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Car rental in Thunder Bay, ON

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Rental cars in Thunder Bay, ON

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Chevrolet Trax SUV car rental in Thunder Bay on Turo

Rent a car in Thunder Bay on Turo

Sunny in summer and a perfect wintry wonderland in the colder months, Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a tourism hotspot that’s easily accessible from both sides of the US–Canada border.

You’ll get the most out of this outdoor activity hub with a convenient car rental in Thunder Bay, which you can pick up near Thunder Bay International Airport or another handy location. Chase adventure from behind the wheel of your rental vehicle and enjoy flexibility, freedom, and choice throughout your entire visit to Thunder Bay.

Thunder Bay Canada: How it works

On Turo, renting a car in Thunder Bay is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Thunder Bay, Ontario and beyond, you’ll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.

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1. Find the perfect car

Enter a date and location in Thunder Bay, ON (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.

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2. Select a pickup location

Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.

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3. Hit the road

Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Thunder Bay, ON! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.

Rent a car in Thunder Bay, ON

Hit the road

As one of the greatest “outdoor cities” in the world, Thunder Bay has no shortage of sights and activities — especially if you enjoy exploring beautiful landscapes and staying active. Pack your walking shoes and soak up one of the sunniest cities in eastern Canada with a stroll around Port Arthur, a sailing trip to Porphyry Island, or a hike through Fort William Historical Park.

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Thunder Bay, ON

Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout

This much-visited memorial and lookout site pays tribute to a Canadian hero, the athlete and humanitarian Terry Fox. Overlooking Lake Superior, the site marks the point where Fox’s inspiring Marathon of Hope was cut short when he received the news his cancer had spread to his lungs. A calming, reflective spot featuring a bronze statue of Fox and plaques chronicling his journey, it’s worth the visit to learn more about this important element of Thunder Bay’s modern history and take in the accompanying natural landscape and beautiful views.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

The ultimate haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is roughly a one-hour drive from central Thunder Bay in a capable SUV rental. The park was named for its colossal rock formation, which resembles a giant lying across Lake Superior. Here you’ll find over 100 kilometres of trails to hike and bike, including the famed Top of the Giant Trail, which rewards those who persevere with incredible panoramic views. It’s also an idyllic spot to camp, kayak, fish, and more — so whichever way you choose to take in the great outdoors, Sleeping Giant promises an unforgettable experience.

Outdoor activities in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is a veritable playground for those who love the great outdoors, so teeing up some adventurous activities during your stay is a must. In summer, enjoy fishing, boating, and paddle-boarding on one of the many lakes throughout the region, or explore scenic hiking trails like Mount McKay and the Cascades Conservation Area. In winter, Thunder Bay turns rugged and snowy and invites activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. With so much open road nearby, Thunder Bay also makes a natural launch point for classic Northern Ontario road trips. Point the car east along Lake Superior toward Sault Ste. Marie and Greater Sudbury, or head west across the provincial border to Winnipeg for a longer adventure.

Why Rent a car in on Turo?

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Cheap Thunder Bay, ON Canada

Find deals on all kinds of drives in Thunder Bay, ON and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.

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Convenient Thunder Bay Canada pick up options

Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Thunder Bay, ON, like airports, train stations, and hotels.

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Relax with support & damage protection

24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.

Thunder Bay car rentals for any occasion

On Turo, renting a car in Thunder Bay is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Thunder Bay, Ontario and beyond, you’ll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.

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Vacation car rental

Make your next family holiday or getaway with loved ones all the more enjoyable with a rental car of your choice. When you book with Turo, you’ll always receive the car you reserved at checkout — no last-minute swaps and no surprises. Explore roomy family cars and premium vehicles alike, from a spacious SUV for gear-heavy adventures to a comfortable midsize sedan for city-to-lake days.

Event car rental

Heading to a wedding, concert, or festival in Thunder Bay? A rental car makes the day run smoothly, getting you to the venue and back on your own schedule with room for everyone. Book the exact vehicle that fits the occasion — a polished sedan for a celebration, a three-row SUV for the whole group, or an electric option for quiet, efficient trips across the city.

Long-term car rental

You’ll be right at home in Thunder Bay for a month or more when you book a long-term car rental in Ontario using Turo. No need to worry about swapping your vehicle — simply filter by the length of your stay to find countless long-term options, from fuel-efficient sedans to full-size trucks and spacious SUVs.

Turo car rental vs. traditional rental

Turo Car rental

  • App-based experience

  • No waiting in line

  • 1,600+ unique makes & models

  • Get the exact car you choose

  • Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations

  • Cars rented out by local small businesses

  • Vehicles and hosts rated by guests

Traditional rental

  • Standard rental counter experience

  • Waiting in line

  • Limited selection

  • Get a type of vehicle “or similar”

  • Pickup at retail locations

  • Owned by large corporations

  • No vehicle ratings

Rental car pickup locations throughout Thunder Bay

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Thunder Bay International Airport

Looking for a convenient spot to collect your rental car? Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is the perfect pickup location. Arrange your pickup and drop-off through the Turo app before you arrive, and you’ll be able to breeze past the airport car rental counter and head straight to your waiting vehicle once you land at Thunder Bay International Airport, ready to start exploring the sights and scenes of Thunder Bay.

Thunder Bay city centre

Downtown Thunder Bay is another convenient spot to pick up your rental car. When booking on Turo, you can filter your search for vehicles that are available for collection in handy spots across the city centre. There are plenty of secure parking lots dotted around the city, including the Victoriaville Parkade and Arthur St E Parking Lot, as well as shopping centres like the Intercity Shopping Centre.

