Ultimate Guide to Hidden Gems in Sudbury: 10 of the Best Secret Spots
Sudbury is a literal gem of a city in Northern Ontario that is best known for the iconic Big Nickel! But the city is full of treasures too including secret patios, a boardwalk trail hidden in plain sight and plenty of fab foodie spots. So, whether it’s your first time or millionth, I’m sharing my favourite hidden gems in Sudbury that you’ll want to know about for your next trip!
After countless visits to Sudbury, for work and pleasure, and sometimes even a crazy day trip (it’s a 3-hour drive from me!), I’ve uncovered so many incredible places to visit. Some have been shared by talking to locals and others have been discovered after a lot of research. But one thing is for sure, Sudbury is an amazing destination for many. There’s plenty of family friendly attractions, a boat load of outdoor activities, and a mouth-watering food scene that will have you wishing you packed some looser pants.
So, let’s dig in to shine a light on some of the many gems in Nickel City!
Relax at Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
One of the most peaceful hidden spots in Sudbury is the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Tucked on a hillside near downtown, it feels like you’ve stumbled upon a little piece of ancient Greece in Ontario.
The Grotto covers just over 5 acres and quietly celebrates different world religions. It all started back in 1907, when a local man began building it in honour of Mary, hoping it would help his sick wife. Over time, more was added—winding paths, gardens, a large fountain, and even a Greek-style colonnade.
Today, more than 100 years later, it’s a quiet place to reflect or take a peaceful walk. A pathway leads to a view of Lake Ramsey, and from the parking lot, you’ll get a view of downtown and the Bridge of Nations.
It’s a true hidden gem in the heart of the city, every time I visit I nearly have it all to myself.
Find a Way into The Night Owl
One of the coolest unique experiences in Sudbury involves The Night Owl! If you’re looking for something fun to do at night in Sudbury, then make a reservation for this hidden cocktail bar.
After you make your reservations, you’ll receive the instructions that include a pathway to an old classic phonebooth. Then you’ll enter the building where you’ll find a massive bookcase that hides a hidden door.
The Night Owl is one of the best speakeasies in Ontario! With plush red booths, sexy dim lighting and incredible cocktails, it’s the perfect spot for a date night or fun night out with your friends.
I loved it! It felt like walking into a scene from James Bond! And if you need help choosing a cocktail from the menu, I recommend the Bramble. With gin, berry liqueur and lemon, it’s the perfect summer drink!
Enjoy a Show at The Refettorio
In 2023 Sudbury’s YES Theatre created a unique outdoor theatre venue that is a downtown hidden gem! Located across from the YMCA, unless there was a performance going on, you would likely walk right by and miss it. I did the first time!
The Refettorio puts on a variety of performances that include musicals, concerts and plays throughout the summer.
As a huge theatre buff, I was excited to take in a show at The Refettorio during my latest visit. I was blown away by not just the incredible space – open air, twinkling lights, and intimate seating around the stage. But also, by the caliber of the performers and the experience they create!
I enjoyed a tribute of Fleetwood Mac classics and loved that the singers came right into the audience. By the end we were all up and singing along like it was a high school reunion!
If you’re visiting, take a look at their upcoming shows – up next is A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Eat at Josie’s Secret Patio
Along with being one of the best places to eat in Sudbury, Josie’s Secret Patio is a total hidden gem. Tucked behind at golf simulator near the corner of Alder and Elm streets, Josie’s is a must in the summer!
Named after the owner’s mom, Josie’s Secret Patio features an outdoor kitchen and bar with a large pergola covered in grapevine. Plus, with its fun lawn games, it has such a fun vibe!
You’ll find a tasty menu with everything from vegan dishes to smash burgers as well as woodfired pizzas and shareable plates. Go for lunch with friends or dinner and drinks – yes, you have to try their colourful cocktails.
During my visit my friend enjoyed one of their tacos and I ordered the smash burger – which was insanely good! I loved that sides included either salsa or Mexican street corn to pair with their homemade taco chips.
Enjoy a Papaya Pops
A must stop on a road trip through the area is Papaya Pops. It’s located in the small town of Chelmsford, 20 minutes from downtown Sudbury.
This colourful Indigenous and women owned business sells ice pops made from fresh fruit with a wide array of flavours. A few stand outs include piña colada, blueberry watermelon, and mango honey. And all the flavours are in three different languages, Ojibwe, French, and English.
