Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Greater Sudbury, Ontario

Northern Ontario’s largest city, Greater Sudbury, is a multicultural metropolis, boasting vibrant Italian, French, Ukrainian, Finnish, Polish, and Aboriginal communities. The downtown area is entirely urbanized, with smaller neighborhoods adjoining the many lakes that encircle the city center.

This former mining settlement serves as a significant retail and commercial hub, acting as a gateway to Northeastern Ontario. It is renowned for its arts, music, and outdoor recreational activities, establishing itself as a hidden treasure for travelers.

Visitors will feel welcomed in Greater Sudbury, thanks to its hospitable residents and thriving cultural scene. There is much to explore both indoors and outdoors; however, here are the 15 top activities to experience in Greater Sudbury:

1. Stare at a Giant Nickel

The nine-meter-high Big Nickel is the city’s most notable landmark. It is a replica of a 1952 Canadian nickel, situated on the grounds of the Dynamic Earth science museum.

Admiring the nickel won’t consume much time and should be followed by a visit to Dynamic Earth, an interactive science museum that chronicles the area’s mining history.

The museum features numerous exhibits where children can learn about mining, climb a mineral wall, view diamonds, and identify various minerals. They may also partake in an underground tour of the mines.

2. Embrace Science

Dynamic Earth operates under Science North, which is the city’s premier attraction. This science museum is known for its two snowflake-shaped buildings interconnected by a rock tunnel.

A visit to the museum allows you to immerse yourself in science for an entire day. This family-friendly venue showcases remarkable exhibits, including Space Place, TechLab, and the F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery.

Additionally, it features a 3D IMAX theater, a variety of wildlife, outdoor gardens, and an eight-meter dome planetarium. Numerous programs are available for visitors of all ages.

3. Spend Time in a Park

There are various parks in Greater Sudbury, with Bell Park being the most frequented. This expansive park is located along the edge of Ramsey Lake, near Downtown Sudbury.

Bell Park hosts an amphitheater, a children’s playground, numerous flowerbeds, and two gazebos. It also features a beach, supervised during summer.

The park’s design includes several sculptures that reflect the city’s mining legacy and it serves as a venue for many cultural events.

4. Visit a Few Museums

There are four small heritage museums in the city that are essential for anyone interested in exploring the local history. Three are located within a heritage building, while the fourth is situated in a library.

The Anderson Farm Museum encompasses a historic dairy farm of 57,000 square meters, once owned by Finnish immigrants Frank and Gretta Anderson. The Copper Cliff Museum, housed in a log cabin, illustrates the lifestyle of a miner’s family.

The Flour Mill Museum, established in 1974, is dedicated to the history of the Franco-Ontarian community. Additionally, visit the Rayside-Balfour Museum to discover the region’s agricultural heritage.

5. Snap Photos of the Country’s Tallest Chimney

The Inco Superstack is not only the tallest chimney in Canada but also ranks as the second tallest freestanding chimney worldwide. Capture memorable photos of this iconic structure.

This Superstack is positioned above the world’s largest nickel smelting operation to disperse sulfur gases. Although no longer operational, it has transformed into a major attraction.

The chimney towers at 380 meters, equating to the height of the Empire State Building’s rooftop.

6. Look at Art

Greater Sudbury boasts a vibrant arts community, evidenced by the presence of several art galleries. Both galleries predominantly emphasize local and regional art.

La Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario specializes in contemporary art created by Franco-Ontarian artists. It is entirely artist-operated and features both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The Art Gallery of Sudbury is housed in a stunning arts-and-crafts style mansion from the turn of the century. Inside, visitors will find artwork from local talents.

7. Surround Yourself in Nature

The 970-hectare Lake Laurentian Conservation Area is situated at the city’s southern end, extending from Lake Ramsey to the Southeast Bypass. It is an exceptional conservation zone filled with lakes, trails, and diverse wildlife.

This conservation area is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, featuring varied topography. Completely immerse yourself in the outdoors by hiking or cross-country skiing along its well-maintained trails.

Lake Laurentian Conservation Area offers something for everyone; from designated bird-watching areas to expansive green spaces. Additionally, there are trails suitable for various fitness levels.

