Witness a nature rehabilitation success story with the active ecosystem revival in Sudbury.
With its incredible ecosystem in revival, Sudbury is a must-visit destination for canoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, camping, fishing, or all of the above. In the late 19th century, extensive nickel mining devastated the natural lands around Sudbury, but for the past 30 years, committed experts have been tirelessly rehabilitating, allowing stunning ecosystems to steadily recover in protected lands. Campers can explore the region’s many provincial parks and conservation areas, enjoying year-round outdoor activities through lush forests, thriving bogs, and clear waterways. Near these protected lands, Sudbury camping includes yurt rentals, creekside campgrounds, and even treehouses.
Daisy Lake Uplands Provincial Park is a natural marvel created to protect a number of recovering ecosystems in the region and is home to important plant species, such as forests of young white birch. Though visitors can’t enter the lands, the lake and nearby waterways allow kayakers and canoers to get a closer look. Paddle around for the day or take an overnight trip to cover the entire region, but be careful not to disturb any of the delicate ecosystems. Unwind for the night at one of the beautiful cabins rentals near Sudbury.
Spanning more than 3,400 hectares of land, Wanapitei Provincial Park is one of the most popular outdoor spots for locals and visitors alike. Wanapitei Lake (the impact crater of an ancient meteorite) features white sand beaches and small stream valleys leading to the main reservoir. Explore rolling rocklands and sandy stretches, take a load off on shore, or get out on the water to explore sporadic small islands. Campers are just a few minutes drive from Sudbury glamping sites or quiet RV parks with full hookups.
On the very edge of the Sudbury Basin (the third-largest impact crater on Earth), Fairbank Provincial Park is a great option for outdoor adventurers of all levels. Sunbathe on the white sand beaches of Fairbank Lake, or paddle a canoe through the crystal clear, spring-fed waters. There is one short but tricky trail which has hikers scrambling up bedrock to reach the panoramic view at the top—expect to see woodpeckers and warblers amongst the boreal forest biome. Fairbank Provincial Park is minutes away from Sudbury waterside camping spots and other unique accommodations.
Camping near Sudbury is great year-round. In winter, there are opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even ice fishing—just be prepared for cold weather (average January lows of -16°C). Fall and spring offer milder temperatures, and present ideal conditions for hikers, hunters, and anglers. Because of the seasonal climate, look at weather and temperature forecasts and pack accordingly. Summer is one of the most popular and crowded times to visit. With July average highs of 25°C, the summer months are a great time to explore Sudbury’s revitalized natural landscape.