2 Days in Sudbury: A Perfect Itinerary

The City of Greater Sudbury, located just four hours’ drive north of Toronto, is an exciting destination for many reasons, not least of which are the many exceptional trails, and the cultural and entertaining activities that are on offer. Northeastern Ontario has something to offer visitors in every season and Sudbury is no exception. Take a look at our suggestions for a weekend away in the Nickel City.

Coffee Stop

If you’re in the east of the city, Salute Coffee Company is a great spot to grab some breakfast and a good cup of coffee to ensure you start the day right. On the west side of the city, Beards Bakery has cupcakes, donuts, and other sweet treats to enjoy with your cup of coffee before you get going. Check out more Sudbury coffee shops here.

Museum Time

To learn about the history of Northeastern Ontario and the scientific wonders that make the town unique, you’ll want to visit some of Sudbury's museums.

Dynamic Earth Science Museum

Photo by @queenstontotobermory

Dynamic Earth has a remarkable real-life mining adventure. Here, you’ll learn about geology through first-hand experiences as you descend seven storeys underground, putting on a hardhat to feel the conditions miners endure every single day. As you make your way through the tunnels, your tour guide will explain the geology of the area and how ores are extracted and processed using modern computer technology.

Remember a jacket and a good pair of shoes—the temperatures drop as you descend and there’s a fair amount of uneven ground.

Ever heard of a seismic wave? If not, then visit the museum between May and September for a full outdoor exhibit where you have the chance to experience what one of these waves feels like and slide down some molten lava.

Remember to take a walk to the Big Nickel outside the museum. You’ll be amazed by the 30-foot (nine-meter) replica of a 1951 five-cent Canadian coin, often called the giant coin.  It was built by Sudbury's nickel mining industry in 1964 to symbolize the city’s massive contribution to the Canadian economy.

Science North

If you’re interested in learning more about how our earth works or our place in the universe, Science North needs to be on your list. This is Sudbury's most popular attraction, just be sure to set aside a full day for fun, because there’s plenty to do in this interactive museum.

Visit to the Lapidary Lab to learn about rocks—the foundation of Sudbury’s history. Besides getting a better understanding of the unique morphology of the area, you can also polish minerals. Afterward, you can learn about exotic invertebrates and walk among butterflies at the Nature Exchange and F. Jean McLeod Butterfly Gallery.

Upstairs, the Northern Ecosystems exhibit will take you on a voyage through Northern Ontario’s natural landscapes, complete with animal ambassadors from each biome. Discover all of the cute critters that call this area home and learn how you can help at-risk species.

The museum also features a Tech Lab on the top floor. It’s the spot where you’ll probably have the most fun indoors in Northeastern Ontario. Hop on the gyroscope to flip your perspective of angular velocity, try your hand at building a race car, or learn about space exploration. You'll also find IMAX with Laser theater, plus a digital planetarium where you can sit back and learn about everything from outer space to the deep blue seas.

Northern Ontario Railroad Museum

This 1916 museum house is the place to be if you want to learn about how trains were instrumental in opening the north to the mining and lumber trades. At Prescott Park, you can see a locomotive built in 1907, a train car that doubles up as a crane, and a caboose from 1897, which is made of wood.

Spend Some Time Outdoors

There’s always an outdoor activity for everyone in Sudbury. Ensure you spend some quality with those outdoor activities good for you.

Take a Break at Lake Laurentian Conservation Area

Photo by @lakelaurentianca

A break in Lake Laurentian Conservation Area is just the break you need after a busy morning exploring Sudbury’s museums. The 2,415-acre green space has a man-made lake, impressive views, and self-guided nature trails—and it’s only about 10 minutes from downtown Sudbury.

Test your putting skills at Dinosaur Valley Mini Golf

Dino Valley Mini Golf | Photo by @dvmg1236

For some throwback fun, we suggest Dinosaur Valley Mini Golf. The mini course has 63 holes to play, with dinosaurs watching over your every putt. When you’ve played your round, you can take a walk through the Dragon exhibit or see the world’s largest steel skeleton dragon skull, also remember to make your way to the farm stall to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from the organic farm on which the golf course is located.

For those with a little bit more ‘drive’, Timberwolf Golf Club is certain to put a smile on your face. Designed by renowned golf course architect Thomas McBride, the course winds through the streams and wetlands of the Northern Ontario wilderness. At three times the size of the average course, playing here will be a round to remember.

Kivi Park

Another place to visit is Kivi Park. Set on 450 acres (182 hectares) among lakes and hills, there’s loads to do here year-round.

If you’re visiting Sudbury during summer and you prefer your trails to be well marked and maintained, Kivi Park is a great option for hiking. There’s a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) trail that leads you from the park entrance to a lookout point and will take you past Sudbury’s many fauna, flora, and geological sights. Hiking boots are advised for this one, as there are a few steep inclines with loose rocks along the way. A camera is a good idea, too.

@kivipark

Winter is just as—if not more—fantastic in Kivi Park (if you can believe it). Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking are some of the more adventurous activities on offer. Pop over to the Adventure365 trailer to rent your gear and get exploring the park. And if you prefer something a little more relaxed, strap on some skates and explore the mile-long Nina’s Way Skating Path. The well-lit path creates a twisty avenue among pine trees to give you that winter feeling.

Grab Dinner and Drinks

Whether you’re craving Italian or Mediterranean, you can find food that will satisfy any craving in Sudbury. There are also plenty of craft breweries and distilleries to choose from. Looking for a good beer to enjoy with dinner? Stack Brewery is a great stop. For Northern Ontario's best-stocked Whiskey Pub and some great pub food MIC-Made in Canada is the place you want to be. Check out more food and beverage options here.

M.I.C. Canadian Eatery | Photo by @m.i.c.canadianeatery

Get a Good Night’s Rest

After a busy day, a comfortable place to lay your head and relax is needed. Book a room at Legacy Suites located in downtown Sudbury or head 30 minutes out of town to experience the best of Sudbury hospitality at the unique Hacienda Bed & Breakfast. Need more accommodation ideas? Here are some amazing spots to stay in Sudbury.

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