4 Snowmobile Loops That Make Sudbury a Top Ontario Sledding Destination

Known for its well-connected trail network and reliable services, the Greater Sudbury area continues to be a practical choice for snowmobile touring. Four main loops form the backbone of the region’s riding, giving sledders a clear framework for planning their time on the trail—making it easy to rack up big kilometres without wondering where your next meal, fuel stop, or cozy night's sleep will come from. If you're planning your snowmobiling weekends for this season, there’s no better time to explore one of the province's most epic and renowned touring regions and a city built for sledders.

Why Sudbury Works So Well for Snowmobile Touring

Each tour starts and finishes within reach of the city, utilizing OFSC District 12 trails that are well-marked and maintained throughout. With a wide selection of reliable restaurants, resorts, and gas stops spread out in all the right places, you can just relax and enjoy the ride. Below is a selection of 4 popular loops, most of which I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand.

Chart your course and get up-to-date trail statuses with the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide.

Cartier Moose Loop: Sudbury’s Everyday Workhorse Ride

Northwest of town, the Cartier Moose Loop sits around the 250-kilometre mark and has long been Sudbury’s everyday workhorse trail. The first thing most riders plan around here is Windy Lake Motel and Restaurant on Highway 144, a short hop from the trail with gas pumps, a full sit-down menu, and motel rooms that work perfectly if you want to stage right off the route.

On the loop itself, the town of Cartier is the key on-trail service point. You can roll right in for fuel, snacks, and a quick warm-up before heading back out on the flowing, mostly land-based sections of D, C111D, C, and C115D that give this loop its fast, easy-going feel.

Chiniguchi Wolf Loop: Shield Country Riding Around Lake Wanapitei

To the northeast, the Chiniguchi Wolf Loop runs a little over 220 kilometres around Lake Wanapitei and through classic shield and forest country. Riders starting from Capreol or Hanmer can fill up and grab breakfast in town before dropping onto the trail and pointing your sled(s) toward the more remote east side.

Out there, Sportsman’s Lodge on Lake Kukagami is the anchor stop, with gas, hearty meals, and a warm dining room that feels especially good on cold days. On the west side of the loop, a short twist of the thumb throttle takes you into Rocky’s on Lake Wahnapitae, where you can pull up for fuel, big plates of comfort food, and wide lake views before closing the circuit back toward Sudbury. On C109D Trail between Capreol and Coniston, the Chateau Guay is another well-loved snowmobiler's haven—comfortable, hospitable and convenient. 

Rainbow Elk Loop: South to Killarney and Georgian Bay Views

The Rainbow Elk Loop heads south toward Killarney and Georgian Bay and comes in around 220 to 225 kilometres, depending on how you connect it. Fuel and food are easy to plan here, starting with the city itself and ending in Killarney, where places like the Sportsman’s Inn look after overnight guests and day riders alike with meals, rooms, and a spot to warm up by the water.

Along the way, trail shelters and scenic bridges make natural regroup points, and a short side trip off the main route brings you to Panache Bay Marina on Lake Panache. In winter, it turns into a handy sled stop with on-ice fuel and a small store, so you can top off tanks and grab a drink or snack before dropping back onto the loop.

Deer Loop: Easy-Riding Small-Town Touring Southwest of Sudbury

Southwest of Sudbury, the Deer Loop sits in the 180-kilometre range on trails TOP D109, TOP D, TOP D110 and 25, and lines up a string of small-town stops that make the day feel easy to manage. Nairn and Espanola are the main service hubs on this tour, both offering gas stations, quick-serve food, and grocery options a short ride off the trail.

Between those towns, riders often work a few “bonus” stops into the plan, from warm-up shacks to photo spots like scenic river crossings and lookouts. It is also a natural add-on to a stay at one of the lakeside camps and resorts west of the city, where you can ride right from your cabin to fuel, loop the day away, and be back in time for dinner.

Plan Your Multi-Day Sudbury Snowmobile Stay

Taken together, these four loops create an easy system for planning a Sudbury snowmobile tour around tasty meals, abundant fuel, and comfy lodgings first, then letting the riding ‘backfill’ the gaps. Pick a snowmobile-friendly motel or resort in town or along one of the lakes, choose a different loop each day, and you will always know there is a hot meal, a gas pump, and a warm bed waiting somewhere close to the trail.

Showing 'Edited Body' is no longer supported.