Looking for the very best things to do in Sudbury? This Northern Ontario gem is full of surprises, think 330 sparkling lakes, an enormous regreening transformation, Canada’s most iconic coin, and world-class science attractions that youngsters and adults will each love. Whether you’re after family-friendly fun, nature escapes, or hands-on experiences you won’t find anywhere else, Sudbury delivers.
We’ve explored Sudbury in every season, from skating under the celebs at Kivi Park to sending postcards 60 metres underground at Dynamic Earth. Our latest visit surprised us. Sudbury is in the midst of an incredible transformation, balancing its mining roots and a growing food and humanities scene. This guide covers all the pieces value doing, seeing, and experiencing in Sudbury in 2025, including local tips, where to remain, what to eat, and the can’t-miss highlights that make this one in all Canada’s most underrated destinations.
Why Visit Sudbury in 2025?
Because this former mining town has pulled off one in all the best environmental comebacks in Canada, planting over 10 million trees and reinventing itself as a green, family-friendly destination full of lakes, science, waterfalls, and murals. And it’s only a four-hour drive from Toronto.
Things to Do in Sudbury for Outdoor Lovers
Sudbury has pulled off one of the vital dramatic makeovers in Canadian history. Once known for its blackened rock and moonscape terrain, it’s now a full-blown outdoor paradise, because of over 10 million trees, 330 lakes, and one in all the world’s most successful regreening projects. And the very best part? You don’t must go far to experience it. Just minutes from downtown, you’ll find forest trails, glacier-sculpted lookouts, and yes, bike trails for each level that transform to a skating trail that lights up at night.
We spent a protracted weekend exploring all of it on foot, on bikes, and with our jaws on the bottom greater than once. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
Kivi Park: Biking, Skating, and a View Worth the Climb
We began our day at Kivi Park, a 480-acre natural playground in Sudbury’s south end. This place is a dream for lively travelers. We rented mountain bikes and hit the paths, which range from mellow forest paths to fast, flowy single-track loaded with ramps and jumps. If you’re into adrenaline, that is where Sudbury gets serious.
Don’t miss the climb to the lookout. Trust us, it’s value every pedal stroke. The panoramic view from the highest stretches out over lakes and forest, showing off just how green and wild Sudbury has turn into.
In winter, Kivi Park transforms again, with fat biking, snowshoeing, and one in all Ontario’s most scenic skating trails that glows at night under strings of lights. Rentals can be found on-site, so you may jump in irrespective of the season or skill level.
Lake Laurentian Conservation Area: From Space Science to Beaver Ponds
Later that afternoon, we made our technique to Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, and it ended up being one in all our favourite spots in town. With over 60 kilometers of trails, you may go as big or small as you would like. We stuck with three short hikes, and every one delivered serious wow factor.
Our first was the NASA Trail, a 15-minute walk that passes the location of a former satellite observatory. It’s a quiet path with an enormous presence, a reminder that Sudbury isn’t nearly mining and regrowth. It’s also a spot where science has literally reached for the celebs.
We continued to the Duck Trail and the Beaver Pond Loop, and that is where Sudbury’s transformation really hits you. The rocky moonscape we’d seen in old photos is gone. In its place? Lush forest, wealthy wetlands, and peaceful trails that wind through a few of the most resilient nature we’ve ever walked. It’s hard to imagine this was once written off as wasteland. Today, it’s a worldwide success story in restoration.
Bell Park and Ramsey Lake: Easy Beauty within the Heart of the City
One of the very best things about Sudbury is how close nature is to on a regular basis life. You don’t have to depart town to seek out it. We took a sunrise, midday, and sunset stroll along the Bell Park Boardwalk, a 2-kilometre path that hugs the shoreline of Ramsey Lake, the second-largest lake on the earth entirely inside city limits.
We passed joggers, families, students, and even a friendly local who handed us peanuts to feed the squirrels. It was one in all those small moments that said lots concerning the city. Sudbury has put its prosperity back into the community, and places like Bell Park are proof.
This is where you’ll also find boat launches, picnic areas, a supervised beach, and a commemorative plaque marking the ten millionth tree planted throughout the regreening campaign. It’s an exquisite spot to chill out after a day of hiking or to kick off a full day of sightseeing.
Onaping Falls: Where Art Meets Apollo
Before we left town, we made the scenic 40-minute drive northwest to Onaping Falls. It’s not only an exquisite place, it’s one of the vital fascinating mashups of Canadian art history and space science we’ve ever come across.
