Cross-Country Skiing in Northeastern Ontario: A Complete Guide to Clubs and Trails

Northeastern Ontario is one of the best places in the province to cross-country ski. When the snow piles up, the region’s Nordic ski clubs get to work grooming trails. Cross-country ski clubs dot the map from Manitoulin Island to Kapuskasing, including in Sudbury, North Bay, Timmins, and Kirkland Lake. Long winters and reliable snowfall mean hundreds of kilometres of groomed trails from November through March, and sometimes into April. You’ll find classic and skate tracks, gentle loops for first-timers, lit routes for night skiing, and snowshoe paths. Most clubs are affordable and welcome drop-in visitors on a day pass. This guide covers every cross-country ski club in Northeastern Ontario, with trail distances, day pass rates, rental options, and what to expect when you arrive.

Nordic Ski Clubs in the Sudbury Area

Laurentian Nordic Ski Club, Sudbury 

Located on the Laurentian University campus in the heart of Greater Sudbury, the Laurentian Nordic Ski Club is one of the region's most established clubs, founded in 1981. It maintains a network of trails on the university grounds with a groomed ski link connecting to the nearby BioSki Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Club — a combined trail pass covers both systems. The club offers beginner programs, youth development and racing programs, and ski rentals. Groomed for both classic and skate skiing. 

Trails: ~18 km (combined Laurentian Nordic and BioSki access with trail pass) 
Night skiing: Yes, Robert D'Aloisio Lighted Trail 
Rentals: Yes 
Programs: Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit, adult learn-to-ski, racing

Walden Cross Country, Naughton (near Sudbury) 

Walden Cross Country operates three trail systems across the west end of Greater Sudbury. The main location at the Naughton Trail Centre offers over 23 km of groomed classic and skate trails with a modern, fully accessible chalet, night skiing, ski lessons, youth programs, and fat bike rentals in partnership with Adventure365. Two satellite locations, Beaver Lake Trails in Worthington (classic only) and Voyageur Trails in Azilda, round out the network. Approaching its 50th anniversary in 2029, Walden is one of Sudbury's most active winter community clubs. 

Trails: 23+ km at Naughton; additional loops at Beaver Lake and Voyageur 
Night skiing: Yes — 3 km lit loop at Naughton 
Rentals: Skis, snowshoes, fat bikes 
Snowshoe trails: Yes

Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club, Windy Lake Provincial Park 

Situated at Windy Lake Provincial Park, about 40 minutes north of Sudbury off Highway 144, the Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club sits at an elevation that typically gives it the longest ski season in the Sudbury area, often staying open two weeks longer than other local clubs. The 15 km of trails wind through mature pine forest and are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. Snowshoe trails and rentals are also available. On weekends and holidays, day passes and rentals are available at the ski chalet from 10 AM to 4:30 PM; weekday rentals require 24-hour advance notice. 

Trails: 15 km ski; 8 km snowshoe 
Rentals: Weekends and holidays at the chalet; weekdays by advance request 
Programs: Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit 
Season advantage: Higher elevation — typically longest season in the Sudbury region

Capreol Cross Country Ski Club, Capreol 

Located along the Vermilion River about 30 km north of downtown Sudbury, the Capreol Cross Country Ski Club is a classic-only club with 23 km of well-groomed trails through rolling forest. The trails include beginner, intermediate, and advanced loops. The club holds a monthly moonlight ski tour, followed by pizza and entertainment — a tradition that makes it one of the more socially spirited clubs in the region. Day passes, season passes, and ski rentals are available. 

Address: 9 Morin, Capreol, ON P0M 1H0 
Trails: 23 km classic 
Snowshoe trails: Yes 
Special events: Monthly moonlight ski tour with pizza and entertainment

Cross Country Skiing on Manitoulin Island

Manitoulin Nordic Ski Club — Multiple Locations 

The Manitoulin Nordic Ski Club operates across several trail locations on the island rather than from a single central facility. In 2025–26 the club had five active trail sites, including locations near Little Current (Maple Ridge trails, rolling hardwood terrain with great vistas), Manitowaning (McLeans Park, old-growth beech and maple forest), Gore Bay (at the Manitoulin Golf Course), and the Ravenswing Farm at Ice Lake. Each site has its own character and terrain.

