Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chatsworth, ON to Greater Sudbury, ON

Traveling on the road is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Canada's scenic beauty and rich history. Going from Chatsworth to Greater Sudbury via small towns, historic sites, and striking natural landmarks gives a newfound appreciation for exploring Ontario by car. Halfway through the roughly six-hour journey, the scenic community of Penetanguishene serves as a perfect stopover point for a bite to eat and a stroll along the shores of Georgian Bay. The article presents five exciting things to do on a road trip from Chatsworth, ON, to Greater Sudbury, ON, alongside interesting facts about each attraction.

Discover the Terry Fox Memorial Gardens

One of Greater Sudbury's most beloved parks is the Terry Fox Memorial Gardens, a fitting tribute to one of Canada's most iconic athletes. The park encompasses 3.5 hectares of woodland, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a pond brimming with wildlife. A statue of Terry Fox greets visitors towering above a large granite monument that is inscribed with motivational quotes and tributes. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the park's trails, explore the Terry Fox Lookout, and learn about Fox's life and heroic journey through the Terry Fox Foundation panels displayed throughout the Garden.

Interesting fact: Terry Fox began the Marathon of Hope 40 years ago in the community of St. John's, Newfoundland, with the aim of raising funds for cancer research.

Hike to A.Y. Jackson Lookout

In the town of Bruce Mines, a 25-minute drive from Sudbury, the A.Y. Jackson Lookout is a scenic platform situated atop the highest hill in town. It provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the town, the North Channel, and the surrounding area. Visitors can reach the lookout by taking a short but steep hike through the forest that opens up to a clearing leading to the main platform. The A.Y. Jackson Lookout is named in honour of Alexander Young Jackson, one of Canada's most famous painters and the Group of Seven member who co-founded the Canadian Group of Painters organization.

Interesting fact: A.Y. Jackson first visited Algoma in 1913 and would return every year enamoured by the North's rugged yet beautiful terrain for decades.

Visit Science North

Science North in Sudbury is Northern Ontario's most popular tourist destination, showcasing science, innovation, and a deep appreciation for the natural environment. The science centre provides several hands-on, interactive exhibits ranging from bed bugs to space exploration, all designed to spark curiosity and inspire a love of science. The four-story butterfly exhibit is one of Science North's standout features, housing over 400 free-flying butterflies and moths from around the world. Visitors can learn about conservation, ecosystems, and biodiversity from Science North's friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Interesting fact: Science North's iconic snowflake design has won several architectural awards for its eco-friendliness, efficiency, and overall design aesthetic.

Explore the Agawa Rock Pictographs

Located within the magnificent Lake Superior Provincial Park, the Agawa Rock Pictographs are a fascinating piece of Indigenous history and culture. The pictographs are on a sheer rock face, reachable from a short walk through the woods, and offer visitors a firsthand glimpse of Indigenous art and storytelling. The picturesque trail leading to the pictographs passes through a forested landscape dense with ancient rock formations and scenic vistas. The pictographs display different paintings featuring wildlife, human figures, and symbolic motifs, and visitors should bring binoculars for a better look at the distant, highest ones.

Interesting fact: The Agawa Rock Pictographs are believed to be a site of spiritual significance and have been protected as a cultural heritage site under the jurisdiction of the Anishinaabe tribe.

Check out the Ghost Town of Copper Cliff

Once one of the largest and most successful copper-producing towns in the world, Copper Cliff has become a ghost town with a fascinating history. A visit allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich past of the town while exploring abandoned buildings and old machinery from the mines. The ghost town's ruins are well preserved, including the Copper Cliff Museum, where visitors can learn of the history of copper mining and how each building fitted into the thriving community. Take a self-guided tour of the various buildings like the old pump house, the blacksmith's shop, and the engine house and soak in the evocative landscape and ancient machinery.

Interesting fact: Copper Cliff was once a booming town in the early 1900s, and during WW1, it produced 90% of the Allied forces' copper supply.

Conclusion

A road trip from Chatsworth, ON, to Greater Sudbury, ON, presents diverse natural and cultural attractions that are sure to excite any traveller. The trip will take approximately six hours and provide a chance to explore unique landmarks like the Terry Fox Memorial Gardens, A.Y. Jackson Lookout, Science North, the Agawa Rock Pictographs, and Copper Cliff's ghost town. These unforgettable sites offer a bespoke opportunity to experience Ontario's history, scenic beauty, and cultural diversity.