Scenic sites and urban delights
Catch a flight from Thunder Bay to Sudbury for an excursion to the city’s alluring festivals and thrilling outdoor adventures.
Founded in 1972, the Northern Lights Festival Boréal brings together the eclectic sounds of renowned Canadian musicians. Concerts are held in Sudbury’s historic Bell Park, where the tunes pay homage to the glory days of 1960s counterculture.
There is also an undeniable energy at the River and Sky Music and Camping Festival. Set your tent up before heading to the concerts at this Sudbury festival. Combining the rhythms of indie music with a sublime camping experience, this event is one of the many reasons to fly from Thunder Bay to Sudbury.
Many of the talented acts gracing the stage are emerging artists from Northern Ontario. You may be one of the first to see a breathtaking performance from a rising star. For a different kind of stargazing, the open night sky at the camping ground is perfect for an evening of admiring the constellations.
While many of these events unfold during the warm summer months, there are still plenty of things to do in Sudbury during winter. Snowmobiling in Sudbury isn’t just a quick means of getting around, but a way of life for motorsport fans.
Howl along the Chiniguchi Wolf Loop near Sudbury’s Wolf Lake on your snowmobile. Speed through the red-pine woods of the Wolf Lake Forest Preserve, and keep an eye open for the park’s abundant wildlife.
Near downtown Sudbury, you can glide down the slopes of Adanac Ski Hill. When you need a break, just drop into the ski hill’s snug chalet for a break and hot beverage.
Get ready for a mountain of fun when you fly to Sudbury from Thunder Bay.
Bell Park
A rock solid past and present
Swing by Bell Park for an inspiring dose of history, culture, and art following your flight from Thunder Bay to Sudbury.
Make your first stop the riveting Science North. You’ll get lost in this world of wonder, with levels that explore themes of nature, space, and science. Stop by the Fossil Table for a summary of Manitoulin Island’s continental shift from the equator to an island in Northern Ontario.
Other areas in this multi-leveled museum are sure to pique your interest. Nearly 400 tropical butterflies flutter through the F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery on the second floor. Move up a level to the third floor and try on the museum’s wearable moose antlers before heading back to Thunder Bay.
From Science North, step onto the Bell Park Boardwalk for a scenic stroll along Lake Ramsey. Rocking through the air are the tunes from concerts at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre at Bell Park. Year-round, this alfresco venue hosts shows that bring the community together. Bring your dancing shoes for a quick two-step at the Northern Lights Boréal Festival, which takes place in the fall.
Near the park, the former mansion of 19th century businessman William J. Bell serves as both a Sudbury landmark and home to the Art Gallery of Sudbury.
Inside, the once decadent hallways are decorated with the contemporary artwork of local artists. Explore the ever-changing exhibits showcasing the Sudbury wilderness in gripping photography and aboriginal sculptures.
Peruse the gallery’s gift shop for a handcrafted souvenir to bring home when you fly back to Thunder Bay.
Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park
A stack of memories
The industrial charm of Sudbury’s Copper Cliff neighbourhood is owed to the mines that dot the surrounding area. Rise above the residential roof tops and brick towers of copper smelters with a flight from Thunder Bay to Sudbury.
A giant reminder of Copper Cliff’s mining heritage, the Inco Superstack is one of the world’s tallest freestanding structures. At an impressive 1,250 feet, you can see the tower from miles away before passing by the commercial site. The area shares a bittersweet relationship with the monument, locally known as the Sudbury Superstack.
Burrow deeper into Sudbury’s mining history on a tour of nearby Dynamic Earth. Learn about the enthralling process of turning nickel and copper ores into more refined metals. GeoTours are also available in PDF or on your tablet to guide you around Copper Cliff’s mines and smelters. The GeoTours are created as a free resource by geoscientists from organizations throughout Northern Ontario.
Take a self-guided tour at the Copper Cliff Museum. One of the area’s heritage log buildings, the former residence of an early Sudbury miner houses the museum. Get the authentic feeling of how life was on the Northern Ontario frontier in this retro-fitted home.
Step onto the modern streets of Copper Cliff and dash over to its Little Italy district for a bite. Serving the community since 1934, you had better mind your manners at the Copper Cliff Italian Club. Dig into the sumptuous bowls of spaghetti and meatballs or sample the club’s celebrated lasagna.
Fly from Thunder Bay to Sudbury to experience Northern Ontario mining history and delicious Italian aromas drifting through the air in Copper Cliff.
How to get to Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in departures, near security checkpoint A.
Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is about 5 km / 3 mi from downtown Thunder Bay.
Transportation to Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT)
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxis from downtown cost about $30 CAD. Car service costs about $85 CAD.
Several hotels offer complimentary shuttle bus service to the airport.
Take the Thunder Bay Transit 3 Memorial / Airport bus to the airport stop. The fare is $2.65 CAD.
Thunder Bay International Airport Parking
Driving to Thunder Bay International Airport? The airport provides 100 short term spaces at $3.25 per hour and 50 cents for each additional 10 minutes, and 400 long term spaces at $14 per day or $98 per week.
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.
