Located just north of Sudbury, Windy Lake Provincial Park has some of the best cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in the region, plus cozy cabins and yurts, making it a prime winter vacation destination.
Here are our top five reasons you need to check out Windy Lake:
1. Snowshoe on the edge of an ancient meteorite crater
Windy Lake sits on the northwest edge of the Sudbury Basin, a 1.8-billion-year-old meteorite crater.
The edge of the crater (as wide as 60 km in places) forms a ring of hills around Sudbury and its neighbouring communities. The drive to Windy Lake from Sudbury passes through the edge of the crater and is quite scenic.
Several kilometres of snowshoe trails wind through the park’s forest, with park roads and the shores of Windy Lake providing more snowshoeing opportunities.
The Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club has a 6 km snowshoe trail on their land that climbs to a lookout, providing expansive views of the lake.
2. Lots of snow
Sitting on the edge of a meteorite crater means that Windy Lake is high enough in elevation above Sudbury that it gets more snow and holds it longer through the winter and early spring.
Whether you prefer to ski, snowshoe, or ice fish, Windy Lake’s got the snowy wonderland you’ve been craving.
3. Pristine ski trails (and a chalet to warm up in)
The cross-country ski trails are expertly groomed and track-set by the Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club, which is based in the park.
The club grooms over 15 km of trails that wind through rolling hills and Jack Pine forest.
The chalet is the trailhead and parking area for the ski trails. It offers flush toilets, change rooms, a woodstove, and lunch tables and chairs. The club also rents skis, boots, poles and snowshoes too.
On weekends, the chalet is a hub of activity, with ski club members warming up, drinking hot chocolate, or eating lunch.
4. Ice fishing
In winter, Windy Lake freezes solid and becomes the perfect place to try some winter fishing.
Windy Lake contains Lake Trout, Walleye and Northern Pike.
Make sure you obey the rules and regulations of the body of water you’re fishing on. And don’t forget to bring your fishing licence with you!
5. Cozy cabins and yurts after a day on the trails
Two lakeside cabins are located down the hill on the shores of Windy Lake and are road accessible. They have scenic views across Windy Lake itself, with the ski and snowshoe trails up the hill behind them.
The cabins are close to a snowmobile trail, part of the Cartier Moose Loop that connects with Sudbury’s 700 km of snowmobile trails. The cabins share a heated privy close by.
The cabins also have a deck with a barbecue (complete with side burner), mini fridge, and microwave.
Don’t miss the chance to book a reservation with one of the park’s newly constructed yurts!
The yurts can sleep up to six people, and each comes with a table and chairs, lighting, electric heat, and an electrical outlet. Each site also has a large deck, fire pit, picnic table, and propane barbecue.
Starting this year, the park will be plowing to the yurts so you can drive straight to them instead of parking at the office.
Reservations for cabins and yurts can be made online or by phone at 1-888-668-7275.
Set your tracks to Windy Lake!
