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Journey Information
There are 16 intercity buses per day from Ottawa to Thunder Bay. Traveling by bus from Ottawa to Thunder Bay usually takes around 21 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Ontario Northland bus can make the trip in 21 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 671 mi (1079 km) |
| Shortest duration | 21h 5m |
| Cheapest price | US$152.90 |
| Most frequent service | Ontario Northland |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Ottawa to Thunder Bay?
US$156.46 is the average price of a bus ticket from Ottawa to Thunder Bay. Bus tickets on this route can be more expensive due to the length of the trip. However, taking the bus can still be a good alternative to flying. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Monthly average prices
What bus companies travel from Ottawa to Thunder Bay?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Ottawa to Thunder Bay. Ontario Northland connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Northland | 16 | 21h 37m | US$162.16 |
Ontario Northland has been running buses since 1937 and continues to provide essential intercity service across Canada's second-largest province. Onboard their vehicles, passengers will find Wi-Fi connectivity described by passengers as excellent. Ontario Northland's clean and comfortable vehicles also include power outlets, air conditioning, and restrooms. Ontario Northland trips from Ottawa to Thunder Bay usually take about 21 hours and 37 minutes, with an average ticket price of .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 21 hours and 37 minutes to cover the 1079 kilometers from Ottawa to Thunder Bay. However, the fastest bus only takes 21 hours and 5 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
The first bus leaves at 10:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00am. To see the times for all buses from Ottawa to Thunder Bay, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Ottawa
If big cities such as Toronto or Montreal appear too crowded for your taste, consider Ottawa for a change. Boasting a small-town vibe with a vibrant art scene, the city will appeal to all kinds of travelers. Ottawa’s star attraction is the Rideau Canal, which meanders its way through the city center. In the summer months, the canal is full of boats and cyclists who wander about, and in the colder months of the year, it becomes the largest ice skating rink in the world. If you are a fan of architecture, don’t miss out on Parliament Hill, which features three amazing neo-Gothic structures. For those who seek to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, Gatineau Park, located just 15 minutes from Downtown, offers the reprieve you need.
Ottawa features a very diverse food scene that caters to everyone’s needs. If you just can’t get enough of French delicacies, head to Signatures Restaurant, which is housed in a Tudor Revival-style mansion. If you want to try out Canadian signatures, try Atelier instead.
The main intercity train station in town is Ottawa Station, which is served by VIA Rail. The city’s air services are handled by the Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, which is located 5.5 miles south of the city’s downtown.
Thunder Bay
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Thunder Bay is a city on Lake Superior, near the US border in Minnesota. It is home to the second largest curling stone in the world and offers impressive natural scenery and historic architecture.
Thunder Bay has exciting outdoor locations and kid-friendly activities, like the Loch Lomond Ski Area for snowboarding and skiing and the Kakabeka Falls offering a great view of the waterfall. The Terry Fox National Historic Person Plaque is a top historical site in the city, while art lovers can check modern pieces by native artists at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Check out Centennial Park, which combines recreations with a living museum. Thunder Bay features the Centennial Conservatory for seeing flowers, and the Quetico Provincial Park is ideal for canoeing and camping.
Downtown Thunder Bay South is the city center, where you can view numerous cultural attractions and landmarks. The city hosts the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition every August, an annual fair for all ages. You can check out Hoito Restaurant, one of the oldest in Canada, for its Finnish-Canadian cuisine and the booming craft brewery scene in the city.
You can visit Thunder Bay by train, with most routes provided by Ontario Northland.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Ottawa?
Image credit: shankar s.
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Tony Webster
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Ottawa Train Station
The Ottawa Station is the central station for intermodal transportation services in Ottawa. Constructed in 1966, the current station is an eclectic mix of modernism and Beaux-Arts, offering a unique design that makes it stand out from the crowd. The current station provides intercity bus services and rail services all from one convenient hub. The rail services are provided by VIA Rail, with possible destinations including Toronto and Montreal. In addition, Ontario Northland offers bus service, and there is also a shuttle bus line from the station to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport. On-station amenities include a parking lot with 330 spaces, bicycle parking racks, and disabled access.
All bus stations in Ottawa:
Ottawa Train Station
Ottawa - CHEO
Ottawa - Hospital - General Campus
Kanata - OC Transpo Terry Fox
Where does the bus arrive in Thunder Bay?
Main arrival station: 1010 Dawson Rd
Buses arrive in Thunder Bay at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Thunder Bay:
1010 Dawson Rd
Lakehead University
Landmark Hotel
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
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