The Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites opened in 1911 as a Canadian Northern Railway hotel and has been a Thunder Bay landmark ever since. This review draws on official property details, guest reviews, and third-party booking data to help you decide whether its historic character and Lake Superior location suit your stay. The hotel holds a four-out-of-five rating on TripAdvisor as of early 2026 (TripAdvisor).
Last checked: 2026-07-18
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Hotel Name: Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites · Address: 17 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, Ontario · Year Opened: 1911 by Canadian Northern Railway · Distance to Airport: 3.5 miles from Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) · Key Amenities: Fitness center, restaurant & bar, free private parking, business centre · Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-18.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Expedia listing, Trip.com listing, Priceline listing, Booking.com guest reviews, TripAdvisor reviews, GuestReservations listing, Superior Country tourism board, TravelWeekly listing.
We did not make an on-site visit, conduct staff interviews, or independently verify current rates beyond published sources.
Snapshot
- Built in 1911 by Canadian Northern Railway as a grand railway hotel (Superior Country)
- Overlooks Lake Superior and Marina Park, with views of the Sleeping Giant peninsula (Superior Country)
- Approximately 121 guest rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi (Expedia)
- Portside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (Expedia)
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Hotel Name | Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites |
| Address | 17 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, Ontario |
| Year Opened | 1911 by Canadian Northern Railway |
| Distance to Airport | 3.5 miles from Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) |
| Key Amenities | Fitness center, restaurant & bar, free private parking, business centre |
| Check-in / Check-out | 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
What Is the History of the Prince Arthur Hotel?
The Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel was built in 1911 by the Canadian Northern Railway as part of Canada’s grand railway hotel tradition (Superior Country). It operated as a CN Hotel until 1955, after which it transitioned to independent ownership. The property retains its original Beaux-Arts-style facade, a sweeping staircase, and a classic ballroom that guests frequently mention in reviews (TripAdvisor).
Over its 110-plus years of continuous operation, the hotel has hosted everyone from railway travellers to modern business guests. The building’s historic character is a consistent draw for travellers who value architecture and heritage over contemporary minimalism. The bottom line: this is a genuine early-20th-century railway hotel, not a modern replica.
Does the Prince Arthur Hotel Have a Pool?
Information about the pool is inconsistent across sources. Several booking platforms, including Expedia, Priceline, and Trip.com, list an indoor pool, children’s pool, hot tub, and sauna as part of the hotel’s amenities (Expedia). A TripAdvisor review from October 2018 praised a “nice big pool with sauna and even a hot tub” (TripAdvisor review). However, more recent TripAdvisor notes indicate some guests reported the sauna and hot tub were not working during their stay. Meanwhile, GuestReservations states that the hotel does not have a pool but offers a hot tub and fitness centre (GuestReservations).
The pattern: the pool likely exists but may be subject to periodic maintenance closures. If a pool is a priority for your stay, it is best to call the hotel directly at +1 807-345-5411 (Trip.com) to confirm current availability.
What Amenities Does the Prince Arthur Hotel Offer?
The hotel provides a fitness centre, free private parking, and free Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public areas (Priceline). The on-site Portside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with lake views from the dining room (Official site). Breakfast is not automatically included in the rate; Trip.com lists a daily fee of approximately CAD 20 per person, served from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
Business and Event Facilities
The hotel offers 10,000 square feet of conference space across eight meeting rooms, plus a ballroom and reception hall (Expedia). This makes it a common choice for weddings, conferences, and corporate events in Thunder Bay. The 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, on-site ATM, and self-service laundry add convenience for both leisure and business travellers.
Pet Policy
Pets (dogs and cats) are allowed for a nightly fee of CAD 15 per room (Trip.com). GuestReservations notes that pets are welcome and will be comfortable during their stay. The trade-off: this is a budget-friendly pet policy compared to many hotels that charge CAD 25–50 per night.
How Does the Prince Arthur Hotel Compare to Other Thunder Bay Hotels?
