Car hire in Thunder Bay, Canada

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Thunder Bay

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Thunder Bay car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Thunder Bay pick-up location

There are 4 car hire locations in Thunder Bay. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Thunder Bay

Hiring a car in Thunder Bay: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEnterprise
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 1,675
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Thunder Bay

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Thunder Bay car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Thunder Bay

  • Need a cheap rental car in Thunder Bay? With an average price of R 1,675 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're after a zippy little number, a spacious family car, or anything in between, we round up all the top deals to help you book smart.

  • Leave high costs in the dust by reserving your ride in August. With average daily rates of R 608, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Thunder Bay.

  • If you want to time it just right, book about three weeks ahead to land a cheap rental car in Thunder Bay.

  • Trusted providers such as Enterprise, National and Budget are great options for car hire deals in Thunder Bay.

  • The coverage Enterprise or another company includes with your Thunder Bay car hire can differ, so remember to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.

  • Booking one-way could save you cash on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Thunder Bay.

  • Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in Thunder Bay that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.

  • Think about booking one of the car rentals in Thunder Bay International Airport if you're flying in. You can skip public transport or cab lines and start discovering Thunder Bay right away.

Compare car hire types in Thunder Bay

  • Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or just planning a quick trip, a cheap rental car in Thunder Bay from this category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Thunder Bay car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: If you're after a car for rent in Thunder Bay big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group excursions, business use or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Thunder Bay car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Thunder Bay by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.

Good to know

  • Are you a younger driver? Check each provider's age requirements before booking your rental in Canada. Rules can differ, and some restrictions or fees may apply. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.

  • Add a car seat to your Thunder Bay car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Guidelines vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest option.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Thunder Bay

  • You'll want to explore the biggest attractions in the city once you've found your car hire deal in Thunder Bay. Terry Fox Monument and Fort William Historical Park are essential viewing before leaving town.

  • Feel right at home in Thunder Bay by staying at Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre or Nights Inn Motel.

  • Around 27 kilometres south-west of central Thunder Bay, Neebing should be on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Niibing Tribal Tours and Thunder Oak Cheese Farm.

  • Not done driving yet? Sioux Lookout is a fun road trip destination that's about 274 kilometres north-west of Thunder Bay. Consider making a few pit stops at Sioux Mountain Trail Hike and Ojibway Provincial Park.

  • Time to think about catching some z's. Sunset Inn and Suites and Best Western Sioux Lookout Inn will have a room for you in Sioux Lookout.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Thunder Bay will set you back around R 1,675 per day or R 14,054 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Thunder Bay is a compact SUV. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Thunder Bay is currently August.
On average, around R 14,054. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Thunder Bay is R 5,876.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Thunder Bay for a whole month is R 25,112. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Thunder Bay, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Thunder Bay that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Thunder Bay.
Most places – Thunder Bay included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 1,038 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,038.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Enterprise, National and Budget offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Thunder Bay.