Ontario: Sudbury, Great Science North - Family Vacation Fun. Northern Ontario, is the image fuzzy? Then zero in on the city of Sudbury.  This city is the home to one of the best science experiences on the planet.  Science North is an entertainment experience that includes the Science Centre, an IMAX theater, a simulator adventure ride, the F. Jean MacLeod butterfly gallery, a restaurant and an array of family friendly programs.

The science experience began as we walked from our hotel across the street to the center.  As we got closer to the entrance I had to caution our over excited 9 and 10 year olds to slow down. At the same time we all noticed or heard something very strange.  It seems the building is designed in such a way that if you stand in just the right spot your sound waves are amplified to change your voice.  Harry Potter would have enjoyed this idea. At that moment we all knew we were in for a treat and it was full speed ahead.

As we entered the building it was decision time. Tough but the Adventure Ride won. Who can resist an imaginary ride on a roller coaster? The thrill ride combines motion technology with high-resolution animation on a wall-sized screen to produce a very realistic and exciting  “virtual reality” experience. Wow. For those not enthralled by virtual reality the alternative is to select from the two giant IMAX screens which offer different movies throughout the year.

Life's an adventure. The best part of the experience for us was the Science Centre. It is a multi level section that offers hands-on experiences for kids of all ages. As we entered the first floor the kids went directly to the working model of a lock and dam.  They spent the next 15 minutes getting the boat up and down the locks to the different sections. There are displays of insects and rocks and often instructor led activities on this level so it is best to go with the flow. We did just that. Kid's note: Because Canada is bilingual  instructions are given in both English and French. That is cool.

Each new level offered many hands-on learning experiences about all aspects of life and science. It is certainly possible half a day just in the Science Centre.  There was an area about the body, a section on smoking and other diseases, one on computers and the telephone and the one that took us the longest - music and the planets. Kid’s note: My favorite thing was when I got to build my own racecar. I used Legos, a motor and other parts that are provided to kids. When it was done I got to race against a kid from Quebec. His little brother squealed the whole time. My sister didn’t care about my car at all even though she did not want to race. Dad had to pull me away, it was too fun. Another kid's note: This is the place to lay down on a bed of nails. I tried to make my brother do it but he was no fun.

Look for the whale. The Centre had many helpful instructors in each area and at different times would also hold special classes in the amphitheater located on the third floor.  We sat in on a discussion of reptiles with frogs, turtles and snakes. There was no extra charge. It is easy to forget about time. Kid's note: Don’t miss the Fin Whale skeleton.

Take a cruise. If all of this isn’t enough you can leave the building and walk along the edge of Lake Ramsey. The path is well laid out path. In addition to walking there is also the option of a lake cruise aboard the Cortina, a 70-passenger boat tour that lasts about one hour. Charters are available between May and October. For charter information call (705) 673-7844. For more checkout www.sciencenorth.on.ca. The site has information on family programs and summer camps.

There is more to the town than a big nickel. The Sudbury area has more than 150 lakes ideal for fishing perch, lake trout, rainbow trout, walleye, bass and whitefish. There are also five provincial parks in the area and theatre for all ages.

Discovery: The Northern Lights Festival Boreal is held every July. This ambitious festival includes more than 100 concerts. Also in July, Blueberry Festival includes all things blueberry in fact or spirit. The Fringe Theatre Festival, and Cinefest held in September is Canada's fourth largest international film festival. Toll-free 1-877-212-3222, www.nlfbsudbury.com or cinefest@vianet.on.ca

Make it happen. Sudbury CVB Toll-free 1-800-465-6655 or (705) 522-0104 or www.mysudbury.ca

Information and images from Greater Sudbury. Copyright 2010.