Thunder Bay offers several lodging options, but the Prince Arthur stands apart for its historic character and waterfront location. For comparison, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay (a modern property) and the Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel & Conference Centre (on the highway) are common alternatives.
| Hotel | Price Range (per night) | Rating | Distance to Waterfront | Pool | On-site Dining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites | CAD 129 – 200+ | 4/5 (TripAdvisor) | On waterfront | Indoor pool (reported) | Yes |
| Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay | CAD 150 – 250 | 4.2/5 | 0.5 miles | Indoor pool | Yes |
| Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel & Conference Centre | CAD 120 – 180 | 4.1/5 | 3 miles | Indoor pool | Yes |
The Prince Arthur’s main advantage is its location directly on the Lake Superior waterfront, within walking distance of Marina Park, Prince Arthur’s Landing, and the Waterfront District’s restaurants. Its historic architecture gives it a distinct atmosphere that modern chain hotels cannot replicate. The catch: some guests note that room furnishings feel dated, and the pool/hot tub may not always be fully operational.
What Makes Thunder Bay a Special Destination?
Thunder Bay sits on the northwestern shore of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. The hotel’s location in the Waterfront District puts guests within walking distance of the OLG Casino Thunder Bay and Magnus Theatre (TripAdvisor). Marina Park, adjacent to the hotel, includes a children’s splash park, playground, and promenade.
The Sleeping Giant peninsula, a iconic landform visible from the hotel’s lakeview rooms, is a signature feature of the region. Thunder Bay also serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the Lake Superior Circle Tour and nearby provincial parks. Why this matters: the hotel’s historic setting on the waterfront gives visitors a genuine sense of place that a generic highway hotel cannot match.
Pro tip: Book a lakeview room to wake up to the Sleeping Giant – but confirm the pool status before arrival if that amenity is important to you.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Historic 1911 architecture with ballroom and sweeping staircase
- Prime waterfront location on Lake Superior
- Free private parking
- Pet-friendly with low fee (CAD 15/night)
- On-site restaurant with lake views
Cons
- Pool, hot tub, and sauna availability may be inconsistent
- Breakfast not included in standard rate
- Some rooms reported as dated by guests
- No elevator to all floors (historic building constraint)
Best for
- Couples seeking historic charm
- Business travelers needing central location
- History enthusiasts interested in CN Railway heritage
- Travelers wanting Lake Superior waterfront access
Pricing
Nightly rates typically range from CAD 129 in off-peak seasons to CAD 200 or more in peak summer months. Breakfast adds approximately CAD 20 per person. Pet fee is CAD 15 per night. Parking is free.
Location and Getting There
The hotel is at 17 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, Ontario. Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is 3.5 miles away — about a 10-minute drive. The hotel is situated in the Waterfront District, steps from Marina Park and Prince Arthur’s Landing.
Alternatives to Consider
If you prefer modern amenities and a guaranteed pool, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay offers a similar waterfront proximity. For budget-conscious travellers, the Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel provides reliable chain standards but is located on the highway, away from the lake.
Our Pick
For first-time visitors to Thunder Bay who value location and historic atmosphere over modern luxury, the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel is the strongest choice. Its direct waterfront setting, historic character, and free parking make it a compelling base for exploring the city. Affluent leisure travellers seeking a unique stay will appreciate the on-site dining and event spaces. Solo business travellers benefit from the central location and 24-hour front desk.
tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, princearthurwaterfront.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Prince Arthur Hotel?
Built in 1911 by the Canadian Northern Railway, it operated as a CN Hotel until 1955. It is one of Canada’s grand railway hotels and retains its original Beaux-Arts architecture.
When was the Prince Arthur Hotel built?
The hotel was built in 1911.
What amenities does the Prince Arthur Hotel offer?
Amenities include a fitness centre, on-site restaurant (Portside Restaurant), free private parking, free Wi-Fi, business centre, conference space for up to 10,000 sq ft, and pet-friendly rooms (CAD 15/night).
Is the Prince Arthur Hotel pet-friendly?
Yes, dogs and cats are allowed for a nightly fee of CAD 15 per room.
What is the price range at the Prince Arthur Hotel?
Rates typically range from CAD 129 to CAD 200+ per night, depending on season and room type.
Does the Prince Arthur Hotel have on-site parking?
Yes, free private parking is available on-site.
How far is the Prince Arthur Hotel from the airport?
The hotel is 3.5 miles from Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT), approximately a 10-minute drive.