At the heart of the beautiful Northern Ontario
Mention Sudbury to most people outside Canada and they won't have heard of it, or they'll think you're talking about Sudbury, England. Canada's Sudbury lies at the heart of the beautiful Northern Ontario region, 200 miles north of Toronto and 250 west of Ottawa. With a population of around 165,000, the Greater Sudbury of City, to give it its official title, is the largest city in North-eastern Ontario, and has the largest French speaking community in Canada outside of Quebec.
In the past Sudbury has suffered from a reputation as a grim mining town. The anecdote most often quoted is that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin used Sudbury's barren, rocky landscape to train for their moonwalk. 'You're moving where?' we were often asked in horrified tones, on telling Canadians 'down south' of our plans to live here. This makes us laugh, because the Sudbury of today is so different from that outdated image.
If you visit Sudbury now, you'll find a vibrant, growing city that is home to some of the most genuine, friendly people you will find in Canada. Mining is still the primary industry here, but backed up a large education sector and good IT infrastructure for businesses. New shops, hotels and housing are springing up everywhere just at the moment. The landscape has changed too, with millions of trees planted over the last few decades and Sudbury has won many national and international environmental awards.
Science North
Sudbury's biggest tourist attraction, Science North, is also an award winner. The distinctive snowflake shaped building, open year-round, is situated in one of the most scenic parts of the city, right next to Ramsay Lake. Much more than just a science museum, it's known for its innovative approach to science education and its interactive, hands-on displays. Children especially will enjoy Science North, but even you don't have children, it's definitely worth a visit.
I'd suggest allowing at least half a day for your visit, perhaps more, as there's plenty here to keep you occupied. In the Science Centre, you'll find snakes, porcupines, beavers and even a flying squirrel, with expert staff on hand to answer all your questions. There's also a Butterfly Gallery, which has over 400 different types of free flying tropical butterflies.
If the thought of all that wildlife makes you a little nervous, you could take a virtual journey into outer space on the Virtual Voyages Motion Simulator Ride instead, or experience what it feels like to fly in a bush plane, in Science North's 3D theatre presentation 'Wings Over The North.'
As well as the permanent attractions, Science North also offers a range of changing exhibitions, the latest of which is known as 'Grossology.' The name will give you a strong clue as to the contents of this one! Termed 'the impolite science of the human body,' it features interactive displays and games that answer all the most disgusting questions that children could possibly ask about the human body.
Imax
Science North is also home to an IMAX theatre,
with a 26m by 20m screen and 7600 watts of surround sound. I haven't
yet been to one of their films, but I'm told it's a pretty
amazing experience. Special IMAX dinner packages are available in
conjunction with Landings restaurant, based within the Science North
building and overlooking the lake. I've eaten here several times, so
can definitely recommend it. Vegetarian options and children's meals
are available. If you'd prefer something a bit less formal, try the
Mega Bites Food Court.If you have time, you can take a leisurely cruise of Ramsey Lake on board the Cortina. Cruises are an hour long and run from June till the end of September. Or go for a stroll along the lakeside in beautiful Bell Park. This is very popular with Sudbury residents, and on Sunday afternoons expect to see a steady stream of families and dog walkers.
Another Science North attraction definitely worth a visit is Dynamic Earth. This is an interactive earth sciences centre, focusing on the history of geology and mining up to the present day. Just a short drive from Science North, it's open from March to October and is also home to the famous Big Nickel, a nine-metre high commemorative five-cent piece. Visit the Science North website for information on opening times and admission prices. They offer a package deal called the Dynamic Duo passport. This gives you access to both Science North and Dynamic Earth over three consecutive days, allowing you to make the very most of your visit.
If all this sounds just a bit too
hectic, just a 2-hour drive from Sudbury is the beautiful provincial park of Killarney), to me one of
the most special places in the world. It's not known as the
'jewel in the crown' of Ontario's parks for nothing and has
some of the most stunning scenery you'll find anywhere in the
province. Canada's most famous artists, known as the Group of seven,
visited Killarney regularly, and many of their paintings feature Killarney
landscapes with the distinctive La Cloche mountain range in the background.
If you love painting, hiking, swimming, canoeing, or just enjoy taking in
breathtaking scenery, make sure you include a visit to Killarney in your
holiday itinerary. So next time you're in Ontario, think beyond Toronto and Niagara Falls. Why not try something different and head north?
Photos of Science North courtesy of Sudbury Tourism. www.sudburytourism.ca
Hilary Stokes emigrated from the UK to Canada in December 2005 and lives just outside Sudbury. She now runs True Canada, a source of free, independent information for new and would-be Canadian immigrants.
Article Written By
Hilary Stokes
Last Updated: Wednesday 5th April 2006 -
6:18pm BST
United States Edition