Grand Rapids would be the place to stay over night. There is nothing between Ponton and Thompson. If you got the time stop and take a look at Pisew Falls (not sure if spelling is correct but will be on your right hand side on the way up, between Ponton and Thompson), it is worth the look and a few pictures. I took a friend from Switzerland up to Thompson a few years back. He couldn't believe the space on the way. Hours and hours of forest. If it is your first trip up there you'll understand just how huge our Province is. It is like driving from North Dakota to Texas as one state. Have a great trip and enjoy our province.