Thunder Bay Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Thunder Bay Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I was prepared to spend the night in the airport — 4.5 hrs., to be more accurate. However, a stern security guard nixed this plan immediately and told me the airport ‘closes from 1:30 to 4:30 am’ – a traveller

YQT Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Thunder Bay International Airport.

What to Expect

Thunder Bay Airport (code: YQT) has a small, two-level terminal with a few eateries and shops. WiFi is available to pass the time, but there are no private lounges at this airport.

Sleeping in Thunder Bay Airport

We have received mixed reviews regarding whether airport authorities allow sleeping in the terminal. A recent reviewer reported that he found comfortable overnight sleeping on a couch near the chapel. However, in previous years, some reviewers noted that the terminal was closed between 1:30 AM and 5:30 AM. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Thunder Bay Airport Guide.

Do you have a recent experience sleeping at TQT?

Write a Review

Airport Hours

The airport is open daily from 3:30 AM until the last scheduled flight (approx. 1:30 AM).

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are several hotels within a short drive from Thunder Bay Airport.

Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre (0.6 mi / 1.0 km) Mid-range hotel.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay (0.7 mi / 1.1 km) Mid-range hotel.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay (0.7 mi / 1.1 km) Mid-range hotel.
Best Western Thunder Bay Crossroads (0.8 mi / 1.3 km) Mid-range hotel.

Airport Shuttles:
Several hotels offer airport shuttle service. Check with your hotel for schedules and pick-up instructions.

Airport Lounges

There are no pay-per-use lounges at the airport.

Drinking Water

Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

Food & Drinks

At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options. Food options are limited outside of daytime and early evening hours.

Landside:
The Market – Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Mon – Fri).
Bar – Hours: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Mon – Fri).

Airside:
NOMAD – Location: 2nd Floor, across from the gift shop. Hours: 4:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Mon – Fri/Sun) and 4:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Sat).

Vending machines are available throughout the terminal.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

A reader reports that locking mobile phone charging stations are available airside and free to use. (November 2022)

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available. Connect to the “Free Tbaytel WiFi” network.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.

Arcade – Located beside the gift shop on the second floor.
ATMs / Cash Machines – Available on the first and second floors. Fees may apply.
Business Centre – Located on the second floor, near Arrival Gate 4.
Duty-Free & Shopping – No duty-free shops. A gift shop is available on the second floor (limited weekday hours).
Worship Centre – Located on the second floor, near Arrival Gate 4.

Airlines

Thunder Bay Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Bearskin Airlines • Canadian North • Niigaani Air • North Star Air • Porter Airlines • Thunder Airlines Ltd • Wasaya Airways LP • WestJet • Wiskair. Note: additional airlines may serve the airport on a vacation-charter basis only.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Thunder Bay Transit Bus routes #3 Memorial – Airport and #3A Airport – City Hall Terminal serve the airport. At the time of this update, the bus fare is $2.75.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies are available onsite: Avis • Budget • Driving Force • Enterprise • Hertz • National.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

At the time of this update, Best Western Crossroads Motor Inn was the only hotel offering airport transportation. Area hotels can be reached using the courtesy hotel shuttle phone in the baggage claim area.

Taxi

Metered taxis are readily available.

Last updated: 2026-03-30

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.