Science North, Sudbury: Hours, Address, Science North Reviews: 4.5/5
Science North
Science North
4.5
About
Let your imagination soar at Science North! Explore the fun side of science in your everyday life at Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction. A newly designed and renovated 3rd floor Northern Ecosystems exhibit gets you up close to our resident beaver, porcupine, skunk and much more! Visit the new nocturnal room and see what flying squirrels and bats do at night! Don't miss live science shows, special exhibits, IMAX(R) 3D, the digital Planetarium, the F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery, and four floors of interactive science experiences.
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
188 within 5 kms

The Patio
6
0.1 kmCanadian
Rock Garden Cafe
1
0.3 km
Tim Hortons
1
0.5 km

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
333
0.9 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • American • Canadian

Tony V's Pizza & Restaurant
114
1.3 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Italian • Pizza • Canadian

Pizza Joint
20
1.2 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Italian • Pizza • Fast Food

M & D'S Poutine Palace
9
1.1 km₱ • Canadian

JD Southern Smokehouse
15
1.3 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Barbecue • Canadian
The Twisted Potato
6
1.3 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Canadian • Cambodian

Vespa Street Kitchen
46
1.4 km₱ • Quick Bites • Fast Food • Canadian
Attractions
37 within 10 kms

Bell Park
50
0.1 kmBodies of Water • Beaches

Bell Park Walkway / Boardwalk
452
1.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks

Big Nickel & Dynamic Earth
728
3.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Sudbury Symphony Orchestra
1
0.9 kmSymphonies

Griffith Island Lighthouse
1
1.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
53
1.9 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Art Gallery of Sudbury
17
1.4 kmArt Galleries