Your hotel or accommodation

After arriving in Thunder Bay, why not head straight to your hotel to drop off your bags? By booking on Turo, you can arrange delivery of your rental car to custom locations in Thunder Bay, such as the parking lot at your hotel or rental accommodation. Then you’ll be refreshed and ready to take on the roads of Thunder Bay behind the wheel of your own rental car.

Top tips for renting a car in Thunder Bay

Canada’s a wonderful and safe place to drive, especially once you’ve got the rules of the road down pat. Here are a few things to be aware of before you collect your rental car from Thunder Bay International Airport or another easy pickup location in Thunder Bay.

What are the road rules and driving conditions in Thunder Bay?

Across Canada, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road. Obey road signage at all times, avoid operating a cell phone while driving except on hands-free, wear a seatbelt at all times, and observe local speed limits. Canadian speeds are measured in kilometres per hour (km/h) rather than miles, with typical speeds ranging from 40 to 60 km/h in residential areas and 70 to 100 km/h on major roads and highways.

Most Canadian provinces, with the exception of Québec, allow you to turn right at a red light once you’ve brought your vehicle to a complete stop. Canada also enforces the Move Over Law across the country — when driving near an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or sirens, you must slow down and move over one lane if it’s safe to do so.

School buses and snow removal vehicles may also use flashing lights, and a similar principle applies — always give these vehicles a wide berth and stop if unsure. When school buses flash their red lights, traffic in both directions must stop to give way.

Canadian weather is known for being snowy and stormy in winter, so if you’re travelling during this time, always take safety precautions when driving, including equipping your vehicle with snow tires or chains. Use Turo’s search filters to find a rental car that’s all set to go with snow tires.

What is parking like in Thunder Bay?

Parking is ample and accessible in Thunder Bay, making it a great spot to rent a car. There are many metered street parking spots throughout the city and its outskirts. Some areas, such as the popular Thunder Bay Marina, may carry higher hourly parking costs. You’ll also find a handful of parking garages dotted around the city, including the popular Victoria and Waterfront parkades, where spots can be rented daily or monthly.

Are there toll roads in Thunder Bay?

There are no toll roads in Thunder Bay, so you can navigate the city and its surroundings freely without worrying about toll routes during your stay.

Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Thunder Bay?

Whether you’re just exploring Thunder Bay or plan on visiting the stunning surrounding landscapes, you won’t have trouble finding places to fill up your tank. As you leave Thunder Bay International Airport, there are several gas stations en route to the city along Arthur St W headed eastbound.

Once you hit Thunder Bay proper, you’ll find more gas stations conveniently located along major roads, including Memorial Ave and Red River Rd.

If you’re renting an electric vehicle, you’ll find a handful of charging options in Thunder Bay, including a few by the airport and additional options from FLO, Ivy, and Blink closer to the city. Planning to discover Thunder Bay’s outskirts for the day? Be sure to charge up, as the surrounding areas are much more rural and stations are farther apart.

Do I need to rent a car in Thunder Bay?

Navigating Thunder Bay and its surrounds is a difficult task without a car rental, as the area is on the remote side and only has one form of public transit: buses. So we recommend coordinating your car rental using Turo for maximum freedom.

Collect your rental car from Thunder Bay International Airport or another accessible pickup location, and you’ll be well on your way to seeing all this glorious slice of Eastern Canada can provide, from outdoor activities to shopping, dining, and more.

Frequently asked questions about Thunder Bay car rentals

What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car in Thunder Bay on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo in Canada, you must create a Turo account, be 23 years old or older with a valid driver’s license, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for future road trips, business trips, and family vacations!

Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car in Thunder Bay on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo in Canada, you must be 23 or older.

How does car rental insurance work in Thunder Bay on Turo?

You don’t need personal insurance coverage to book a car on Turo. If you do have your own auto insurance policy, the protection plan you select — purchased from Economical Insurance Company in Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, and Insurance Corporation of Ontario (ICBC) in Ontario — will supplement your existing coverage.*

What insurance and protection plan options does Turo offer in Thunder Bay?

When booking a car on Turo, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier, Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of coverage that’s right for you. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance purchased from Economical Insurance Company and Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) in British Columbia — $2,000,000 for all plans.

Can I get car rental discounts in Thunder Bay on Turo?

On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promotions, discounts, and deals on car rental.

Is there long term car rental in Thunder Bay on Turo?

Yes, there is — whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.

Is there unlimited mileage car rental in Thunder Bay on Turo?

Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.

Can other people drive the car that I rented in Thunder Bay?

Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers with no fees or additional charges. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.

To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.

What is the cancellation policy for guests in Thunder Bay on Turo?

You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you choose to receive a discount for a non-refundable trip when booking. If you book fewer than 24 hours before the trip starts, you’ll have one hour after booking to cancel free of charge. Beyond this free cancellation period, you’ll be charged a cancellation fee.

In the rare case that a host cancels your trip, you’ll be notified immediately so you can book another car, or we’ll help you find one. Your refund may be temporarily held to facilitate booking a new car, or the funds can be returned to your bank account. The choice is yours.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Thunder Bay?

The cost of car rental in Thunder Bay can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Thunder Bay, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.

What rental car types are there in Thunder Bay?

On Turo, you’ll find a broad range of makes, models, and vehicle classes available, from sleek sedans and sports cars to luxurious extended SUVs and sturdy 8-seaters. In Thunder Bay, you’ll find some of the top makes in Canada on offer, including the Toyota Corolla, Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, and Hyundai Kona, as well as luxury vehicles from BMW and Mercedes and electric options from Tesla, Lucid, and more.

Can I rent a car monthly in Thunder Bay?

Yes — Turo supports flexible rental durations, including monthly bookings for a month or longer. Booking a longer trip often unlocks discounted rates, so a monthly rental can be a great-value way to get around Thunder Bay and the wider region. Filter by your dates to see cars available for the length of your stay.

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* Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.