I enjoyed the kiwi watermelon while sitting on the red bench out front and it was the perfect refreshing treat on a hot summer day.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the large Indigenous mural on the side of the building and the cute little mural of Yoda with a pop on the ground before the stairs of the shop.
Visit La Jeune Café
Whether you’re planning a day trip to Onaping Falls or looking for hidden gems near Sudbury, pop into La Jeune Café.
This adorable little cafe is located in the small town of Azilda, 15 minutes northwest of downtown Sudbury.
The cafe sits inside a home décor shop called Vintage Feather. I loved the vibe of the store, with its candles, unique pieces for a cozy home, and the coolest statement piece above the cash desk. And don’t miss the old bank vault at the back of the store!
After a browse of the shop, my girl friend and I ordered a couple of iced lattes and a treat. I got the Strawberry Cheesecake latte and with small bite sized bits of strawberry, made half sweet, it was so refreshing on a hot day!
In addition to a light menu, they have a selection of sweets and baked goods that was honestly hard to choose from. I had a lemonade cookie and my friend had one of their cute cake pops.
Stroll Lily Creek Boardwalk
One of the shortest and easiest hikes in Sudbury is the Lily Creek Boardwalk Trail. It’s hidden right in the middle of the city, just across from Bell Park. You can access it from the James Jerome Sports Complex or off Paris Street.
The sports complex is a big park with various sports fields, washrooms, a Little Library, and lots of parking. To find the boardwalk, just follow the path past the washrooms and sports fields—it’s right at the edge of the park.
The trail is only 350 metres long, making it perfect for a quick nature break or for anyone looking for an easy walk. Like most boardwalks, it winds through a wetland, where you’ll find all kinds of birds and amphibians.
On my walk, I spotted a great blue heron, red-winged blackbirds (both male and female), swamp sparrows, and even a painted turtle soaking up the sun.
You’ll also catch a glimpse of Science North across the road—one of Sudbury’s top attractions. There’s even a bench along the trail, perfect for a quiet rest and a moment to enjoy this peaceful pocket of nature.
Eat at Anna-Laura Pâtisserie et Petit Café
Tucked at the back of one of the best breakfast spots in the city, Beni, is another hidden gem – Anna-Laura Pâtisserie et Petit Café.
This French-inspired bakery will have you feeling like you found a slice of Paris in Sudbury! The list of decadent baked goods will have you drooling.
You’ll find everything from classic croissants to a revolving line up of epic donuts that are a must – for the Gram! I recommend their incredible Crème Brule cookies – which are the perfect snack for the road trip home too, so grab a few.
And don’t forget to pair your treat with a coffee or latte! I love that they have a seasonal list – so be sure to ask about featured flavours for lattes.
Hike Jane Goodall Reclamation Trail
Of all the hiking trails in Sudbury, the Jane Goodall Reclamation Trail is definitely a hidden gem. During my visit and hike, I had it all to myself.
The trail is a symbol of the city’s incredible regreening efforts over the past 45 years. You’ll find it in Coniston at the Welcome Centre off Highway 17, where signs tell the story of Sudbury’s environmental recovery.
This spot was once home to a mine, roast bed, and smelter from 1913 to 1972—leaving behind a barren, rocky wasteland. Today, it’s a green and peaceful place, perfect for a short, meaningful hike.
The trail is an easy 1 km loop through young forest, with a few interesting stops along the way. There are scenic lookouts, old tree stumps left as reminders of the past, and the 2 millionth tree planted in the Regreening Program—a red pine. At the first lookout, an info plaque shows the stages of the land’s transformation.
Named after the inspiring Jane Goodall, the trail even includes an oak tree she planted herself in 2001.
Visit Leinala’s Bakery
Thanks to the wealth of European culture represented by immigrants and second-generation family members that now call Sudbury home – there are a number of amazing bakeries throughout the city. There’s everything from Greek to Finnish.
One of the hidden gems is Leinala’s Bakery. Beloved by locals for over 60 years, the bakery is located in a strip mall in the south end, next to Deluxe Burger.
This Finnish bakery makes a variety of baked goods, from breads to pastries. Plus, they sell European imports and other great gifts.
The head baker uses her grandmother’s recipes from before she immigrated to Canada. Every time I visit, I’m overwhelmed by the fresh smell of baked goods that hits me as soon as I enter.
Leinala’s Bakery is best known for their pulla bread and donuts called jelly pigs. While the name is weird, I promise you they are so delicious – especially when you get one when their warm from the oven. The donuts are filled with a raspberry jam and dusted with sugar, and are a must-try!
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