Your careful research will help you to select the best landing location for you and your family. You can start by assessing the local job market, housing options, and community to determine if it is right for you. If you’re considering living in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Prepare for Canada can guide you with this helpful information.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thunder Bay is the capital of Northwestern Ontario and offers a relaxing, natural atmosphere with lively urban space to live, learn, work, do business and play. Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, it is often referred to as the \u201cLakehead\u201d because it\u2019s the head of the Great Lakes. It\u2019s the most populous municipality in Northwestern Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city has roots dating back to 1683 when it was settled as Fort Caministigoyan. And today, the city comprises two former cities, Port Arthur, and Fort William which both still retain much of their distinct identities. These cities joined to become the City of Thunder Bay in 1970.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a population of 108, 843 based on the 2021 Census. If you include the surrounding communities, such as Oliver Paipoonge, Neebing, Shuniah, Conmee, O’Connor, and Gillies, and the Fort William First Nation, there are over 125, 000 people in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the largest city in Northwestern Ontario, this city is a vibrant and growing community and is the region\u2019s commercial, administrative, and medical hub. From trees to transportation to research, health and life sciences, Thunder Bay has been developing its knowledge-based industries, primarily in the fields of biotechnology<\/a> and molecular medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The top industries in this city are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the top employers in the city:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many ways you can look for jobs in the city. You can use the Government of Canada Job Bank and other websites. You can also use local recruitment agencies such as YES Employment Services, Workforce, and The Phelps Group Inc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Where you live within a city is important. You\u2019ll want to be close to your job, schools, and other amenities. Even though it is a smaller city, there are still many neighbourhoods and communities to consider such as Port Arthur and Fort William. Other areas to consider are the Bay, Algoma, Simpson-Ogden, and Westfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Affordability is an attractive feature of living in the city. Thunder Bay was ranked number 1 out of 227 major urban international cities for affordable housing, by the fourth annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey<\/a> in 2021. If you are researching affordable cities in Northern Ontario, you should also explore what it is like living in Sault Ste. Marie<\/a> and Sudbury<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though you may not have as many options as other larger cities, you have more affordable rental options. The average rent for an apartment is $1,150 for a Bachelor, $1,250 for a 1-bedroom, $1,350 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,349 for a 3-bedroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also find current rental prices in Thunder Bay. When renting, it\u2019s also important to buy renter’s insurance<\/a>. While optional, many property owners may require you to have insurance. Read more: Tenant Insurance in Canada: Why Do Newcomers Need It?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfe0 Check out Rentals for Newcomers<\/strong><\/a> to search for available rental units and prices in Thunder Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buying a home in the city is more affordable than in cities like Toronto and even other Ontario cities like Barrie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Thunder Bay Real Estate Board<\/a>, the median sale price for single-detached homes is $366,900 (as of March 2022). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even with rising prices, they are well below the Canadian average. Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many rural roads in Thunder Bay. Driving can be challenging at times, especially during the winter months. With significant wildlife in the region, it\u2019s essential to pay attention. The main highway through the city is Highway 11\/17, also known as the Thunder Bay Expressway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All drivers must have a valid Ontario driver’s licence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get more information about driving in Canada:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter Driving in Canada: 7 Essential Safety Tips for Newcomers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thunder Bay Transit operates 17 bus routes across the city. For maps, routes, and schedules, click here<\/a>. The cost of public transit varies depending on the route, method, and distance. See here<\/a> for a list of fare prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city is home to the Thunder Bay International Airport, and it\u2019s a railway hub for Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New immigrants have access to community support through several organizations. They are Thunder Bay Multicultural Association (TBMA), Doors to New Life, and 211 Ontario North. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Language support services are offered through TBMA, Lakehead University and Confederation College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Establishing your finances in a new country is an essential step. Newcomers can open a bank account, apply for credit cards and loans, and get a mortgage through local banks and credit unions. They have programs in place to assist new immigrants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get more banking tips for newcomers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada<\/p>\n\n\n\n Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many primary and secondary education schools. Thunder Bay has 38 elementary schools, three middle schools, eight secondary schools, two private schools, a university, a college, a medical school, and an adult education facility. These schools include French immersion programs, comprehensive special education services, an International Baccalaureate Programme, and an Outdoor Education Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main school boards serving the area are the Lakehead District School Board, the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, and the Conseil scolaire de district Catholique des Aurores bor\u00e9ales (CSDC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lakehead District School Board is the largest, with 22 elementary schools, four secondary schools and a centre for adult studies. The Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board has 16 elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools. CSDC operates one elementary and one high school in Thunder Bay, and six schools throughout the Thunder Bay District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This city is home to Lakehead University and Confederation College. The Northern Ontario School of Medicine has a campus at Lakehead University. Lakehead has about 8,000 students and Confederation College has about 35,00 full-time students. Both offer satellite campuses across Northern Ontario. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about education in Canada:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System<\/p>\n\n\n\n Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city is home to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and many long-term care centres operated by the St. Joseph\u2019s Care Group such as the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, St. Joseph\u2019s Hospital, and Hogarth Riverview Manor. And, there are smaller medical and dental clinics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides residents with health care coverage. Learn how to apply for an OHIP card. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. This number is the same across Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For prescription medications and services that the provincial healthcare program does not cover, you can<\/p>\n\n\n\nAbout Thunder Bay, Ontario<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Many People Live in Thunder Bay, Ontario?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Find a Job & Build a Career in Thunder Bay<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Local Economy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The city is home to the western campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, the first medical school to open in Canada in a generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Major Employers in Thunder Bay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bombardier-Plant-Thunder-Bay.png\")
Career Pathways in Thunder Bay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/City-of-Thunder-Bay.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Thunder Bay Housing Market<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is Housing Expensive in Thunder Bay, Ontario?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Finding a Place to Rent in Thunder Bay <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Buying a Home in Thunder Bay <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Driving & Public Transit in Thunder Bay<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Driving in Thunder Bay, Ontario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thunder Bay Public Transit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Community Support for Newcomers<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Language Support in Thunder Bay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Personal Finance & Banking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thunder Bay\u2019s Education System<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Elementary and High School Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Lakehead](\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lakehead-University-Thunder-Bay.png\")
Post Secondary Institutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"thunder](\"https:\/\/www.prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MedicalCare-Thunder-Bay-Regional-HealthSciencesCentreImg.jpg\")
Where to Get Medical Care in Thunder Bay, Ontario<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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