The Top 5 Winter Activities to Discover in Sudbury

Sudbury has a wealth of accessible trails, ski hills, outdoor rinks, and more to explore this winter—right within city limits.

The winter season is long and snowy in Northern Ontario, and the City of Greater Sudbury has lots of great activities to keep you busy and active throughout these chilly months. Conveniently located between North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, and just a few hours from Ottawa and Toronto, Sudbury is the perfect place to plan a northern vacation this year.

Whether you're looking to spend an evening skating under the stars on an outdoor rink (followed by some hot chocolate from local favourite Salute Coffee Company or spend a day on the trails learning why fat biking is one of the region's fastest-growing sports, Sudbury has something for everyone.

Here is our list of five great ways to keep busy in Sudbury for the rest of winter!

experience Sudbury's famous skate path on a lake

Sudbury offers two very unique outdoor skating opportunities. The Ramsey Lake Skating Path is one of the most famous outdoor "rinks" in Ontario, and a must-do winter activity when you're in town. The skating path is approximately 1.5 km long and stretches from the Sudbury Canoe Club at the corner of Elizabeth and McNaughton Terrace and ends at Science North, offering incredible views of Ramsey Lake and the snowy shoreline. There is also a small extension that goes to the Northern Water Sports Centre. To warm up, there's a comfortable heated changing facility conveniently located at the Sudbury Canoe Club. After a day on the ice, you'll want to warm up—plan to check out some of Sudbury's amazing restaurants.

The other skating path is the Queens Athletic Skating Oval and is a maintained oval around the field. This location also has a heated change room and concession stand.

Both of these skating paths are dependant on the weather and can open in mid-January if conditions are right. so plan accordingly. Hockey, ringette, and other games are not permitted—so leave your sticks at home!

Enjoy Sudbury's Non-Motorized Trails

Sudbury is home to some of the best non-motorized trail systems in Northern Ontario—which means great opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking! Kivi Park—one of the region's premier trail systems—along with the Walden Ski Club and two trail networks in the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area are the most popular options in Sudbury. To learn more about the best trails to explore in the city, check out this story on Sudbury's extensive trail system.

Go Downhill at Adanac or lively

Adanac Ski Hill

Adanac Ski Hill sits right in the heart of Sudbury and provides easy access to local skiing options for residents offering beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. Adanac offers a new quad chair lift, a carpet lift for their bunny hill, a cozy 2,400-square-foot chalet with equipment rentals, and a concession stand. There are many great youth programs run by the city including lessons for all ages and holidays programs.

Lively Ski Hill is a small hill with a few runs right inside Lively. This hill is serviced by a T-Bar or surface lift and has a chalet and concession booth. Lively Ski Hill is rarely too busy, so you won't be stuck in line for long, and they also have very reasonable rates, making it perfect for a casual day on the slopes.

Fall in love with snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a big part of the culture in Northern Ontario, and in Sudbury, it's practically a way of life. This city is part of District 12 of the OFSC, which offers easy access to more than 1,000 kms of groomed trails. There are three main scenic loops ranging in length across the city and beyond—all of which offer riders the opportunity to ride through boreal landscapes and alongside frozen lakes and waterways. For more information on the trail systems around the city, check out this rider's guide to sledding in SudburyGrab your Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit, check the trail conditions with the OFSC interactive trail guide, and get ready to ride.

plan your winter trip to Sudbury now

Winter adventure awaits in Sudbury! For help planning your visit, or for more information on the best winter activities in Sudbury, visit us here

About Sudbury Staff Writer

Northern Ontario's largest city is home to world-renowned attractions, urban comforts, and four-season outdoor adventures. We invite you to discover for yourself why Greater Sudbury is attracting a growing number of adventure-seekers. 

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