That's So Sudbury: Essential Experiences in Sudbury

From a giant nickel to porketta and everything in between, Sudbury has mix of iconic sights, local flavours and stories you won’t find anywhere else.

Visiting Sudbury for the first time? If you’re wondering what you absolutely need to do in the city, start here.

The big nickel in Sudbury Ontario
The Big Nickel at dawn

First things first, find the Big Nickel! No trip to Sudbury is complete without a selfie in front of the iconic 9-metre coin, located on site at Dynamic Earth. While you’re there, head inside to explore Sudbury’s earth science and mining museum. Descend seven storeys underground for an unforgettable tour through the history of mining.

Three kids engaging with the installment at Dynamic Earth.
Underground entrance tunnel at Science North

Next up is Science North, Canada’s largest science centre. Explore four floors of hands-on exhibits, from the bed of nails to live animal ambassadors, including Maple the porcupine. Don’t miss the IMAX theatre or PHENOMENA The Exhibition: The Science of Illusions

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Sudbury is a One Arch Town. // Photo credit: Sudbury.com

Have you heard that Sudbury is a one-arch town? That's because Deluxe Hamburgers, Sudbury’s beloved local diner, bears a single golden arch in its logo. Known for fresh-cut fries and the legendary chicken on a bun with a side of gravy—oh, the gravy! It’s a hometown classic.

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Stompin' Tom Statue outside the Sudbury Community Arena //
Photo Credit: Brigitte Tessier Labby, Art by Brigitte

Calling Stompin’ Tom fans! Check out the "Sudbury Saturday Night" star sculpture outside the Sudbury Community Arena. Be prepared to have the song stuck in your head the rest of the day. Next door to the statue is the Townehouse Tavern, where Stompin’ Tom Connors stayed while in Sudbury and played to a live crowd on the famous Townehouse stage. Stop in for a pint and some hearty pub food. They have great vegan options too.

A person slicing a large block of porketta for people standing near.
Hot porketta roast for Porketta Bingo winners. // Photo credit: Trevi Bar & Grill

Sudbury’s most famous dish has deep Italian roots. Porketta, a well-spiced pork roast, is served at many family events and celebrations throughout the city. Find yourself a porketta sandwich at places like Leslie’s Charbroil & Grill, Regency Bakery or Cara’s Deli, or bring a whole roast home from Tarini Brothers. Sudburians even play Bingo for a pound of the tasty meat. Look for a porketta Bingo game at a local pub like The Beef 'n Bird or Trevi Bar & Grill. It's guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. 

bridge over Lake Laurentian
Lake Laurentian Floating Bridge // Photo credit: Lake Laurentian Conservation Area

In a city with over 330 lakes, head to one of the city’s most scenic walks—right in the city, on the Bell Park boardwalk. Take a beautiful stroll along the world’s second-largest city contained lake, Ramsey Lake. For more great lakeside hikes and strolls, Rainbow Routes offers a network of trails alongside Kelly Lake, Lake Laurentian, Minnow Lake, and more. 

Bartender pouring beer
Beers flowing at 46 North Brewing

After an afternoon by the water, it's only fitting to stop in at 46 North Brewing to grab a flight of their Lake Series, named after local waters like Kelly Lake Lager, Long Lake Lager, Nepewassi Blonde Ale and more. 

Whether you’re here for a weekend or just passing through, these experiences offer a small taste of Sudbury and a reason to come back for more.

About Johanna Gatien

Johanna hails from Sudbury, Ontario, and writes about local attractions, her favourite spots around the city, and the vibrant food scene. In her spare time, she enjoys being out on the water in the summer and exploring the mountains in the winter.

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