Windy Lake Provincial Park: One Chill Spot for a Winter Escape
Less than an hour from Sudbury, you’ll find a quaint and charming provincial park. Windy Lake Provincial Park is a Northeastern Ontario gem that flies under the radar for many, especially for those of us in Southern Ontario. If you’ve visited Sudbury in the winter but haven’t spent at least a day at the park, you’re truly missing out. With roofed accommodation, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and more, you’ll quickly see why Windy Lake is the perfect destination for a chill winter getaway!
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About Windy Lake Provincial Park
Where is Windy Lake Provincial Park you might ask? It’s located about 40 minutes northwest of Sudbury, just off of Highway 144 near the town of Onaping, Ontario. Zoom out on the Windy Lake Provincial Park map below for a better idea of its location. While it was originally used as a picnic spot, this area was established as a provincial park in 1959. It has since become a popular spot to explore in both the summer and the winter months!
Every provincial park in Ontario is formed because of a unique feature within it. Windy Lake was established as the land it encompasses was created by a meteorite impacting the earth billions of years ago. At a diameter of 15km, it impacted the earth 15 km deep and created a crater 250 km wide. The resulting shockwave created shatter cones which you can see for yourself by stopping by Onaping Falls and the A.Y. Jackson lookout in the summer. You can also see them at Science North or along Ramsey Lake Road in Sudbury year-round.
Windy Lake sits on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, more specifically the Ojibway. They call Windy Lake ‘Makoping’ meaning ‘place of the bear paw’ because of its shape. The Ojibway camped on the shores of Windy Lake to hunt and fish as food was plentiful. Almost 50 years ago, a dugout canoe estimated to be over 150 years old was discovered at the southeastern end of Windy Lake.
Enjoying Winter at Windy Lake
I have to admit that I’ve only visited Windy Lake Provincial Park in the winter. While I’ve heard it has a great sandy beach that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day, I’ve only seen it in a much colder state. While it’s not uncommon for the temperatures to drop down to -30C on occasion, don’t let this scare you as Windy Lake has so much winter fun to offer!
Our pop-up shelter Robert set up for our day of ice fishing – thanks Robert!
Ice Fishing
Visitors can go ice fishing at five of Ontario’s provincial parks. However, Windy Lake is the only Ontario Parks location I know of which offers ice fishing rentals. For $100, you’ll get a sled which includes a portable ice shelter, rods, tip-ups, auger and tackle. Everything you need for a day of fun! These ice fishing kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis so it’s best to get there early if you have your heart set on ice fishing.
If it’s your first time, for an extra $50 you can enjoy Windy Lake’s ‘tow out’ package where one of the park’s staff will get everything set up for you. As this was just my second time ice fishing (with the first being just the week before), I opted for the latter. Robert got us all set up including using the auger to make the holes for us! You can try your hand at the auger but if you’d rather leave it to the pros, you can do so for an extra $10.
IMPORTANT: In order to do any fishing anywhere in Ontario, you need to have a fishing license. Caught without a fishing license? You can face fines of $200+ and your equipment can be seized. There are sport and conservation fishing licenses valid for both one year and three years which determine how many fish you’re allowed to keep. Both require you to have an outdoors card which is an additional cost. If this is the only time you plan to fish this year, I recommend getting a one day fishing license instead.
If you’re not a beginner angler like myself and have a fish finder, I highly recommend bringing it. Robert let us borrow his and it was a gamechanger. We could see how far down to have our bait to entice some nibbles. Though I have to say, patience is a virtue you’ll need when ice fishing. Since you’re confined to your hole in the ice, there isn’t much you can do in terms of technique like you can in the summer. No trolling or figure eights here! However, it does afford plenty of time for chatting with your buddies and snack eating so be sure to pack some.
You’ll obviously need bait when fishing otherwise what are you going to entice the fish with? Unfortunately, you cannot get bait at the park itself. Be sure to stop on by Dandy’s Bait and Tackle in Chelmsford on your way to Windy Lake Provincial Park and grab some minnows. While Tara and I got two dozen for our day of fishing, we easily could have gotten away with just one.
