Located north of Georgian Bay along a Canadian National Railway route, the city of Sudbury got its start with the tracks, then hit a boom after the discovery of natural resource, nickel. While the road might lead west to Michigan, and east to Quebec, this region is better known for the attractions that lie in the more isolated north.

Sudbury has expected tourist amenities and plenty of places to stock up on supplies for forays into the wilds. With an afternoon to spare, stop in at Science North for some experimentation in various scientific fields, or go underground on a mining tour with Dynamic Earth, stopping for a peek at one of the other historic museums in town.

If you're passing through Sudbury en route to natural attractions and lack a canoe or guide, local operators can hook you up, from dry accommodations to warm meals. Provincial parks and peaceful lakes in the area offer easy day trip options. For more time in the great outdoors, head down to Manitoulin Island and find miles of country roads perfect for cycling, Lake Huron waters just right for kayaking and great views with a bit of hiking. Should you happen through in winter, saddle up on a snowmobile and take to the powdery stuff along the miles of designated trails.

Sudbury is 240 miles north of Toronto, and 300 miles northwest of Ottawa.