Sudbury 
Sudbury may be considered the gateway to winter recreation in Northern Ontario. However, to get the best of winter and northern recreation, one could stay right in Sudbury. This is largely thanks to one of the region’s large outdoor playgrounds, Kivi Park.
Credit: Kivi Park
The park is on the city’s south end and among the many lakes that surround Sudbury, making it a destination for a wide array of outdoor adventures. And as one of Sudbury’s newer parks, the offerings continue to grow and expand.
Skating Nina’s Way
Kivi Park is intertwined with several trails that range from around 1 to 8km. This includes trails for all sorts of activities, including ice skating.
Nina’s Way is Kivi’s Park iceway or skating trail and winds through the park for 1.3km. Weather permitting, Nina’s Way is open from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. each day, the trail is illuminated the whole way for evening and nighttime skating sessions. Plus, the trail is also lined with speakers for some skating tunes.
Kivi Park’s Winter Trails
Keep in mind that no matter how you decide to explore these winter trails-hike, bike, skate, ski, or snowshoe-Kivi Park offers rentals for each activity to make exploring the 50km of trails that much easier. All of the trails lead south from Kivi Park’s main parking lot and the Nina’s Way skating trail.
- The ski trails are open to both Nordic or cross-country skiing, and skate skiing. These include trails ranging from 0.6-10.5km, with several of the eight different routes connecting to one another. So, if you’d like to ski for more than 10.5km, there are ways to lengthen your trip!
- The hiking trails, also suited to snowshoeing, range from 1-7km. And among the five main hiking trails are a few different viewpoints and rest areas.
- Fat biking is possible on the park’s regular bike trails. These are separate from hiking or ski trails but interconnect with those other trails.
Winter Events at Kivi Park
All winter-long, there are special nights hosted by Kivi Park and its staff/volunteers. This includes themed skate nights, guided hikes, and seniors nights, including a guided evening hike through the park for sunset views and stargazing.
Everything needed for a Winter Picnic
Between onsite food and drinks, scenic firepit areas, and additional picnic areas, Kivi Park has all you need for rest, winter picnic, or social time. Near the parking lot and skating areas are the Kivi Café, two playgrounds, an outdoor lounge area with blazing fires, picnic tables, and washrooms. And if the trails didn’t tire out everyone in your party, the area also has a toboggan hill.
More Parks For Winter Fun Around Sudbury
Kivi Park is certainly not the only place for winter recreation around Greater Sudbury. While it is one of the largest with the most extensive trail system, there are additional places to explore the beautiful winter landscapes around the city.
- On the east side of Greater Sudbury is the Laurentian Lake Conservation Area with similar activities as those available at Kivi Park. The Laurentian Lake winter trails are maintained by the BioSki Cross-country Ski & Snowshoe Club; these include both ski and snowshoe trails between Laurentian Lake, Perch Lake, and the Beaver Pond.
- Find Sudbury’s local ski hill on the northeast side of the city and within city limits. The Adanac Ski Hill is part of the New Sudbury Conservation Area; so between these two parks, you’ll have the choice between downhill sports or fun on the trails.
- And on the west side of Greater Sudbury is the Lively Ski Hill, a perfect place for beginners, families, or kids.
- Plus, Sudbury is also home to the 1.5 km long skating path Ramsey Lake.
Planning Your Trip – Kivi Park in Winter
What: Kivi Park was once private land owned by a long-time Sudbury resident. For her 100th birthday, …donated the land to Greater Sudbury to be turned into a public park. Now, Kivi Park, spanning 600 acres, is home to an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities for every season while showcasing Sudbury’s rich biodiversity and waterways. During the summers, it is a popular hiking, biking, and paddling destination. During the winter, the park’s trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, while the bike trails remain open to fat tire biking.
The federal government announced (Jan 2025) an investment of $256,500 through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program to enhance Kivi Park. The funding supports the redesign and expansion of over 21 kilometers of mountain bike trails, connecting with existing routes to create a seamless, accessible network for riders of all ages and abilities. The upgrades aim to establish Kivi Park as a premier destination for cycling enthusiasts, boosting tourism and outdoor recreation in Northern Ontario.
Location: 4472 Long Lake Rd, Sudbury
Cost: day pass $10 per person or $25 per family
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