+10 Wonderful Things to do in Winter in Sudbury
One of my favourite cities in Ontario to visit in the winter is Sudbury! This city on the edge of Northern Ontario makes for the perfect winter getaway for many. Visitors will find a wealth of outdoor activities, from skating to snowshoeing, as well as plenty of places to escape the cold indoors, from family-friendly attractions to cafes.
After countless visits, I’m sharing some of my favourite things to do in winter in Sudbury. In this guide you’ll find everything you need to plan a Sudbury winter getaway, from what to do, including a fun dining experience in a snow globe, to outdoor activities like fat biking. Plus, I’m sharing a fabulous food festival that you’ll want to take a bite out of.
So, let’s enjoy some truly Canadian winter fun with my guide to what to do in Nickel City in the winter.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing and booking through these links I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Go for a Snowshoe
My favourite winter activity is snowshoeing! So, it’s no surprise that I’m starting off my Sudbury winter guide with it.
You’ll find plenty of great places to snowshoe, many of which are also some of my favourite hiking trails in Sudbury.
Two great places to snowshoe:
Lake Laurentian Conservation Area – There’s over 50 km of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. Plus, you can rent snowshoes and skis from the BioSki Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Club.
Kivi Park – One of my favourite places to visit in the winter in Sudbury is Kivi Park. The park has over 50 km of trails that are great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Plus, they have rentals too.
Dine in a Snow Globe
One of the coolest things to do in winter in Sudbury is dining in a snow globe! Yes, you can book a private snow globe at The Daventry Kitchen & Bar.
The domes are so cool! They feature twinkling lights, cozy blanket to warm up with, along with small heaters. I loved the unique atmosphere and the food was excellent!
As one of the best places to eat in Sudbury in the winter, you’ll have to pre-book the snow globe in advance. And be aware that there is a $20 reservation fee.
Enjoy a Nordic Spa Experience
When many think of spa getaways they don’t think of Sudbury. But one of my favourite things to do in the winter in Sudbury is enjoy the Nordic Lounge at Ezentials.
Ezentials is a wellness spa that is the perfect place to escape to for the day in the winter. You’ll find a long list of services, from massages to manicures and pedicures to facials.
But I loved their Nordic Lounge! I visited with a girl friend and we ended up having the place to ourselves. It was so relaxing!
The Nordic spa experience features a traditional dry cedar sauna, eucalyptus steam room, cold shower mist, and cold bucket shower. You’ll also find two crackling fire pits and lounge chairs to relax in between circuits.
Attend Taste of Sudbury
I love digging into a town or city’s local food scene and if you do too, I highly recommend you plan your winter trip around their Taste of Sudbury event.
Taste of Sudbury is an annual festival that celebrates all things food and drink. It takes place every January at the Caruso Club.
Inside you’ll find dozens of local food and drink vendors from across Northern Ontario. Your ticket gets you in to enjoy a sampling of the different foods and beverages. Plus, there’s music and door prizes.
And the best part is that proceeds from the event go to a good cause.
Go Fat Biking
A year-round destination that’s full of possibilities when it comes to winter activities in Sudbury is Kivi Park. One of the best things to do in the park in winter is fat biking.
With over 50 km of trails, you can spend all day fat biking in Kivi Park. Plus, don’t worry if you don’t have one, you can rent fat bikes onsite.
Need to warm up in between trails? Cozy up with a hot chocolate at the Kivi Café. Next to the cafe is a lounge area with Muskoka chairs around an outdoor fireplace; the perfect spot to warm up.
Visit Onaping Falls
I love chasing frozen waterfalls in the winter! So, don’t miss a visit to the A.Y. Jackson Lookout, 30 minutes from downtown, it’s one of the top attractions in Sudbury.
The waterfall, one of the many places in Ontario that inspired the Group of Seven, is typically accessible from the A.Y. Jackson Lookout Welcome Centre parking lot.
However, in the winter the parking lot is closed. You can park at the gate and walk in or further down along the road, there’s another trail access.
If you walk in through the parking lot to access the trail, you can check out the lookout trail, that’s 0.5 km. For the full loop trail from the parking lot, it’s 2.5 km.
For those that choose to park along the road, the trail is shorter, and you can choose to just hike to the bridge over the waterfall and back.
However, I recommend having proper gear, like ice cleats, snacks, and water.
PLEASE NOTE: The trails are not maintained during the winter. Caution is a must across the slippery rocks.
Do a Skate Trail
If you’re looking for free things to do in winter in Sudbury, lace up your skates and hit a skate trail. Two of the coolest skate trails in Ontario are in Sudbury!
One free trail is located along Ramsey Lake. The Ramsey Lake Skating Path is roughly 1.5 km and runs from the Sudbury Canoe Club to Science North.
Ramsey Lake hours of operation: Monday to Friday 4 – 8 pm, Saturdays 12 – 8 pm & Sundays from 12 – 6 pm
Nina’s Way is another one of the skate trails in Sudbury. This one is located in Kivi Park and is about 1.3 km long. It’s such a scenic outdoor skating trail, winding through the forest of the park. Plus, it’s lit by twinkling lights in the evening.
Nina’s Way hours of operation: Monday to Sunday 11 am – 9 pm
There is another outdoor skating rink, the Queen’s Athletic Skating Oval, that’s also free.
PLEASE NOTE: Outdoor skate trails are subject to closures if there isn’t sufficient ice or cold weather. Please check websites for updated information.
Want to know more about Kivi Park? Check out my guide to visiting Kivi Park in the winter!
More Fun Things to do in Winter in Sudbury
Enjoy Cozy Cafes – If you’re looking to warm up after all the outdoor activities in Sudbury then visit one of the many coffee shops in the city. A couple of top recommendations are Da Capo Café and Salute Coffee Company.
Hit the Slopes – Adrenalin junkies will love strapping on their skis or snowboards at one or both of the ski hills in Sudbury. Adanac Ski Hill is a popular choice, great for beginners and with more skiable terrain. But there’s also Lively Ski Hill.
Go Ice Fishing – With over 300 lakes in the Sudbury area winter means it’s an ideal spot for ice fishing.
Enjoy Winter Camping – One of the top things to do in the winter in Ontario for nature lovers is to go winter camping. You can enjoy a fun and cozy winter camping experience at Windy Lake Provincial Park by booking one of their yurts.
Where to Stay in Sudbury
If winter camping isn’t your jam, you’ll find a number of hotels in Sudbury that are perfect for an ideal getaway.
Holiday Inn – Always a great choice is the Holiday Inn in Sudbury. It’s located centrally and within 10 minutes you’ll find many of the city’s top attractions. Amenities include a pool and on-site restaurant.
Travelway Inn – Another place to consider is the Travelway Inn Sudbury. I enjoyed my stay and the location, central as well. Breakfast is included in your stay, which is always a great money saver.
Related Sudbury Guides:
Best Places to Hike in Sudbury
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