Make An Awesome Day Trip to Sudbury from North Bay

Coming to Skater's Edge Source for Sports to stock up on gear for the hockey (including goalies), ringette, baseball, soccer, or lacrosse players in your family?

Here are our suggestions to see, shop & taste the best of what Sudbury has to offer.

Turn a simple gear shop run into an unforgettable family adventure: leaving early, filling your cart with the best hockey skates, sticks, and gear, then exploring Sudbury’s top attractions.

1. Morning: Gear Up at Skater’s Edge Source for Sports

Northern Ontario's largest selection of hockey & goalie gear. From skates to hockey sticks to pants and goalie pads, you'll find everything you need.

Address & Parking Tips

1338 Kingsway, Unit 1, Sudbury, ON P3B 0A3

• Free parking right out front, ideal for large vans or hockey families. We often get full teams visiting in chartered buses and we have plenty of parking for them too.
• Wide aisles let you push a stroller or carry multiple items at once.

In-Store Demos & Pro Tips

• Shop over 500 unique products: hockey sticks, skates, goalie pads, and youth pants.
• Yes, you can order ahead online. Don't want to come into town without knowing that your favorite sticks are in stock? Choose the products you know you need on our site, click the “add to cart” button, and choose "pick-up in store" at checkout. Then when you visit, you can also shop other items you might need, like hockey skates and stick options.
• Custom fitting available via Bauer FitLab: our staff sharpen skates, re-palm hockey gloves, and adjust your gear on site.
• Insider tip: Arrive by 10 am on weekdays to beat the rush and get one-on-one advice with no waiting.

Need help? Email support@skatersedge.ca for demo requests before you arrive.

2. Late Morning: Hands-On Science at Science North & Dynamic Earth

Science North

Photo courtesy of Holly Cawfield

Can’t-Miss Exhibits

• Science North offers interactive labs, IMAX shows, Nature Exchange, and F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery.
• Fun for families: discuss brand-new science-themed exhibitions, while your kids test their balance on climbing walls.

Underground Mine Tour

• The Dynamic Earth mine tour (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes) features real mining demonstrations and a cool 13 °C underground tunnel, an exciting and refreshing escape from the summer heat.
• At Lapidary Lab, kids can craft their own polished rock creation and take it home as a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Timing: Budget 2–3 hours here to fully enjoy products in your mind’s cart of experiences.

3. Lunch Break: Café Eats or Bell Park Picnic

Family-Friendly Cafés

• Science North Café: Quick bites, kids’ meal deals, and burgers to feed an entire hockey team.
• Twiggs Coffee Roasters: Fresh pastries, light sandwiches, and a shady patio, great for a club meet-up.

Picnic at Bell Park

• Elizabeth St. boardwalk offers picnic tables, playgrounds, and a splash pad.
• Pack a snack and shop local treats en route, then close out your pit stop by walking the 2 km lakefront loop.

4. Early Afternoon: Burn Energy at KUPP Centre

KUPP Centre

Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor

Play, Tag, VR & Mini-Putt

• Three-level play structure for tots and tweens.
• Laser tag (ages 7+, 42 inches min), VR escapes (ages 8+), and glow mini-putt, all under one roof.
• Group rates available: book as a team or party in advance.

Timing: 1–2 hours to order fun and burn off lunch calories.

5. Mid-Afternoon: Lakeside Stroll

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

• Return to Bell Park boardwalk for a relaxing 45 min–1 hr stroll.
• Snap photos of Ramsey Lake, feed ducks, or dip toes. No button needed, just your camera.

6. Bonus Detour: A.Y. Jackson Lookout & Onaping Falls

• Drive 35 min north on Hwy 144 to A.Y. Jackson Lookout.
• Hike rugged 0.5–2 km trails (best for older kids) or enjoy the stroller-friendly falls view.
• Allow 1–1.5 hours for walks, pics, and a quick picnic.

7. Sweet Finish: Ice Cream & Treats

Photo courtesy of Yelp

• Flurples: Vegan soft-serve with pup cones and murals, ideal for allergy-friendly families.
• Beards Coffee Bar & Bakery: Cupcakes, pastries, and coffee, perfect close to your day.
• Papaya Pops: Fresh-fruit popsicles at the Farmers Market or Chelmsford shop.

8. Logistics & Planning Tips

Departure & Return

• Depart: 6:30–7 am to reach Skater’s Edge by 10 am.
• Head home: By 5 pm to return around 9 pm, enough daylight for safe driving.

Drive Times & Routing

• Travel Time to from the bay to Skater’s Edge: ~3 hr 45 min via Hwy 17.
• Within Sudbury: Most stops are 8–12 min apart; A.Y. Jackson is 35–40 min north.

Rest Stops & Comfort

• Break at Sturgeon Falls or Warren for washrooms and snacks.
• All venues offer washrooms, seating, and stroller access.
• Bring light jackets for underground tours and forest hikes.

Ready to go? Bookmark this page, add your favorite items to your cart, hit the order button, and get set for a Sudbury day trip that scores on gear, fun, and family memories!