Sudbury Theatre Centre
29
1.9 kmTheaters

Bay Used Books
27
2.4 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Sudbury Community Arena
31
1.8 kmArenas & Stadiums
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
921 reviews
Excellent
595
Very good
262
Average
52
Poor
9
Terrible
4
BMartin
Ontario, Canada19 contributions
Family
Kids had a good time but I think if it had not been for the virtual reality area, they would have gotten bored. Found it tricky to time everything to see it all. Blue coats well very knowledgeable. Planetarium was amazing, wish it was longer! We did not eat there, we were told the food left a lot to be desired and therefore packed food. I couldn’t even buy a coffee there. Good selections were slim and expensive. Basically warm
Pizza or a day old sandwich. Pack a lunch.
Pizza or a day old sandwich. Pack a lunch.
Written 18 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alrae T
2 contributions
Wonderful experience. I was fascinated by Science North. It is built into the hill side and each level had easy access whether you walk up the ramp, use the elevator or stairs. Around every corner and nook is something fun to learn. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable. The interactive displays are user friendly. Overall , a great experience and highly recommend as a must see experience if you are in Sudbury .
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tjsavy
New Liskeard, Canada50 contributions
Family
Science North remains a top attraction in Sudbury. Hours of interesting stuff to see and do.
However, given you’ll likely be there for a few hours, pack a lunch. The cafeteria is a disgrace to the rest of the facility. Looks and tastes like they buy pizza at the start of the day and pull out a new one as needed. They may have a soup or two as the only alternative.
My wife and young daughter got the pizza, I opted for a jerk chicken sold out of a cooler by a seemingly random guy by the cafeteria. I think I made the better choice.
It’s so unfortunate they closed the restaurant and operate the catering at a bare bones capacity.
However, given you’ll likely be there for a few hours, pack a lunch. The cafeteria is a disgrace to the rest of the facility. Looks and tastes like they buy pizza at the start of the day and pull out a new one as needed. They may have a soup or two as the only alternative.
My wife and young daughter got the pizza, I opted for a jerk chicken sold out of a cooler by a seemingly random guy by the cafeteria. I think I made the better choice.
It’s so unfortunate they closed the restaurant and operate the catering at a bare bones capacity.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rebecca J
1 contribution
Family
Thank you to the kind person scanning the tickets into the science north main entrance on Friday July 15 around noon. I had a young girl who became very frightened of the spiders. he was very kind, reassuring her they would not hurt her and even offering it give her a special stamp that would protect her from the spiders.
While all staff were wonderful, he really stood out. We will be back when we are in the area again!
While all staff were wonderful, he really stood out. We will be back when we are in the area again!
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wetherstone P
Midland, Canada161 contributions
We brought our very active grandsons who were visiting us from the U.S. I was impressed with the patience and knowledge of the staff who took time to explain in terms appropriate for the boys ages any thing that they showed interest in. We were there when there were several bus loads of school children but it didn't seem extremely crowded and our boys were able to participate in a variety of activities without having to wait.
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Naik
7 contributions
Family
It’s a nice museum with a lot of activities and shows for all ages! You can spend up to 4-5 hours while you are there and not get bored! From my understanding, they let you leave and come back using the same tickets on the same day which is good if you want to break apart the day. I would highly recommend buying tickets ahead of time because it does get filled quickly!
Written 4 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Suzanne L
Sudbury, Canada2 contributions
My husband and I were married in August of 2021 at Science North utilizing their Pop-Up Wedding Specials. The Ceremony was held outside under a large tent overlooking Ramsay Lake and the Yacht Club. It was a beautiful backdrop for our vows. The reception in the Vale Cavern was wonderful and unique.
We also rented out the 3rd floor where the animals are on display. It was a huge hit
with all of the children who attended. Cocktails and appetizers were served here as well while we had pictures taken on the grounds.
Included in the package was 90 minutes with a professional photographer. The pictures turned out beautifully and we received them within a week of the wedding.
The Event Co-Ordinator, Legh, is a total gem.
We highly recommend this venue.
We also rented out the 3rd floor where the animals are on display. It was a huge hit
with all of the children who attended. Cocktails and appetizers were served here as well while we had pictures taken on the grounds.
Included in the package was 90 minutes with a professional photographer. The pictures turned out beautifully and we received them within a week of the wedding.
The Event Co-Ordinator, Legh, is a total gem.
We highly recommend this venue.
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katie H
Milton, Canada38 contributions
Family
We visited on a Thursday with our 7 and 4 year old this July. Note that the Science North building and Dynamic Earth are not open every day, and not usually on the same days.
We pre booked our admission, but there was lots of space for us even if we hadn't booked ahead of time.
There are many interactive shows and activities. We watched a liquid nitrogen demo in the main theater, touched a heart on the 4th floor, and at one point my 4 year old went over to a "blue coat" and said "can we do a craft?", and she told my family to come back in 15 minutes to make a shrinking charms craft! So fun!
The displays are all super fun and interactive, the staff are lovely and so excited to talk about Science, and the animals were all happy and lively!
The toddler area is closed right now, which is understandable, and the online ordering in the cafeteria was a little tricky to use, but those were the only covid challenges we found.
We are from the gta, so we have been to the Ontario Science Centre a bunch, this place has much more interactive and hands on activities.
A must see!
We pre booked our admission, but there was lots of space for us even if we hadn't booked ahead of time.
There are many interactive shows and activities. We watched a liquid nitrogen demo in the main theater, touched a heart on the 4th floor, and at one point my 4 year old went over to a "blue coat" and said "can we do a craft?", and she told my family to come back in 15 minutes to make a shrinking charms craft! So fun!
