Canada has many cities to choose from as a landing destination, and the City of Greater Sudbury is a welcoming and diverse city to consider! Moving to Canada is a life-changing decision and the city that you choose to settle in will influence your future social, financial, and personal success. This is your opportunity to discover Sudbury, Ontario with this helpful information and guide!
No doubt, deciding where to settle is a big decision. But, before you decide where to settle, you can research and compare Canadian cities to evaluate which one is right for you and your family. By comparing factors such as the cost of living, housing options, jobs, and the local economy, you can make your decision with confidence.
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Located in northeastern Ontario. Sudbury serves as a regional hub for financial and business services, tourism, technology, education, government, and health care. It’s home to Canada’s third-largest French population outside of Quebec, and many residents speak English and French. Historically, the city attracted many immigrants of Italian, Finnish, Polish, Chinese, Greek, and Ukrainian ancestry. And, today over 165 ethnic origins make up the Greater Sudbury community.
About Sudbury, Ontario
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Sudbury is known as a world leader in nickel mining with nine mines, mills, smelters, and a nickel refinery. The local economy was built on the lumber and mining industry. However, today the local economy is much more diverse contributing to its economic growth.
The city was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe people. In 1850, Ojibwe chiefs agreed to share a large part of the land with the British Crown, establishing the city. It was officially founded in 1883 and named Sudbury in 1893. The city and suburban communities were combined to become the Regional Municipality of Sudbury in 1973. In 2001, several communities merged to form the City of Greater Sudbury. The city is located 390 km north of Toronto and 483 km west of Ottawa.
Greater Sudbury is one of only 11 communities across Canada selected to participate in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program. This program offers a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to live and work in smaller communities.
How Many People Live in Sudbury, Ontario?
Sudbury is the largest city in Northern Ontario and has 166,000 residents (based on 2021 Census data). This makes it Canada’s 31st largest city. By land area, it is the largest city in Ontario and the fifth largest in the country. With a large land area, it offers an incredibly low population density of 49.3 people per square km. As such, it offers a unique Northern lifestyle, natural beauty, and a superb quality of life like no other.
How to Find a Job & Build a Career in Sudbury
Sudbury’s Local Economy
Since the discovery of rich mineral deposits in the late 1800s, the economy in the Greater Sudbury area has followed the boom-and-bust cycles of the mining industry. Today the City of Greater Sudbury is a regional shopping destination, serving a catchment area that extends across Northeastern Ontario. Sudbury strives to be recognized as one of the smartest, greenest, and sustainable cities in the world.
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Sudbury is also home to the Northern Ontario Film Studios that features a 20,000-square-foot main stage with everything to service film production needs.
The key sectors in Greater Sudbury include:
- Manufacturing and Industry
- Business and professional services
- Cleantech and environmental
- Film and Creative Industries
- Mining Supply and Services
- Research and Innovation
- Tourism
- Health Care and Life Sciences.
Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the local economy, with close to 12,000 small and medium-sized businesses operating within the city.
In 2021, the City of Greater Sudbury launched the Hit Refresh talent attraction campaign to attract skilled labour in all fields. Junayd Ahmed is a business owner who moved to Sudbury from India a few years ago. Watch what Junayd has to say about why he chose to live in Sudbury and what he loves about it!
Employers in Sudbury
There are more than 250 manufacturing companies in the area and some of its largest employers include:
- Vale (global mining company)
- Glencore (integrated nickel operations)
- Technica Mining (mine construction, development and production)
- City of Greater Sudbury (municipal government)
- Health Sciences North (health care and research institute).
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Career Pathways in Sudbury
Manufacturing is still one of the top industries to look for work in Sudbury. Retail, healthcare, sales, and skilled trades offer the most opportunities. There are several ways to look for work in the city.
You can search for a job through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIP), use a local recruitment agency such as Levert Personnel Resources Inc, Cambrian Search Group, and Workforce Inc., or start browsing jobs in Sudbury here.
For more information about how to achieve your career goals in Canada, check out our Finding a Job in Canada resource page!
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The Sudbury Housing Market
There are plenty of neighbourhoods to consider in Sudbury, including Downtown, New Sudbury, South End, West End, Minnow Lake, Capreol, Nickel Centre, Rayside-Balfour, Valley East, Copper Cliff, Lively, and Walden. Each area has a unique history.
