Welcome to Thunder Bay, where getting around can be a bit of a challenge if you don’t have your own wheels. Let’s be real – commuting in Thunder Bay is not the easiest task.
If you don’t have a car, you’ll find yourself facing some difficulties with the public transportation system. The buses in Thunder Bay don’t always show up as frequently as you’d like. In fact, you might end up waiting around 40 minutes for the next bus to arrive.
But fear not, there are a few other options for getting around Thunder Bay besides relying on the bus or driving your own car.
In this blog, we’ll explore some alternative methods of transportation that can help you navigate this city more efficiently. Stay tuned!
Carpooling
Carpooling is a great idea in Thunder Bay, even though there are no official apps for it. You should consider joining groups like this one:
THUNDER BAY RIDE SHARE AND AREA
In these groups, you can find people who travel to work along the same route as you. Many of them have extra seats available in their cars.
While some people may not want to share their car with strangers, there are plenty of others in these groups who would be happy to have a riding buddy. Plus, by carpooling, you can all save money on gas.
So, if you’re looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to get around Thunder Bay, joining a carpooling group could be the perfect solution for you.
Biking ( Bike around Thunder Bay via sneaky routes)
Biking may not seem like the best idea in a city like Thunder Bay, but it can actually be a good option for getting around in this small city.
During the summer, biking is quite easy in Thunder Bay, but in the winter, it can be tough due to the harsh cold weather.
Related:
What to do in Thunder Bay in Summer in 2024
What to do in Thunder Bay in winter (Tbay’s winter adventure guide)
When I used to work at Thunder Bay’s Canadian Tire, I met many people who would bike to work even in the winter with their fat tired bikes. If your work commute is only 10-15 minutes, you can definitely bike to work with the right clothing and gear.
Don’t believe it’s possible? Check out how people in Finland do it:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppRQWxj6VDU).
Just remember to find sneaky routes to work instead of using the sidewalks because the snow from the roads is often plowed onto the pavement.
So, if your commute isn’t too long, biking can be a great way to get around Thunder Bay, especially during the warmer months. Just be prepared with the right gear and be cautious about the snowy conditions.
Bus ( Is public transit a bad option to get around the city?)
Do you ever find yourself in Thunder Bay needing to catch the bus?
It might not be the most enjoyable experience, but it will get you where you need to go.
When you’re at places like City Hall or the Waterfront, be cautious as these spots can attract some rowdy individuals. To avoid any trouble, try to arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled arrival time. Using the Nextlift app can help you track the bus in real-time.
Remember, while the bus rides in Thunder Bay may not be the best, they are a reliable way to get around the city. Just stay alert, plan ahead, and you’ll reach your destination smoothly.