Thunder Bay Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Ontario, Canada
Is Airbnb profitable in Thunder Bay in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Thunder Bay, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 271 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Thunder Bay, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Thunder Bay Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Thunder Bay Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Thunder Bay (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Thunder Bay is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Thunder Bay is typically August, while March often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Thunder Bay across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $3,225+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,384 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,610 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $888, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Thunder Bay STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Thunder Bay:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 89%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 78% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 59%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 34% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Thunder Bay
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Thunder Bay (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Thunder Bay involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Thunder Bay typically peaks in December and dips lowest during March. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $143+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $113 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $85 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $60 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Thunder Bay
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Thunder Bay (2025)
Peak Season (August, June, July)
- Revenue averages $2,013 per month
- Occupancy rates average 61.8%
- Daily rates average $92
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,798 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 54.8%
- Daily rates hold near $91
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,416 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 49.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $91
Seasonality Insights for Thunder Bay
- The Airbnb seasonality in Thunder Bay shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Thunder Bay's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $2,083, occupancy reaching a high of 69.4%, and ADRs peaking at $93.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,192, occupancy could drop to 41.5%, and ADRs may adjust down to $90.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Thunder Bay.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Thunder Bay seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Thunder Bay (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Thunder Bay? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Port Arthur | Historical district with beautiful waterfront views and close proximity to the Thunder Bay Marina. Popular for its heritage sites and arts scene, attracting both tourists and locals. | Thunder Bay Marina, Fort William Historical Park, Northern Ontario Railroad Museum & Heritage Centre, McKellar Park, Prince Arthur's Landing |
| Current River | Family-friendly neighborhood known for its parks and recreational opportunities. Easy access to nature trails, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. | Current River Park, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Mount McKay, Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay Art Gallery |
| South Core | Emerging area with a mix of modern developments and historical charm. Increasing popularity among young professionals and artists, ideal for creative tourism. | Lakehead University, Thunder Bay's waterfront trails, Events at Marina Park, Civic Centre, Art galleries and studios |
| Westfort | Quiet residential area with close-knit community vibes. Suitable for longer-term stays and family-oriented travelers, with easy access to shopping and amenities. | Westfort Village Plaza, Pigeon River Provincial Park, Fort William Gardens, Local parks and recreation centers, Historic buildings |
| Northwood | Urban neighborhood with a growing number of cafes, shops, and restaurants. Attractive for younger demographics seeking a unique city vibe. | Northwood Plaza, Thunder Bay Country Market, Local art spaces, Nearby hiking trails, Community events |
| Valley Springs | Suburban area with spacious homes and beautiful landscapes. Ideal for families and travelers looking for peace and quiet while still near city amenities. | Valley Springs Park, Large green spaces, Community centers, Access to waterfront, Close to schools and parks |
| East End | Known for its waterfront access and beautiful parks. Appeals to those looking for a relaxing nature experience close to urban conveniences. | Chippewa Park, Thunder Bay Recreation and Culture, Trowbridge Falls, Local beaches, Great hiking trails |
| Kakabeka Falls | Famous for the stunning Kakabeka Falls, attracting nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Perfect for hosting visitors seeking natural beauty. | Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Scenic trails, Camping sites, Local wildlife, Historical sites nearby |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Thunder Bay (2025)
While Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Thunder Bay to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Thunder Bay (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Thunder Baybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Hosta HAÜS (5 bed, 2 bath)
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
3 bed, 3 bath home, sleeps 8
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
*Bring the Family* with no cleaning fee
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Modern 3-Bedroom Home
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Villa Garofalo, newly renovated semi detached home
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
3br house. Fast Wi-fi. 4 car parking. No stairs!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Thunder Bay (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Thunder Bay based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell | 21 | $401,485 | 1263 | 4.72/5.0 |
| Sleeping Giant BNB | 6 | $152,362 | 120 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Rachel | 5 | $140,970 | 1517 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Robyn | 2 | $90,158 | 24 | 4.62/5.0 |
| Jenna | 5 | $89,246 | 1107 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Jon | 4 | $88,294 | 149 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Cedar And Stone | 4 | $77,704 | 216 | 4.55/5.0 |
| Nadia | 7 | $76,430 | 1847 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Cynthia | 8 | $74,525 | 155 | 4.83/5.0 |
| C | 4 | $61,974 | 135 | 4.74/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Thunder Bay.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Thunder Bay STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Thunder Bay. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsThunder Bay Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Thunder Bay
- The Thunder Bay Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 77.5% of the 271 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Thunder Bay, House properties are the most common (51.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 51.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 6.6% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like unique stays, outdoor/unique (combined 0.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Thunder Bay Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Thunder Bay
- The dominant room capacity in Thunder Bay is 1 bedroom listings, making up 38% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 62.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Thunder Bay, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 23.3% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Thunder Bay
- The most common guest capacity trend in Thunder Bay vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (26.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Thunder Bay STR market, accounting for 52.0% of listings.
- 22.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Thunder Bay.
- On average, properties in Thunder Bay are equipped to host 3.4 guests.
Thunder Bay Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Thunder Bay
- The most common availability pattern in Thunder Bay falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 32.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 53.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Thunder Bay (33.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 47.6% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Thunder Bay Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
97 listings
40.8% of total
2 Nights
78 listings
32.8% of total
3 Nights
31 listings
13% of total
4-6 Nights
9 listings
3.8% of total
7-29 Nights
6 listings
2.5% of total
30+ Nights
17 listings
7.1% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Thunder Bay is 1 Night, adopted by 40.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (73.6%) of the Thunder Bay Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 40.8% of Thunder Bay hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 7.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
69 listings
29.6% of total
Moderate
78 listings
33.5% of total
Firm
34 listings
14.6% of total
Strict
52 listings
22.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Thunder Bay
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Thunder Bay is Moderate, used by 33.5% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (63.1%) and stricter (36.9%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 33.5% market standard in Thunder Bay.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Thunder Bay
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Thunder Bay is 42 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during February (average 68 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 29 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (49 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (34 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (42 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Thunder Bay.
- For February stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 68 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 49 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Thunder Bay averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Thunder Bay (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Thunder Bay
- Essential amenities in Thunder Bay that guests expect include: Smoke alarm, Wifi, Carbon monoxide alarm, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hot water, TV, Kitchen are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Thunder Bay: Smoke alarm, Wifi, Carbon monoxide alarm, Heating.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Smoke alarm, Wifi, Carbon monoxide alarm, Heating.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water or TV to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Thunder Bay to stay competitive.
Thunder Bay Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Thunder Bay
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Thunder Bay consists of primarily domestic travelers (83%), often arriving from nearby Toronto, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
- Domestic travelers account for 83.0% of guests.
- Key international markets include Canada (83%) and United States (13.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (69.5%) followed by French (10.4%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Toronto and Winnipeg.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Thunder Bay Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lutsen | 12 | $5,430 | $386.14 | 47% |
| Tofte | 14 | $5,052 | $461.98 | 37% |
| Schroeder | 10 | $5,039 | $404.98 | 51% |
| Lutsen Township | 165 | $4,322 | $387.87 | 39% |
| West Cook | 111 | $4,243 | $335.89 | 47% |
| Tofte Township | 39 | $4,210 | $269.63 | 51% |
| Dollar Bay | 12 | $4,207 | $250.41 | 51% |
| Grand Marais | 56 | $3,881 | $272.95 | 50% |
| Allouez Township | 19 | $3,542 | $314.84 | 41% |
| East Cook | 45 | $3,150 | $235.58 | 52% |