Windy Lake Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located 45 minutes west of Sudbury off of Highway 144, Windy Lake Provincial Park in Ontario is an excellent destination for an adventure, no matter what time of year you plan to visit. With a forest of Jack Pine, birch and spruce trees, the park provides an escape and an opportunity for solitude that's surprisingly close to the city.
Within the park you will find the beautiful beach of Windy Lake (one of the largest in the Sudbury area), where you can relax on the sand and cool off by swimming in the lake. There are also plenty of water sports to engage in; boating is popular on the lake as well as fishing (the lake is known for its lake trout). Even in the winter, fishing is possible; you can rent ice shacks and enjoy ice fishing. Two separate play areas are present in the park, offering a variety of activities for kids, including a zip-line, see-saw and swings. The park offers plenty of camping opportunities, to include group camping, double campsites, walk-in car camping sites and even all-season yurts.
A visit to Windy Lake Provincial Park provides the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature, making it an excellent choice for your next adventure!
RV Rentals in Windy Lake Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
From Sudbury, take Elm St/Greater Sudbury Regional Road 55 for 5.8 km (3.6 miles), continuing onto Regional Rd 35. Proceed on Regional Rd 35 for 11.5 km (7.14 miles). Next, take ON-144 N for 26.9 km (16.71 miles), turning left onto Old Cartier Rd. Proceed to the park.
Parking
Parking is available throughout Windy Lake Provincial Park.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is available to Levack station on the eastern edge of the park. Check with ONTC for schedule details.
Campgrounds and parking in Windy Lake Provincial Park
Campsites in Windy Lake Provincial Park
Reservations camping
Group Sites
There are two group sites available at Windy Lake Provincial Park. One, call the Lakeside Group Site, is located at the westernmost portion of the waterfront. Considered the park’s best location, the site includes a secluded beach, swimming area, volleyball court, horseshoe pit, large fire pit, water tap and bathrooms. There is a large picnic shelter at the site, offering shade and respite from any rain and a large barbecue. Four to six small trailers as well as five to ten tents can be accommodated. Near the day use area of the park is the second group site. This site can accommodate four to six small trailers and five to ten tents. Either site is great for groups to explore the park while enjoying time together.
First-come first-served
Windy Lake Campground
Windy Lake Provincial Park offers 93 campsites, 56 of which have electricity. Sites can be reserved and the campground offers flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, a playground and taps for drinking water. Each site has a fire pit. Three of the campsites are double sites, offering the space for groups or larger families. Seven of the campsites are walk-in and located on the shores of Windy Lake. Just a short walk from the car, walk-in sites are radio free, offering a unique experience and plenty of solitude.
Seasonal activities in Windy Lake Provincial Park
In-Season
Swimming
The beach of Windy Lake (which includes more than 1.5 km/.93 miles of shoreline) is popular for tossing a Frisbee, having a picnic and laying out to get a tan. The lake’s beautiful water is also an attraction for visitors who would like to take a swim. The water is ideal for cooling off after some time on the beach and the large buoyed area for swimming is perfect for kids to play in the water. Surrounding the lake are the park’s rolling green hills, ensuring that whether in the water or on the beach, you will enjoy gorgeous scenery.
Spend Time on the Water
The water of Windy Lake is not just popular for swimming in. The park is ideal for those who enjoy boating, from smaller options like kayaks and canoes to larger boats. A boat launch is easily accessible, ensuring that getting your vessel into the water will not be a problem. As you make your way around the lake, you will want to take in the park’s beautiful scenery. On a hot day, you will have no trouble cooling off. Just jump off of your watercraft for a quick dip!
Go for a Hike
During your visit to Windy Lake Provincial Park, consider taking a walk along the park’s 3 km (1.86 miles) hiking trail. This easy trail will allow you to take in the park’s scenery while possibly capturing a glimpse of the many species of birds and varieties of flowers that can be found in the park. Birds that may be seen in the forest of the park include the Yellow Warbler, Ruffed Grouse and Pileated Woodpecker. When it comes to flowers, keep your eyes out for the following wildflowers that can be found on the forest floor; the Pink Lady’s-slipper, Twin Flower, Wild Rose and Star Flower.
Off-Season
Cross-Country Skiing
Just because the ground is covered with snow does not mean that you won’t find plenty to do during a visit to Windy Lake Provincial Park. Known for some of the best cross-country skiing in the region, you can visit for the day or stay in one of the trail-side yurts that are available for winter use. The Onaping Falls Nordic Ski Club operates a network of 15 km of trails that are professionally groomed. Trails are ideal for classic and skate styles of skiing and are appropriate for all levels. Make sure to take in the gorgeous winter scenery as you explore the park’s trails.
Go Ice Fishing
During a visit in the winter months to Windy Lake Provincial Park, consider trying ice fishing. The park offers a complete ice fishing rental package that has all of the gear that you will need for a day on the ice; 2two rods/reels, tip-ups, a bait bucket/stool, fishing tackle, an ice auger and a sled that can be turned into a portable ice fishing shelter. For added convenience, park staff will bring the gear to a specific fishing location that has been decided upon. Once set up, you can fish for Lake Trout and Whitefish. Make sure to have all necessary permits and licenses before getting started!
Go Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a popular activity at Windy Lake Provincial Park and it offers you the opportunity to explore a large amount of its area. Located in the middle of the Onaping Falls High Riders Snowmobile Club territory, trails include the 225 km (139.8 miles) Cartier Moose Loop Tour which runs by Windy Lake Cabins. During your time on the trails, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the park and keep your eyes out for unique rock formations as you go!