Is Housing Expensive in Sudbury, Ontario?
As one of the most affordable places to buy a home in Ontario, Sudbury was ranked the fourth most affordable city in Ontario in 2023. Thunder Bay was ranked first according to data from Statistics Canada and the Canada Real Estate Association. Like most cities in Canada, Sudbury has seen housing prices increase, largely due to a lack of housing options. But comparatively, it is still cost-effective and affordable.
Finding a Place to Rent in Sudbury
To search for rentals in Sudbury, check out Rentals for Newcomers. The average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is $1,774 and $1,749 for a two-bedroom.
If you plan to rent, make sure to protect your personal belongings with 
in Canada. Your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover you. Indicating that you intend to buy renters insurance can make you an attractive tenant candidate to landlords. This can work to your advantage, especially if there are a number of people competing for the same rental. Property owners may request proof of insurance as part of the rental agreement.
Best Sudbury Neighbourhoods for Renting
Buying a Home in Sudbury
Sudbury is very affordable compared to larger cities in the country. The national average price of a home in Canada was 668,754 as of July 2023, according to Canadian Real Estate Association. The average home price in Sudbury as of July 2023 was $473,235. This is a 10.1% increase from the previous year, according to the Sudbury Real Estate Board. With inventory low, expect prices to continue to rise.
Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
Driving & Public Transit in Sudbury
Driving in Sudbury, Ontario
Since the city is spread out geographically, residents rely on driving to get around. Three main highways connect the city to the rest of the province: Highway 17 (a main branch of the Trans-Canada Highway), Highway 69, and Highway 144. Highway 400 is in the process of being extended from Toronto to Sudbury.
All drivers need a valid Ontario driver’s licence. You will need to complete the graduated driving program to get a full licence.
Get more information about driving in Canada:
Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know
Getting Your Ontario Drivers License
Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide
Tips for Winter Driving to Ensure Your Safety
Sudbury Public Transit
GOVA Transit offers bus services to residents in the Greater Sudbury area. There are over 40 routes that offer service throughout the Greater Sudbury area and surrounding communities.
Community Support for Newcomers
Sudbury continues to welcome and support newcomers in this diverse city. Newcomers can get support from local settlement agencies such as the Sudbury Multicultural Folk Art Association, Collègé Boréal, and the YMCA of Sudbury. Reseau Nord offers settlement support in French.
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Language Support in Sudbury
In addition to the YMCA and Sudbury Multicultural Folk Art Association, many community organizations offer free language classes for permanent residents. Services are offered in both French and English. The school boards and community colleges also offer programs. LINC Sudbury is also the main provider of language support for newcomers.
For information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page.
Personal Finance & Banking
A strong financial plan will help you make a successful transition to Canada. Newcomers to Sudbury can access banking and financial services through local banks. Most banks offer special programs for newcomers to help you open a bank account, get a credit card, and even qualify for a mortgage.
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Get more information about your financial first steps in Canada by visiting our Banking in Canada resource page!
Sudbury’s Education System
Post Secondary Institutions
Sudbury is a regional centre of learning and applied research for northeastern Ontario. For post-secondary education, Laurentian University, a nationally renowned bilingual university, Cambrian College, and Collège Boréal offer exceptional full- and part-time programs. A focus for all programs is the innovative partnerships with the public and private sectors to conduct research activities and other joint ventures.
Sudbury also has its own medical school, Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Elementary and Secondary Education
The elementary and high school (secondary education) system is free to permanent residents. The region offers quality education from kindergarten to Grade 12 in English, French, and French immersion. You can enroll your children in one of these school boards:
- Rainbow District School Board
- Sudbury Catholic District School Board
- Conseil scolaire de district du Grand Nord de l’Ontario
- Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario.
Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
Where to Get Medical Care in Sudbury, Ontario
The medical sector is experiencing tremendous growth, and Sudbury is a regional resource and referral centre for residents in northeastern Ontario. The city provides quality hospital-based care to patients throughout the region and several initiatives in the community demonstrate the city’s commitment to a healthy population. In total, there are three hospitals in the city, Health Sciences North, St. Joseph Hospital, and Science North Hospital.
Sudbury residents must obtain a health card to receive free medical care provided by the Ontario Health and Insurance Plan (OHIP). OHIP pays for many health services you may need. Click here to learn how to apply for OHIP and get a health card.
