Urban delights and scenic sights
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.
Halfway Lake Provincial Park
You’re already halfway there
After your plane from Sault Ste. Marie lands, vote to visit the Colline Parlementaire.
As you stroll through Québec City’s Colline Parlementaire neighbourhood, the historic Hôtel du Parlement dominates the neighbourhood’s skyline. Building begun on this striking structure in 1877, but it wasn’t until 1886 that the Hôtel was completed. With an architectural design based on Paris’ Louvre Palace, this building is one of the few French-style structures in Québec City.
For fine dining on the Hill, sit down for a meal in the splendid beaux-arts style Le Parlementaire Restaurant. Locavores will love the restaurants use of produce and honey grown in Jardins du Parliament, just outside the Hotel.
Aside from these scenic gardens, the grounds of the Hôtel du Parliament house a variety of other points of interest. Throughout the area, a series of 26 bronze statues serve to commemorate some of the province’s most influential figures, from founders, to politicians, to soldiers. Whether it’s dressed in winter decorations or spraying water, the Fontaine de Tourny is a highlight of the hill. Once located in Bordeaux, France, this 19th century fountain was a gift to the city for its 400th anniversary.
In the area surrounding the Hôtel, several more Québec City attractions add to the appeal of this neighbourhood. Step inside the Porte Saint-Louis. First built in the 17th century, this gate into the town has been deconstructed and reconstructed twice over its lifespan. Also nearby, the expansive Parc des Champs-de-Bataille and the Plaines d’Abraham offer unparalleled views of the St. Lawrence River.
For a vista of the whole city, head to the Observatoire de la Capitale. From the top of this 221 metre building, you’ll be able to see the whole city and spot the next stop on your trip from Sault Ste. Marie to Québec City.
Killarney Provincial Park
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.
Getting to Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM)
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.
Transportation
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxi and car service from downtown costs about $45 CAD.
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.
