Unique things to do in Sudbury, Ontario (that are only found here!)

Known as an industrial powerhouse thanks to its long history of nickel production, the city of Sudbury serves as the hub of northern Ontario. But look beyond its mining history and once record-breaking smoke stack, and you might be surprised to find this is a place that literally has nature on its doorstep.

Nicknamed the ‘City of Lakes,’ Greater Sudbury is home to 330 lakes—more than any other Canadian municipality. There are serene waterfront walks and trail networks showcasing the rugged landscapes of the Canadian Shield just a short distance from downtown, and even a stunningly-scenic conservation area that feels a world away yet is only a 15 minute drive from the city centre.

Beyond its easily accessible outdoor escapes, Sudbury also has some rather quirky attractions you’ll only find here which can all be explored in just a few days (and still leave time to hit the trails). Here are the most unique things to do in Sudbury, Ontario.

Quick find

Stand under the world’s biggest coin

Sudbury’s most iconic attraction happens to be a record holder, and should be one of your first stops when visiting the city. The Big Nickel is an exact replica of the 1951 Canadian nickel, and holds bragging rights as the world’s largest coin.

Created in 1964 as a nod to Sudbury’s contributions to the national economy through nickel production, it was built out of steel to help withstand the harsh winter climate. At a staggering 13,000 kg and 30 feet tall, visitors can walk right underneath which makes for some fun photo-ops.

The Big Nickel has actually been moved around the city a couple of times, and is currently perched beside the entrance to Dynamic Earth on a large deck with panoramic views. During special occasions, it’s also used as a unique projection screen.

Go on an underground mine tour at Dynamic Earth

After snapping selfies at the Big Nickel, head inside Dynamic Earth which is an immersive, hands-on science centre showcasing earth science and mining experiences.

Experiences start in the Earth Gallery, where you’ll learn how to identify rocks, minerals and fossils and can try panning for gold. Head downstairs where even more interpretive stations await, as well as a fun indoor play area for little ones (there are even tiny miner costumes–so cute!).

A must-do at Dynamic Earth is the underground mine tour, where guests discover the evolution of mining through three different eras, from turn-of-the-century to modern day. Tours start with a quick briefing (and a chance for a last minute bathroom break or to grab a light jacket since it’s only about 13 degrees in the tunnels), then everyone heads into an elevator called ‘the cage.’

An audio visual presentation is projected on the rocks as you descend seven storeys (about 70 feet), and at the bottom everyone is outfitted with a hard hat before heading into the tunnels.

Engaging guides provide hands-on demos about different types of equipment, share stories about how technologies have progressed over generations, and you’ll even have a chance to channel your inner miner with things like throwing ‘dynamite’ into a shaft.

Tours lasts about 75 minutes, and all ages are welcome.

Visit an underground post office

An absolute must-do when you’re at Dynamic Earth is to grab a postcard and mail it, as Sudbury is one of the only places in the world with an underground post office! (The Pacific nation of Vanuatu has an underwater post office and there’s one in this cave in Slovenia, but I can’t seem to find a record of anywhere else that has one underground, never mind in a mine).

Postcards are for sale at the front desk and in the gift shop. Near the end of the tour you’ll enter a room that’s a replica of what a staff lunch room would look like, and a Canada Post mailbox sits in the corner where guests can drop in their letters for delivery.

See the Alex Trebek tribute mural

Pay tribute to Sudbury’s hometown hero Alex Trebek, at a giant mural of the former Jeopardy host painted on the site of his high school.

The display is just one of 30-plus murals brightening up the downtown core, best seen by grabbing a cup of coffee (I highly recommend Kuppajo Espresso Bar on Larch Street) and wandering around the city centre to admire them.

Those who time their visit to Sudbury for mid-August will want to drop by the annual Up Here Music & Art Festival which features concerts, pop-up shows, immersive art installations and getting to watch artists work on large-scale murals.

Feeling artsy? Grab a spray can and head to the Legal Graffiti Wall, where everyone is welcome to leave their mark.

Dine at Deluxe Hamburgers

Ask any Sudbury local what a ‘must do’ is, and they’ll likely direct you to a rather unassuming fast food joint that’s been beloved ‘round these parts for more than half a century.

The saying goes that Sudbury is a ‘One Arch Town’ in a nod to Deluxe Hamburgers which has been around since 1960 and whose logo features a single golden arch. Of course that’s not to be confused with McDonald’s, which funny enough has a location right across the street.

Deluxe Hamburgers serves breakfast, lunch and dinner options, with the crowd faves being chicken on a bun and the mouth-watering butter tarts (which I can personally confirm are delish).

Globe Guide tip: Make sure you visit the location on Regent Street across from the McDonald’s which is the original location, as there’s also one across town on Lorne Street.

