Searching for the very best issues to do in Sudbury? This Northern Ontario gem is filled with surprises, assume 330 glowing lakes, an enormous regreening transformation, Canada’s most iconic coin, and world-class science points of interest that children and adults will each love. Whether or not you’re after family-friendly enjoyable, nature escapes, or hands-on experiences you received’t discover anyplace else, Sudbury delivers.
We’ve explored Sudbury in each season, from skating beneath 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 unbelievable transformation, balancing its mining roots and a rising meals and humanities scene. This information covers every thing 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 certainly one of Canada’s most underrated locations.
Prime issues to do in Sudbury embody:
- Exploring Science North’s 4 flooring of interactive reveals
- 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 Out of doors Lovers
Sudbury has pulled off probably the most dramatic makeovers in Canadian historical past. As soon as recognized 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 initiatives. And the very best half? You don’t must 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 night time.
We spent a protracted 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 Well 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 energetic 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. If you happen to’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 out to be.
In winter, Kivi Park transforms once more, with fats biking, snowshoeing, and certainly one of Ontario’s most scenic skating trails that glows at night time beneath strings of lights. Leases can be found on-site, so you’ll be able to leap in irrespective of the season or talent stage.
Lake Laurentian Conservation Space: From Area Science to Beaver Ponds
Later that afternoon, we made our method to Lake Laurentian Conservation Space, and it ended up being certainly one of our favorite spots within the metropolis. With over 60 kilometers of trails, you’ll be able to go as huge or small as you need. We caught with three brief 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 a giant 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 photographs is gone. As an alternative? Lush forest, wealthy wetlands, and peaceable trails that wind by way of a number of the most resilient nature we’ve ever walked. It’s onerous 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
Among the finest issues about Sudbury is how shut nature is to on a regular basis life. You don’t have to depart 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 the earth completely 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 kind of small moments that mentioned quite a bit concerning the metropolis. Sudbury has put its prosperity again into the group, 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 throughout the regreening marketing campaign. It’s a phenomenal spot to calm down after a day of mountaineering 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 probably the most fascinating mashups of Canadian artwork historical past and house science we’ve ever come throughout.
The A.Y. Jackson Lookout provides sweeping views of the falls, which plunge 55 metres into the traditional Sudbury Basin, shaped by a meteorite affect 1.85 billion years in the past. Jackson painted this scene in 1953, and once you’re standing on the lookout, it’s simple to see why. You’re feeling the identical creative power, uncooked and actual, that the Group of Seven captured on canvas.
However right here’s what blew our minds: This identical geological web site 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 know what they’d be strolling on up there, and Sudbury was their check web site.
And it labored. When Apollo 16 touched down, astronaut John Younger seemed across the lunar panorama and mentioned:
“It appears 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 certainly one of Canada’s finest locations to mix training, leisure, and hands-on enjoyable. Town’s two flagship points of interest, Science North and Dynamic Earth, go method past the typical museum. They’re immersive, interactive, and filled with the sort of experiences that make each children and adults say “wow.”
We spent a complete day exploring each, and actually, we might’ve stayed longer.
Science North: Interactive Studying on the Canadian Protect
We kicked issues off at Science North, which is ready proper on Ramsey Lake and constructed instantly into the traditional rock of the Canadian Protect. Earlier than we even walked in, the situation itself made a press release: this place is grounded in science, actually.
Inside, Science North lives as much as its repute as certainly one of Canada’s prime science centres. There are 4 ranges of interactive reveals masking every thing from house and geology to local weather, animals, and well being innovation. It’s not only for children both. We have been simply as fascinated by the shattercone shows (from Sudbury’s meteorite affect web site) as we have been by the butterfly room, the dwell animal reveals, and the house exploration gallery.
One factor we observed straight away is how accessible the ability is, with extensive ramps, elevators, and exhibit layouts which are considerate for guests of all ages and talents.
