Thunderbird Motor Inn

2.5 star property
Motel in Duncan with a coffee shop and a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Thunderbird Motor Inn

Dining
Exterior
Reception
Exterior
Premium bedding, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
5849 York Rd, Duncan, BC, V9L 3S3
  • Place, Cowichan Aquatic Centre
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Vancouver Island University-Cowichan Campus
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Duncan Visitor Centre
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Victoria, BC (YYJ-Victoria Intl.)
    ‪77 min drive‬

Room options

1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(29 reviews)
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

7.2 out of 10
Good
(25 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchenette

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(13 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Duncan

Thunderbird Motor Inn places you within a 5-minute walk of Cowichan Aquatic Centre and World's Largest Hockey Stick. This motel has 32 rooms and welcomes guests with conveniences like a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Cowichan Aquatic Centre - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • World's Largest Hockey Stick - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Vancouver Island University-Cowichan Campus - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Duncan Visitor Centre - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • BC Forest Discovery Centre - 4 min drive - 2.2 miles

Getting around

  • Victoria Intl. Airport (YYJ) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Thunderbird Motor Inn

Motel in Duncan with a coffee shop and a restaurant
At Thunderbird Motor Inn, guests have access to free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and express check-out. If you plan to drive, free parking is available. Staff members can help with accommodation requests, and provide front-desk service during limited hours. Other amenities at this golf motel include laundry facilities and a garden.
Flat-screen TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Balconies or patios, refrigerators, and microwaves are other standard amenities. Housekeeping is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • York Street Diner

Things to do

  • 18-hole adjacent golf course

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Newspapers in lobby

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Business services

  • Business center

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a nature reserve

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • No elevator
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 1 AM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and lockbox information; front desk staffed during limited hours
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests traveling with pets must contact this property in advance to ensure the availability of a pet-friendly room.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), lockbox

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for CAD 30 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
  • Pet weight must not exceed 60 lbs per pet
  • Certain rooms only
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: CAD 30 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 3 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The motel can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Thunderbird Motor Duncan
Thunderbird Motor Inn
Thunderbird Motor Inn Duncan
Thunderbird Motor Inn North Cowichan
Thunderbird Motor North Cowichan
Thunderbird Motor
Thunderbird Motor Inn Motel
Thunderbird Motor Inn Duncan
Thunderbird Motor Inn Motel Duncan

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Thunderbird Motor Inn?

Thunderbird Motor Inn offers free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see around Thunderbird Motor Inn?

This motel is located in Duncan, just steps from Cowichan Aquatic Centre and World's Largest Hockey Stick, and within a short walk of Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. You'll also find Duncan Farmers Market and Cowichan Valley Museum less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Thunderbird Motor Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does Thunderbird Motor Inn feature a casino at the property?

No, Thunderbird Motor Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Thunderbird Motor Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What do couples enjoy most about Thunderbird Motor Inn?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this motel, including a bar, a restaurant, and a nature reserve.

Does Thunderbird Motor Inn have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Thunderbird Motor Inn have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Thunderbird Motor Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Thunderbird Motor Inn allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Thunderbird Motor Inn for a fee of CAD 30 per accommodation, per stay.

Does Thunderbird Motor Inn have connecting rooms?

Yes, this motel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

What is the closest airport to Thunderbird Motor Inn?

The closest major airport to Thunderbird Motor Inn is Maple Bay, BC (YAQ-Maple Bay Seaplane Base), which is 6.2 mi away (12 minutes by car). Another top airport is Ganges, BC (YGG-Ganges Harbour Seaplane Base), which is located 15.9 mi away (56-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Thunderbird Motor Inn?

Yes, every guestroom at Thunderbird Motor Inn comes with a balcony with some featuring city views.

Thunderbird Motor Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 238 out of 740 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 283 out of 740 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 125 out of 740 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 54 out of 740 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 40 out of 740 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

AS

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is in the center of VICTORIA and NANAIMO, which is very convient to travel both ways for tourist also town itself is very beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Freddy, Heriot Bay

Traveled with partner
I stay there often. It is a convenient stop half way up island
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Kevin

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Check in easy. Bed creaky. Great shower pressure.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Jay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Sketchy neighborhood, dated structure but decent .
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good location off the main highway
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Viridiana

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Gurbir Singh

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Okay for 1 night

We occupied the last available room. Neighbourhood not the best but okay for 1 night. Beds comfy.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Claudia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Corissa

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Deborah

Business traveler
Other than the noise at night, relatively comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Kathleen

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Disliked: Amenities
Provided essentials ie. bed, shower, toilet. Area in which the motel is located is a bit rough. Unfortunately addicts hangin out on the block so id be pretty vigilant when walkin out at night. Tons of food options close by though. No functioning diner on site even though the sign outside still says it does lol. But if you’re just lookin for a bed for the night it suffices without feeling super grungy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

David

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
From the shabby exterior I expected an awful room but it was clean and did not smell. Very old furnishings. Lack of power outlets. Receptionist made me wait well over 5 minutes while on the phone with a colleague.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Kaij

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Was there for a ball tournament and was unable to use the laundry facilities due to it being closed at 9. Area was super sketchy and I couldn’t find an ice machine. The beds were super uncomfortable and squeaked every time you moved.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Ludmilla

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Ok room, clean enough.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Saphire

Traveled with family
The property is in a central area close to restaurants, didn’t see any bugs, but the staff seems a bit stretched.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Damy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean. We enjoy the shower.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Charlene

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room that was booked was not booked correctly but the fellow at the check in counter found a room that matched what we booked. He did a great job to help.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Shirley

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Didn’t like just receiving one key! The young man who checked us in was very kind in pointing us to a very nice restaurant…it was delicious!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Lincoln

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a dive
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gower

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to everything for shopping and central location
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Kyoko

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
You will get what you paid for. This is a motel by a highway - no upgrades, minimum furniture and bad lighting fixtures. There was a couch but you probably don’t want to sit on it - looked filthy. Bathroom was clean. Towels were clean. Bed mattress and duvet looked questionable.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025