Sudbury is known far and wide for the iconic Big Nickel and the Superstack that are reminiscent of the copper and nickel mining industries that thrived in the area for decades. In fact, it is estimated that there are 5,000 kilometres of mining tunnels beneath the community that were created from days gone by. Being the largest city in Northern Ontario, the city enjoys a diverse population and amenities similarly found in other large urban areas. It also offers a variety of unique points of interest that remain popular with many all year round, which means there are many things to do in Sudbury. Check out these four we found for you.
Science North
The facility remains Ontario's most visited attraction and serves as a fascinating educational resource for guests of all ages. Through a variety of demonstrations, exhibits and interactive displays, Science North strives to explore the world and offer insight into topics spanning from biology to technology. On the topic of biology, exhibits provide the chance to learn more about plants, animals and insects through an outdoor forest, garden and live insect and animal presentations. One designated enclosed area houses hundreds of butterfly species from around the world and offers a glimpse into the rare transformation that the insect undergoes until it finally emerges from a chrysalis into a butterfly. A honey bee colony enables guests to see the bees at work and explains the processes involved in locating nectar, making honey, caring for larvae and the queen. Visitors are also introduced to a resident porcupine, skunk and screech owls.
Among the other subjects presented include space exploration, planet discovery and the equipment used. Physics exhibits explain the concepts of gravity, particle movement and wave formation. The facility also houses an IMAX theatre and a planetarium.
Dynamic Earth
Though located across town, the geological museum is a part of the Science North facility. The museum began in order to educate the public concerning mining operations and the mining history that dates back to the 1850s. As such, visitors have the chance to travel deep underground through a series of tunnels to learn about the process and come face-to-face with the array of common equipment needed to unearth the metals. Back in the museum, guests learn more about modern mining technology via interactive simulators, geological monitors, audio/visual displays and the chance to operate a rock breaker. A flowing water stream allows visitors to experience panning for gold and a mineral wall features mineral and rock formations found around the world. Multi-media presentations in the theatres present movies about caves, an explanation of geological formations and an in depth view of copper and nickel mining and processing. The museum also regularly hosts a variety of temporary exhibits that include "Dinosaurs Unearthed," which involves a number of animated life-sized replications in addition to displaying an exhibit of various fossils and bones.
Great Spirit Circle Trail
Explore the culture and history of the Native American peoples on Manitoulin Island. Here, the Anishnawbek people offer many different cultural experiences that last anywhere from a few hours to a number of days. Guides offer tours by foot, bike, horseback or canoe around the region while sharing stories of their ancestors and way of life. Take in the spectacular views of the landscape while on guided canoe tours that retrace the routes traveled centuries ago. Medicine tours offer guests the chance to learn about the various plants used in meals and as remedies. Indulge in a meal made of traditional foods or participate in a craft-making class, make a fire without modern day methods or construct a wigwam. Accommodation options range from authentic teepees to refined hotels and lodges. The community also features many different galleries and shops. The activities and events presented are appropriate for guests of all ages.
Sudbury Downs
Anyone 19 and older looking to challenge their luck might venture over to the local casino. The facility presents live harness racing two times a week from May to November and once on Sundays from July to August. Other races are broadcast year round courtesy of the Downs' theatre. The venue also has more than 300 slot machines featuring a large selection of games that span the gamut from blackjack to poker. Guests may win or lose a few cents on the penny slots or much more on machines taking larger bets. In the summer, the casino also hosts weekly concerts as part of their "Stars Under the Stars" program, which includes an array of celebrity entertainment spanning from comedic performances to live music.
From the bustling downtown area to the scenic views from the tops of the hills over the lakes, there is no reason to be bored in this community. Sudbury is also unique in its many topographical features that include forests, hills and 330 freshwater lakes, which serve as ideal locations for numerous recreation options for the outdoor enthusiast.
Leave A Comment