. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous gadget charging stations will allow you to stay connected at all times.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, the airport provides waiting areas, including special lounges for certain airlines. Travellers on business trips can utilise business centre services and rent conference rooms for meetings. Financial services are represented by ATMs and a currency exchange point.

The airport is fully adapted for the needs of passengers with special requirements: ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms are available. Families with small children can make use of the nursing rooms. If necessary, first aid can be obtained at the airport. If you require accommodation, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, offering convenient options for rest.

Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is a relatively small but modern airport that offers passengers several convenient dining options both before and after passing security control. The main catering outlets are concentrated in the main terminal and are managed by the company Nomad.

In the so-called "sterile" zone (airside), accessible after passing security screening, the main Nomad restaurant and lounge is located. This is the primary spot for those who wish to have a full lunch or dinner while waiting for a flight. They offer a menu with hot dishes, including breakfasts, soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. Occasionally, the menu features dishes with local accents, such as those using lake fish or wild berries characteristic of the region. This is the best place for a leisurely meal in a comfortable setting with a view of the runway.

For well-wishers and passengers who have not yet passed security control, a small cafe operates in the public zone (landside). Its assortment is focused on quick snacks: here you can get coffee, tea, refreshing drinks, fresh pastries, packaged sandwiches, and snacks. This is an ideal option if you are short on time.

Regarding dietary preferences, standard vegetarian options, such as salads and vegetable sandwiches, are generally available. The availability of more specific dishes — such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options — is recommended to be confirmed directly with the establishment's staff. The price range at the airport can be characterised as medium to above-average, which is typical for air terminals. The operating hours of food establishments are usually synchronised with the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last evening flight, ensuring passenger service throughout the day.

To ensure your journey through Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) goes smoothly, take advantage of our useful tips. This small but efficient airport serves the Northwestern Ontario region, and proper preparation will help you save time and avoid stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within Canada, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure, although the standard 2 hours will give you more peace of mind. For international destinations (for example, to the USA or on seasonal charters), it is better to arrive 2-3 hours in advance. To speed up the process, check in online on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone.

Passing Security Control. The airport in Thunder Bay is relatively compact, so security queues are usually shorter than at major hubs. Nevertheless, be prepared in advance: place all electronics in a separate tray, remove outer clothing, and pack liquids according to regulations beforehand. When flying to the USA, you will go through customs control upon arrival at your destination, as there is no U.S. Pre-Clearance zone at YQT.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. Want to enjoy the views? Choose a window seat — beautiful panoramas of Lake Superior and the surrounding nature open up during takeoff and landing. An aisle seat is more convenient if you need to stand up frequently. regarding hand luggage, remember the rule for liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Sharp objects and high-capacity lithium batteries are prohibited. Always check your airline's regulations.

Transfers and Customs. If you have a connection from a domestic flight to another domestic flight, you do not need to leave the secure area. For an international transfer (for example, upon arrival from abroad), you will need to collect your luggage and pass through Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) customs control, and then check it in again for the next flight. Keep your passport and boarding passes close at hand.

Saving Time and Money. Book a parking space online — this is often cheaper. Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill after passing security, and pack non-perishable snacks to avoid spending money on expensive food. Using mobile boarding passes also saves time.

Flight Delays. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline's counter for current information and to clarify your rights to compensation, meals, or accommodation under Canadian legislation (Air Passenger Protection Regulations). The airport has several cafes and free Wi-Fi to help pass the wait. Keep calm and monitor updates on the departure boards.