The A.Y. Jackson Lookout offers sweeping views of the falls, which plunge 55 metres into the traditional Sudbury Basin, formed by a meteorite impact 1.85 billion years ago. Jackson painted this scene in 1953, and whenever you’re standing on the lookout, it’s easy to see why. You feel the identical artistic energy, raw and real, that the Group of Seven captured on canvas.
But here’s what blew our minds: This same geological 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 wanted to grasp what they’d be walking on up there, and Sudbury was their test site.
And it worked. When Apollo 16 touched down, astronaut John Young looked across the lunar landscape and said:
“It looks like a Sudbury breccia.”
That’s right, Sudbury is the one Canadian city ever mentioned from the surface of the moon.
Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Sudbury
Sudbury isn’t only for nature lovers; it’s one in all Canada’s best places to mix education, entertainment, and hands-on fun. The city’s two flagship attractions, Science North and Dynamic Earth, go way beyond the typical museum. They’re immersive, interactive, and full of the form of experiences that make each kids and adults say “wow.”
We spent a whole day exploring each, and truthfully, we could’ve stayed longer.
Science North: Interactive Learning on the Canadian Shield
We kicked things off at Science North, which is ready right on Ramsey Lake and built directly into the traditional rock of the Canadian Shield. Before we even walked in, the placement itself made an announcement: this place is grounded in science, literally.
Inside, Science North lives as much as its status as one in all Canada’s top science centres. There are 4 levels of interactive exhibits covering all the pieces from space and geology to climate, animals, and health innovation. It’s not only for teenagers either. We were just as fascinated by the shattercone displays (from Sudbury’s meteorite impact site) as we were by the butterfly room, the live animal exhibits, and the space exploration gallery.
One thing we noticed straight away is how accessible the power is, with wide ramps, elevators, and exhibit layouts which might be thoughtful for visitors of all ages and skills.
If you’re visiting with family, prepare to spend a minimum of half a day here, especially if you happen to catch a movie on the IMAX with Laser Theatre, Northern Ontario’s only true giant-screen cinema. We recommend pairing your visit with a walk along the Bell Park boardwalk, especially if you happen to didn’t get to it earlier. Sunset on Ramsey Lake is pure magic.
Dynamic Earth: Go Deep into Mining History
Next up: Dynamic Earth, home of Sudbury’s most iconic attraction, the Big Nickel. But this isn’t your average photo stop. It’s the gateway to one of the vital immersive science experiences within the country.
We grabbed our hard hats and headed straight underground. That’s right, you descend seven storeys down right into a real mine tunnel and walk through the history of mining in Canada. From the grueling, hand-drilled methods of the early 1900s to today’s state-of-the-art, remote-controlled operations, the tour walks you thru the true deal.
It’s the form of experience that offers you an entire recent appreciation for Canadian industry and innovation. And the guides? Fantastic. They shared stories that made us laugh, reflect, and genuinely respect the tough, smart work that built this city.
Outside, you’ll find more interactive exhibits, a mining lab, and one in all our favourite photo ops, the 9-metre-tall Big Nickel, an enormous replica of the 1951 Canadian coin. It’s kitschy in one of the simplest ways, and it proudly reminds you that Sudbury’s mining legacy still runs deep.
Festivals, Food, and Sudbury Vibes
Sudbury knows the right way to throw a celebration, and it knows the right way to feed you whilst you’re at it. Whether you’re visiting in the warmth of summer or bundled up in winter, town’s festivals, patios, and native haunts serve up something special.
Summer Festivals and Live Events
We would love to go to during festival season. There is the Northern Lights Festival Boréal, Canada’s longest-running music festival, which attracts incredible talent from across the country and beyond. Families, friends, and musicians fill the parks and stages.
Another local favourite is the Up Here Festival, which blends music, art, and large murals in a way that completely transforms downtown. You’ll discover daring recent street art and listen to all the pieces from indie rock to throat singing. It’s modern, inclusive, and uniquely Sudburian. We especially loved 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 meaningful and exquisite events, full of drumming, dancing, and connection to the land. If you get the prospect, go.
Where to Eat, Drink, and Celebrate the North
Sudbury’s food scene is as down-to-earth and proud as town itself. You won’t find a whole lot of pretension here, but you’ll discover seriously 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 Coffee Roasters and Beni Rise & Shine and Anna Laura Patisserie, where the espresso is next-level and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming. If you’re a coffee snob (or simply need fuel for the trail), that is your go-to.