How to Find A Family Doctor In Sudbury
It’s important to find a family doctor when you move to Sudbury. There are more than 100 family physicians in Greater Sudbury and you can register with Health Care Connect to find doctors who are accepting new patients.
You can also get access to non-urgent health care through local walk-in medical clinics. Get more information about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada
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What is Day-to-Day Life Like in Sudbury?
Ramsey Lake provides public access within walking distance of the downtown core, while many provincial parks are within short driving distance of the city. Access to nearby outdoor activities creates a great opportunity for a healthy work-life balance.
Things to Do in Sudbury
Sudbury is a big city geographically. It is an outdoor paradise. There are over 300 freshwater lakes and beautiful forests and woodlands. You can enjoy the outdoors, events, and festivals that the city hosts year-round.
Public Spaces & Attractions
The city offers many attractions including Dynamic Earth, Greater Sudbury Heritage Museum, and the Inco Superstack. Science North is one of the most popular science destinations in Ontario. It’s also built right into the rocky shore of Ramsey Lake.
Check out the Northern Lights Folk Festival, Canada’s longest, continually running outdoor music festival. Other festivals include Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival, Junction North International Documentary Film Festival, Sudbury Pride, and Up Here Festival.
Restaurants & Nightlife
The city also offers diverse restaurants and cuisines, bar options, music, dancing, and live entertainment. Restaurants and nightlife are dispersed throughout the city, but most restaurants and pubs are concentrated in downtown Sudbury.
Nature & Natural Landscapes
Unique in many ways, Sudbury has over 300 lakes within the city limits. Residents of Sudbury are fortunate to have Ramsey Lake near the city’s downtown core. Moonlight Beach is popular in the summer and residents ski at Adanac Skill Hill during the winter. Many provincial parks are close to the city where you can camp, canoe, fish, snowmobile, hike, and bike.
Sporting Events & Concerts
Sudbury is home to the Sudbury Wolves hockey team and Sudbury Five of the National Basketball League of Canada. Laurentian University is part of the U Sports League. The city also is home to other minor sports teams.
Culture & Diversity In Sudbury
Diversity
Greater Sudbury was built on immigration and newcomers continue to contribute to the prosperous city it is today. The city celebrates immigration as the key to a healthy and thriving community. Almost 1 in 5 people in Greater Sudbury were either born or their parents were born outside of Sudbury. About 38% of people identify as bilingual (French and English). The other main languages spoken in the city include Italian, Finnish, German, Ukrainian, and Polish.
Immigration is key to a healthy, thriving community, as newcomers bring fresh perspectives and a wealth of experience. They share their talents, credentials, and knowledge, making the city a more diverse and inclusive place to live.
In 2022. the City of Greater Sudbury launched Greater Together to highlight the benefits of immigration to the local economy. Greater Together tells the stories of immigrants who live in Greater Sudbury and work in areas such as health care, education, and mining. Visit Greater Together and check out some of the inspiring immigrant success stories!
Worship
Sudbury is primarily a Christian community. About 80% identify as Christian, with 60% identifying as Catholic. About 18% of the population has no religious affiliation. Other religions that residents identify with include Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and Sikh.
The Weather in Sudbury
Sudbury has a humid continental climate with hot summers to enjoy many of the lakes and beaches, and cold winters with enough snow for outdoor sports. It is a city where residents enjoy the winter weather. You can expect snow on the ground for six months of the year. The average high temperature in January is −8.4 °C, by May it’s 17.2 °C and in July it’s 24.8.
Common Questions Immigrants Ask About Living in Sudbury
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Sudbury?
There are many reasons to consider moving to Sudbury. The diverse community, strong economy, education, and healthcare system make it an ideal city to raise a family. If you love the outdoors and nature, it’s ideal!
One of the potential drawbacks is the cold winter weather. But you can join many enjoyable winter activities to stay active from snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling, and more!
Is Sudbury A Cheap Place to Live?
Sudbury is one of the most affordable cities to live in Ontario. Even though the cost of living is going up, it is still more affordable than in large cities such as Toronto and Vancouver.
Is Sudbury A Good Place To Live?
Sudbury is the biggest and one of the best cities to live in in northern Ontario. Combined with affordable housing, great job opportunities, a unique lifestyle, and natural beauty, you’ll discover a superb quality of life like no other.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle successfully!
