ABOUT DYNAMIC EARTH
Dynamic Earth, home of the Big Nickel, is an immersive, hands-on science centre that features earth science and mining experiences. Now open all year round! Please check monthly times as they vary.
Complete with a guided underground tour, multimedia theatres, engaging exhibits, and an outdoor science park, this iconic space entertains visitors of all ages in an interactive and educational setting.
HOURS OF OPERATION
- CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO VIEW OUR DAILY HOURS OF OPERATION FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2024
HALLOWEEN
Every fall, Dynamic Earth transforms into Northern Ontario’s family-friendly Halloween destination with Pumpkinferno, a one-of-a-kind, after-dark, outdoor experience featuring over 7,000 themed pumpkins!
THE BIG NICKEL
Sudbury’s iconic attraction, the Big Nickel, is an exact replica of the 1951 Canadian nickel. It was built in 1964 and symbolizes the wealth that Sudbury has contributed to the Canadian economy through nickel production. The base enables the public to walk around and under the 13,000-kg coin, with barrier-free access. The perfect place for a selfie!
The Big Nickel — the largest coin in the world — is celebrating 60 years IN 2024!
Located at Dynamic Earth, the 30-foot replica of a 1951 Canadian nickel commemorates Sudbury’s mining heritage and celebrates our community’s unique history.
Big Nickel Fast Facts:
- The Big Nickel is the largest coin in the world.
- In the 1960s, the Big Nickel was joined by four other over-sized monuments: The Fantasy Penny, The Lincoln Penny, The Kennedy Half Dollar and The Twenty Dollar Gold Piece. These other four monuments were all dismantled in 1984.
- The 1951 5-cent coin was minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the isolation and naming of the element Nickel.
- On the “heads” side is King George VI, and on the “tails,” a stylized nickel refinery with one large stack. However, it is not the Sudbury superstack!
- It is about 64,607,747 times the size of a real Canadian nickel.
- Since 1999, the composition of the 5-cent coin has changed to 94.5% steel, 3.5% copper, and only 2% nickel.
UNDERGROUND MINE TOUR
In the footsteps of Sudbury’s Miners
Put on a hard hat, as we descend seven storeys underground to walk in the footsteps of Sudbury's miners.
This guided tour takes you through our demonstration mine to discover the evolution of mining from turn-of-the-century to modern day.
Have a blast! Be sure to purchase a postcard at the Sales Centre to mail in our Underground Postbox!
Tour lasts approximately 1-hour-15-minutes. Sturdy footwear and jackets are recommended, as mine temperatures are approximately 13°C (55°F).
Last tour of the day is scheduled for 1h30min prior to closing.
Seizure warning! Tour contains flashing lights.
THE MINING CAGE: A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY
Explore the exciting world of modern mining as you journey underground in a ‘mining cage’. Get ready to be immersed in this audio and visual experience projected on rocks! See mining's past and present right before your eyes!
Supported by Desjardins. Funded by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, the City of Greater Sudbury, and Sudbury Tourism.
SENSORY SUNDAYS
SENSORY FRIENDLY SUNDAYS
Dynamic Earth is for everyone! If our regular operations are a little too much for your senses to handle, join us for a Sensory Friendly Sunday, for a quieter, sensory friendly experience. During this event, sounds will be turned down or off, lighting will be adjusted, the science centre will be less busy, and certain spaces will be set up as sensory break spaces. Our iconic underground tour will also be adapted to be sensory friendly so put on a hard hat and join us underground!
** Please also note that our Lapidary Lab workshops will not run on Sensory Sundays as the equipment can be very loud.
DATES
- March 2, 2025
EARTH GALLERY
Experience the greatest show on earth at the Earth Gallery—perfect for visitors of all ages who want to learn more about earth sciences.
Find out how to identify rocks, minerals and fossils, and bring in your own samples to trade at the Rockhound Lab. Investigate Earth processes, including earthquakes and plate tectonics, and find out how a large meteorite shaped Sudbury and the mining the community we see today.
EPIROC THEATRE
Grab a snack, take your seat and enjoy films that are both fun and educational, all on the Epiroc Theatre’s giant screen.
Fascinating nature documentaries allow you to gain a better understanding of the world around us. Ask a Bluecoat for the day’s screening schedule when you arrive.
NOW PLAYING: JANE GOODALL – REASONS FOR HOPE (43 mins)
Drawing on decades of work by the world’s most famous living ethologist and environmentalist, Jane Goodall – Reasons for Hope, is an uplifting journey around the globe to highlight good news stories that will inspire people to make a difference in the world around them.
Featured stories such as the Northern Bald Ibis’ migration over the Alps, the re-introduction of the American Bison by the Blackfeet Nation, the worldwide recognized Sudbury Regreening Story and inspiring youth-led initiatives involved in Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots align with historic footage of Jane’s beginnings as a chimpanzee researcher.
Throughout, the film reinforces Jane's four pillars of hope that signal tremendous hope for the future: the amazing human intellect, the resilience of nature, the power and dedication of young people, and the indomitable human spirit.
Jane revolutionized how we view the world around us. Join her on this adventure of inspiration and hope.
LAPIDARY LAB
Roll up your sleeves and cut and polish rocks and minerals in our Lapidary Lab. Our Bluecoats will guide you through the process to make sure you’re having fun, while safely using the equipment! Within 40 minutes, you’ll have a polished creation to take home!
Are you a Nature Exchange or Rockhound trader? Trade with us for your special sample or bring one from your collection. Ask how we can help you cut your sample with our rock saw before beginning the polishing process.
* closes one hour prior to the closure of the science centre
MACLEOD ROCK GALLERY
Ready to rock?
In the MacLeod Rock Gallery, you can test your skills in our Mine Training Centre while operating one of our exciting simulators. Join a rescue team for a mine rescue adventure. Create mountains and lakes with the virtual sandbox and pan for REAL gold flakes in our gold panning table.
For a more relaxing visit, enjoy engaging multimedia experiences with Nickel City Stories.
MINERAL WALL
Located across from the Copper Café, the Mineral Wall is bursting with colours and textures from our natural world.
Explore, identify and learn all about the specimens with our interactive touchscreens. You won't be able to resist touching these rocks and minerals from around the world as they tell the Earth's geologic story.
OUTDOOR SCIENCE PARK
In the shadow of the Big Nickel, visit Ontario's only outdoor Science Park. With large-scale, science-themed exhibits and interactive structures.
Fun for all ages, you get to:
- Slide down the large “molten slag” towards a real slag pot
- Get in the driver’s seat of a real Scooptram® underground loader
- Operate a digger in the Sand Pit Zone
- Create music with a rock xylophone
- And replicate the movement of a seismic wave
NOW OPEN!
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weather permitting
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closing for the season on September 9, 2024!
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
A FUN PARTY AT A GREAT VALUE
Give your child an amazing birthday party that is one of a kind with the help of our Bluecoats! Enjoy a fun-filled day with affordable prices and flexible party options. We can help make it a birthday to remember!
GIFT CARDS
Give a Gift
For the person who has everything – a valued employee or a special client you may be trying to impress – our gift cards make for a fantastic gift! Redeem them and discover all of the wonderfully unique experiences our science centres have to offer!
SHOP & EAT
BIG NICKEL BOUTIQUE
Looking for a unique Sudbury shopping experience? Visit the Big Nickel Boutique to find locally produced and one-of-a-kind giftware, jewellery, clothing, novelties and more.
Members save 10%
COPPER CAFÉ
The Copper Café offers light snacks and beverages that can be enjoyed while overlooking Vale’s Copper Cliff Smelter operations and re-greening work.
Members save 10%
