Thunder Bay airport is getting its first hotel right on-site.
Construction will kick off this summer for a 107-room Cambria Hotel located next to the passenger terminal, according to a news release from the airport authority on July 28. The hotel is expected to open in September 2027.
Airport officials stated that this will be Canada’s first Cambria-branded hotel, allowing travellers “seamless access” directly from the terminal.
Rideout Bay Developments will lead the project, with most ownership held by local First Nations.
The release mentioned that the hotel will be 90 per cent owned by First Nations, including Wabigoon First Nation, situated east of Dryden, and Boundary Waters Anishinaabeg Development LP, which is a four-member business collaboration in Rainy River district involving Couchiching, Mitaanjigamiing, Nigigoonsiminikaaning, and Seine River First Nations.
This new hotel will feature a full-service restaurant and bar, fitness facilities, and adaptable meeting spaces for business gatherings and regional events. The airport authority noted that it will showcase a “stunning four-storey-tall First Nations-themed mural along with other distinctive design elements.”
Cambria Hotels is recognized as an upscale contemporary brand created by Choice Hotels International in 2005. Its locations are primarily found in U. S. city centers and high-demand markets aimed at both business and leisure travellers with designs tailored to local communities.
The Cambria brand is viewed by industry experts as being positioned within the upper-midscale to upscale segment of hospitality.
Graham Ingham, president-CEO of Thunder Bay International Airports, shared that this initiative has been under discussion for about 18 months.
After arriving in Thunder Bay in 2024, Ingham met Ben Cohen from Rideout Bay Developments, a prominent real estate firm in northwestern Ontario.
“It felt like a natural fit. Why hasn’t anyone done this (hotel development) before? This opportunity came our way and we took action,” he said.
The Indigenous ownership aligns with the airport’s updated three-year strategic plan focused on actively partnering with Indigenous communities through collaboration.
Ingham mentioned that Cohen would hold a 10 per cent stake in the hotel development while bringing Indigenous partners into the project.
“That was really crucial for us to establish that partnership, and here we are now.”
Around 50,000 square feet of airport land will be leased for constructing the hotel near current parking lot exits. Over the past year, the airport authority has been reconfiguring and enlarging parking areas in anticipation of this development.
Since all airport land is owned by Transport Canada and cannot be sold outright; Ingham explained that this long-term lease would create significant non-aviation revenue opportunities.
Ingham expects travellers and airlines alike will appreciate how close the new hotel is to the terminal while fulfilling local accommodation needs.
“Finding available hotel rooms can be tough these days around here,” Ingham said.
“We’ve received plenty of feedback from our passengers over two years suggesting it’d be nice to have something right at the airport; we’re glad we can provide that.”
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation’s Chief Clayton Wetelainen expressed his community’s happiness about being a major shareholder in such an important project:
“Thunder Bay has become a true hub for First Nations commerce, education and health care and the shortage of quality accommodations will be addressed by this first-class facility.”
“By being part of this project,” said Boundary Waters Anishinaabeg Development LP CEO Peter Moen,
“we are not only expanding regional infrastructure but ensuring our First Nations are central drivers of Northern Ontario’s economic future.”
“At Rideout Bay,” said Ben Cohen,
“we believe strong projects arise from shared vision and long-term value.” This initiative reflects confidence in Thunder Bay’s growth as well as its critical role within Northwestern Ontario.”
“Introducing Cambria brand hotels to Canada via Thunder Bay shows confidence in our region along with robust partnerships,” commented Kris Crundwell,
Radisson Hotel Group’s regional vice-president. Radisson operates within Choice Hotels International’s portfolio.
“We look forward to providing an elevated experience for travellers.”
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