Searching for the very best issues to do in Sudbury? This Northern Ontario gem is full of surprises, suppose 330 glowing lakes, an enormous regreening transformation, Canada’s most iconic coin, and world-class science sights that youngsters and adults will each love. Whether or not you’re after family-friendly enjoyable, nature escapes, or hands-on experiences you gained’t discover wherever else, Sudbury delivers.
We’ve explored Sudbury in each season, from skating underneath the celebs at Kivi Park to sending postcards 60 metres underground at Dynamic Earth. Our newest go to shocked us. Sudbury is in the midst of an unimaginable transformation, balancing its mining roots and a rising meals and humanities scene. This information covers all the pieces value doing, seeing, and experiencing in Sudbury in 2025, together with native suggestions, the place to remain, what to eat, and the can’t-miss highlights that make this considered one of Canada’s most underrated locations.
High issues to do in Sudbury embrace:
- Exploring Science North’s 4 flooring of interactive displays
- Climbing, biking or paddling at Kivi Park and Lake Laurentian
- Visiting the Large Nickel and going underground at Dynamic Earth
- Chilling at Bell Park on Ramsey Lake (the world’s 2nd largest city-contained lake)
- Taking in Onaping Falls from the A.Y. Jackson Lookout
- Discovering downtown murals, native eating, and family-friendly occasions year-round
Why Go to Sudbury in 2025?
As a result of this former mining city has pulled off one of many biggest environmental comebacks in Canada, planting over 10 million timber and reinventing itself as a inexperienced, family-friendly vacation spot stuffed with lakes, science, waterfalls, and murals. And it’s only a four-hour drive from Toronto.
Issues to Do in Sudbury for Outside Lovers
Sudbury has pulled off one of the vital dramatic makeovers in Canadian historical past. As soon as identified for its blackened rock and moonscape terrain, it’s now a full-blown out of doors paradise, due to over 10 million timber, 330 lakes, and one of many world’s most profitable regreening tasks. And the very best half? You don’t have to go far to expertise it. Simply minutes from downtown, you’ll discover forest trails, glacier-sculpted lookouts, and sure, bike trails for each stage that rework to a skating path that lights up at evening.
We spent an extended weekend exploring all of it on foot, on bikes, and with our jaws on the bottom greater than as soon as. Right here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
Kivi Park: Biking, Skating, and a View Definitely worth the Climb
We began our day at Kivi Park, a 480-acre pure playground in Sudbury’s south finish. This place is a dream for lively vacationers. We rented mountain bikes and hit the paths, which vary from mellow forest paths to quick, flowy single-track loaded with ramps and jumps. Should you’re into adrenaline, that is the place Sudbury will get critical.
Don’t miss the climb to the lookout. Belief us, it’s value each pedal stroke. The panoramic view from the highest stretches out over lakes and forest, displaying off simply how inexperienced and wild Sudbury has turn into.
In winter, Kivi Park transforms once more, with fats biking, snowshoeing, and considered one of Ontario’s most scenic skating trails that glows at evening underneath strings of lights. Leases can be found on-site, so you may soar in regardless of the season or talent stage.
Lake Laurentian Conservation Space: From Area Science to Beaver Ponds
Later that afternoon, we made our strategy to Lake Laurentian Conservation Space, and it ended up being considered one of our favorite spots within the metropolis. With over 60 kilometers of trails, you may go as huge or small as you need. We caught with three quick hikes, and each delivered critical wow issue.
Our first was the NASA Path, a 15-minute stroll that passes the location of a former satellite tv for pc observatory. It’s a quiet path with an enormous presence, a reminder that Sudbury isn’t nearly mining and regrowth. It’s additionally a spot the place science has actually reached for the celebs.
We continued to the Duck Path and the Beaver Pond Loop, and that is the place Sudbury’s transformation actually hits you. The rocky moonscape we’d seen in previous pictures is gone. As an alternative? Lush forest, wealthy wetlands, and peaceable trails that wind by way of a few of the most resilient nature we’ve ever walked. It’s arduous to imagine this was as soon as written off as wasteland. As we speak, it’s a worldwide success story in restoration.