If you happen to’re visiting with household, put together to spend at the very least half a day right here, particularly for those who catch a movie on the IMAX with Laser Theatre, Northern Ontario’s solely true giant-screen cinema. We advocate pairing your go to with a stroll alongside the Bell Park boardwalk, particularly for those who 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 photograph cease. It’s the gateway to probably the most immersive science experiences within the nation.
We grabbed our onerous 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 right this moment’s state-of-the-art, remote-controlled operations, the tour walks you thru the true deal.
It’s the sort of expertise that provides you a complete new appreciation for Canadian business and innovation. And the guides? Unbelievable. They shared tales that made us snicker, mirror, and genuinely respect the robust, good work that constructed this metropolis.
Exterior, you’ll discover extra interactive reveals, a mining lab, and certainly one of our favourite photograph ops, the 9-metre-tall Large Nickel, an enormous duplicate 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 tips on how to throw a celebration, and it is aware of tips on how to feed you whilst you’re at it. Whether or not you’re visiting within the warmth of summer time or bundled up in winter, 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 competition season. There may be the Northern Lights Competition Boréal, Canada’s longest-running music competition, which pulls unbelievable expertise from throughout the nation and past. Households, buddies, and musicians fill the parks and phases.
One other native favorite is the Up Right here Competition, which blends music, artwork, and large murals in a method that fully transforms downtown. You’ll locate daring new avenue artwork and listen to every thing from indie rock to throat singing. It’s fashionable, inclusive, and uniquely Sudburian. We particularly beloved the mural of Alex Trebek. A Sudbury native.
And don’t skip the Indigenous cultural celebrations and pow wows. These are a number of the most significant and exquisite occasions, stuffed with drumming, dancing, and connection to the land. If you happen to get the possibility, go.
The place to Eat, Drink, and Have a good time the North
Sudbury’s meals scene is as down-to-earth and proud as town itself. You received’t discover a number of pretension right here, however you can see significantly good eats, craft cocktails, and a number 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. If you happen to’re a espresso snob (or simply want gasoline for the path), that is your go-to.
For lunch, you’ll be able to’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 rooster 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 night time, 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 sort of place the place your cutlery is polished, your prime rib is ideal, and the horseradish bites again.
One other night time, we stepped into full Canadiana mode at Made In Canada Eatery. It’s quirky, cozy, and completely enjoyable, with partitions coated in photographs of Canadian icons, and a Caesar with Canadian whisky that deserves its personal spot within the Corridor of Fame. If you happen to’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 informal upscale vibe? Ripe Restaurant serves scrumptious, crisp pies straight from the oven, whereas The Daventry Kitchen & Bar provides a strong pub menu with craft beer and comfy vibes. We additionally beloved 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 night time doesn’t have to finish with dinner.
After consuming our method by way of Sudbury, we capped issues off at The Evening 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 pink 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 be certain that to e book prematurely; it’s unique for a purpose.
And for those who’re up for another spherical? Head to The Laughing Buddha for craft cocktails and globally impressed dishes on one of many metropolis’s finest 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 Evening. You possibly can even snap a photograph together with his statue within the park close by.
For our farewell dinner, we had an unbelievable meal at Sapporo Ichibang, the place genuine Japanese and Korean dishes warmed us up from the within out. Every part was contemporary, flavourful, and comforting.
Sudbury could shock you, but it surely received’t depart you hungry or thirsty.
A Stress-free End at Ezentials Nordic Lounge
After just a few days of mountaineering, biking, and sightseeing, we wrapped up our Sudbury journey with one thing a bit extra indulgent, a day on the Nordic Lounge at Ezentials. This indoor wellness spa was pure bliss. Assume 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 Swimsuite, the place we skilled vibrational sound remedy in a darkish, star-lit room designed for deep leisure. It was like floating by way of house whereas our brains hit the reset button.
Ezentials was the right method to unwind earlier than hitting the highway, and a reminder that Sudbury isn’t nearly grit and journey. It’s additionally about understanding when to decelerate and savour the second.
