Your Guide to Visiting Sudbury for Sports Tournaments: Where to Stay, Eat, Shop, and Explore

Heading to Sudbury for a sports event? Spring, summer, fall or winter, there’s nearly always a tournament or big game in the works, plus significant events like HockeyFest from May 23-25, 2025 or the Ontario 55+ Summer Games from August 5-7, 2025. And while cheering on your favourite athlete (or participating yourself!) is the main focus, it’s also smart to do a bit of planning to make the most of your visit to this small, friendly northern city. Here’s what you need to know about where to shop, stay, eat and explore while you’re visiting Sudbury for a tournament or other sports event.

Where To Shop in Sudbury During Your Sports Trip

The Sudbury Market is open year-round and is a one-stop shopping experience for everything fresh and local. Open indoors, outdoors or both, depending on the time of year, you’ll find fresh produce and baking, live music and handmade goods. Skater’s Edge Source for Sports is worth noting if you happen to forget some vital sports gear, while Ramakko’s Source for Adventure has got you covered for outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment. For dance, gymnastics or figure skating, try Jump!—they carry all manner of costumes and accessories for all three activities, as well as children's formal wear.  To keep you fueled up, think snacks, Sudbury style. Pinchman’s Café & Artisan Bakery is a favourite local bakery with lots of pastries and sandwiches, and Regency Bakery & Deli is another go-to with plenty of selection. The Candy Store is a fun choice for all things sweet and colourful. For healthy, locally-made snacks on the run, including protein balls and cookies, try Good Grab. They also offer fast meals for a range of dietary needs, as well as catering for large groups.

Best Places To Stay in Sudbury for Tournaments and Events

Sudbury is home to a variety of established, tried-and-true hotels, motels and conference centres that are sure to suit your needs and be convenient for your event. If you’d like a spot that’s smaller or more unique, opt for an inn, guest house or B&B such as the beautiful Hacienda Bed and Breakfast or Lohi Lake House, right on the shores of Lake Lohi. Staying amidst Sudbury’s boreal landscape of waterways, trees and ancient rocks is a sure way to rejuvenate. For something a little different, consider a cabin or lodge for your home base, or even a four-season yurt at Windy Lake Provincial Park.

Top Restaurants in Sudbury for Hungry Athletes and Fans

Before or after the game, you’ve got lots of excellent dining choices in Sudbury. Respect is Burning Kitchen + Bar is a downtown icon that’s beloved for its vintage Italian vibes and menu. The Fromagerie is another hot ticket downtown, with pastas, sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards and even cheesecake flights for shareable desserts. A legend among hockey fans, the Bruins-themed Beef ‘n Bird has plenty of brews and pub grub. Tuco’s Taco Lounge is a must for tasty plant-based fare, and Nikki’s Jamaican Kitchen serves up flavourful Caribbean dishes, including homemade hot sauce. Wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta are on the menu at Di Gusto. When only a premium beef dish will do, Mr. Prime Rib (which has delighted residents and visitors for 58 years and counting) is the place to go. Known for its live music and delicious burgers, The Townehouse Tavern has a reputation for fresh local ingredients. M.I.C Canadian Eatery has great steak, poutine and atmosphere (as well as a top-notch kids' menu), and if the whole team needs a meal, they have enough space to accommodate. It’s also fun to do some sipping and sampling at the area’s two craft breweries—Stack Brewing and 46 North Brewing—or the Crosscut Distillery, where you’ll find unique local gin, vodka and moonshine.

Fun Things To Do in Sudbury Between Games

Add some experiences to your non-sports downtime for an even better stay in Sudbury! It’s worth adding a day or two onto your trip if you can. The Touch of Heaven Nordic Spa & Retreat is a dreamy place to get pampered at the spa or try their yoga, meditation or reiki offerings. Take in one of the area’s fun festivals covering food, culture, film and more, or visit the city’s art galleries or museums. Find your favourite Shoresy spot as seen on the hit show, or stroll the downtown to shop and see vibrant murals.

Outdoor Adventures in Sudbury for Sports Travellers

There are all kinds of year-round outdoor adventures in and around the city too, from cycling, skiing, fishing and golf to water sports, hiking and snowshoeing (tip: the 950-acre Lake Laurentian Conservation Area is both central and scenic.) Talon and Bark Falconry is a very cool way to get a closer look at birds of prey, or you can practice your batting swing, go go-karting and more at Sudbury Kartways.

Rainy Day Activities in Sudbury for Families and Fans

Weather not on your side? Take the kids to the KUPP Centre Indoor Playground, which has a three-level play centre, plus laser tag and new 13-hole glow mini-putt, or the Urban Air Adventure Park with its multiple trampolines and other activities. And of course, no matter what your age, no visit to Sudbury is complete without a stop at Science North to discover a fantastic array of hands-on science activities, IMAX movies, and special exhibits, as well as Dynamic Earth’s mining and earth sciences experiences and the Big Nickel (selfie alert!).

Enjoy Your Sports Event in Sudbury

Whether you’re searching for a way to spend a few hours or a few days, maximize the fun on your sports event trip to Sudbury with these great ideas. Game on!

Showing 'Edited Body' is no longer supported.