Bell Park and Ramsey Lake: Straightforward Magnificence within the Coronary heart of the Metropolis
The most effective issues about Sudbury is how shut nature is to on a regular basis life. You don’t have to go away city to search out it. We took a dawn, noon, and sundown stroll alongside the Bell Park Boardwalk, a 2-kilometre path that hugs the shoreline of Ramsey Lake, the second-largest lake on this planet fully inside metropolis limits.
We handed joggers, households, college students, and even a pleasant native who handed us peanuts to feed the squirrels. It was a type of small moments that stated so much concerning the metropolis. Sudbury has put its prosperity again into the neighborhood, and locations like Bell Park are proof.
That is the place you’ll additionally discover boat launches, picnic areas, a supervised seashore, and a commemorative plaque marking the ten millionth tree planted in the course of the regreening marketing campaign. It’s a stupendous spot to chill out after a day of mountain climbing or to kick off a full day of sightseeing.
Onaping Falls: The place Artwork Meets Apollo
Earlier than we left city, we made the scenic 40-minute drive northwest to Onaping Falls. It’s not only a lovely place, it’s one of the vital fascinating mashups of Canadian artwork historical past and area science we’ve ever come throughout.
The A.Y. Jackson Lookout presents sweeping views of the falls, which plunge 55 metres into the traditional Sudbury Basin, fashioned by a meteorite influence 1.85 billion years in the past. Jackson painted this scene in 1953, and once you’re standing on the lookout, it’s straightforward to see why. You are feeling the identical inventive vitality, uncooked and actual, that the Group of Seven captured on canvas.
However right here’s what blew our minds: This similar geological website drew the eye of NASA. In 1971, Apollo astronauts got here to Sudbury to review the shattercones and breccia rocks at Onaping Falls. They needed to grasp what they’d be strolling on up there, and Sudbury was their check website.
And it labored. When Apollo 16 touched down, astronaut John Younger seemed across the lunar panorama and stated:
“It seems to be like a Sudbury breccia.”
That’s proper, Sudbury is the one Canadian metropolis ever talked about from the floor of the moon.
Finest Household-Pleasant Sights in Sudbury
Sudbury isn’t only for nature lovers; it’s considered one of Canada’s greatest locations to mix schooling, leisure, and hands-on enjoyable. The town’s two flagship sights, Science North and Dynamic Earth, go method past the common museum. They’re immersive, interactive, and full of the type of experiences that make each youngsters and adults say “wow.”
We spent a complete day exploring each, and truthfully, we may’ve stayed longer.
Science North: Interactive Studying on the Canadian Defend
We kicked issues off at Science North, which is ready proper on Ramsey Lake and constructed immediately into the traditional rock of the Canadian Defend. Earlier than we even walked in, the situation itself made an announcement: this place is grounded in science, actually.
Inside, Science North lives as much as its popularity as considered one of Canada’s high science centres. There are 4 ranges of interactive displays masking all the pieces from area and geology to local weather, animals, and well being innovation. It’s not only for youngsters both. We have been simply as fascinated by the shattercone shows (from Sudbury’s meteorite influence website) as we have been by the butterfly room, the dwell animal displays, and the area exploration gallery.
One factor we observed straight away is how accessible the ability is, with huge ramps, elevators, and exhibit layouts which can be considerate for guests of all ages and skills.
Should you’re visiting with household, put together to spend at the very least half a day right here, particularly in the event you catch a movie on the IMAX with Laser Theatre, Northern Ontario’s solely true giant-screen cinema. We suggest pairing your go to with a stroll alongside the Bell Park boardwalk, particularly in the event you didn’t get to it earlier. Sundown on Ramsey Lake is pure magic.
Dynamic Earth: Go Deep into Mining Historical past
Subsequent up: Dynamic Earth, house of Sudbury’s most iconic attraction, the Large Nickel. However this isn’t your common picture cease. It’s the gateway to one of the vital immersive science experiences within the nation.