My very first catch while ice fishing!
Now the big question – did we catch anything? As you can see in the photo above, that’s a yes! However in 4.5 hours of fishing, this is the lonely lake trout we caught (which we threw back). We had plenty of nibbles but the fish in Windy Lake are crafty. Many minnows went missing during our afternoon of fishing adventures! Despite the low catch rate, we had a great time and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to try this truly Canadian winter activity.
What to Wear When Ice Fishing
As you can imagine, you’ll be out on the ice for hours so clothing is important. Similar to gearing up for a winter hike, you’ll want to dress in layers.
On top, I wore a long-sleeve thermal shirt, thick hoodie and a warm ski jacket. I also had a Buff as well as a thick scarf on to keep my neck warm with a toque to complete the ensemble. On my legs, I wore a pair of thermal underwear, thick fleece tights and a pair of snow pants.
As for your extremities, this is where you need to really to stay cozy. On my feet, I had warm winter boots as well as two pairs of socks. Since you won’t be moving much, I highly recommend doubling up as your toes are often the first to be cold! You’ll also want a solid pair of mittens to keep your hands warm. I brought along my trusty pair of Aurora Heat hand warmers which I swear by. No affiliates here, just a solid love for this Indigenous company’s products.
You’ll be mesmerized by the tall trees when cross-country skiing at Windy Lake
Cross-Country Skiing
Windy Lake Provincial Park is home to 2km of cross country ski trails which snake around the campgrounds and yurts. These are kept groomed in partnership with the Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club who are located across the road from the park. On their side, you’ll find an additional 15km of professionally groomed trails perfect for both classic and skate style skiing. A pass is required in order to utilize these ski trails and trust me when I say it’s 100% worth it. You know the trails are top-notch when they shape an Olympian like Devon Kershaw! There’s even an advanced trail named after him which you can try… if you dare.
Cross-country ski rentals are available at the park thanks to the Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club who operate out of the ski chalet. Head towards the parking lot for the yurts and you’ll see the building. They’re open on weekends from 10:00 am until 4:30 pm and offer rentals as well as flush toilets, water, warm drinks and a sitting area with a wood stove for when you need a warm-up. If you’re looking to rent midweek, contact the Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club at least 24 hours in advance and someone can meet you to get you set up.
Another reason to rent and purchase trail passes is to support the Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club which is run entirely by volunteers. Their passion for the sport and sharing it with others is infectious. You just might find yourself falling in love with cross-country skiing! Rentals are $12 and a day pass is $15. While there are trails within Windy Lake Provincial Park, I highly recommend purchasing the day pass as the Ski Club’s trails offer additional fun including some pretty sweet hills as you wander through the tall Northern Ontario forest.
A sunset snowshoe at Windy Lake Provincial Park Ontario is a great way to end the day!
Snowshoeing
While you might be tempted to try for a winter hiking adventure on some of Windy Lake’s trails, they’re no strangers to dumpings of snow. You’ll want to strap on a pair of snowshoes so you don’t end up with snow up to your knees!
You’ll find 8km of snowshoes trails throughout the park. I’ve only tapped into a small chunk of this but it’s a great way to leave the noise of everyday life behind and immerse yourself in nature. By the yurts, you’ll see signs for the Transition Trail which is located at the eastern end of the campgrounds. You can follow this down to Windy Lake which makes for a beautiful sunset snowshoe. There are also additional trails that take you along the edge of the crater where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views across Windy Lake.
If the 8 km of trails within the park aren’t enough, you can purchase a snowshoe pass from the Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club and access additional 8 km within their park. One of the trailheads is located just across the parking lot from the ski chalet. Snowshoe rentals are available from the park office as well as the ski club if you don’t have your own.
Snowmobiler out for a rip on Windy Lake!
Snowmobiling
While snowmobiling is not available within the park itself, it’s not uncommon to hear the revving of one while exploring Windy Lake.
