Living in Valley East and Hanmer

Valley East takes its name from the eastern half of the Sudbury Basin, and it is one of the most popular places in Greater Sudbury to raise a family. The area includes Hanmer, Val Caron, Val Thérèse and Blezard Valley, along with neighbourhoods like McCrea Heights and Guilletville. It has a proud francophone and agricultural heritage, a strong small-town feel and plenty of room to breathe.

Getting Around

According to the City’s Move to Sudbury guide, Hanmer is about 24 km northeast of downtown Sudbury, and Val Caron and Blezard Valley are about 18 km north. Many residents commute into the city for work, and GOVA Transit serves the area. Hanmer is the main shopping and services hub for the Valley, with grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and a Citizen Service Centre and library.

Recreation for the Whole Family

  • Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre in Hanmer, with an indoor pool, indoor track, squash courts, a fitness room and saunas, plus a splash pad and playground outside
  • Centennial Community Centre and Arena on Centennial Drive in Hanmer and Raymond Plourde Arena in Val Caron
  • Kalmo Beach and boat launch on Whitson Lake
  • Langdon Park in Blezard Valley, with a 1 km trail and a shallow sandy wading area, and Howard’s Nature Trail by the soccer fields
  • Soccer fields, ball diamonds, tennis and basketball courts, a skateboard park and outdoor rinks

Schools

Valley East has a long list of schools in English and French, which is a big draw for families:

  • Confederation Secondary School in Val Caron (Grades 7 to 12)
  • Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School and École secondaire Hanmer
  • É.s.c. l’Horizon, a French Catholic secondary school in Val Caron
  • Elementary schools including Redwood Acres, Valleyview, St. Anne, Immaculate Conception, École Notre-Dame, École St-Joseph, École publique Foyer-Jeunesse, École Jean-Paul II and École publique de la Découverte

School boundaries can change, so confirm the right school for a specific address with the board.

Homes in Valley East

Single-detached homes are the norm here. In Val Caron and Blezard Valley, the City reports that 83% of the housing stock is single detached. You will find everything from bungalows and split-levels to newer two-storey homes, plus larger lots and rural properties on the edges of the Valley. Buyers often come here for more house and more yard, while staying within reach of the city.

Who Valley East Suits

  • Young families who want schools, rinks and parks close by
  • Buyers who want a bigger lot or a garage and room to grow
  • Bilingual households, with strong French-language schools and community life

Some rural properties in the Valley are on private wells and septic systems, so it is worth asking about services before you write an offer. We are happy to help you sort that out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What communities are part of Valley East?

Valley East includes Hanmer, Val Caron, Val Thérèse and Blezard Valley, along with neighbourhoods like McCrea Heights and Guilletville.

How far is Hanmer from downtown Sudbury?

The City’s Move to Sudbury guide puts Hanmer about 24 km northeast of downtown, and Val Caron about 18 km north. GOVA Transit serves the area.

Is there a beach in Valley East?

Yes. Kalmo Beach has a beach and boat launch on Whitson Lake, and Langdon Park in Blezard Valley has a shallow sandy wading area.

Thinking About Valley East & Hanmer?

Whether you are buying your first home, moving up or getting ready to sell, Team KING knows Valley East & Hanmer street by street. Call us at (705) 988-1022, find out what your home is worth with a free home evaluation, or send us a message and we will get back to you quickly.

Valley East has deep francophone roots, so many local families prefer to buy and sell in French: Shawn Boucher (705-923-7118) and Aleks McTaggart (705-561-0946) are fully bilingual and offer full service in English and French. Service en français disponible : agents immobiliers bilingues à Sudbury.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5