8. Enjoy Scenic Views

Scenic viewpoints are plentiful; however, the A.Y. Jackson Lookout stands out as the most impressive. This picturesque lookout offers breathtaking views of the 55-meter cascading Hall Falls.

Access the lookout by hiking along one of three trails or driving to the entrance, where a welcome center awaits.

The A.Y. Jackson Lookout is approximately 43 kilometers northwest of the city center. Bring along a picnic and spend a delightful afternoon taking in the views and the surrounding wilderness.

9. Go Snowmobiling

Sudbury features one of the largest networks of groomed snowmobiling trails globally, boasting over 1,200 kilometers that connect the city to surrounding areas.

Engaging in snowmobiling offers thrilling experiences complemented by stunning landscapes. These trails are well-maintained, with parking facilities, restrooms, and designated break areas.

For a truly enjoyable adventure, consider snowmobiling over several days, staying at lodges along the routes. Restaurants along the trails provide spots to relax with a hot beverage and a meal.

10. Hike, Cycle, or Cross-Country Ski

All of these activities can be enjoyed on the Trans Canada Trail, the longest trail in the world! The trail traverses the entire nation, with a segment passing through Greater Sudbury.

Hiking, cycling, or cross-country skiing along the trail offers views along the shores of Junction Creek and Ramsey Lake. Certain parts of the trail are adjacent to roadways, so exercise caution, as motorists are accustomed to seeing travelers.

Several connected trails exist within the city, such as the 28.91 km Greater Sudbury Trail East, the 1.42 km Bethel Lake Trail, the 3.09 km Ramsey Lake Trail, the two km Bell Park Walkway, the 5.66 km Junction Creek Waterway park, and the 12.36 km Greater Sudbury Area West.

11. Relax on a Lake

Travel northeast of the city to unwind at Kukagami Lake. Two lodges nestled along the lakeshore offer a tranquil retreat.

Opt for a log cabin to experience activities such as canoeing, sailing, kayaking, fishing, and water-skiing. The lake is also accessible during winter for ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Both lodges provide home-cooked meals served in a communal hall, presenting an excellent opportunity to connect with other guests and the families that manage the resorts.

12. Head to the Races

During the racing season, visit Sudbury Downs on a Wednesday or Saturday evening. This harness racing track has been conducting races since 1974.

In the off-season, the racetrack remains open, providing opportunities to try your luck at the slots. Sudbury Downs is home to OLG Slots, featuring over 400 gaming machines.

Throughout the year, special events take place here, including outdoor motorsport showcases and car exhibitions. Complete your visit with a meal at the on-site restaurant.

13. Eat & Drink

In Greater Sudbury, an array of dining and bar options are available where guests can savor a meal or light snack, accompanied by a refreshing beverage or sophisticated cocktail. Regardless of your cravings, you will likely find suitable options.

Whether seeking affordable meals or a fine dining experience, your palate will be pleased with selections ranging from Indian and Italian to Chinese and Greek cuisines.

To conclude your culinary journey, visit one of the city’s vibrant bars, lounges, clubs, or pubs for craft beers, martinis, fine wines, or a classic pint of beer.

14. Go Skiing

If visiting during winter, Greater Sudbury is an excellent destination for skiing, featuring four downhill ski facilities in the vicinity.

Each ski center provides rental options, relieving you from the burden of transporting your equipment. The ski runs are well-maintained and illuminated for night skiing.

For those inclined towards cross-country skiing, a plethora of trails can be found in and around the city, including the 10-kilometer Naughton Ski Trails that traverse a scenic forest.

15. Gaze at a Collection of Trains

The Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre provides an opportunity to appreciate a collection of trains. The museum preserves and exhibits materials that illustrate the city’s railroad history.

Incorporating both indoor and outdoor displays, the indoor section resides within an elegant Victorian-era structure. Exhibits highlight the city’s railroad heritage as well as its historical ties to the mining and lumber industries.

The outdoor area, which attracts the most interest, features a unique collection of rolling stock and locomotives, including a 1919 Westinghouse Electric locomotive, a 1944 U-1-f Class MLW 4-8-4 steam locomotive, an 1899 caboose, and a slag pot car, among others.