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Sudbury, officially Greater Sudbury, is the largest city in northeastern Ontario, built in a landscape of lakes and rugged Canadian Shield rock. It sits on the rim of the Sudbury Basin, an ancient impact structure whose rich ore turned the city into a world center of nickel mining. Decades of smelting once left the hills bare, and a long regreening effort has since restored much of the land.
Science North, with its snowflake-shaped buildings on Ramsey Lake, is the city's best-known attraction and a favorite with families. Its sister site, Dynamic Earth, offers underground tours and stands beside the Big Nickel, a giant coin that has become a local symbol. Along the lake, Bell Park has a boardwalk, beaches and an outdoor amphitheatre, and the Bridge of Nations crosses the rail yards downtown. The Art Gallery of Sudbury, the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and museums in Copper Cliff and at the Flour Mill tell the city's cultural and industrial story.
Sudbury suits families and travelers interested in science, mining history and lake country. Nature lovers can paddle and hike at Lake Laurentian Conservation Area or stop at the A.Y. Jackson Scenic Lookout. Summer is the warmest and liveliest time.
WiserMap travel guideSudbury Ontario Science North the Big Nickel and Ramsey LakePlan a trip to Sudbury Ontario with Science North, the Big Nickel, Ramsey Lake and northern lookouts, plus local food, where to stay and a three day itinerary.Read the guide
Northern Ontario's science centre, two snowflake-shaped buildings on the shore of Ramsey Lake with hands-on exhibits, live animals, an IMAX theatre and a planetarium. A tunnel into the rock leads in. Plan at least half a day, and check combo tickets with Dynamic Earth.
The city's public art gallery, with a collection of Canadian art including works linked to the Group of Seven and to northern Ontario. It has moved to new premises downtown, so check the current location and opening hours before going. Exhibitions change regularly.
An earth science centre built around a former mine site, beside the Big Nickel, where guided underground tours take you into tunnels to see how mining was done. Exhibits cover geology and the meteorite impact that shaped Sudbury. Bring a sweater, as it is cool underground.
A railway museum in Capreol, north of downtown Sudbury, with a heritage centre, steam locomotive, cars and displays on the railway's role in the north. It is a good outing for families and train fans. Check its summer opening hours before making the drive.
A large lakeside park on Ramsey Lake near downtown, with a boardwalk, beaches, picnic areas and the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre for summer concerts. The boardwalk links to Science North. It is great for an evening walk, and the beach is popular on hot days.
A large natural area southeast of downtown with many kilometres of trails around Lake Laurentian, through forest, wetlands and rocky ridges. It is used for hiking, biking and skiing. Pick up a trail map at the nature chalet, and watch for beavers and birds.
A large community park in the south end of Sudbury with forest trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus a small lake and a lodge. It was donated to the city and opened in recent years. Trails are free to use, and maps are posted.
A nature area in Lively, west of Sudbury, with ponds, wetlands and a short trail named after Jane Goodall, popular for spotting ducks, songbirds and other wildlife. It is easy and family friendly. Bring binoculars and go in the early morning or late afternoon.
A railway bridge over Paris Street in downtown Sudbury, lined with the flags of many nations to honour the city's multicultural population. It is one of the city's best known sights and lights up at night. Look at it on a drive or walk into downtown from the south.
A 9-metre replica of a 1951 Canadian five-cent coin, built in 1964 to honour the city's nickel mining, and one of Canada's most famous roadside attractions. It stands at Dynamic Earth on a hill west of downtown. Take a photo with it and enjoy the view over the city.
A small museum in a historic house in Sudbury's old Flour Mill neighbourhood, with period rooms and items showing the life of the area's early French-Canadian settlers. It is run seasonally, mostly in summer. Check opening times before going, as hours are limited.
A lookout on Highway 144 north of Sudbury at a spot painted by Group of Seven artist A.Y. Jackson, with a wide view over rocky hills and forest. Panels explain the painting. It is a short roadside stop, best in autumn when the trees turn bright red and gold.
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