Thunder Bay is a hidden gem. If you’re looking for an escape and if solitude brings you joy, then there’s no question that this small town will be perfect! It offers everything from Boreal forests and beautiful lakeside views and plenty of other cultures that can bring some spice into any day (and night). The best part about living here might just be how friendly everyone seems. If you’re looking at homes for sale in Ontario and are considering Thunder Bay, keep reading to find out what makes this city a great place to plant some roots.
More About Thunder Bay Real Estate
Thunder Bay, a city named after the bay on which it banks, is at the head of Lake Superior in Ontario, Canada. It has a population of about 110,000 people and is the seat of the Thunder Bay District of Ontario. Thunder Bay is a secluded city, but some townships and municipalities included in the Thunder Bay District are Conmee, Fort William First Nations, Gillies, O’Connor, Oliver Paipoonge, and Neebing.
Thunder Bay is bordered by Lake Superior (Thunder Bay) to its east, Hwys 61 and 17 to its west/northwest and the Kaministiquia River flowing to the south. The terrain of Thunder Bay is relatively flat, with a few lightly rolling hills in the Port Arthur area, which compliments the serene atmosphere of Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay, ON Real Estate Market
The vast majority of homes for sale in Thunder Bay are single detached homes with 2 to 4 bedrooms. Most dwellings were built before 1960. Several homes in Thunder Bay continued to be constructed through the 80s and a few were built through the 90s and 2000s. While you can find townhomes and condos for sale in Thunder Bay, there aren’t very many.
This city is attractive to new homeowners because the home prices are relatively more affordable than the rest of Ontario. If you’re watching the real estate market closely, you might find houses for sale in Thunder Bay under $200,000! Most detached homes sell for around $307K, though. Of the townhomes for sale in Thunder Bay, you will see them priced at around $400k and condos averaging $235k.
Home Prices In Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Average detached house price: $307K
- Average condo price: $235K
- Average townhouse price: 400K
Thunder Bay Neighbourhoods
Like most cities, Thunder Bay is split up into various neighbourhoods, and some are more desirable than others. Here are some of Thunder Bay’s top neighbourhoods:
Edgewater Park
Resting along the banks of the Neebina River, Edgewater Park is ideal for raising children. The homes here have plenty of front and backyards for running around and their own driveways for parking. Shopping is convenient as it’s only a block or two away.
College Park
While most of Thunder Bay was developed in a straight-line grid, College Park is towards the city’s outskirts and the roads curve more with the natural lay of the land. The trees are mature, and there are a couple of parks within walking distance from the homes here.
River Terrace
A neighbourhood carved out of the forest, River Terrace is a secluded neighbourhood with River Terrace Park (which includes an ice rink) as its centre point. The Regional Hospital is only a block away too.
Thunder Bay Schools
There are three school boards serving the Thunder Bay area. Lakehead District School Board is the largest, then the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, and lastly, the Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales. The top schools in the area include:
Thunder Bay Elementary Schools
St. Francis Catholic Elementary School
600 Redwood Ave W, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5G1
807-577-8565
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Elementary School
2645 Donald St E, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5X5
807-577-1835
Ogden Community Public School
600 McKenzie St, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 4Z3
807-622-9513
St. Ann Catholic Elementary School
1130 Georgina Ave, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 4G2
807-577-7211
St. Paul Catholic Elementary School
539 Grenville Ave, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 2C3
807-683-8941
Westmount Public School
120 West, Begin St W, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5M4
807-623-7715
Thunder Bay Secondary Schools
St. Ignatius
285 Gibson St, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 2J6
807-344-8433
Superior Collegiate and Vocational Institute
333 High St N, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 5S3
807-768-7284
Frequently Asked Questions About Thunder Bay Real Estate
What is the postal code for Thunder Bay?
The postal codes for Thunder Bay are P7A to P7G, P7J to P7K.
Where is the nearest commercial airport in Thunder Bay?
Thunder Bay International Airport is about a 10-minute drive or almost 6km away from the Thunder Bay city centre.
What county is Thunder Bay in?
The city of Thunder Bay is in the Thunder Bay District of Ontario and is the district seat.
How Much is a House in Thunder Bay?
Average home prices in Thunder Bay vary depending on what you’re looking for. Detached homes are about $307K, Condos are around $235K, and townhomes average $400k.
How far is Toronto from Thunder Bay?
Toronto is about 14 hours and 45 minutes or about 1,393km away from Thunder Bay.
How far is Sudbury from Thunder Bay?
Sudbury is about 11 hours or 1,003km away from Thunder Bay.
How far is Duluth, MI from Thunder Bay?
Duluth, MI is about 3 hours and 40 minutes or about 304km away from Thunder Bay.
Living In Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay has a lot to offer, but if you’re still on the fence about moving here, continue reading to know what it’s really like living here.
- The average commute time in Thunder Bay is only 10 minutes, which means residents here have more time to do the things they love!