The place to Keep in Sudbury and How A lot It Prices
Among the finest issues about visiting Sudbury? It’s simple on the pockets and massive on worth. Whether or not you’re road-tripping by way of Northern Ontario or flying in for a protracted weekend, you’ll discover an incredible mixture of motels, reasonably priced eats, and world-class points of interest, 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 gymnasium, a pool to unwind, and an excellent handy location. It’s the sort 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 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 a number 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 truly 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 implausible night time out
And a number of the finest issues in Sudbury are fully free:
- Climbing at Onaping Falls
- Trails at Lake Laurentian Conservation Space
- Bell Park boardwalk and Ramsey Lake views
- Snapping photographs on the Large Nickel
- Exploring Sudbury’s large out of doors mural scene
In the case of meals, price range about $125 to $150 per day for 2 folks, masking every thing from informal lunch stops to good sit-down dinners. Sudbury’s mixture of retro diners, native gems, and upscale surprises made that simple to stretch.
Attending to Sudbury: Highway Journey or Fast Flight
If you happen to’re coming from Southern Ontario, Sudbury is a basic Canadian highway journey vacation spot. The four-hour drive from Toronto offers you a front-row seat because the panorama shifts from farmland to forested protect nation. It’s scenic, it’s simple, and there are nice stops alongside the best way.
If you happen to’re brief on time, flying is a breeze. Porter Airways and Air Canada each supply 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 automobile. Sights like Kivi Park, Onaping Falls, and even the Lake Laurentian trails are unfold throughout town and its surrounding wilderness. Count on to pay round $70 to $90 per day for a compact rental automobile, with bigger SUVs costing a bit extra, however completely value it for those who’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 necessary. We weren’t simply checking off an inventory of points of interest. 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 looks 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 training, and artistic group 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 reveals on the metropolis’s prime family-friendly points of interest, there’s one thing right here for everybody.
Sudbury is vibrant. It’s shocking. It’s reasonably priced. And it’s filled with causes to return again in each season.
You’ll eat effectively. You’ll drink effectively. You’ll paddle, hike, soak, skate, and uncover new sides of Ontario you didn’t anticipate. And also you’ll depart with a deeper appreciation for the sort of magic that occurs when nature, science, and group come collectively.
So whether or not you’re planning your subsequent lengthy weekend, chasing fall colors, or searching for a winter journey with coronary heart, Higher Sudbury must be on the prime of your checklist.
FAQ: Planning Your Journey to Sudbury, Ontario
A number of the prime issues to do in Higher Sudbury embody visiting Science North with its 4 flooring of hands-on reveals, touring the underground mine at Dynamic Earth, snapping a photograph on the Large Nickel, mountaineering Onaping Falls, and stress-free at Bell Park on Ramsey Lake. These family-friendly points of interest make Sudbury the most effective locations in Northern Ontario.
Completely. Sudbury is filled with household points of interest, 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 an incredible worth contemplating the variety of reveals, dwell demonstrations, and the dimensions of the amenities, 4 flooring at Science North alone. Reserving the combo ticket prematurely helps maximize your go to.
The Large Nickel is a 9-meter duplicate of a 1951 Canadian coin and certainly one of Canada’s most iconic roadside points of interest. It sits proper outdoors Dynamic Earth and is a must-stop photograph alternative when visiting Higher Sudbury.
You possibly can drive from Toronto to Sudbury in about 4 hours, making it a straightforward Northern Ontario highway journey. If you happen to’re brief on time, each Porter Airways and Air Canada supply direct flights from Toronto to Higher Sudbury Airport, taking about an hour.
Sure! Winter in Sudbury provides unbelievable snow-based experiences like illuminated skating trails at Kivi Park, fats biking, and even heated yurt glamping. Plus, many indoor points of interest like Science North and the Nordic Lounge at Ezentials supply cozy methods to unwind.
Sure. Most of the finest experiences in Sudbury, Ontario, are fully free. You possibly can discover the murals downtown, uncover mountaineering trails at Onaping Falls and the Lake Laurentian Conservation Space, get pleasure from Bell Park’s lakeside boardwalk, and go to the Large Nickel with out spending a dime.