We grabbed our arduous hats and headed straight underground. That’s proper, you descend seven storeys down into an actual mine tunnel and stroll by way of the historical past of mining in Canada. From the grueling, hand-drilled strategies of the early 1900s to in the present day’s state-of-the-art, remote-controlled operations, the tour walks you thru the actual deal.
It’s the type of expertise that offers you a complete new appreciation for Canadian trade and innovation. And the guides? Unbelievable. They shared tales that made us chortle, mirror, and genuinely respect the robust, good work that constructed this metropolis.
Exterior, you’ll discover extra interactive displays, a mining lab, and considered one of our favourite picture ops, the 9-metre-tall Large Nickel, an enormous reproduction of the 1951 Canadian coin. It’s kitschy in one of the best ways, and it proudly reminds you that Sudbury’s mining legacy nonetheless runs deep.
Festivals, Meals, and Sudbury Vibes
Sudbury is aware of how you can throw a celebration, and it is aware of how you can feed you whilst you’re at it. Whether or not you’re visiting within the warmth of summer season or bundled up in winter, the town’s festivals, patios, and native haunts serve up one thing particular.
Summer season Festivals and Reside Occasions
We might love to go to throughout pageant season. There may be the Northern Lights Competition Boréal, Canada’s longest-running music pageant, which attracts unimaginable expertise from throughout the nation and past. Households, associates, and musicians fill the parks and phases.
One other native favorite is the Up Right here Competition, which blends music, artwork, and big murals in a method that fully transforms downtown. You’ll come across daring new avenue artwork and listen to all the pieces from indie rock to throat singing. It’s fashionable, inclusive, and uniquely Sudburian. We particularly cherished the mural of Alex Trebek. A Sudbury native.
And don’t skip the Indigenous cultural celebrations and pow wows. These are a few of the most significant and delightful occasions, stuffed with drumming, dancing, and connection to the land. Should you get the possibility, go.
The place to Eat, Drink, and Rejoice the North
Sudbury’s meals scene is as down-to-earth and proud as the town itself. You gained’t discover loads of pretension right here, however you will discover significantly good eats, craft cocktails, and a few of the coolest hidden spots in Northern Ontario. We got here hungry. We left impressed.
We began our mornings at Salute Espresso Roasters and Beni Rise & Shine and Anna Laura Patisserie, the place the espresso is next-level and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming. Should you’re a espresso snob (or simply want gas for the path), that is your go-to.
For lunch, you may’t miss Deluxe Hamburgers, a real Sudbury establishment. Locals jokingly name this a “one-arch city” as a result of Deluxe has been holding its floor for many years regardless of the Golden Arches opening up proper throughout from it. The hen on a bun and fresh-cut fries are legendary, and it’s simply the very best deal on the town.
Dinner was a complete journey in itself. One evening, we went full retro at Mr. Prime Rib, a basic steakhouse the place the meat is king and the service is old-school impeccable. It’s the type of place the place your cutlery is polished, your prime rib is ideal, and the horseradish bites again.
One other evening, we stepped into full Canadiana mode at Made In Canada Eatery. It’s quirky, cozy, and completely enjoyable, with partitions coated in pictures of Canadian icons, and a Caesar with Canadian whisky that deserves its personal spot within the Corridor of Fame. Should you’re visiting for the primary time, this place units the tone for what Northern hospitality is all about.
Searching for wood-fired pizzas or an off-the-cuff upscale vibe? Ripe Restaurant serves scrumptious, crisp pies straight from the oven, whereas The Daventry Kitchen & Bar presents a strong pub menu with craft beer and comfortable vibes. We additionally cherished Gloria’s Restaurant, a Sudbury basic since 1952, and Eddie’s Restaurant, which locals love for its family-style eating room and separate sports activities bar. Bonus trivia: “Shorsey” was filmed right here, sure, that Shorsey.
However the evening doesn’t have to finish with dinner.
After consuming our method by way of Sudbury, we capped issues off at The Night time Owl, a secret speakeasy you completely should expertise. Image this: you head down an alley, discover an old-school payphone, and provides the password. The hostess greets you and leads you thru a hidden door behind a wall of books. Inside, it’s a full-on Nineteen Twenties-style cocktail lounge, with crimson velvet, jazz vibes, and the very best Manhattans and Outdated Fashioneds this aspect of Toronto. It’s one of many coolest spots on the town, however ensure to e book prematurely; it’s unique for a motive.
