With 100 lakes crossing the Canadian Shield, the Boreal Shield Ecozone, the Great Lakes Basin and the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, Sudbury is a wildlife lover’s paradise.

But the city boasts much more than its outdoor appeal. From iconic sites to art galleries to heritage museums to a celebration of science— plus fantastic food and drink—Sudbury is one of our new favourite destinations.

1. Art Galle1ry of Sudbury

A stunning turn-of-the-century mansion—and the historic home of a lumber baron—is now the site of a
gallery featuring local, regional, provincial and national works (including by the Group of Seven). Make it an interactive experience for adults and kids alike, and attend a lecture series, take an art class or join a learning excursion.

ARTGALLERYOFSUDBURY.MYSHOPIFY.COM

2. The Big Nickel

A trip to Sudbury would be incomplete without a photo underneath its most iconic landmark. At 13,000 kilograms, the Big Nickel is the largest coin in the world, and represents Sudbury’s importance as a mining town. (In 1915, a whopping 80 percent of the world’s nickel came from Sudbury!) While you’re here, visit the Dynamic Earth science centre next door, and don’t skip the guided tour of an underground mine.

SCIENCENORTH.CA/DYNAMIC-EARTH

3. Science North

This interactive science museum has something for everyone, including unique architecture (two stainless steel snowflake-shaped structures connected by an underground tunnel), a planetarium, an IMAX theatre, a 20-metre-long whale skeleton, and a butterfly gallery with more than 400 species—plus lots of hands-on experiments and demonstrations that make STEM learning lively and fun.

SCIENCENORTH.CA

4. Onaping Falls

From historical hikes to geological tours to urban exploration, Sudbury has a diverse trail network, so pack a picnic, pick your route and go. Our recco? The A.Y. Jackson two-kilometre trail, which culminates in a breathtaking lookout over the cascading Onaping Falls. Fun fact: Though this stunning site was famously immortalized by the Group of Seven artist, this painting was stolen in 1974 and its whereabouts remain a mystery today.

ONTARIOTRAILS. ON.CA; RAINBOWROUTES.COM/AY-JACKSON

5. Stack Brewing

Enjoy a drink and a bite at Stack Brewing, one of Northern Ontario’s first craft breweries, known across Ontario for its award-winning beers. From wild flavours like spicy Grando Piquante to the crisp light Nickel City lager, your best bet is to order a flight to sample a few alongside a delicious meal. STACKBREWING.CA

6. Crosscut Distillery

If beer’s not your bag—or if you want to continue the festive tastings—hop across the road to Crosscut Distillery for small-batch classics like vodka, gin and whisky. While you’re here, be sure to try one of the specials, such as tea or mocha liqueur, and, wait for it… peppered bacon vodka. Planning your trip yet?

CROSSCUTDISTILLERY.CA

7. Kivi Park

Bask in the biodiversity of the Boreal Forest at this 480-acre adventure park oasis on the outskirts of the city. Here, you’ll find activities for every season. In winter, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or skate the new 1.3-kilometre skating path (with warming cabins along the way). In summer, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, swim— or even join a pickup game on the soccer field or basketball court. Of course, you can hike, bike and fat bike the winding trails all year long. Whatever you choose to do, on-site equipment rentals will make it an easy endeavour! KIVIPARK.COM

8. Heritage Museums

History lovers shouldn’t miss visiting the heritage museums throughout the Greater Sudbury Area: The Flour Mill Museum (showcasing the history of the city’s Franco-Ontarian community), the Rayside-Balfour Museum (celebrating the region’s agricultural roots), the Copper Cliff Museum (housed in a turn-of-the-century log building and detailing the day-to-day life of a miner’s family), the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum & Heritage Centre (for train and history lovers alike), and the Anderson Farm Museum (where you can see what life was like on a 1920s dairy farm).

FACEBOOK.COM/SUDBURYMUSEUMS; NORMHC.CA