Are you in desperate need of a getaway? Is a change of scenery top of mind for you these days? If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, you may be ready to embark on a new adventure, but border closures around the world are making this dream a bit harder to realize. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a getaway; you can just have one a little closer to home!
For Ontario residents, a must-visit travel spot is Sudbury, a charming city located in Northern Ontario. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and incredible outdoor activities, Sudbury is a nature lover’s dream. The cityscape is bustling and vibrant, making it an ideal vacation spot for people who love a metropolitan city.
If you’re thinking about a trip to Sudbury, it’s important that you hit all the must-see spots to make the most out of your getaway. Wondering what they are? Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list to get you started. Here are our seven top recommendations for things to do in Sudbury.
1. Hiking and Biking
If you’re an avid hiker or cyclist, Sudbury is your haven. The city houses several green spaces, parks, lush forests, gorgeous beaches, lakes and lookouts with breathtaking views. Whether you’re traveling solo and looking for a relaxing outdoor excursion or you and your friends are hoping to push yourselves to your limits, there are hiking and cycling trails tailored to various intensity levels.
Some of these iconic spots around the city include:
- Blueberry Hill Trail (ideal for hiking)
- Y. Jackson Lookout (ideal for hiking)
- Great Lakes Waterfront Trail (ideal for biking)
- Walden Trails (ideal for biking)
If you’re planning a getaway to Sudbury, be sure to dedicate some time in your itinerary to these natural wonderlands. Check out the full list of Sudbury’s best hiking and biking spots here.
2. Go Camping
Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest extent. Sudbury just so happens to feature a host of campgrounds, many of which are located within walking distance to the water. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be happy to know that many of these campgrounds issue nightly “curfews” to ensure that campers don’t make excessive noise past a certain time. These rules make the campgrounds super family-friendly.
3. Hit Up the Patios
With warmer weather fast approaching, patio season is nearly upon us. Fortunately, Sudbury has a plethora of incredible bars and restaurants with killer patios. From the Laughing Buddha to Tucos Taco Lounge to the Motley Kitchen, there’s a spot in Sudbury to satisfy any food or drink craving. Whether you’re hoping to grab an amazing dinner or just have a few casual drinks, you’ll be spoiled for choice in the city of Sudbury.
If you can’t decide on a designated driver, catching a taxi in the city through a company like Lockerby Transportation Group is easy and convenient. With 24/7 dispatch service, you can get a taxi to you at any time of the day, offering significant peace of mind.
4. Explore the Local Art
If you’re an art lover, you’ll adore Sudbury. Firstly, the Art Gallery of Sudbury features an eclectic mix of stunning artwork created by Canadian artists, including Indigenous artists. Local history and contemporary art are at the forefront of everything this unique studio does.
If you’re more into street art, you’re in luck – Sudbury has plenty of amazing street murals you can check out around the city. Not only are these murals absolutely gorgeous, but they feature some fun and creative names like “Queer the North” and “Space Monkey.” You can find them all around the city and even sneak an Instagrammable selfie with them. Read the full list of Sudbury’s picturesque murals here.
5. Check Out Iconic Landmarks
Whenever you visit a new city, it’s essential to visit its one-of-a-kind landmarks. It’s an interesting way to absorb the unique history of that given location. One of Sudbury’s greatest landmarks is the Big Nickel. Perhaps the world’s largest coin, this piece stands at roughly nine meters in diameter and weighs a whopping 13,000 kilograms. The Big Nickel sits on a hill and is intended to represent the efforts made by Sudbury’s nickel miners. It is an exact replica of the real currency, exactly as it was designed in 1951. This landmark is an absolute must-see, especially for coin lovers!
6. Observe the Wildlife
From snakes to lizards to birds, you’ll find all sorts of fascinating wildlife at Sudbury’s Northern Exotics. This indoor exhibit is home to over 100 exotic animals that were either rescued or dropped off at the center, making it an extremely ethical zoo. Some of these incredible and beloved animals include a Burmese python, fennec foxes, a porcupine named Priscilla, and squirrel monkeys. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with the kids or you’re just interested in animals, an excursion to Northern Exotics is an absolute necessity when traversing through Sudbury.
7. Head to Science North
Science lovers will rejoice in Sudbury, which houses Science North, an interactive science museum that also happens to be Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction. At Science North, you get to explore the fun side of science with a variety of hands-on exhibits (including a newly renovated third floor Northern Ecosystems exhibit), live animals (including a beaver, a porcupine, and a skunk), a planetarium, an IMAX theater and even more! If you’re traveling to Sudbury, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in a fun and creative environment dedicated entirely to the love of science.
Are you completely sold on a getaway to Sudbury? With this guide, you’ll know exactly how to plan your trip and ensure you get the most out of your experience in this charming Ontarian city. From hiking to dining to landmark sightings, you can rest assured that you’ll never be bored in Sudbury. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning and get packing!