Adult memberships are $45 per season; children and youth aged 3–15 ski free. Non-members can use trails on a pay-as-you-go daily basis at most trailheads via a self-serve waiver and fee box. Members receive a Northern Ontario Nordic Ski Passport, which provides half-price skiing at many Northern Ontario clubs. Trail condition updates are distributed by email to registered members. 

Membership: $45 adults; free for ages 3–15 
Contact: zone4.ca (search Manitoulin Nordic Ski Club) or call/text 249-997-0009 

Cross Country Skiing in the North Bay Area

North Bay Nordic Ski Club — North Bay 

One of the largest and most active Nordic clubs in Northeastern Ontario, the North Bay Nordic Ski Club maintains over 50 km of groomed trails on Crown Land within the Mattawa River Provincial Park system, about 10 minutes from downtown North Bay. Trails are groomed for both classic and freestyle skiing and include options for all levels. In December 2025 the club added a snowmaking fan gun, rare at Nordic clubs, to extend and improve early-season conditions. The club also hosts competitive events including the annual BlueSky Loppet and the 2026 Ontario Season Finale. 

Address: 630 Northshore Rd., North Bay, ON 
Trails: 50+ km ski; 6 km snowshoe 
Night skiing: Yes — 2.5 km lit trails 
Rentals: Skis and snowshoes 
New for 2026: Snowmaking fan gun for extended early-season conditions

Wasi Cross Country Ski Club — Callander/Astorville 

A small, completely volunteer-run club about 20 minutes south of North Bay on Lake Nosbonsing Road, Wasi offers 43 km of classically groomed and track-set trails through a mix of hardwood and conifers, including 7.5 km of double-track. Snowshoe trails cover 8 km. The setting is scenic, with trails looping around an active beaver pond, and moose sightings are not unusual. A heated chalet with a wood stove is open throughout the season, and there is an outdoor fire pit. Day passes are available on-site; cash or cheque preferred, or purchase online in advance. 

Address: 907 Lake Nosbonsing Rd., Astorville, ON 
Trails: 43 km ski (classic); 8 km snowshoe 
Rentals: No ski rentals; snowshoes available through East Ferris Library partnership

Nordic Skiing in the Temiskaming Shores and Cobalt Area

Temiskaming Nordic Ski Club, Coleman Township (near Cobalt) 

Widely regarded as one of the finest cross-country ski experiences in Ontario, the Temiskaming Nordic Ski Club sits on beautiful rolling esker terrain about 13.5 km south of New Liskeard on Portage Bay Road. The club offers 18 km of groomed and track-set skating and classic skiing trails at three difficulty levels, plus a children's ski playground. The large, heated log chalet has indoor washrooms, a kitchen, waxing area, and change rooms. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at family-friendly rates. Ladies' Night skiing runs on Thursdays in January and February, and the club hosts a New Year's Day Brunch every January 1. 

Address: Portage Bay Road, Coleman Township, 13.5 km south of New Liskeard 
Trails: 18 km ski (skate and classic); snowshoe trails 
Rentals: Yes; ski and snowshoe 
Special events: New Year's Day Brunch; Ladies' Night Thursdays in January and February

Cross Country Skiing in the Englehart Area

Englehart Nordic Ski Club, Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park 

The Englehart Nordic Ski Club operates within Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park, maintaining 12 km of groomed classic and skate ski trails and 7.5 km of snowshoe paths through the park from December through March. The trails follow the Englehart River through boreal forest and are run entirely by volunteers. Trail fees are paid directly to the club. For current trail conditions and fee information, check the club's Facebook page. The park itself is also worth exploring for its dramatic river gorge and waterfall views. 

Trails: 12 km ski; 7.5 km snowshoe 
Season: December to March 

Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Trails in Kirkland Lake

Clancy’s Trails, Kirkland Lake 

The Kirkland Lake Clancy’s Trails are located directly behind the Joe Mavrinac Community Complex in town, making them the most accessible winter trails in the area. The approximately 12 km of trails are made up of six loops, most of which are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. A trail map is available at the start of the trails or inside the complex. Ski rentals are available at the recreation centre. 