The displays are all super fun and interactive, the staff are lovely and so excited to talk about Science, and the animals were all happy and lively!
The toddler area is closed right now, which is understandable, and the online ordering in the cafeteria was a little tricky to use, but those were the only covid challenges we found.
We are from the gta, so we have been to the Ontario Science Centre a bunch, this place has much more interactive and hands on activities.
A must see!
Written 3 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cindy C
Buckhorn, Canada37 contributions
The centre had just recently reopened so a lot of the attractions weren't up and running yet but we still enjoyed it. Lots of hands on things for the kids....gets them off their electronic devices! Good value for the money.
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sarahjrouleau5
3 contributions
Family
I've been to Ontario Science center before the one thing I like about a science North it was completely different and I love every minute of it my children loved it too
Written 2 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
canuckhobo
10 contributions
Good day, are you open to the public?
NinaNesseth
Sudbury, Canada
Hi! Yes, we are currently open to the public. For the month of August 2020 we are open from 10AM - 4PM on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. We are requesting that visitors purchase their tickets in advance online and that they wear masks while visitors. As measures in line with provincial guidelines, we have a limited capacity of 500 visitors, and some experiences at the science centre have been temporarily closed or modified to ensure that everyone is safe while they are having fun!
You can find more information on what to expect for your visit on our website!
Karen O
Sudbury, Canada
Is there opportunity to take a picnic/food into Science North or can we leave to eat and return
Melissa R
Sudbury, Canada
Hi Karen - these are all options!
1 - There are a number of picnic tables located on site both outdoors and indoors near the entrance to the science centre.
2 - We offer a number of lunch and snack options at our food court, Elements. It is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily.
3 - Once you pay for parking for the day, you are welcomed to leave to eat and return.
Patty P
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Wheat is the entrance fee for seniors
NinaNesseth
Sudbury, Canada
Hi Patty — Robert's answer is accurate as of June 2018. General Admission for Seniors (65 & older) is $25 CAD plus taxes.
We also have a Grandparents Annual Membership with great value for $180.
Benefits included are annual admission to both Science North and Dynamic Earth for two (2) grandparents, and up to two (2) visiting grandchildren, 17 years of age and under, for each visit. The membership also includes 50% off admission tickets for up to four (4) accompanying guests per visit.
Can i go to the gift shop to get a gift for my nephew and and not buy a ticket to see everthing else ?? Do i have to buy a ticket to just go to the gift shop?
NinaNesseth
Sudbury, Canada
Hi Priscilla! Thank you for your question — You can absolutely come in to buy a gift from the Whizards gift shop without paying for admission to the science centre. You do not have to buy a ticket to go to the gift shop.
dragonanime11
Toronto, Canada
Is public wifi available at Science North?
NinaNesseth
Sudbury, Canada
Hi! Thank you for your question!
As others have mentioned, there is free public wifi on our site. A password is not required to access our public wifi; you will have to agree to our wireless network terms of use to access. :)
mzsativa
Sault Ste. Marie, Canada13 contributions
is a 1.5 year old too young to go here?
NinaNesseth
Sudbury, Canada
Thank you for your question! We absolutely welcome even the youngest visitors to our science centre! I especially recommend the TD Canada Trust Toddler's Treehouse (located off the ramp between the first and second floor).
Throughout the science centre there are also many hands-on exhibits and fun things to try and see, and our Bluecoats are happy to help you find activities that will be appropriate for a 1.5 year-old.
We look forward to your visit!
S K
Toronto14 contributions
Is there anything for a 2 year old to do there?
NinaNesseth
Sudbury, Canada
Thank you for your question! Some visitors have left great responses, and I will add that our science centre features many hands-on exhibits and experiences (great for little ones to get their hands onto to play and explore), and there are some experiences especially for toddlers, such as: the TD Canada Trust Toddler's Treehouse, located between the first and second floors of the science centre, which is, as others mentioned, filled with play structures and hands-on activities. There are also Toddler-friendly exhibits such as the stream table on the third floor (a water and sand based exhibit), a play kitchenette, a magnetic ball-and-tube maze wall, and puzzle toys on the fourth floor, and more! Our Bluecoats will also be happy to engage you and your little one in fun activities.
- Nina Nesseth, Staff Scientist, FedNor CyberZone
kathysless
Barrie, Canada20 contributions
How much time would a family spend? Is it a full-day attraction?
abronxtale911
ontario20 contributions
We spent 5 hours there and could have spent more. There is lots to see and do. Shows/presentations/exhibits. I say plan for a full day - open to close.
kathysless
Barrie, Canada20 contributions
How much time would a family spend? Is it a full-day attraction?
AmyHenson
Sudbury, Canada
Thank you so much for reaching out to us. Yes, Science North is a full-day attraction. IN fact, many of our visitors comment how they could have easily needed another day to visit and do all the things we have to offer at Science North
In fact, we offer a three-day pass called the Dynamic Duo Passport. This allows you to visit Science North and Dynamic Earth (two different science centre experiences). Plus it also includes an IMAX and Planetarium show.
If you only have one day to visit Science North, then I suggest the Play All Day package. It include admission to Science North, an IMAX, and Planetarium show.
One of the great tricks to visiting Science North is to participate in our hands-on programming. When you arrive, you can ask the Bluecoat staff members to let you know what the program schedule is for the day. There are plenty of hands-on experiments, live shows, animal encounters, and workshops to fill your whole day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Science North
- Science North is open:
- Thu - Thu 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Science North:
- (0.33 km) Travelway Inn Sudbury
- (2.57 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Sudbury
- (2.61 km) Hampton Inn Sudbury, Ontario
- (0.94 km) Travelodge Hotel Sudbury
- (1.14 km) Hartman House Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Science North:
- (0.15 km) The Patio
- (0.30 km) Rock Garden Cafe
- (0.54 km) Tim Hortons
- (1.85 km) Di Gusto Pizza & Pasta
- (0.86 km) Perkins Restaurant & Bakery