For lunch, you may’t miss Deluxe Hamburgers, a real Sudbury institution. Locals jokingly call this a “one-arch town” because Deluxe has been holding its ground for a long time despite the Golden Arches opening up right across from it. The chicken on a bun and fresh-cut fries are legendary, and it’s easily the very best deal on the town.
Dinner was an entire adventure in itself. One night, we went full retro at Mr. Prime Rib, a classic steakhouse where the meat is king and the service is old-school impeccable. It’s the form of place where your cutlery is polished, your prime rib is ideal, and the horseradish bites back.
Another night, we stepped into full Canadiana mode at Made In Canada Eatery. It’s quirky, cozy, and totally fun, with partitions covered in photos of Canadian icons, and a Caesar with Canadian whisky that deserves its own spot within the Hall of Fame. If you’re visiting for the primary time, this place sets the tone for what Northern hospitality is all about.
Looking for wood-fired pizzas or an informal upscale vibe? Ripe Restaurant serves delicious, crisp pies straight from the oven, while The Daventry Kitchen & Bar offers a solid pub menu with craft beer and comfy vibes. We also loved Gloria’s Restaurant, a Sudbury classic since 1952, and Eddie’s Restaurant, which locals love for its family-style dining room and separate sports bar. Bonus trivia: “Shorsey” was filmed here, yes, that Shorsey.
But the night doesn’t need to end with dinner.
After eating our way through Sudbury, we capped things off at The Night Owl, a secret speakeasy you absolutely need to experience. Picture this: you head down an alley, find 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 Twenties-style cocktail lounge, with red velvet, jazz vibes, and the very best Manhattans and Old Fashioneds this side of Toronto. It’s one in all the best spots on the town, but ensure that to book upfront; it’s exclusive for a reason.
And if you happen to’re up for another round? Head to The Laughing Buddha for craft cocktails and globally inspired dishes on one in all town’s best patios. Then walk round the corner to the Townhouse Tavern, a dive bar with heart where Stompin’ Tom Connors found the inspiration for his famous anthem, Sudbury Saturday Night. You may even snap a photograph along with his statue within the park nearby.
For our farewell dinner, we had an incredible meal at Sapporo Ichibang, where authentic Japanese and Korean dishes warmed us up from the within out. Everything was fresh, flavourful, and comforting.
Sudbury may surprise you, but it surely won’t leave you hungry or thirsty.
A Relaxing Finish at Ezentials Nordic Lounge
After a couple of days of hiking, biking, and sightseeing, we wrapped up our Sudbury trip with something somewhat more indulgent, a day on the Nordic Lounge at Ezentials. This indoor wellness spa was pure bliss. Think 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 just let all of it go. We even tried the Starlight Suite, where we experienced vibrational sound therapy in a dark, star-lit room designed for deep rest. It was like floating through space while our brains hit the reset button.
Ezentials was the right technique to unwind before hitting the road, and a reminder that Sudbury isn’t nearly grit and adventure. It’s also about knowing when to decelerate and savour the moment.
Where to Stay in Sudbury and How Much It Costs
One of the very best things about visiting Sudbury? It’s easy on the wallet and massive on value. Whether you’re road-tripping through Northern Ontario or flying in for a protracted weekend, you’ll find an ideal mixture of hotels, reasonably priced eats, and world-class attractions, lots of that are totally free.
Where We Stayed: Hampton Inn By Hilton Convenience with a Northern Vibe
We stayed on the Hampton Inn by Hilton, and it hit all of the marks, breakfast included, a solid gym, a pool to unwind, and a brilliant convenient location. It’s the form of place where you see business travelers, especially from the mining sector, rubbing shoulders with families and road trippers. It felt just like the heartbeat of town passed all the way through the lobby.
Rates for a stay like ours run around $800 to $1,000 for 4 nights, depending on the season. But with breakfast included (and excellent at that), it covers a whole lot of mornings, offering more flexibility to splurge at dinner.
How Much Things Cost in Sudbury (with Real Numbers)
Traveling in Northern Ontario doesn’t need to break the bank. Here’s what we actually spent:
- Mountain bike rentals at Kivi Park: $69 for 2 bikes
- Combo pass for Science North & Dynamic Earth: $47 per person
- Nordic Lounge experience at Ezentials: $60 per person
- Theatre tickets: $39 each for a implausible night out
And a few of the very best things in Sudbury are completely free:
- Hiking at Onaping Falls
- Trails at Lake Laurentian Conservation Area
- Bell Park boardwalk and Ramsey Lake views
- Snapping photos on the Big Nickel
- Exploring Sudbury’s massive outdoor mural scene
When it involves meals, budget about $125 to $150 per day for 2 people, covering all the pieces from casual lunch stops to nice sit-down dinners. Sudbury’s mixture of retro diners, local gems, and upscale surprises made that easy to stretch.