Address: Joe Mavrinac Community Complex, Kirkland Lake 
Trails: ~12 km (six loops); classic and skate. Download the Trail Map here. 
Trail Conditions: Kirkland Lake Cross Country Ski Runners
Rentals: The Joe Mavrinac Community Complex offers free rentals, on a first come, first serve basis. Junior and adult classic skis as well as adult skate skis are available (security deposit is required). 
Lessons: Cross-country ski lessons for beginners at the Joe Mavrinac Community Complex. For rentals or to book a lesson, call ahead at 705-567-5215.

Nordic Skiing in Iroquois Falls and Timmins

Iroquois Falls Cross Country Ski Club, Iroquois Falls 

Established in 1973, the Iroquois Falls Cross Country Ski Club offers four colour-coded one-way ski trails totalling over 20 km, plus a 5 km snowshoe loop, all accessed from Cemetery Road near Porquis, just outside of Iroquois Falls. The trail system is open 24/7; members ski freely and non-members leave trail fees in a cash box at the trailhead when the chalet is unstaffed. From December 2025 the club introduced Snowshoe Saturdays, a weekly group snowshoe outing departing the chalet at 9 AM. The trails are also open for hiking and biking in the off-season.

Trails: 20+ km ski (four loops); 5 km snowshoe 
Snowshoe Saturdays: Weekly group snowshoeing 9 AM Saturdays 
Access: 24/7; self-serve trail fee box when chalet is unstaffed

Porcupine Ski Runners, Timmins 

One of the largest Nordic ski clubs in Canada, the Porcupine Ski Runners has operated since 1973 and is located three kilometres from downtown Timmins on the south side of Highway 101 East. The club maintains 25 km of scenic groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing, plus over 10 km of signed snowshoe trails. The modern chalet is open from 8 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week throughout the ski season, and 3.5 km of trails are lit for night skiing. Full ski and snowshoe rentals are available. 

Trails: 25 km ski (classic and skate); 10+ km snowshoe 
Night skiing: Yes — 3.5 km lit trails; open until 9 PM daily 
Rentals: Full ski and snowshoe rentals 
Chalet hours: 8 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week

Cross Country Skiing in Smooth Rock Falls

Mattagami Cross Country Ski Club, Smooth Rock Falls 

The Mattagami Cross Country Ski Club is located five minutes down the Fraserdale Road (Highway 634) from Smooth Rock Falls, with 18 km of groomed ski trails and 3 km of snowshoe trails running alongside the Mattagami River. The main lodge is a log cabin with a large stone fireplace; a second chalet at the midpoint of the trails serves as a warming hut with views over the river. The lodge is available to rent for private events. Memberships are due by January 31 each year (valid January 1 to December 31). 

Trails: 18 km ski; 3 km snowshoe
Distinctive feature: Two-chalet trail system; main log lodge with stone fireplace

Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing in Kapuskasing

Kap Nordic Skiers, Kapuskasing 

Kap Nordic Skiers has been running for over four decades and offers 25 km of groomed classic and skate skiing trails plus approximately 13 km of snowshoe trails at its location on Ash Street in Kapuskasing. Three warm-up huts with wood stoves are scattered along the trail system, and the chalet, which can accommodate approximately 50 people and has a full kitchen, is available to rent for private events. Ski rentals are available at very low cost. The club hosts regular events including moonlight snowshoe stomps and an annual Nordic Adventure weekend. 

Address: 129 Ash Street, Kapuskasing 
Trails: 25 km ski (classic and skate); ~13 km snowshoe 
Rentals: Yes  
Warm-up huts: 3 wood-stove huts on the trail 
Chalet rental: $250 for groups; accommodates approximately 50

Planning Your Visit: What to Know Before You Go

What does a day pass cost? Day pass rates vary by club but are generally affordable — typically $8 to $15 for adults, with lower rates for children, students, and seniors. Some clubs use a self-serve fee box when the chalet is unstaffed. Most clubs accept cash; some also accept payment via Zone4 online in advance. Call or check club websites for current pricing before you visit.

Do I need my own equipment? Most clubs offer ski rentals, including skis, boots, and poles. Snowshoe rentals are available at many clubs as well. If you're trying cross-country skiing for the first time, renting is the easiest way to start. Clubs such as Porcupine Ski Runners, North Bay Nordic, Walden Cross Country, and Temiskaming Nordic all offer full rental packages. A few smaller clubs like Wasi do not provide ski rentals, so check ahead.

