The Best Cross-Country Ski Trails in Northern Ontario

Story by Colin Field

Northern Ontario’s cross-country ski network is a world apart from southern trail systems. Forget highway traffic and overbooked resorts; up here it’s endless boreal forest and the sound of your skis on corduroy snow. Expect warming huts, wax benches in the parking lot and trails that stay perfectly groomed long after a snowfall. From Thunder Bay to Sudbury to the Soo, here are five of the best places to clip in this winter.

Kamview Nordic Centre — Thunder Bay

Photo by Kamview Nordic Centre

Thunder Bay’s Kamview Nordic Centre is one of Ontario’s largest Nordic trail networks, with over 30 km of groomed and track-set trails winding through rugged Canadian Shield terrain. Operated by the Thunder Bay Nordic Trails Association, Kamview offers everything from mellow beginner loops to black-diamond climbs that’ll have your heart rate redlining.

Why go: Reliable Lake Superior snow, a huge variety of terrain and a strong community vibe.

Trail stats: 30+ km total; groomed for classic and skate skiing; lit trails for night skiing.

Rentals & lessons: Full ski rentals and lessons for all ages.

Family-friendly: Plenty of short loops and a warm chalet with food and drinks.

Passes & facilities: Day and season passes available; lodge, wax room, and ample parking.

Where to stay & eat: Thunder Bay has the full range; from the Valhalla Hotel, the Sea Vue Motel to the Landmark Hotel and Airbnbs. For food check out the Norteños Taqueria, Bights Restaurant or the Dawson Trail Craft Brewery.

Getting there: 851 20th Side Rd, just minutes south of Thunder Bay.

Laurentian Nordic Ski Club — Sudbury

Photo by Destination Ontario

Just five minutes from downtown Sudbury, Laurentian Nordic offers over 17 km of trails winding through hardwood forest and Canadian Shield granite. It’s the go-to spot for Sudbury locals, with terrain that ranges from easy cruisers to advanced climbs that will test your wax job.

Why go: Great variety and perfectly groomed trails right in town.

Trail stats: 17 km groomed for skate and classic, plus a small loop lit for night skiing.

Rentals & lessons: Rentals available; lessons offered by the club.

Family-friendly: Yes. Short loops and a convenient location make it great for kids.

Passes & facilities: Day passes and memberships available on site; parking at the trailhead; lodge access.

Where to stay & eat: There are plenty of hotels in Sudbury. You’ll find everything from the Clarion Hotel, to the Fairfield Inn and the Radisson Hotel. For meals there are lots of options. Try La Fromagerie, Tucos Taco Lounge or Books and Beans.

Getting there: On the Laurentian University campus, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury.

Hiawatha Highlands — Sault Ste. Marie

Photo courtesy Hiawatha Highlands

Hiawatha Highlands is one of Ontario’s premier Nordic destinations, with over 50 km of expertly groomed trails maintained by the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club. The system includes both classic and skate lanes and is known for consistent grooming, reliable snow and a strong racing scene.

Why go: Big, beautiful and meticulously maintained, Hiawatha feels like a northern national park.

Trail stats: 50+ km of groomed trails; mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.

Rentals & lessons: Full rental shop on site; lessons available through certified instructors.

Family-friendly: Yes. Includes easy loops and kid-friendly terrain.

Passes & facilities: Day and season passes available; chalet, waxing area, change rooms and parking.

Where to stay & eat: Sault Ste. Marie has everything you could need. Places like the Water Tower Inn, Delta Hotel and Holiday Inn Express are solid options. As far as food is concerned, the Soo has come a long way and establishments like Outspoken, the Burger Don and the Breakfast Pig are classics.

Getting there: 780 Landslide Rd., Sault Ste. Marie.

Walden Cross Country — Naughton (near Sudbury)

Photo by Barb Simkova

Located just west of Sudbury, Walden Cross Country offers over 23 km of groomed trails across rolling terrain, with loops for all levels and a warm clubhouse at the main trailhead. They offer both skate and classic ski options. The club’s Beaver Lake Trail network adds even more options for the adventurous.

Why go: A friendly, volunteer-run club with great grooming and variety.

Trail stats: 23 km groomed for classic and skate; 2.5 km lit trail for night skiing.

Rentals & lessons: Rentals and lessons available for all ages.

Family-friendly: Very. Includes short loops and kids’ programs.

Passes & facilities: Day and season passes; chalet with kitchen, change rooms and waxing area.

Where to stay & eat: Just 20 minutes west of Sudbury, if you stay in town, you’ll find everything from the Best Western, to the Copper Kettle Guesthouse and the Travelway Inn. For meals there are lots of restaurants in Sudbury. You could try Wacky Wings for games and food, Tucos Taco Lounge or Beards Bakery.

Getting there: 1 Denis Ave., Naughton, about 20 minutes west of Sudbury.

Stokely Creek Lodge — Goulais River (north of Sault Ste. Marie)

Photo courtesy Stokley Creek

If there’s a crown jewel of cross-country skiing in Northern Ontario, it’s Stokely Creek Lodge. This private lodge offers over 100 km of impeccably groomed trails, 25 km of which are for skate skiing. Trails wind through forest and up to mountain lookouts with Lake Superior views.

Why go: Endless wilderness, incredible grooming and cozy Scandinavian-style hospitality.

Trail stats: 100+ km total; classic and skate lanes; backcountry options available.

Rentals & lessons: Full rental fleet and lessons for all abilities.

Family-friendly: Yes, with both easy loops and expert climbs.

Passes & facilities: Day and multi-day passes; lodge with dining, waxing hut and sauna; overnight accommodation available.

Where to stay & eat: Stokely is unique; you can stay and eat there if you’re so inclined. Think of it as an all-inclusive XC ski package. They have a range of packages and accommodations that include meals and trail passes. Or if you want, head to Sault Ste. Marie, check out Hiawatha and some of the restaurants and accommodations available in the Soo.

Getting there: 194 Pickard Rd., Goulais River, about 35 minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie.

Trip logistics — Passes, Parking and Timing

Most Northern Ontario Nordic centres require a trail pass, which can usually be purchased on site or online. Parking is free at most locations, though Stokely charges a small day fee for lodge users. All five destinations offer grooming updates on their websites and social media; worth checking before your trip.

When to go: Most trails open by mid-December and stay skiable through late March, thanks to reliable northern snowpack.

Travel tip: Bring cash or card for day passes, and don’t forget a thermos; there’s nothing better than sipping coffee in a warm chalet after a long ski through the northern woods.

From Thunder Bay’s Kamview corduroy to the wild lookouts of Stokely Creek, Northern Ontario offers some of the best Nordic skiing in the province. Each center has its own rhythm; part sport, part community and all heart. Proving once again that up north, winter isn’t endured. It’s celebrated.

NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Destination Ontario