Science North (French: Science Nord) is a science museum in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.[1] It contains object theatres, an IMAX theatre, a planetarium, and exhibition halls across four levels with a variety of hands-on permanent exhibits focused on technology, ecology, geology and the geography of Northern Ontario.
Science North consists of two snowflake-shaped buildings on the southwestern shore of Ramsey Lake.[1] The buildings are connected by a rock tunnel, which passes through a geological fault.[1] This fault line was not known to be under the complex when the site was originally selected, and was only discovered during construction. Inside the main starwell, a 20-metre fin whale skeleton, recovered from Anticosti Island, hangs from the ceiling.[7]
The F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery
The F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery is located on the second level. The gallery is a glass-enclosed butterfly house containing approximately 400 butterflies from 30 different tropical species. The third level covers the ecosystems of Northern Ontario, with displays covering regional ecology. The exhibits include aquariums and enclosures with frogs, turtles, snakes, porcupines and flying squirrels.[8] The third level previously housed beavers as 'animal ambassadors', including Drifter from 2004 until 2020 and Kash from 2016 until 2023.[9][10] The fourth level covers technology, housing displays on astronomy and the human body.
Outdoors
The Jim Gordon Boardwalk connects Science North to Bell Park along the western shore of the Ramsey Lake.[11] The William Ramsey cruise boat departs from the dock at the boardwalk, and runs from June to September.[12] Formerly called the Cortina, it was renamed the William Ramsey in 2014 for the surveyor for whom the lake was named.[12]
Auditoriums
Science North houses an IMAX Theatre with laser projection, opened in 1994.[13] The theatre was converted to 3D in 2009. Within the rock tunnel is the Vale Cavern auditorium. The auditorium is used for temporary exhibits, press conferences, film screenings, and other events.[14] In June 2009, an 8-metre dome planetarium with 36 seats was installed. The Discovery theatre, located in the centre of the third and fourth levels, hosts live science shows cover topics ranging from fire to sound. The Climate Action Show, narrated by Rick Mercer, opened in 2003 and was updated in 2022.[15]
Education
Science North employs a team of science communicators known as 'Blue Coats' for their blue lab coat uniforms. Blue Coats provide interpretive and educational experiences for visitors, present shows at the Discovery Theatre, and lead events and tours.[16]
Science North has worked with Laurentian University on scientific and environmental research, including as a partner in the university's graduate program in science communication. Science North runs science education day camps for children throughout the year in several Northern communities covering a wide range of scientific topics.[19]
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