I grew up in Sudbury, Ontario. I remember countless summer days blueberry picking, swimming in Ramsay Lake and day trips to Killarney and Windy Lake. When we moved I didn’t know that a lot of people called Sudbury the “moon”. I didn’t understand why. The Sudbury I knew was lush and green and full of life – what was so moon like about it?
When I asked my parents why people called Sudbury the moon they told me it was because Sudbury is a mining town and before the “Superstack” was built in the early 1970’s sulphuric acid caused a lot of environmental problems and killed a lot of vegetation. I have since even heard rumours that NASA practiced moon landings in Sudbury. In truth, they were therein the 1970’s to conduct geological studies.
Since moving from Sudbury, I have gone back at least twice a year to visit with family and friends. Every time I am there, I am impressed by the city’s growth and increasing beauty. Where else can you find a major city built around a thriving and beautiful lake?
I encourage people to head to Northern Ontario this summer and explore its natural beauty as well as unique tourist attractions. Sudbury is more than just a mining town (although The Big Nickel and Dynamic Earth are very cool to see as a kid – you can travel underground! You’ll be amazed at how cool it is down there.)
If indoor attractions appeal to you be sure to check out Science North. It not only has fun and hands on science exhibits, but has an IMAX theatre, an impressive butterfly exhibit and offers great views of picturesque Ramsay Lake.
If you are looking for a great place to camp Samuel de Champlain and Driftwood Provincial Parks are beyond beautiful, or if you are looking for a great beach to settle into for the day check out Moonlight Beach or Bell Park in Sudbury. An evening stroll along Ramsay Lake’s boardwalk is sure to be the highlight of your day. The boardwalk runs 2 km in length and connects Bell Park with Science North with plenty of benches to take in the beautiful views along the way.
And while you are there be sure to stop at Deluxe Hamburgers. This restaurant may not seem like much from the outside (there are three of them in the Sudbury area), but they have the best chicken burger and French fries (make sure to get their gravy – it is unlike anything else I have ever tasted). It has been around since the 1960s and to be honest I don’t think they have renovated them since then (and I hope they never do!) What’s best is that at one location there is a McDonald’s across the street, yet The Deluxe continues to thrive on good food and great service. My dad goes there for the milk shakes, my grandfather for their onion rings – I go for all of it! So good, I can taste it as I type.
In any case, I am writing this so no one dismisses Sudbury when thinking of a great summer vacation destination. It’s only six hours by car – and I recently drove it by myself with my four year old, which was easy-peasy. It’s a friendly town filled with lots of great outdoor things to do and with great people too (and I’m not just saying that because a lot of my friends and family still live there).
sounds like a wonderful experience, the lake does look beautiful
I love Sudbury. We go to shop and relax. I remember not that long ago that the vegetation was still dead and we did use to call it the moon. But now, they have fixed everything and it is all green. It is just going to get greener and more lush as time goes by. 🙂 They did a wonderful job at restoring the land. I think all mines should do that. LOved you post. I am 4 hours north of Sudbury.
The building is built into the rocks, and that alone is interesting to explore. Lots of variety in the exhibits that will be fun for kids of all ages. I have been taking my nephew and grand kids for years and their favourite activities change as they gt older. Many new exhibits and activities have been added. There is a cafeteria, but unfortunately the food is overpriced, but if you are there in the summer you can eat outside and enjoy the lake. At the exhibits be sure to talk to the “Bluecoats” as they are very knowledgeable. Find out when feeding time is for many of the animals so that your kids can take part. Young boys and their dads will get stuck in the Lego race car activity, but try to move them on as there is so much more to see. Be sure to also take in Dynamic Earth.
The lake looks beautiful,maybe some day I will visit
I’ve driven through Sudbury, many years ago but don’t remember anything about it (age & time do that). It certainly looks like a lovely spot these days and well worth a visit from what I’ve read.
Loved this comment from Lana Q. Mcintosh “Young boys and their dads will get stuck in the Lego race car activity, but try to move them on…” That would be my son and grandson I’m sure 🙂
My mother has a cottage near Sudbury and I have so many memories from when I was a kid. It’s so beautiful up there and I love going up every year.
I’d love to visit Deluxe Hamburgers to try their special food! We are pretty close!