If you’re seeking activities in Sudbury, you’re in the right place.
Situated 400 kilometers north of Toronto, Greater Sudbury is a vibrant city with approximately 170,000 residents. Historically a mining hub, it was home to the Canadian Copper Company, established in 1886, which later merged to become the Nickel Company of Canada. Sudbury is still home to ten operational mines, and many attractions are tied to its mining legacy, including the renowned Science North, Dynamic Earth, and the iconic Big Nickel.
However, there’s more to Sudbury than just mining. The city boasts over 330 lakes, numerous parks, and nature reserves, along with a diverse culinary scene and various activities that have made it a popular destination in Northern Ontario.
We’ve visited Sudbury twice, even bringing our one-year-old twin daughters, who had an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re including it in an Ontario road trip or visiting as a standalone destination, here are the top 19 things to do in Sudbury!
1. Science North
Set aside plenty of time for Science North. Established in 1984, this is Canada’s second-largest science center, featuring an engaging interactive museum housed in two large snowflake-shaped buildings connected by a rock tunnel that traverses a geological fault line formed over a billion years ago. Science North offers numerous interactive exhibits across four levels, making it a delightful experience for the entire family. The facility includes an IMAX theater, a butterfly gallery, a digital planetarium, and a Special Exhibits Hall. You’ll also find knowledgeable “Bluecoat” staff on each floor, ready to share fascinating insights and answer all your queries.
The interactive exhibits also ensure fun for both kids and adults. Our toddlers even got to touch their first snake while we experimented with a robotic arm and learned CPR. Had we been without the little ones, we would have loved to catch the Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon exhibit in the planetarium, a special event at the time, showcasing the variety of experiences available. If you plan on spending the entire day at Science North, consider purchasing a passport ticket for access to all attractions on the premises, including the planetarium, IMAX theater, and Dynamic Earth.
2. Experience Sudbury’s Mining Legacy at Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth, another gem operated by Science North, serves as an interactive earth sciences center focused on the city’s rich mining heritage. Established in 2003, it features a range of exhibits where children can learn about mining operations, scale a mineral wall, view diamonds, and identify various minerals. Enjoy experiences like gold panning and displays showcasing fossils and meteorites. Don’t miss the underground mine tour, which takes visitors deep into the earth to showcase the efforts of miners over the years, along with technological advancements. Although our babies were too young to join this time, I ventured alone and found it to be an enriching experience. Additionally, a giant sandpit with manually-operated diggers and large mining equipment provides interactive fun.
3. Marvel at the Big Nickel (World’s Largest Coin)
Ontario accounts for half of Canada’s nickel production, most of which originates from Sudbury! In 1967, as part of Canada’s Centennial celebrations, a colossal 5-cent Canadian coin—standing 9 meters (30 feet) tall—was erected on the grounds of the Dynamic Earth Science Museum. This “Big Nickel” symbolizes the hard work of Sudbury’s nickel miners and is an iconic photo opportunity when visiting the city.
4. See the Superstack – The Second Tallest Freestanding Chimney in the World
Another great photo spot is the Superstack, which dominates the skyline and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Standing at 380 meters (1,250 feet), it is not only the tallest chimney in Canada but the second tallest freestanding chimney globally! Built in 1970 to channel waste gases from nickel smelting operations, it is now decommissioned and set for demolition soon.
5. Experience Canada’s Largest Mural
A previously abandoned hospital in Sudbury transformed in 2019 during the Up Here Festival by renowned L.A. street artist RISK, resulted in Canada’s largest mural. Covering 74,000 square feet, it required 860 gallons of paint and 1,500+ volunteer hours to complete. While it’s no longer promoted due to the building’s condition, it remains a remarkable sight located near Bell Park.
6. Stroll Through Bell Park
Located alongside Canada’s largest mural and bordered by Ramsey Lake, Bell Park is an expansive urban area offering a scenic 2 km boardwalk, a beach patrolled during summer, a children’s playground, numerous picnic spots in gardens and gazebos, and an amphitheater for local festivals and concerts such as Sudbury Summerfest in August and the Northern Lights Festival Boréal in July. Bell Park also features several sculptures reflecting the city’s mining history.
We enjoyed walking along the boardwalk, soaking in the stunning views of the lake, and there’s even a lovely outdoor gym for fitness enthusiasts.
7. Discover the Trails at Kivi Park
Kivi Park is a sprawling 450-acre outdoor activity park located in the southern part of Sudbury, overlooking Long Lake. It offers year-round outdoor adventure suitable for all ages and abilities, featuring extensive trails, recreational areas, soccer fields, and basketball courts.
The park hosts a 55.7 km trail network designed for snowshoeing, classic and skate cross-country skiing, fat biking, mountain biking, hiking, and dog walking. Come winter, there is even a 1-km illuminated skating path through the forest.
Crowley Lake, located on the southern side of the park, offers canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can be rented for a fun day on the water. You can walk to the lake within the park in about an hour, or drive a dirt road to reach the lake in under ten minutes. It’s an idyllic spot, featuring a portage route connecting to another lake, making for an adventurous day of canoeing.
8. Catch a Show at YES Theatre and the Refettorio
During our recent trip to Sudbury, we had the opportunity to watch Peter Pan at Refettorio, an outdoor theater situated downtown. This production by YES Theatre was a delight! While Peter Pan may not be showing during your visit, YES Theatre consistently features a variety of performances throughout the year. It is Northern Ontario’s premier venue for memorable theatrical experiences, showcasing Broadway musicals, acclaimed plays, concerts, and new productions.
