You’ve seen it driving up Camelot Street. It’s that massive, imposing Greek Revival structure that looks less like a place to grab a cocktail and more like a place where you’d get sentenced to ten years for horse thievery. Honestly, that’s because for over 90 years, that is exactly what the Courthouse Hotel Thunder Bay was. Before it was a boutique hotel with plush linens and rain showers, it was the Superior Court of Justice. This isn't just another cookie-cutter Marriott or a beige Hilton. It’s a strange, beautiful, and slightly intimidating piece of Northern Ontario history that has been gutsily repurposed for people who are bored of generic travel.
Thunder Bay has a weird relationship with its historic buildings. We’ve seen plenty of them rot or get torn down for parking lots. But the old Port Arthur courthouse somehow survived. It sits on a hill, looking down at Lake Superior with a sort of "I’ve seen things" energy. When the courts moved to the new consolidated facility on Miles Street back in 2014, everyone wondered what would happen to the old giant. Developers Brook McIlroy and the ownership team didn't just slap some paint on the walls; they kept the DNA of the law alive in the floorboards.
The Reality of Staying in a Former Courtroom
If you're expecting a standard hotel layout, you’re going to be confused. The Courthouse Hotel Thunder Bay is a puzzle. Because the original building was designed for judges, lawyers, and the accused—not tourists—the room layouts are wildly inconsistent in the best way possible. Some rooms have soaring 15-foot ceilings that make you feel tiny. Others have original wood paneling that smells faintly of old books and gravity.
It’s kind of funny when you think about it. You’re sipping a Nespresso in a space where, sixty years ago, a judge might have been pounding a gavel. They kept the massive windows. That’s the big draw. If you get a room on the harbor side, you’re looking straight out at the Sleeping Giant (Sibley Peninsula). There is arguably no better view in the city. You see the grain elevators, the cold blue of the lake, and the way the fog rolls in during the spring.
But let’s be real for a second. Historic renovations are never perfect. If you’re the kind of traveler who needs absolute soundproofing and a massive gym with fifty treadmills, this might not be your vibe. The hallways are long and echoing. The elevator is fine, but you can feel the age of the structure. It’s a trade-off. You trade the predictable "new hotel" smell for character that you literally cannot find anywhere else in the Port Arthur district.
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What They Kept and What They Changed
Walking into the lobby is an experience. You’re greeted by these massive stone pillars and a staircase that feels very "Law & Order." The design team basically leaned into the "Ascent of Justice" theme.
- The Woodwork: Most of the oak trim is original. They didn't sand it down to look new; they kept the dings and the dark patina.
- The Jury Boxes: In some of the common areas and larger suites, you can still see where the layout of the court dictated the furniture.
- The Modern Perks: Despite the old-school bones, the bathrooms are surprisingly high-end. We're talking glass-enclosed showers and tile work that feels very 2020s. It’s a jarring contrast to the 1920s exterior, but it works.
One thing people always ask about is the basement. There were holding cells down there. No, you aren't sleeping in a cell (this isn't one of those gimmick hostels in Ottawa), but the weight of the history is definitely present. The renovation cost millions, and you can see where that money went—specifically in the restoration of the exterior masonry and the preservation of the central rotunda.
Why Location Is the Secret Weapon
People who don't know Thunder Bay usually think of the city as two separate towns, which it was until 1970 (Port Arthur and Fort William). The Courthouse Hotel Thunder Bay is firmly in the Port Arthur side, which is the "cool" side of town right now.
You are a three-minute walk from the Waterfront District. This is important because, honestly, hotel food is rarely the highlight of a trip. Being at the Courthouse means you can walk to Tomlin for some of the best small plates in Ontario, or hit up The Sovereign Room for a pint and some duck confit poutine. You’re close to the Red Lion Smokehouse and Prime Gelato. Basically, if you stay here, you don't need a rental car to find a decent meal. You just walk down the hill.
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The Lake Superior Factor
The proximity to Prince Arthur’s Landing is the real selling point. In the winter, you can walk down and watch people skate on the outdoor rink. In the summer, you’ve got the Pier and the splash pad. The hotel sits at a higher elevation than the water, so even if you aren't on the top floor, you get this panoramic sense of the scale of Lake Superior. It’s humbling.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking
I’ve talked to locals and travelers alike, and the consensus is usually "it’s stunning, but..."
The "but" is usually about the quirks. Because it’s a boutique spot in an old building, the service can feel more personal and less "corporate machine." This is great if you like chatting with the staff about local tips, but might be a change of pace if you’re used to the lightning-fast, anonymous service of a big-city mega-hotel.
Also, parking. It’s fine, but the lot can feel a bit tight because, again, the building was built in 1924. People didn't have massive SUVs back then. They had streetcars and horses.
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Is it Haunted?
Look, every old courthouse/jail/hospital has rumors. I’m not saying you’re going to see a Victorian ghost in the hallway, but the building has a heavy atmosphere. It’s quiet. Sometimes very quiet. If you like "liminal spaces," you will love the vibe here. If you’re easily spooked by long, dimly lit corridors with heavy wooden doors, maybe leave a light on.
The Economic Impact on Thunder Bay
Beyond just being a place to sleep, the Courthouse Hotel Thunder Bay represents a shift in the local economy. For a long time, the city relied on "work" hotels—places for miners, loggers, and government employees to crash.
The success of a high-end boutique hotel in the old north end proves that Thunder Bay is becoming a legitimate tourism destination. People are coming here for the outdoors—hiking the Top of the Giant or visiting Kakabeka Falls—but they want to come back to a room that has some soul. It’s part of the "gentrification" of the Waterfront District, which is a complicated topic for locals, but it’s undeniably saved a building that would have otherwise fallen into ruin.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Stay
If you're going to book, do it right. Don't just pick the cheapest room available.
- Request a Harbor View: Seriously. It’s worth the extra twenty or thirty bucks. Seeing the sunrise over the Sleeping Giant from your bed is a core memory kind of experience.
- Explore the Hallways: Take ten minutes to just walk the floors. Look at the framing, the old signs, and the way the light hits the rotunda.
- Skip the Continental Breakfast: It’s fine, but you’re in a neighborhood with incredible bakeries. Walk to Sweet North Bakery or Rooster’s Bistro.
- Check the Event Schedule: The hotel often hosts weddings or local galas because the ballroom areas are spectacular. If you want a quiet night, maybe check if there’s a 200-person wedding happening that Saturday.
The Courthouse Hotel Thunder Bay isn't trying to be a luxury resort in the Maldives. It’s trying to be a sturdy, elegant, slightly eccentric gateway to Northern Ontario. It respects its past as a place of judgment while embracing its future as a place of rest. It’s a weird balance, but somehow, it works.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check Seasonal Rates: Thunder Bay tourism is highly seasonal. You can often snag a suite in the "shoulder season" (October/November or April/May) for a fraction of the summer price.
- Compare with Prince Arthur: If you want a similar historic vibe, look at the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel nearby, but keep in mind it’s much more "faded glory" compared to the Courthouse’s "modern renovation."
- Map Your Walk: Use the hotel as a base for a walking tour of the Port Arthur murals and the Finnish district on Bay Street—it's about a 15-minute walk to the legendary Hoito (which is hopefully in a state of reopening/revival during your visit).
- Pack for the Wind: Remember that being on the hill near the lake means it’s always 5 degrees cooler and twice as windy as the rest of the city. Bring a shell.