And in the event you’re up for yet another spherical? Head to The Laughing Buddha for craft cocktails and globally impressed dishes on one of many metropolis’s greatest patios. Then stroll subsequent door to the Townhouse Tavern, a dive bar with coronary heart the place Stompin’ Tom Connors discovered the inspiration for his well-known anthem, Sudbury Saturday Night time. You may even snap a photograph together with his statue within the park close by.
For our farewell dinner, we had an unimaginable meal at Sapporo Ichibang, the place genuine Japanese and Korean dishes warmed us up from the within out. Every part was recent, flavourful, and comforting.
Sudbury could shock you, however it gained’t go away you hungry or thirsty.
A Enjoyable End at Ezentials Nordic Lounge
After a number of days of mountain climbing, biking, and sightseeing, we wrapped up our Sudbury journey with one thing somewhat extra indulgent, a day on the Nordic Lounge at Ezentials. This indoor wellness spa was pure bliss. Suppose cedar sauna, eucalyptus steam room, cold-mist showers, and dimmed lights with chill music within the background.
We grabbed a few robes, sipped a glass of wine within the lounge, and simply let all of it go. We even tried the Starlight Go well withe, the place we skilled vibrational sound remedy in a darkish, star-lit room designed for deep leisure. It was like floating by way of area whereas our brains hit the reset button.
Ezentials was the proper strategy to unwind earlier than hitting the highway, and a reminder that Sudbury isn’t nearly grit and journey. It’s additionally about figuring out when to decelerate and savour the second.
The place to Keep in Sudbury and How A lot It Prices
The most effective issues about visiting Sudbury? It’s straightforward on the pockets and large on worth. Whether or not you’re road-tripping by way of Northern Ontario or flying in for an extended weekend, you’ll discover a fantastic mixture of lodges, inexpensive eats, and world-class sights, a lot of that are completely free.
The place We Stayed: Hampton Inn By Hilton Comfort with a Northern Vibe
We stayed on the Hampton Inn by Hilton, and it hit all of the marks, breakfast included, a strong fitness center, a pool to unwind, and a brilliant handy location. It’s the type of place the place you see enterprise vacationers, particularly from the mining sector, rubbing shoulders with households and highway trippers. It felt just like the heartbeat of the town handed proper by way of the foyer.
Charges for a keep like ours run round $800 to $1,000 for 4 nights, relying on the season. However with breakfast included (and excellent at that), it covers loads of mornings, providing extra flexibility to splurge at dinner.
How A lot Issues Value in Sudbury (with Actual Numbers)
Touring in Northern Ontario doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution. Right here’s what we really spent:
- Mountain bike leases at Kivi Park: $69 for 2 bikes
- Combo cross for Science North & Dynamic Earth: $47 per individual
- Nordic Lounge expertise at Ezentials: $60 per individual
- Theatre tickets: $39 every for a unbelievable evening out
And a few of the greatest issues in Sudbury are fully free:
- Climbing at Onaping Falls
- Trails at Lake Laurentian Conservation Space
- Bell Park boardwalk and Ramsey Lake views
- Snapping pictures on the Large Nickel
- Exploring Sudbury’s large out of doors mural scene
With regards to meals, price range about $125 to $150 per day for 2 individuals, masking all the pieces from informal lunch stops to good sit-down dinners. Sudbury’s mixture of retro diners, native gems, and upscale surprises made that straightforward to stretch.
Attending to Sudbury: Street Journey or Fast Flight
Should you’re coming from Southern Ontario, Sudbury is a basic Canadian highway journey vacation spot. The four-hour drive from Toronto provides you a front-row seat because the panorama shifts from farmland to forested protect nation. It’s scenic, it’s straightforward, and there are nice stops alongside the best way.