Getting to Sudbury: Road Trip or Quick Flight
If you’re coming from Southern Ontario, Sudbury is a classic Canadian road trip destination. The four-hour drive from Toronto gives you a front-row seat because the landscape shifts from farmland to forested shield country. It’s scenic, it’s easy, and there are great stops along the best way.
If you’re short on time, flying is a breeze. Porter Airlines and Air Canada each offer direct flights from Toronto to the Greater Sudbury Airport, getting you here in about an hour. And for those coming from out west, we’ve heard recent direct flights from Calgary are making it even easier to explore the North.
Getting Around Sudbury
Once you’re here, you’re going to need a automobile. Attractions like Kivi Park, Onaping Falls, and even the Lake Laurentian trails are spread across town and its surrounding wilderness. Expect to pay around $70 to $90 per day for a compact rental automobile, with larger SUVs costing a bit more, but totally value it if you happen to’re hauling outdoor gear or traveling as a family.
Plan Your Sudbury Getaway
Look, a vacation can just be a vacation, or it may be something more.
Our trip to Greater Sudbury felt vital. We weren’t just checking off a listing of attractions. We were connecting with an element of Northern Ontario that’s literally rebuilding itself from the bottom up. From biking through reforested trails at Kivi Park to sending postcards from deep inside a mine at Dynamic Earth, we saw a city that’s not only happy with its past, it’s investing in its future.
Choosing to travel here seems like an investment in our own backyard.
You’re supporting a family-friendly Ontario city that’s leading the best way in environmental restoration, hands-on education, and artistic community constructing. Whether you’re here to explore world-class science at Science North, soak up the history of the Big Nickel, or walk the paths that surround the 4 floors of interactive exhibits at town’s top family-friendly attractions, there’s something here for everybody.
Sudbury is vibrant. It’s surprising. It’s reasonably priced. And it’s full of reasons to return back in every season.
You’ll eat well. You’ll drink well. You’ll paddle, hike, soak, skate, and discover recent sides of Ontario you didn’t expect. And you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the form of magic that happens when nature, science, and community come together.
So whether you’re planning your next long weekend, chasing fall colors, or in search of a winter adventure with heart, Greater Sudbury must be at the highest of your list.
An enormous because of Sudbury Tourism for having us up there and showing us an incredible a part of our Canadian history.
FAQ: Planning Your Trip to Sudbury, Ontario
Some of the highest things to do in Greater Sudbury include visiting Science North with its 4 floors of hands-on exhibits, touring the underground mine at Dynamic Earth, snapping a photograph on the Big Nickel, hiking Onaping Falls, and relaxing at Bell Park on Ramsey Lake. These family-friendly attractions make Sudbury the most effective destinations in Northern Ontario.
Absolutely. Sudbury is full of family attractions, from the immersive experiences at Science North to outdoor adventures at Kivi Park and the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area. Many museums and parks are fully accessible, and children love exploring the underground tunnels at Dynamic Earth and meeting real animals on the science centre.
A combo pass for Science North and Dynamic Earth is around $47 per person. It’s an ideal value considering the variety of exhibits, live demonstrations, and the dimensions of the facilities, 4 floors at Science North alone. Booking the combo ticket upfront helps maximize your visit.
The Big Nickel is a 9-meter replica of a 1951 Canadian coin and one in all Canada’s most iconic roadside attractions. It sits right outside Dynamic Earth and is a must-stop photo opportunity when visiting Greater Sudbury.
You can drive from Toronto to Sudbury in about 4 hours, making it a straightforward Northern Ontario road trip. If you’re short on time, each Porter Airlines and Air Canada offer direct flights from Toronto to Greater Sudbury Airport, taking about an hour.
Yes! Winter in Sudbury offers incredible snow-based experiences like illuminated skating trails at Kivi Park, fat biking, and even heated yurt glamping. Plus, many indoor attractions like Science North and the Nordic Lounge at Ezentials offer cozy ways to unwind.
Yes. Many of the very best experiences in Sudbury, Ontario, are completely free. You can explore the murals downtown, discover hiking trails at Onaping Falls and the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, enjoy Bell Park’s lakeside boardwalk, and visit the Big Nickel without spending a dime.
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