- Thundery Bay is a friendly multicultural community and is considered one of the cleanest green cities in all of Canada.
- The cost of living is lower compared to other areas of Ontario. Whether you’re looking for rural houses for sale in Thunder Bay or waterfront property for sale in Thunder Bay, you can find it all at relatively affordable prices.
- The Thunder Bay Regional Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a new immigration program that shares the benefits of economic opportunity to smaller communities. It allows skilled foreigners looking for work an opportunity for permanent residence through its commitment to connecting resources such as job opportunities or language training programs to help them plant roots in Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay Economy
Thunder Bay’s unemployment is trending downward and sits around 7.7%. The economy used to be fueled primarily by the forest industry, but due to the scarcity of modernization in this field, employment opportunities have transitioned to more knowledge-based trades, specifically in the fields of molecular medicine and genomics.
Thunder Bay Transportation
The people of Thunder Bay, Ontario are fortunate to live in such an ideal location. The city’s prime spot on major transportation routes means that it receives rail and air freight as well as shipping traffic. The Thunder Bay Transit serves the residents with 17 routes throughout the city. Hwy 11/17 is the main thoroughfare through the city for those getting around by vehicle, and people have easy access to the Thunder Bay International Airport for those travelling long distances.
Railway
While passenger rails are no longer available in Thunder Bay, the railway is still in operation and is used by the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railways.
Harbour
The Port of Thunder Bay has been in operation since the fur-trading company, North West Company, was in business during the late 1700s to early 1800s. It is now the largest outbound port in the St. Lawrence Seaway System, which is also the 6th-largest port in Canada.
Things To Do In Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay is a city that has it all – a beautiful waterfront, a modern downtown, and vibrant restaurants and bars. It’s perfect for those who are not-so-outdoorsy, as there’s always something to do in this lively city. From Indigenous history and art to its bustling food scene, it’s safe to say you’ll love it here. Some of our favourite things to do in Thunder Bay are:
- Sleeping Giant Provincial Park– Across Thunder Bay lays the “sleeping giant.” It’s actually one of the Seven Wonders of Canada and is a series of steep cliffs that look like a giant sleeping. The park is home to some of Canada’s most breathtaking scenery, including towering cliffs, pristine lakes, and dense forests. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including fishing, cycling, hiking and camping.
- Both Hands Pizzeria & Bakery– After a day of work, make dinner easy and stop by Both Hands to pick up something warm and delicious for the family. This pizzeria and bakery do all their baking in a hand-built, wood-fired brick oven to make their rustic bread and pizzas!
- Fort William Historical Park– Step back in time at Fort William Historical Park, where you can experience the culture and lifestyle of the North West Company fur traders. With 57 heritage buildings on 250 acres, Fort William offers a vivid and rich tapestry of fur trade life, from culture to crafts, medicine to business, domestic life to heritage farming. Come and explore their authentically recreated village, with interpreters bringing history to life!
- The Keg Steakhouse– Go for a date night, or take the kids too, the Keg Steakhouse is one of the top places to dine in Thunder Bay. Want seafood? They got it! If a vegetarian, no worries, they have a menu to suit you too!
- Kakabeka Falls– Kakabeka Falls is the perfect place to escape and reflect. With its 40-metre cascading waterfall, the falls are a natural wonder and are nicknamed the ‘Niagara of the North’ due to their size and accessibility. You’ll want to check out the old fossils on the rocks while you’re there!
- Thai Kitchen– Thai Kitchen is all about bringing the flavours of Thailand to your table. With a mix of Eastern and Western influences, Thai Kitchen offers a unique culinary experience that will leave you happy and satisfied. Customers can either dine-in or bring the taste of Thailand home with Thai Kitchen!
- Canadian Lakehead Exhibition– The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition is the perfect summer event for visitors of all ages! You can check out the art by regional artisans, shop in the concessions, play games and rides on the midway, and explore the year-round buildings on the grounds. This annual fair happens every August and is a massive draw for families and has something for everyone!
- Naxos Grill & Bar– Looking for a delicious and authentic Greek dining experience? Look no further than Naxos! Their diverse menu features classic Canadian and Greek favourites, all made with the best quality ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a special event, you’ll enjoy the flavour and hospitality of Naxos.
- Thunder Bay Art Gallery– If you’re looking for something interesting to do in Thunder Bay, the Art Gallery is a great option. It has a permanent collection of contemporary work by First Nation artists from Northwestern Ontario, as well as hosting travelling exhibitions. Plus, it works with and promotes the work of both local and regional artists. Whether you’re an art lover or not, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye at the Art Gallery!
- Loch Lomond– If you’re looking for an invigorating winter activity, skiing at Loch Lomond is the perfect choice! With 17 runs of varying levels of difficulty, there’s something for everyone. And if tubing, snowshoeing or fat biking sounds like more your thing, no problem – they’ve got that covered too!