Should you’re quick on time, flying is a breeze. Porter Airways and Air Canada each provide direct flights from Toronto to the Higher Sudbury Airport, getting you right here in about an hour. And for these coming from out west, we’ve heard new direct flights from Calgary are making it even simpler to discover the North.
Getting Round Sudbury
When you’re right here, you’re going to need a automotive. Sights like Kivi Park, Onaping Falls, and even the Lake Laurentian trails are unfold throughout the town and its surrounding wilderness. Anticipate to pay round $70 to $90 per day for a compact rental automotive, with bigger SUVs costing a bit extra, however completely value it in the event you’re hauling out of doors gear or touring as a household.
Plan Your Sudbury Getaway
Look, a trip can simply be a trip, or it may be one thing extra.
Our journey to Higher Sudbury felt essential. We weren’t simply checking off a listing of sights. We have been connecting with part of Northern Ontario that’s actually rebuilding itself from the bottom up. From biking by way of reforested trails at Kivi Park to sending postcards from deep inside a mine at Dynamic Earth, we noticed a metropolis that’s not simply happy with its previous, it’s investing in its future.
Selecting to journey right here appears like an funding in our personal yard.
You’re supporting a family-friendly Ontario metropolis that’s main the best way in environmental restoration, hands-on schooling, and inventive neighborhood constructing. Whether or not you’re right here to discover world-class science at Science North, take within the historical past of the Large Nickel, or stroll the paths that encompass the 4 flooring of interactive displays on the metropolis’s high family-friendly sights, there’s one thing right here for everybody.
Sudbury is vibrant. It’s shocking. It’s inexpensive. And it’s full of causes to return again in each season.
You’ll eat properly. You’ll drink properly. You’ll paddle, hike, soak, skate, and uncover new sides of Ontario you didn’t count on. And also you’ll go away with a deeper appreciation for the type of magic that occurs when nature, science, and neighborhood come collectively.
So whether or not you’re planning your subsequent lengthy weekend, chasing fall colors, or in search of a winter journey with coronary heart, Higher Sudbury must be on the high of your record.
An enormous due to Sudbury Tourism for having us up there and displaying us a tremendous a part of our Canadian historical past.
FAQ: Planning Your Journey to Sudbury, Ontario
A few of the high issues to do in Higher Sudbury embrace visiting Science North with its 4 flooring of hands-on displays, touring the underground mine at Dynamic Earth, snapping a photograph on the Large Nickel, mountain climbing Onaping Falls, and enjoyable at Bell Park on Ramsey Lake. These family-friendly sights make Sudbury the most effective locations in Northern Ontario.
Completely. Sudbury is full of household sights, from the immersive experiences at Science North to out of doors adventures at Kivi Park and the Lake Laurentian Conservation Space. Many museums and parks are totally accessible, and children love exploring the underground tunnels at Dynamic Earth and assembly actual animals on the science centre.
A combo cross for Science North and Dynamic Earth is round $47 per individual. It’s a fantastic worth contemplating the variety of displays, dwell demonstrations, and the scale of the services, 4 flooring at Science North alone. Reserving the combo ticket prematurely helps maximize your go to.
The Large Nickel is a 9-meter reproduction of a 1951 Canadian coin and considered one of Canada’s most iconic roadside sights. It sits proper outdoors Dynamic Earth and is a must-stop picture alternative when visiting Higher Sudbury.
You may drive from Toronto to Sudbury in about 4 hours, making it a simple Northern Ontario highway journey. Should you’re quick on time, each Porter Airways and Air Canada provide direct flights from Toronto to Higher Sudbury Airport, taking about an hour.
Sure! Winter in Sudbury presents unimaginable snow-based experiences like illuminated skating trails at Kivi Park, fats biking, and even heated yurt glamping. Plus, many indoor sights like Science North and the Nordic Lounge at Ezentials provide cozy methods to unwind.
Sure. Most of the greatest experiences in Sudbury, Ontario, are fully free. You may discover the murals downtown, uncover mountain climbing trails at Onaping Falls and the Lake Laurentian Conservation Space, take pleasure in Bell Park’s lakeside boardwalk, and go to the Large Nickel with out spending a dime.
