There are all kinds of cool and interesting events going on in Sudbury this fall. Mix and match seven of our favourites to create your ideal staycation or getaway, or try all seven for a truly unforgettable fall season.
This hugely popular annual Halloween event is back! Marvel at the next-level display of five thousand glowing jack o’lanterns as you take a self-guided stroll at the outdoor science park at Science North’s Dynamic Earth (note the indoor displays remain closed). Visitors can enjoy a scavenger hunt and watch an animated Halloween show projected on the iconic Big Nickel. This safe and fun family event typically runs from the first weekend of October to the last weekend so be sure to enjoy this unique Halloween treat while it lasts!
Cinéfest Sudbury film festival takes place mid-September, drawing in crowds and film professionals from across North America. You can watch movies at SilverCity theatre on the big screen (following physical distancing and reserved seating requirements), or you can screen a selection of films right in your own home. Tickets start at $10 each or you can buy an unlimited pass for $100. Choose from dozens of acclaimed Canadian and international movies. Live events and Q&As will also be available for home viewing. Pass the popcorn!
Play and learn all day at Science North. Science North features an IMAX® with Laser theatre, digital Planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and so much more packed into their four floors! The Northern Ontario Railroad Museum & Heritage Centre is an exciting place to learn everything there is to know about trains and the history of the railroad in Northern Ontario. Be sure to check out Prescott Park where visitors can explore a collection of authentic retired railcars.
There are all kinds of fantastic cafes and restaurants in Sudbury. Salute Coffee has two locations, downtown and southside, for truly great coffee, tea and smoothies plus yummy salads, baking and sandwiches with ingredients like local maple syrup, free-range eggs and organic greens.
Be sure to savour Sudbury’s own award-winning Old Rock coffee while in town. If you’re craving Italian, the family-owned Bella Vita Cucina has fresh local lunch and dinner fare including pasta, pizza and seafood. Another local Italian favourite is Di Gusto, known for its warm ambiance, wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta. And the go-to spot for vegan and vegetarian meals is Tucos Tacos Lounge, which has both a patio and a food truck (open until mid-October, weather permitting), filled with savoury delights like the Ugly Burrito and The Works nachos. Wine lovers be sure to visit Wander Food & Wine for its incredible wine selection from around the globe while cheese lovers will enjoy Nickel City Cheese. Those looking for craft beer can drop by one of the city's breweries; try 46 North Brewing or Stack Brewing for a tasting.
Place des Arts opened its doors in 2022, brining new cultural vibrations to downtown Sudbury. From a comedy show, to the symphony, to musical theatre and dance, this fall you will find inspiration here. Find a schedule of events and ticket information on the Place des arts website.
Those scarlets, oranges and yellows of autumn leaves are breathtaking, and one of the best places to see them and fill up your Instagram feed is the A. Y. Jackson Lookout Trail at Onaping Falls, a short 30-minute drive northwest of Sudbury.
The 2.1-km loop trail meanders along with good views of the impressive waterfall and its long cascades, considered one of the best in Ontario. The trail can be rocky so wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Whether you’re hiking or taking a scenic drive, be sure to check out the Fall Colour Report.
Three of the top local outdoor areas give you plenty of chances for adventures in nature. Walden Trails (formerly known as the Naughton Trail Centre) has single-track mountain bike trails, “built for mountain bikers by mountain bikers,” according to the local club. Located at the west end of Sudbury, the area offers trails rated easy to moderate to difficult with rolling hills and rocky terrain.
At Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, just a 10-minute drive from downtown and also accessible by bike or bus, you can explore 2,415 acres of protected greenspace, including scenic lookouts, a self-guided nature trail, wetland areas, bird-watching areas, a man-made lake and pond and 23 km of hiking trails. There’s also a public boat launch for canoes and kayaks.
Kivi Park is another natural jewel set on 450 wooded acres, a short drive south of the city. Take your pick from mountain biking, fat biking, hiking, basketball and two playground facilities, as well kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding on Crowley Lake. The park is known for its wheelchair accessibility too, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun. (Note that day-use passes are available on the website. Gear rentals are also available so contact the park for details.)
No matter how you choose to discover Sudbury this fall, we know incredible experiences await. Visit us to learn more and for help planning an urban adventure to Ontario's vibrant and bustling hub.
