Fly from Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury to experience a bustling city surrounded by scenic landscapes.
The largest city in Northern Ontario, Sudbury is an urban centre with access to endless outdoor adventures. With so many things to do in both the city and the wilderness, Sudbury combines cosmopolitan comfort with boundless natural beauty.
While Sudbury is now better known for its natural beauty, it was once famed for its natural resources. Uncover Sudbury’s nickel mining history in the Dynamic Earth Museum, which houses exhibits on earth science and mining. Outside this museum, the infamous 9-metre tall Big Nickel stands as a shining symbol of the city.
If you’re in the mood for more local history, make your way to the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum, where you can follow the tracks of the region’s locomotive past. Northern Ontario’s most popular attraction, Science North, features interactive and informative displays. Gaze into the cosmos at the planetarium, or lay back and relax on a bed of nails in this innovative educational institution.
As you exit Science North, you’ll pass through the Northern Forest exhibit, which exemplifies the ecosystems surrounding the city. Get a closer look at these species in Sudbury’s neighbouring provincial parks. With Windy Lake, Fairbank, and Halfway Lake Provincial Parks all nearby, you’ll have your pick of places to explore.
If you prefer to stay in the city, venture into one of Sudbury’s many urban green spaces.
Hike your way through the trails of Lake Laurentian Conservation Area or skate, sail, and swim across Ramsey Lake. Walk the shores of Sudbury’s central lake along the Bell Boardwalk, located in Bell Park.
Bell Park is home to the historic house of lumber baron William J. Bell. This turn of the century structure houses the Art Gallery of Sudbury, making this stately mansion your window into the history of Sudbury’s arts scene. Combine nature and culture on your trip from Sault Ste. Marie with an afternoon in this art gallery.
After your plane from Sault Ste. Marie lands, take to the water in Halfway Lake Provincial Park.
Get the full Halfway Lake experience with a day on the water. Make your way to the middle of Halfway Lake and drop a line to fish for species like trout, northern pike, and walleye. On the shores, a long stretch of sandy beach leads to an excellent swimming spot for when you’re looking to cool off during your visit.
Canoe routes cut through the park, spanning a system of lakes that covers the 5,142 hectare area. When you canoe through the Two Narrows Canoe Route, you’ll pass by glacial-formed geological features and forests of poplar, jack pine, and white birch trees. The Antrim Canoe Route leads to views of the towering cliffs and the sandy shores of nearby beaches.
Put down the paddle and pick up the pace on one of Halfway Lake’s hiking paths. The Echo Pond Trail runs along a moderately challenging route, with opportunities to spot both moose and mink in the wetlands of Echo Pond.
For an even bigger challenge, step onto the Hawk Ridge Trail. This eight-hour trail demands a day to completely traverse its difficult terrain. Travel deep into the heart of the park to find Lost Lake, and a series of cliffs overlooking the park below.
As you explore Halfway Lake, be on the lookout for the area’s avian inhabitants. Osprey, eagles, and woodpeckers make their homes in the park. Keep your ears open for the songs of yellow warblers and the pecking of pileated woodpeckers that echo through the park.
Take a trip to the Halfway Lake Provincial Park Visitor Centre to learn more about these high-flying animals before boarding your flight back to Sault Ste. Marie.
Pretty as a picture
Set off for the picturesque landscapes of Killarney Provincial Park to make the most of your trip from Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury.
The scenic landscapes of this park have inspired some of Canada’s most famous artists, including members of The Group of Seven. Artists AY Jackson, Franklin Carmichael, and AJ Casson all felt such a strong connection with the scenery that they petitioned the Ontario government to convert the area into a Provincial Park. Over the course of its almost 50,000 hectares, blue lakes, pink granite, and evergreen woods contribute to the park’s colourful palette.
Hike through this inspiring scenery along the park’s hiking paths. Trekking Killarney’s trails, you’ll find yourself on challenging paths of rocky ground and rough terrain. The windswept landscape surrounding Georgian Bay shines on the Chikanishing Trail, which features interpretive signs explaining the history of the area. For a tougher trek, take the La Cloche-Silhouette Trail, along an 80 km rough of rugged wetland and woodland paths.
Once you’ve worked your way through Killarney on foot, take to the water for a new perspective on the park. An extensive backcountry canoeing area runs through a system of 50 lakes. Whether you only spend an afternoon on the water, or venture out for a weeklong trip, you’re sure to enjoy forging your way through these amazing waterways. With deep, clear water and quartzite slopes on either side, every trail will take you through the scenic route.
When the temperature drops, Killarney’s cold weather activities heat up. In the winter, 33 km of seasonal paths open up parts of the park that are inaccessible in the summer months. Glide along on cross-country skis through frozen marshes and towering pines on the Collins Inlet Trail, or ski the Freeland Trail that takes you through a frozen lake and bog.
Before returning to Sault Ste. Marie, be sure to make a stop at the historic Village of Killarney. Two centuries of history infuse this town with an enchanting atmosphere. Once a fur trading post, Killarney is now a favourite stop for visitors to the region. Taste a classic Killarney treat at Herbert Fisheries, where fish and chips are always made with the catch of the day. This charming restaurant will leave you with memories to savour long after you’ve flown back to Sault Ste. Marie.
Fly from Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM) to Greater Sudbury Airport (YSB), with a quick connection in Toronto. Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury flight time is 2 hours and 20 minutes on average. Connection times vary. The distance from Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury is around 865 km / 840 mi.
Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks along the way.
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM) is about 19 km / 12 mi from downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxi and car service from downtown costs about $45 CAD.
Greater Sudbury Airport (YSB) is about 19 km / 12 mi from downtown Sudbury.
Car rental services are available in the arrivals area of Greater Sudbury Airport (YSB).
Taxis to downtown cost about $55 CAD. Car service costs about $75 CAD.
The Sudbury Cab shuttle provides service from the airport from downtown.