9. Experience Performances from the Sudbury Performance Group
In addition to YES Theatre, the Sudbury Performance Group also offers fantastic entertainment options. As the city’s newest performing arts company, they specialize in stand-up comedy, music, and theatrical performances, including Broadway musicals, hilarious dinner theater shows, comedy acts featuring some of North America’s funniest comedians, and live local concerts year-round.
10. Explore the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area
Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Sudbury, the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area spans 2,400 acres of pristine landscape, featuring lakes, trails, and rich wildlife. This outdoor paradise offers an extensive network of hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trails. Enjoy self-guided nature trails, scenic viewpoints, man-made lakes, and abundant birdlife.
In winter, trails are groomed for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, while summer brings ripe blueberries and raspberries lining the paths. Remember, Lake Laurentian doesn’t rent out canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards, but limited rentals may be available if booked in advance. This area is great for observing wildlife, including beavers, turtles, and Great Blue Herons amidst its marshlands and rocky cliffs.
11. Visit the Spectacular Onaping Falls
Just a 30-minute drive west of Sudbury awaits the breathtaking Onaping Falls, where the Onaping River plunges 55 meters over a sheer cliff into the river below. Autumn is particularly stunning at the falls, with vibrant “fall foliage” colors peaking in early to mid-October.
The visitor center provides insights about the local geology and has trail guides available. A leisurely 1-km walk from the visitor center leads to the A.Y. Jackson Lookout, where a bridge offers spectacular views of the falls, along with an additional 2-km trail through lush forests.
Camping in the vicinity also presents wonderful options for nature lovers.
12. Explore the Art Gallery of Sudbury
The Art Gallery of Sudbury, housed in a historic mansion once belonging to lumber baron William Joseph Bell, was established in 1967 to commemorate Canada’s centennial. Previously named the Laurentian University Museum and Art Centre, it’s conveniently located within walking distance from downtown.
The gallery features a permanent collection of over 2,000 artworks by local, regional, and national artists, including pieces from Group of Seven artists like A.Y. Jackson and Franklin Carmichael. The gallery also hosts workshops, educational seminars, and visiting art exhibitions.
13. Discover the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum & Heritage Centre
Located in Capreol, about 30 minutes north of downtown Sudbury, the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre offers a fascinating glimpse into the railroads that connected Northern Ontario to the bustling south. This museum preserves and showcases the railroad’s history in the Greater Sudbury area.
Indoor exhibits include period costumes, a sizable model railway layout displayed in the Victorian-era home of the region’s railway superintendent, as well as the old fire station and local jail. Outdoors, explore an array of railcars and notable locomotives, including a 1919 Westinghouse Electric locomotive, a 1944 U-1-f Class MLW steam locomotive, an 1899 caboose, and a slag pot car.
14. Visit Anderson Farm Museum
The Anderson Farm Museum spans 57,000 square meters and was once home to Finnish immigrants Frank and Gretta Anderson, who ran one of the largest dairy farms in the Sudbury area during the 1920s and 1930s.
15. Experience the Up Here Festival
If you can align your visit with the Up Here Festival in August, you’re in for a treat! This independent urban art and emerging music festival showcases a plethora of muralists, musicians, and installation artists, transforming Sudbury’s downtown into an urban art gallery.
While our little ones kept us from enjoying the late-night concerts, we participated in family-friendly daytime activities, including local craft markets, food trucks, and children’s activities. We also enjoyed the Walking Mural Tour, which provides insight into the impressive artwork adorning many buildings in the city.
16. Hunt for Murals
You don’t have to visit during the Up Here Festival to appreciate the murals in Sudbury. They’re plentiful year-round, making for a fun exploration throughout the city. We suggest checking the Up Here website for a self-guided mural tour that highlights the amazing artwork found across town.
17. Savor Unique Flavors at Crosscut Distillery
When we explore new places, we love to discover local breweries and distilleries. Crosscut Distillery impressed us with their unique range of spirits, including vodka, gin, aquavit, whiskey, moonshine, and liqueurs. We highly recommend trying a flight to sample five of your favorite liqueurs. Our top picks included the Salted Caramel Moonshine and the Cinnamon Moonshine, though the Chocolate Habanero Liqueur was a delightful surprise. We also look forward to sampling other offerings such as Smoked Jalapeno Vodka and Haskap Rhubarb Gin on our next visit. You can enjoy light snacks or purchase cocktail-making supplies for home.
18. Embrace Winter Activities in Sudbury
If you’re in Sudbury during winter, there’s an abundance of activities to enjoy. The area offers two downhill ski facilities, both with ski rentals available, and well-maintained slopes that include night skiing opportunities.
For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, there are numerous trails, including the scenic 10-kilometer Naughton Ski Trails meandering through beautiful forests. Additionally, Sudbury boasts one of the world’s largest groomed snowmobile trail systems, spanning over 1,200 kilometers, connecting the city with surrounding communities and breathtaking landscapes.
19. Treat Yourself at Sudbury’s Many Fantastic Restaurants
One of the highlights of visiting Sudbury is indulging in its diverse culinary offerings. For a comprehensive list, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Sudbury. Notable mentions include The Kouzzina, Tucos Taco Lounge, Laughing Buddha, Respect is Burning Supperclub, and Beni’s Rise & Shine. If you love Italian cuisine, you’ll be pleased to find more Italian dining options per capita than we’ve ever seen!
Looking for More Things to Do in Ontario?
While Sudbury offers numerous attractions, Ontario is a vast province brimming with exceptional experiences. For more suggestions about things to do in Ontario, be sure to check out the travel guides below.