The park is located within District 12 of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, home to the Onpaing Falls High Riders Snowmobile Club. The cabins at Windy Lake are right off of the 225km Cartier Moose Loop and a popular spot to go for a snowmobile ride (or a snowmachine as they’re called in Northern Ontario). If you’re an avid snowmobiler, you’ll want to check out this loop. The route takes you through the rugged Cambrian Shield and right across frozen Windy Lake. You’ll whizz right by ice fishers like myself while out for a rip in Northern Ontario!
As I said, you can’t use your snowmobile within the park but visitors staying in the cabins can bring them along as Windy Lake is right at their doorstep. If you’re staying in a yurt, you’ll have to leave the snowmobiles at home as this is where the cross-country ski trails are and snowmobiling is not permitted.
If this photo doesn’t want to make you visit Windy Lake Provincial Park then I don’t know what will!
Stargazing
While Windy Lake isn’t an official dark sky preserve like Killarney Provincial Park or Lake Superior Provincial Park, that doesn’t mean you can’t see a crazy amount of stars!
Since it’s located almost 50km away from Sudbury, there’s a lack of light pollution which will get any stargazer excited. Dim the lights in your cabin or yurt to adjust your eyes and walk out onto your deck. You’ll be amazed at how many stars dot the sky above you! If there’s a solar storm powerful enough, you might even catch a glimpse of the aurora overhead.
Looking for More Winter Fun in Northern Ontario? Check Out These ideas!
Beat The Crowds with a Winter Trip to Killarney Provincial Park
Winter Activities in Sudbury That Are As Cool As Ice
See Why You Need to Visit Sault Ste Marie in the Winter
Consider This Your Ontario Winter Bucket List
…or Dive into IBB’s Winter Travel Archives!
Winter Camping at Windy Lake Provincial Park
While you can’t traditionally camp in a tent during the winter like at other Ontario provincial parks, Windy Lake has roofed accommodations available. Windy Lake Provincial Park reservations for both cabins and yurts can be made via the Ontario Parks website up to 5 months in advance. If you’re looking for a weekend adventure, you’ll want to book early as they go really fast!
One thing to note is that there is no running water in the yurts or the cabins. Sorry folks, that means no flush toilets! Ontario Parks has you covered though with heated outhouses just steps away from both the cabins and the yurts. The chalet is available from 9:00am until 4:30pm if you’d like to use flush toilets and utilize their running water.
Inside Cabin 201 at Windy Lake Provincial Park
Windy Lake Provincial Park Cabin
On the western side of the campground, you’ll find two rustic cabins along the shores of Windy Lake. Enjoy both sunrises and sunsets from your outdoor deck or the screened-in porch. It’s floor to ceiling windows take no time at all to heat up once the sun comes out!
Inside the one-room cabins, you’ll find two beds – a queen bed and a double-size bunk bed which sleep up to six people. There is also a kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge, Keurig coffee maker and electric kettle. You’ll also find a large picnic-style table beside the propane fireplace and a side table between the beds. All of the furniture is made of rustic wood, completing the calming nature experience which enticed you to visit Windy Lake in the first place!
While there’s no hot plate or stove, each cabin has a barbecue outside for cooking as well as a fire pit out front. You’ll need to pack any pots or pans you may need for this as well as plates, bowls, cutlery, etc. Ontario Parks provides a washbasin but no soap so I’d recommend packing some eco-friendly suds. Not a fan of cooking outside in the cold weather? You can always bring premade meals to warm up in the microwave. This also means less time spent preparing food and more time outdoors!
One of the four yurts at Windy Lake Provincial Park
Windy Lake Provincial Park Yurts
The park is home to four yurts on the eastern side of the campground. A little smaller than the cabins, each yurt has two bunk beds (double mattress bottom, single top) sleeping a maximum of 6 people. You’ll also find an electric heater to keep you warm and toasty. There is also a long table but no chairs inside the yurt so you may want to bring your own. I recommend foldable ones for ease of transport.
Outside you have access to a barbeque as well as a fire pit for cooking. They also have a roofed deck with a picnic table. One of the perks of the yurts is that you can ski or snowshoe right up to them due to their proximity to the trails! No cars are allowed along here so you’ll have to trek your stuff to the yurt. Don’t worry, there are sleds available to make this much easier.
