Science North
Science North
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
933 reviews
Excellent
602
Very good
263
Average
52
Poor
12
Terrible
4
Davidtisme
Ajax119 contributions
Aug 2020
A great place to all ages to visit. This science centre has something for all ages and all interests. You start by seeing and feeling what the foundation of Sudbury is really like (ROCKS!), they have movies on going as well as a lot of hands on activities and animals to see. Just listen to when someone tells you to move because Maple the resident porcupine is walking through the exhibits! Also, take time to research or bring in your own rocks to trade - something I wish I had done, you get points for knowing things about object you have and can trade for other things.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a great review, David! We definitely hope to see you bringing some items in to the nature exchange on your next visit, we can't wait to chat again! 😊
Written September 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tjsavy
New Liskeard, Canada59 contributions
Jul 2022 • 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 July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie H
Milton, Canada54 contributions
Jul 2021 • 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 August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzanne L
Sudbury, Canada3 contributions
Aug 2021
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 August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BMartin
Ontario, Canada30 contributions
Aug 2022 • 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 August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
randtboim
Sudbury, Canada11 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
This is a great place for families with kids of all ages. There is so much fun and interactive stuff to see and do. There are some animals too and a butterfly conservatory. It is a bit expensive but worth the money. Many people buy memberships so they can visit again and again.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
Toronto, Canada421 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Very impressed. I expected it to be like the Toronto Science Centre but actually thought this was much better. Full of kids on a rainy summer day, but I still enjoyed going through, there is a lot of true science underlying the fun actions and demonstrations the kids are doing. Lots of science subjects here, including many live animal and insect exhibits and tons of staff interacting and teaching visitors.
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alrae T
2 contributions
Jul 2022
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 July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kohkoh
Hope Island, Australia475 contributions
Sept 2022
We thought it was more suited to children not adults. Some of the interactive displays not working. Animal displays just ok, butterfly enclosure small. We went to a climate change movie and we were addressed by a sheep.
We spent about an hour there and left. We didn’t think it was worth the $40 entrance. Food court closed. Disappointing.
We spent about an hour there and left. We didn’t think it was worth the $40 entrance. Food court closed. Disappointing.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sweet S
7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We were underwhelmed. I have heard so many great things about Science North. I was surprised at how little there is to see. We were thinking "This is it?" after we had seen everything. It is geared toward young children, not teens or even pre-teens. People used to say it was better than the Toronto Science Centre, but this is simply not true, the Toronto one was much larger and had way more interactive activities.
Written September 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1) What is the cost to park at Science North? Will have a group heading there for the Festival of lights.
2) is there a sit down restaurant (seniors) at Science North open for light dinning?
Written November 22, 2023
I believe I heard people saying it was $10 or $12 to park there.I was in bus group, but I know they have paid parking.
The restaurant is a sit down place, at the back of the science center. I would call ahead to confirm the opening hours.
Written November 28, 2023
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!
Written August 9, 2020
Karen O
Sudbury, Canada
Is there opportunity to take a picnic/food into Science North or can we leave to eat and return
Written August 15, 2018
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.
Written August 15, 2018
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.
Written June 20, 2018
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?
Written May 5, 2018
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.
Written May 6, 2018
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. :)
Written April 13, 2018
is a 1.5 year old too young to go here?
Written October 28, 2017
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!
Written October 30, 2017
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
Written September 6, 2017
How much time would a family spend? Is it a full-day attraction?
Written July 8, 2017
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.
Written July 28, 2017
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