Exploring Sudbury, Ontario in Winter: Embrace Winter Adventure in This Northern Ontario City!
If you’re looking for winter in adventure in Ontario, then don’t look past Sudbury. You’ve got no shortage of museums, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy if it’s a little too cold, but if it’s a lovely winter day, then you can choose to break out the hiking boots, the ice fishing rod, or those cross-country skis.
Bri and I breaking out the cross-country skis at Walden Cross Country. Photo Credit Christopher Mitchell
Sudbury has long been considered perhaps the city to visit in Northern Ontario for those who aren’t familiar with the wonders of the region, and are keen to learn more about why Northern Ontario is very much worth visiting.
They have the museums, Science North and Dynamic Earth, for example, which tell the story of the city, but also serve as a microcosm for the area at large. What I feel more people need to know about Sudbury is that this city is moving full-throttle, regardless of the season.
I remember when I used to call Istanbul home all those years ago, the city would effectively shut down if a snowflake even dared to fall from the sky, but it couldn’t be more different in Sudbury. This city not only expects and prepares for winter - they embrace it.
Thus, exploring Sudbury in winter is an absolute treat. If a winter storm is brewing, you have the option of visiting some top-tier museums, and a wide array of cafes, restaurants, bars or breweries. And if the sun is high in the sky, you can head out hiking, go fat biking, or perhaps add a little cross-country skiing to the mix.
You have options, and that’s what makes Sudbury, Ontario one of my favourite destinations for winter travel in this province. It’s not about the downtown core, it’s about the Greater Sudbury Region, and having a car on hand to not just explore the city, but to get out into nature a little.
If the Group of Seven thought the lands around this city were worth painting, surely that’s enough validation that there’s an awful lot of beauty around here if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to seek it out and appreciate it.
Let me work through my favourite things to do in Sudbury in winter, so that you can plan the perfect itinerary for yourself on your next visit.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means we may receive a small commission for sharing some of our honest and heartfelt recommendations.
What Should You Do in Sudbury in Winter?
I’ve visited Sudbury a handful of times now in the winter months with the intention of putting this article together for you, so I can only hope it hits the mark and serves you well. Whether you’re on your own, with your partner, or consiering heading on down with the whole family, there’s plenty here for you to enjoy.
Do a Little Cross-Country Skiing at Walden Cross Country
The entrance of Walden Cross Country. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
One of the first things that Bri and I did once arriving in Greater Sudbury was head to Walden Cross Country. The process for rentals was seamless (and inexpensive), and we were quite literally on the trails about ten minutes after we arrived. Kudos to their helpful staff!
Walden Cross Country has been around since 1978, and they’re a staple for winter fun in the city. As they note, “we are a not-for-profit committed to providing our skiers, snowshoers and fat bikers with a wonderful trail experience.”
You can head to their website to look at grabbing a day pass, or becoming a member, and it’s also worth looking there to see what the trail conditions are like. As we all know, the temperatures of winter have been in fluctuation mode, and of course that can have an affect on the trails, so before you head their way, do just check that the trails and chalet are indeed open.
If we lived in Sudbury, we’d no doubt be members, and be here whenever we could be. Cross-country skiing is great for both the mind and body.
Treat Yourself at Ezentials Wellness Escape & Eco-Luxury Spa
Bri and I went to Ezentials to spend some time in their Nordic Lounge. We were offered a glass of wine, beer, or kombucha to kick things off, then we got changed and headed to the Nordic Lounge. You should know that they do indeed have a fun cafe on-site as well if you’re keen to get lunch, have a smoothie, or a cup of coffee.
In terms of the Nordic Lounge, the main focus here is leisurely moving through a hot, cold, and rest circuit - a sequence you’ll likely recognize from other spas around Ontario, and in Scandinavia.
The Nordic lounge is compact, but features:
A traditional dry cedar sauna
A eucalyptus steam room
A cold shower mist
A cold bucket shower
The Lounge / rest area
The Rehydration station
They offer many other services (massage, facials, manicures and pedicures etc.) that you can add on to your Nordic Lounge experience, but it largely depends on how much time you have here, as well as your budget.
It’s a great spot to, as they note, “escape into the world of Nordic wellness, right here within the city of Sudbury!”
Do a Little Museum Hopping
The museums on offer in Sudbury hit well above their weight, and perhaps more importantly, they tell a unique story - Sudbury’s story, which is a microcosm for the Northern Ontario region at large.
