Sudbury, a small but mighty Ontario city hosts a university, two must-visit science centers and great local eats. Grab a cheap rental car for your Sudbury journey to explore the nearby forests and lakes of this outdoor wonderland.
Sudbury is committed to the development of its tourism sector with several ongoing initiatives, including the four-laning of highway 69(400) to substantially improve access to the city from southern markets. Traffic is mostly free flowing but visitors should check the local traffic report prior to driving anywhere in the city.
Driving from Greater Sudbury Airport to the city
Exit the airport onto Skead Road/Regional Road 86 and turn left to stay on 86 for the next 16 kilometres. Then take a right onto Lasalle Blvd/Regional Road 71 which will bring you into the downtown area.
Sudbury car hire driving tips
In Canada, drivers are friendly and rarely use the horn. Let other cars in, don’t rush and most importantly be extra cautious if visiting during winter. Here are a few more tips worth mentioning:
Drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left.
Every passenger must wear a seatbelt.
Be alert for animals near the road when driving at night.
If you’re visiting during winter, check weather forecasts before driving. Check out our tips for winter road trips.
Two large parking lots are available at Sudbury Airport. The main lot is directly across from the terminal and includes a small express lot both charging $2 per hour with a daily maximum of $13.75. For longer stays, select the economy lot costing $2 per hour with a daily maximum of $11 and $55 for the week.
Driving and parking your rental car in Sudbury is never a problem with parking options available on almost every corner. Metered on-street parking is enforced Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm at a rate of $1.30 per hour. Pay and display lots offer the same pricing with a daily maximum of $8.25; or park for free at the Energy Court for up to two hours.
Book a rental car for Sudbury
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Greater Sudbury Airport (YSB)
Situated 19 kilometres northeast of the city centre is Greater Sudbury Airport which serves three local airlines and one low-cost international airline. Visitors will enjoy travel-friendly amenities and services upon arrival. Hop on the complimentary WiFi and charge up your devices at one of the provided power stations. For a bite to eat, stop by Clear Sky Bistro on the second floor for grab ‘n go or sit down service. When you’re ready, head to the arrivals area in the terminal to locate your rental company and pick up your vehicle.
If you’ve arranged to pick up your car hire in downtown Sudbury, grab a taxi or shuttle at curbside for the quickest journey. Public transportation is available, but best avoided due to long wait times.
Sudbury is the largest city in Northern Ontario with over 160,000 residents - most with ethnic origins from Canada, France and England. Find 330 lakes within the city limits including Lake Wanapitei, the largest lake in the world within a city’s boundaries. Small, rocky mountains surround the Sudbury Basin, a two-billion-year-old crater that was created by a comet.
At one point, Sudbury was the largest nickel producer in the world, earning itself the nickname ‘Nickel City’. Although the city’s fauna was almost destroyed from the industrial movement, the ‘regreening’ program has planted over 12 million trees in the area in the past few decades.
Top tourist destinations in Sudbury
Head to the Science North and Big Nickel & Dynamic Earth to catch up on the town’s history and enjoy science-related exhibits. For a breath of fresh air, hop in your rental car and head to Lake Laurentian Conservation Area or Onaping High Falls. Bell Park boardwalk is a great walk among Ramsey Lake and is also home to the annual Northern Lights Festival Boreal, a four-day music celebration.
Spend your day at one of the science museums or hop in your hired car to one of the nearby nature parks.