One thing I highly recommend bringing is your own electric kettle if you’re staying in one of the yurts. This little appliance made my life a lot easier when staying in the yurts. A hot cup of tea when the temperatures drop below -30C is one of those luxuries you will want after a day outdoors!
Something to note is that since the yurts are on the eastern side of the campground, there’s a chance you might hear the train go by. I never heard a whistle or anything but the sound tends to carry since Windy Lake is so peaceful. If you’re a light sleeper, I’d recommend bringing a set of earplugs to help combat the noise.
Golden hour is so peaceful at Windy Lake Provincial Park
Planning Your Winter Trip to Windy Lake
One of the perks about staying in roofed accommodation is that you don’t have to worry about being cold. Both are guaranteed to be toasty for you after a day of winter adventures! You will need to pack a few things which you wouldn’t normally when staying at a hotel or other roofed accommodations:
- Bedding – Ontario Parks has the mattresses but you need to bring the sheets! I usually opt for a sleeping bag or two for ease of set up. However, I’ve seen people bring a full set of bed sheets. Either is great, just bring whatever you prefer. Don’t forget your pillow, too!
- Dishes – Whatever you need to use to eat, bring it with you. I recommend a plate or bowl, fork, spoon, knife, cutting knife and cutting board at least. I like to ditch the plate or bowl in favour of a reusable container so I can eat out of it but also use it for storing food.
- Food – You need fuel when adventuring! There’s a lot more storage space in the cabins than the yurts but I’d still be smart with what you pack. Bring ingredients you can utilize more than once so you have less to pack up at the end!
- Baby Wipes – These are seriously so handy, especially if you’re planning on ice fishing. They’re perfect for clean up or if you just need to freshen up during the day. I recommend combining them with some hand sanitizer to keep the fish smell off your hands.
- Proper Gear – While you can rent skis and snowshoes at the park, I recommend checking out the weather forecast before you go. It doesn’t hurt to pack more than you need to, especially layers. It’s easier to take a layer off if you’re too hot than to try and warm up once you catch a chill! Check out the forecast for Chelmsford Ontario and that’ll give you an idea of what the Windy Lake Provincial Park weather will be like.
Smiles for miles despite the -30C weather while ice fishing!
If you don’t feel like cooking in your cabin or you’d rather not deal with the barbecue in the chilly weather, the Windy Lake Motel just up the way has a restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I haven’t eaten here myself but I’ve heard good things so if you feel lazy, you won’t starve! They also have showers which you can use for a small fee since Windy Lake does not have any.
Well, there you have it! As you can see, this Sudbury provincial park has plenty to offer in the winter months. I’ve had the pleasure of staying in both the cabins and the yurts at Windy Lake and I can say for certain that you’ll have a great stay no matter what route you choose. While the boat launch and the beaches might be closed, Windy Lake will have you forgetting all about them during your amazing winter getaway!
Looking for More Provincial Parks to Explore? Check Out These Guides!
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Killarney Provincial Park
Long Point Provincial Park
Mikisew Provincial Park
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Oastler Lake Provincial Park
Rondeau Provincial Park
Short Hills Provincial Park
Silent Lake Provincial Park
Disclaimer
Thank you to Ontario Parks and Windy Lake Provincial Park for hosting myself and Tara in the cabin! We also enjoyed the incredible ice fishing experience complimentary during our stay. As always, all thoughts and opinions included are 100% my own. Read more in IBB’s disclaimer and privacy policy.
Katherine
The fishing kit rental and tow out sound like awesome services! I’ve never been ice fishing, and I’m on the fence about whether it’s for me, but I love that it’s being made accessible to people who want to give it a go!
Lindz author
Honestly if you had asked me 3 years ago to go fishing I would have said nope but I went on a guided tour last year and had an amazing time! If you go with someone you know who’s been fishing before that can help you, I think it makes all the difference. Plus the staff at Windy Lake are amazing and they’ll answer any questions you might have to make you feel much more comfortable doing it!