Explore Canada’s largest science centre

With four floors of fun for all ages, Science North has bragging rights as Canada’s largest science centre.

Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking Hermit’s Bay a quick drive from downtown, guests start off by heading through a futuristic-looking tunnel, which is actually carved right through the Faille Creighton Fault that runs through the building.

The faults are cracks in the earth’s crust, where the rocks on one side have slipped past the rocks on the other. The rock tunnel leads to an underground cavern, which is used as a theatre and an exhibit area.

Tots will likely want to make a pit stop at the toddler treehouse to work out their wiggles, before heading out to the multi-storey ramp connecting each floor which has views looking out to Ramsey Lake and is anchored by a gigantic Fin Whale skeleton.

Make your way through the various exhibits to learn about Northern Ecosystems, and get an up close look at critters like snakes, spiders, frogs and turtles.

A highlight is the butterfly gallery, where visitors get to stand in a botanical garden and find themselves surrounded by tropical butterflies. Some might even land on your shoulder, so take a peek in the mirror to ensure none are trying to hitch a ride on your way out!

The 4th floor is where you’ll find the most hands-on interactive displays, guaranteed to keep kids occupied for hours.

There’s a Lego station, the Between the Stars space area with games like exploring and landing on the moon, a station to build racecars, a bio and tech lab and even health-themed, life-saving exhibits like learning how to perform CPR.

Once you’ve wrapped up your visit inside, head out to the Bell Park Boardwalk which is a popular waterfront walking trail.

The 2 kilometre stretch from Science North to Bell Park winds past the Sudbury Yacht Club, a children’s playground, amphitheater and gazebos, and leads to a terraced flower garden near Elizabeth Street.

Tips for visiting Sudbury

Since Sudbury’s attractions are spread out and the better accommodations are outside the city centre, this is a place where you’ll definitely want to rent a car. I almost always book through Discover Cars since they tend to have the best rates, and the pickup locations for Enterprise, Avis and National are just steps away from the exit at the airport.

I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Sudbury for three nights and really enjoyed it: it’s very clean, there’s free, easy parking, and spacious modern rooms with lots of storage. There are a couple of large shopping centres and lots of restaurants nearby, and on-site amenities include a restaurant, lounge, gym, laundry facilities and small indoor swimming pool. Click here to book

Outdoor escapes in and around Sudbury

One thing that really impressed me about Sudbury are the beautiful natural areas, with many less than 20 minutes from downtown.

Kivi Park

If you’re up for a workout head to Kivi Park, a year round destination for outdoor recreation. There are nearly 500 acres of marked trails for running, hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, as well as a kids playground, small cafe and outdoor lounge areas complete with fire pits.

But be warned this isn’t the place for leisurely rides: the dirt cycling paths are more like mountain bike trails with some legit incline, roots and rocks, so get ready for a fun ride! It can also be challenging to follow specific paths as they’re not very well marked and there’s lots of crossover—however, an effort is underway to re-sign them all so those changes should be unveiled in the near future.

Globe Guide tip: Need wheels? Rent a bike at Adventure365 which has a location right at the entrance to Kivi Park beside the main parking lot. Visitors to Kivi Park are required to pay a usage fee, which you won’t need to do if you’re renting from Adventure365 as it’s included in the price.

Lake Laurentian Conservation Area

My absolute favourite thing to do in Sudbury is hiking in the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, which has 2,400 acres of scenic trails with absolutely gorgeous views of the water and surrounding forests.

There are options for all ability levels to explore the nature preserve, from quick loops through the forest to hours-long hikes.

Washrooms and a few picnic areas are scattered around the main parking lot, where numerous trailheads start from. I recommend the Loop Trails (Circuit 1 and/or 2) which take less than an hour to complete and have sweeping panoramic views or Lake Laurentian from different vantage points without too much effort.

A lookout platform has also been built about five minutes uphill from the parking lot on the Loop Trails, which is definitely worth a quick stop and is also the perfect place for a scenic lunch break.

The Lake Laurentian Conservation Area feels so remote it’s hard to believe you’re only 15 minutes from the city centre, and is especially spectacular in autumn when the fall foliage makes its appearance.

Onaping Falls

Those who are up for a quick road trip can head out to High Falls (also known as Onaping Falls) about 45 minutes west of Sudbury, and get the chance to walk right over a waterfall.

The 55-metre-tall cascade plunges into a deep pool framed by foliage, and there are a couple of lookout platforms a short walk from the parking lot which are a great vantage point.

This stunning spot is a family-favourite as it only takes about 20 minutes to walk to the bridge that crosses over the waterfall–though it’s worth noting the one kilometre riverside hike starts with a steep scamper down rock stairs and the trail is a dirt and rock path, so there are some accessibility limitations.

Those up for extending the walk can continue across the bridge and complete the 2 km loop trail up into the hillside.