Science North: This is, on paper, the top attraction in the city of Sudbury, regardless of season. Science North is a renowned science museum known for its interactive exhibits that explore a variety of scientific fields (think biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science), but in a way that’s very accessible to visitors of all ages. The museum also features a distinctive "snowflake" building and offers attractions like a butterfly gallery, planetarium, IMAX theatre, and outdoor science park.
Dynamic Earth: Dynamic Earth focuses on the Earth sciences and mining history of the region. I’ve always felt that Dynamic Earth did an incredible job of humanizing the miners and telling their story. Set on the site of a former mine, the museum ultimately showcases exhibits on geology, mining technology, and the environmental impact of mining. A big highlight? Of course it’s is “the Big Nickel,” a nine-meter replica of a Canadian nickel, symbolizing Sudbury's mining heritage. My pro tip here would be to take the underground mine tours! It’s unforgettable.
The Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre: Located in nearby Capreol, this museum aims to preserve the history of the railway in Northern Ontario. It boasts a collection of vintage railway equipment, including locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. They also host a lot of events around here, including BBQs and the like, and you can check their Facebook Page for updates on all of that.
Set Eyes on the Alex Trebek Mural
Bri admiring the Alex Trebek Mural in Sudbury, Ontario. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Winter or not, this is a must-visit for me anytime I’m in Sudbury. For one, he’s an iconic Canadian that I have no shortage of reverence for, but the work itself, done by artist Kevin Ledo, does a beautiful job of capturing the presence of Trebek.
In my humble opinion, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the city, as the mural really pops for the camera.
You’ll find the mural on the side of the Sudbury Secondary School. You can drive up Mackenzie, then park across the street, as there’s a large parking lot beside the Sudbury Indie Cinema Co-op.
Sip On a Local Beer
There are two breweries that come to mind for me immediately - Stack Brewing an 46 North Brewing Co.
Stack Brewing is a craft brewery located in Sudbury, Ontario, known for its creative beer offerings, all of which focus on quality. Founded in June of 2013, Stack Brewing has quickly gained a reputation in the Northern Ontario brewery scene. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and seasonal brews, and all their beers are brewed on site. They’ve also got a sizeable taproom.
I’ve tried their “Shatter Cone” IPA and quite liked it, but their best-selling brew is likely their “Saturday Cream Ale” or “Panache” IPA. I haven’t personally tried it, but reviews suggest that their Stack ‘72 imperial IPA should be next up on my list for my next visit.
46 North Brewing Co. is another craft brewery based in Sudbury that has gained a strong following since it opened its doors. The brewery is known for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and sustainable brewing practices. They’ve got a gorgeous taproom, and they do a nice job of incorporating live music and sometimes even a food truck or two into the mix.
Their “Yard Bard” Pale Ale is hugely popular here, and I’d recommend their “Nigel Ainsley John Coombes” if you’re into English style brown ales. They do flavourful IPAs very well here, so don’t get a flight without at least one of their IPAs in the mix.
Make Time for Jazz Night at The Night Owl
The Night Owl is a “downtown Sudbury hideaway” that is unlike any other bar I’ve visited in Ontario. You walk down a set of stairs and call to be let in from a staged little payphone. You’ll be met at the door and brought into a hidden speakeasy that’s so neat (something we covered in a recent Instagram post).
You can come here for a beverage or some food on any night, but if you can line it up, I’d strongly recommend coming here for their Live Jazz Thursday Nights. They have managed to secure some of the top names in Jazz to come play here, and you can see who is playing next on their Eventbrite page.
We had the pleasure of seeing (and chatting with) Daniel Barnes, a renowned Canadian drummer and composer.
Stay Somewhere Interesting
We typically find ourselves at the Hilton Garden Inn in Sudbury when we’re staying here, largely just because it’s a great location and the staff here are excellent, but there are plenty of options to suit your needs. Take a peek!
Head on Over to Kivi Park
We’ve long been fans of Kivi Park, exemplified by the entire article that we’ve dedicated to Kivi Park on our sister site, Ultimate Ontario.
Many people think of Kivi Park in the warmer months for its hiking an biking options, but it’s brilliant for cross-country-skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, ice skating and even some sledding and winter events.
When we visited, we arrived early in the morning, ripped around on some fat bikes, then traded those fat bikes for some snowshoes and headed on over to “The Wishing Tree.” All your equipment is easily rentable with Adventure365, so we didn’t need to have any of this equipment, and were able to partake, despite being visitors from Toronto.
Kivi Park is very much a northern oasis, and you can head to their site to see about day passes and membership. If I lived around here, as with Walden Ski Trails, there’s no doubt I’d be a member.
