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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 | $152.90 |
| Most frequent service | Ontario Northland |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Ottawa to Thunder Bay?
Bus tickets for a trip from Ottawa to Thunder Bay cost $156.51 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Thunder Bay. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
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 | $162.10 |
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 671 miles 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.
With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
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
Image credit: Unsplash
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?
Main departure station: Ottawa - Hospital - General Campus
Buses to Thunder Bay leave from 4 stations in Ottawa.
All bus stations in Ottawa:
Ottawa - Hospital - General Campus
Ottawa - CHEO
Ottawa Train Station
Kanata - OC Transpo Terry Fox
Where does the bus arrive in Thunder Bay?
Main arrival station: Lakehead University
Buses arrive in Thunder Bay at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Thunder Bay:
Lakehead University
1010 Dawson Rd
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Landmark Hotel
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