When is the best time to go? Most clubs open in December when snow conditions allow and run through March or early April. Clubs at higher elevation — particularly Onaping Falls Nordics at Windy Lake — typically have the longest season. North Bay and Wasi often benefit from lake-effect snow from Lake Nipissing, extending reliable conditions. If you're planning a trip around skiing, January through mid-March is the most reliable window across the region.

Can I bring my dog? Policies vary by club. Some clubs welcome dogs on snowshoe trails but not ski trails; others restrict dogs entirely to protect groomed surfaces. Check with each club directly before bringing a dog.

Whether you're getting on skis for the first time or chasing a long Nordic day through boreal forest, Northeastern Ontario's clubs have a trail for you. Most are within a short drive of accommodation, and the communities along the way are worth the trip on their own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I go cross-country skiing in Northeastern Ontario?

Northeastern Ontario has more than a dozen community-run Nordic ski clubs with groomed trails. Porcupine Ski Runners in Timmins, one of the largest Nordic ski clubs in Canada, grooms 30 km of trails. North Bay Nordic Ski Club maintains more than 50 km of trails and began making snow in 2025. Temiskaming Nordic Ski Club near Cobalt grooms about 20 km of trails over rolling esker terrain. In Greater Sudbury, Walden Cross Country Club grooms more than 20 km of trails in Naughton, and Laurentian Nordic Ski Club grooms about 9 km on the Laurentian University campus. Farther north, Kap Nordic Skiers in Kapuskasing maintains more than 25 km of trails. Most clubs sell day passes, and many rent equipment.

Do you need to be a member to ski at Nordic clubs in Northeastern Ontario?

No. Most clubs in Northeastern Ontario sell day passes to non-members, and many charge less for children. A season membership covers unlimited skiing and can work out cheaper if you plan to ski more than a few times. Rates vary by club and change from season to season, so check the club website before you go. Many clubs rent skis, boots, and poles, including North Bay Nordic Ski Club, Porcupine Ski Runners, Walden Cross Country Club, and Kap Nordic Skiers.

Where can beginners cross-country ski near Sudbury?

Laurentian Nordic Ski Club, on the Laurentian University campus, offers ski programs and marks its trails from easy to difficult. A groomed link connects its trails to the BioSki Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Club. Walden Cross Country Club in Naughton grooms more than 20 km of classic and skate trails and rents equipment. About 40 minutes northwest of Sudbury, Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club grooms more than 15 km of trails at Windy Lake Provincial Park. At nearly 400 metres above sea level, its season often runs a couple of weeks longer than at other clubs in the area.

Which cross-country ski clubs in Northeastern Ontario have snowshoe trails?

Most clubs in the region have snowshoe trails alongside their ski trails. North Bay Nordic Ski Club has 6 km of snowshoe trails, including a storybook trail for children on the Beaver Meadow Loop. Wasi Cross Country Ski Club in Astorville, south of North Bay, has 8 km. Porcupine Ski Runners in Timmins has six snowshoe loops that link into more than 10 km. Walden Cross Country Club in Naughton has more than 10 km of marked snowshoe trails, and Englehart Nordic Ski Club has snowshoe trails at Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park. Several clubs, including North Bay Nordic Ski Club and Porcupine Ski Runners, rent snowshoes.

Where can I cross-country ski at night in Northeastern Ontario?

Several clubs have lit trails for night skiing. Porcupine Ski Runners in Timmins has 3.5 km of lit trails, Walden Cross Country has a lit 3 km loop at its Naughton trails, and North Bay Nordic Ski Club has 2.5 km of lit trails. Wasi Cross Country Ski Club near North Bay keeps its trails open after dark, but they are not lit, so bring a headlamp.

Is there cross-country skiing on Manitoulin Island?

Yes. The Manitoulin Nordic Ski Club maintains trails at several locations on the island, including its property at Honora Bay, west of Little Current, and a trail network at the Manitoulin Golf Course in Gore Bay. Several trails are open to day skiers on a pay-as-you-go basis, with a waiver to sign at the trailhead, and the club also sells annual memberships. Members receive an Ontario Nordic Ski Passport, which gives them a half-price visit once a year at many clubs across Northern Ontario.

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