How to find a cheap car hire deal in Thunder Bay
Searching for a cheap rental car in Thunder Bay? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging RM411 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Thunder Bay is RM137.
Staying a while and want to go further than the usual stops? RM979 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Three weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a Thunder Bay car hire.
Enterprise, National and Budget are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Whether you book with Enterprise or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Thunder Bay car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can bag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Thunder Bay.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average RM265 a day.
Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around RM351.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly RM359 a day with this supplier.
After a car that works for most trips? The Premium rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Thunder Bay.
Flying to Thunder Bay? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Thunder Bay, start exploring sooner by picking up a car hire at Thunder Bay International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 14 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Thunder Bay
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Thunder Bay makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are ideal for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and enhanced tech features, this Thunder Bay car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Thunder Bay that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Thunder Bay car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so check how each one stacks up.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Thunder Bay by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car hire in Canada. Rules can vary, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Travelling with kids? Car seat regulations differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Check if you need to add one to your Thunder Bay car hire reservation.
You'll need some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Driving in Canada might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
In Canada, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, hand the keys to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Canadian dollar (CAD) for all your purchases and expenses throughout your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards so you're covered for every situation.
The language most often spoken in this country is English.
Best hotels in Thunder Bay for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at HOLIDAY INN Express & Suites Thunder BAY. Offering accessible parking as well as a barbeque and a pool, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Thunder Bay.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Thunder Bay also works well for a trip built around driving. It features accessible parking, along with a golf course and Wi-Fi. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Thunder Bay and pick the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've found a car hire deal in Thunder Bay and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Terry Fox Monument, Fort William Historical Park and Cascades Conservation Area are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
