Big Nickel

If you're planning a trip to the city of Sudbury, you can't miss one of Canada's most unique attractions. The Big Nickel is a colossal replica of a 1951 Canadian 5-cent coin, recognized as the world's largest coin and serving as a striking symbol of the region's mining power.

The sculpture stands 9 meters in diameter and is made of stainless steel. It is located on a hill within the Dynamic Earth science and geology center. Due to its impressive size and unusual appearance, the Big Nickel has become an iconic piece of "roadside architecture," attracting thousands of tourists every year.

This monument is more than just an art piece; it is also a high-tech platform: in the evenings, light projections telling the history and nature of the region are broadcast onto the coin's surface. This spot is perfect for those who appreciate quirky monuments and want to learn more about how metal mining shaped modern Ontario.

To plan your visit to the Big Nickel and the Dynamic Earth science center, you can use the following contact information:

Visiting the Big Nickel is more than just a chance to take a great photo with a giant coin. The main activities are centered at Dynamic Earth, where you can take a fascinating underground mine tour to see mining operations from the inside and explore layers of ancient rock.

Inside the museum itself, interactive exhibits dedicated to geology and mineralogy await visitors. You can examine rare crystals and even try your hand at operating mining machinery via special simulators. This place is extremely popular with families thanks to its wealth of educational games.

In the evening, it's definitely worth staying to see the multimedia show projected directly onto the steel surface of the Nickel. After viewing the monument, you can stroll through the trails of Bell Park or head to Ramsey Lake to enjoy the northern nature and city views.

Getting to the Big Nickel, located at 122 Big Nickel Mine Dr, is easiest by car. The drive from downtown Sudbury takes only 10–15 minutes via Paris Street or Highway 2. Free parking is available for visitors right next to the science center.

Sudbury’s public transit also provides access to the attraction: bus routes stop within a few minutes' walk of the Dynamic Earth entrance. Additionally, you can always use taxi services, which operate throughout the city.

If you are arriving in the region via Sudbury Airport (YSB), the drive by car or taxi to the monument will take about 20–30 minutes (a distance of approximately 25 km). In the summer season, many tourists prefer to get here by bicycle or on foot along the scenic trails from Bell Park.

The idea for the Big Nickel was born in 1963 by local firefighter Ted Szilva. He proposed building a giant replica of a five-cent coin as a symbol of the city's mining industry for its centennial. After the city committee declined, Szilva leased the land himself and realized the project in 1964, investing about 35,000 Canadian dollars into the construction.

The monument was designed by artist Cavallo, who literally traced the image of the coin onto a wall to create the blueprint. The steel panels were manufactured in Toronto, and the grand opening took place on July 22, 1964. Originally, the site was part of the Sudbury Numismatic Park, which also featured other giant coins, including a penny and a half-dollar.

In 2001, the sculpture was dismantled for extensive restoration, and in 2003, it took its current place on a new base at the entrance to Dynamic Earth. Today, this monument is not just a tourist attraction, but a historical testament to the city's status as the nickel capital of the world.

For a quick look at the Big Nickel itself and a commemorative photo session, you'll need about 20–30 minutes. It is a popular stop for those traveling through the region who want to see the city's famous symbol.

If you plan to visit the Dynamic Earth interactive museum and go down into the underground mine, allow 1.5 to 3 hours for your visit. To fully explore Sudbury's scientific achievements, including a visit to the Science North center, tourists usually need a full day.

Access to the Big Nickel sculpture is open almost anytime; however, the operation of the Dynamic Earth science center depends on the time of year. From October to May, the museum usually welcomes visitors from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. During the summer, hours may be extended until 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.

As schedules can change depending on the season and holidays, it is recommended to check the latest information on the official website or the science center's social media pages before your visit.

Exploring the area around the Big Nickel will allow you to get a better feel for the region's culture and gastronomy. Nearby, you'll find cozy spots and interesting city sites that perfectly complement your visit.