Fat biking in Kivi Park. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Get Out on the Bell Park Walkway
Anytime I’m in Sudbury, I make time for this, because I always end of with some of my favourite photos of the visit.
It’s an easy, flat walk, much of it along a wooden boardwalk, with an asphalt walking trail as well.
The urban pathway runs along the western edge of Ramsey Lake, running parallel to Paris Street. It’s nice because you end of passing by some public beaches, the rowing and canoe club, as well as the Grace Hartman Ampitheatre, as you make your way towards Science North. You can, of course, start near Science North and walk the other way.
This trail is part of the Rainbow Routes system, a network of trails in Greater Sudbury dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents and visitors by providing access to nature and outdoor recreation. I’ve got to say, it’s hard not to sincerely support that mission!
Eat With Intention
Sudbury is a foodie city, in my humble opinion. There’s a lot on offer here that’s just delicious, and no shortage of local businesses that have been serving the community for quite some time, and deserve to be celebrated. On our recent visit, here are the spots we focused on visiting (and very much enjoyed):
A snow globe dinner at The Daventry! Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
The Daventry: Known for its upscale pub fare, The Daventry offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring some pub classics (particularly when it comes to sandwiches), but also some more exciting and adventurous options. The big draw here in winter is the snow globes that you can reserve behind the restaurant for a memorable night!
Jak's Diner: A local favorite for classic diner fare, Jak's Diner serves up hearty breakfasts, burgers, and sandwiches in a casual setting. It’s got that classic Canadian breakfast, bottomless coffee, appeal.
Deluxe Hamburgers: Sudbury, my friends, “is a one arch town.” This is a phrase that they started using when a McDonald’s opened up across the street, but they knew where the cities loyalties lied. They offer a variety of burger options, as well as other diner classics like hot dogs and milkshakes. I had a chicken burger that was excellent as well. This is a must-stop if you’re visiting the city, in my humble opinion.
Regency Bakery: Regency Bakery is a popular spot for fresh-baked goods, including bread, pastries, and cakes. They also offer a selection of sandwiches and soups for a quick and tasty lunch. They also make a mean americano for the coffee lovers out there.
BENi Breakfast and Lunch: BENi Breakfast and Lunch offers a wide selection of breakfast and lunch options, including omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, and salads. They are known for their generous portions (something I took full advantage of).
Mr. Prime Rib: As the name suggests, Mr. Prime Rib is known for its delicious prime rib dinners (and that’s what should you should order). They also offer a variety of other steak and seafood options, all served in a classic steakhouse setting. For what it’s worth, they also make a mean Greek salad! This is a high-end dinner, with none of the pretension.
If you’re looking for other options, I’d also recommend Tucos Taco Lounge, and Respect is Burning Kitchen.
What Are Some Other Ways to Take Advantage of Sudbury’s Winter Season?
You can also flex those winter sports muscles at nearby Lake Laurentian Conservation Area or at Windy Lake Provincial Park, where I stayed one weekend with a good friend of mine and we busted out the cross-country skis and even did some ice fishing! If you’ve been looking to try ice fishing, Windy Lake will get you set up with everything you need.
Hit the slopes at one of Sudbury's nearby ski resorts, such as Adanac Ski Hill or Laurentian Ski Hill, for some downhill skiing or snowboarding.
If timing aligns, check out the Sudbury Pond Hockey Festival (usually taking place in early February).
Keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights! My Aurora Forecast is a good app to track if there may be an opportunity to see them while you’re there.
Pack those skates in your preferred luggage with the intention of doing some skating. You can do some skating at Kivi Park, but there’s also the Ramsey Lake Skating Path.
It’s really a winter haven for outdoor adventure, so if you can dream it, it’s probably here, very much including things like snowmobiling, dog sledding, and more.
The Cold Doesn’t Stop This City. Don’t Let It Stop You From Visiting!
At The Big Nickel on a wintry day in Sudbury! Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Forget about not visiting, the wintry season here is a reason to visit. The way in which Sudbury embraces the colder climes is something to be appreciated and admired and, admittedly, I have a newfound love for all things Sudbury after having had the chance to make a number of winter visits.
When I used to live in Oslo, there was a saying that I loved. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” Sudbury also clearly takes that phrase to heart, and it’s not unusual to see the city humming on a winter day, with both citizens and visitors understanding that, with winter in Sudbury, there are no shortage of activities and adventures to be enjoyed.
I want to thank Discover Sudbury for hosting us as media. All opinions are completely our own.