Urban comforts and scenic surroundings
Explore the city or the wilderness with flights from Chicago to Sudbury.
With a rich nickel mining history tracing back to the 19th century, Sudbury is now more renowned for its natural beauty than natural resources. In this bustling Northern Ontario city, you can explore the best of Canada’s great outdoors from the comfort of an urban centre.
At Dynamic Earth, Sudbury’s mining history is unearthed. After learning all about the nickel extraction process, you can see one of its most famous products, the Big Nickel. This 9-metre coin outside the museum is a landmark of this mining metropolis. A few minutes away is Science North. The science centre is not just one of the best places to visit in Sudbury; it’s also the most popular attraction in Northern Ontario.
If you get inspired by Science North’s Legends of the Great Lakes Exhibits, explore some of Sudbury’s own excellent lakes. From the large Wanapitei Lake to the birding destination of Lake Kelly, each of Sudbury’s surrounding bodies of water has its own character. At the centre of the city, Ramsey Lake hosts sailing, swimming, and skating, all just minutes away from downtown.
Within the urban green space of Bell Park is the Art Gallery of Sudbury, housed in the turn of the century mansion of timber baron William J. Bell. With works by famed Canadian artists A. Y. Jackson, Arthur Lismer and Norval Morrisseau, this art gallery frames the natural landscapes surrounding Sudbury. Gain a whole new appreciation for the region’s natural beauty before flying back to Chicago with a visit to this gallery.
Killarney Provincial Park
Pretty as a picture
After your flight from Chicago arrives in Sudbury, set out for the picturesque landscape of Killarney Provincial Park.
This scenic escape served as inspiration for several members of the famed Canadian painting group, The Group of Seven. Artists A. J. Casson, Franklin Carmichael, and A. Y. Jackson were so taken by the landscapes that they worked to persuade the Ontario government to designate the area as a provincial park. With 645 square km of evergreen pines, blue lakes, and pink granite, the palette of this park continues to inspire visitors.
Head into the park’s awe-inspiring wilderness with a hike along one of the many trails that trace through Killarney. With rough terrain and rocky ground, these trails are great for trekkers looking for a challenge. Georgian Bay’s windswept scenery is the star of the 3 km Chikanishing Trail. If you have ten days to spare, take the 80 km La Cloche-Silhouette Trail on a loop through rugged woodlands and wetlands.
After exploring the park on foot, pick up a paddle to see Killarney from the water. With an extensive backcountry and almost 200 campsites spread across 50 lakes, this provincial park offers kayak and canoe paths that take from a day to more than a week to conquer. The clear, deep waters of these lakes sit alongside the white quartzite slopes of the La Cloche Mountains, for amazing views on every route.
When the water gets colder, Killarney’s winter-only activities begin. Parts of the park are only accessible in the winter along 33 km of seasonal trails. Suit up with a pair of cross-country skis and glide through the Collins Inlet Trail, past towering pines and frozen marshland or by bogs and onto lakes on the Freeland Trail.
Before you head back to Sudbury, be sure to visit the Village of Killarney. This historic village dates back to 1820, beginning as a post for fur traders. For a taste of the local character, have the catch of the day at Herbert Fisheries, which specializes in fish and chips. After a meal at this classic Killarney restaurant, you’ll be left with memories to savour long after you’ve returned to Chicago.
Bell Park
The heart of Sudbury’s arts and culture
With the perfect balance of culture and nature, Bell Park can benefit any trip from Chicago.
Timber baron William J. Bell gives his name to this neighbourhood. One of Sudbury’s oldest areas, Bell Park is filled with historic homes and some of the best things to do in Sudbury.
Bell Park’s beaches and boardwalks line the shores of Ramsey Lake, making strolling and swimming a breeze. When the temperature drops, Ramsey Lake becomes a skating rink, with a skateway on the shoreline. Whether you’re cooling off after a long walk or taking to the ice on a cold day, you’ll always find great Bell Park activities on Ramsey Lake.
Away from the water, the sounds of outdoor concerts surround the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre. Throughout the summer, this amphitheatre works with the other music venues in Bell Park to produce the Peter Schneider Concert Series.
The legacy of William J. Bell is carried on elsewhere in the Bell Park neighbourhood. Bell’s own mansion now houses the Art Gallery of Sudbury, framing artworks in a turn of the century structure. The gallery’s cultural events, lectures, and exhibits add colour to this Sudbury area.
Before you head back to Chicago, be sure to make a stop at Science North. This interactive museum is filled with exhibits designed to educate visitors on the world they live in and inspire curiosity. Try a pair of moose antlers on for size or, if you’re feeling brave, get hands-on with exotic bugs, in this spectacular science museum.
As you leave Science North, keep an eye out for the Northern Forest display. This outdoor exhibit provides a snapshot of the area’s surrounding ecosystem, which you’ll see in and around the city as you explore Sudbury.
Getting to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in concourse A.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is about 9 km / 6 mi from downtown Chicago.
Transportation
The Go Airport Express shuttle bus provides service to the airport from downtown. The fare is $27 USD.
Taxis from downtown cost about $20 USD per person. Car service is available.
Take the Chicago Transit Authority orange line train from the Midway stop. The fare is $2.50 USD.
Car rental services are available at Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Take the shuttle to the rental car area from the pick-up location at door 3 of the lower level, near the baggage claim area.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Uber and Lyft pickup is available at Chicago Midway Airport. To find your ride, exit at the baggage claims level, exit through door 4, and cross the street. Fares from MDW to downtown Chicago start at $23.
Chicago Midway International Airport Parking
Driving to Chicago Midway International Airport? There are many parking options at Chicago Airport. There are two economy parking lots with a rate of $2 USD for 30 minutes, $5 USD for 30 minutes to an hour, and a maximum of $15 USD for 24 hours. Or, choose the terminal garage, which offers hourly or daily rates. The daily lot has a 24-hour rate of $30 USD and is a long-term lot. You may also reserve a parking space ahead of time for a fee of $10 USD per space, per day.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Landing in Sudbury
Greater Sudbury Airport (YSB) is about 19 km / 12 mi from downtown Sudbury.
Transportation
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.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
