Laurentian Trails

The City of Greater Sudbury has a slew of trails all over place. One of the more local places, that doesn't feel like it's in the middle of the city, is the Laurentian Trails. Sometimes called The Laurentian Lake Conservation Trails, it spans around Ramsay Lake and the university. It's considered part of the Rainbow Trails as well.

Access

Getting to the entrance is easy enough. One of the best ways to hit up one of the trails is from Moonlight Beach. There's a massive parking lot for your car. You walk past a picturesque landscape of water and beach (which has a park, picnic tables, and several sandy volleyball courts). If you head out in the evening, the sun hits the water just right! Follow the path that looks like a road beyond those courts and toward the trees. It's a very wide section into the trail, big enough for vehicles, and then you're surrounded by trees and vanishing into the woods.

It's three kilometres from that entrance to the other side (about 1-1.5 hours one way). This is provided you stay on the main trail and don't take the alternate routes. You'll need to cross a couple bridges and watch out of patches of bugs (ew) but you can't hear any of the city noises.

However, about 1km into the trail you'll come across a small lookout that lets you see across Ramsay Lake into the city. At night, the lights are bright against the black backdrop and it sort of looks like staring into the galaxy.

Even better; if you look up while you're hiking this little trail you'll get to some stars in the night sky. Living in the city doesn't usually get you the chance to see them as they can be drowned out.

Nature & Wildlife

You'll find an array of trees (pine to maple) to provide shade on a hot summer's day. In the evening, you'll discover there are plenty toads on the trail. You might even see a snake or two!

Now, you'll also notice several signs to warn hikers of bears. Yes, we have bears in this region. There's signage with the do's and don't posted near the bright yellow bear signs so don't fret. Definitley don't approach or attempt petting them.

Of course, you'll hear birds along the trail. They like to talk to each other, maybe even you if you're lucky. Naturally there's squirrels and chipmunks as well.

You won't find moose here though. Bears and moose don't occupy the same territory.

Landscape

This trail in particular is well-cared for and is mostly a gravel and sand mix to make it easier for treking. Definitely child and dog friendly along the path. It's won't be too hard on their little feet. You'll find some sweeping hills and curves, but it's an easy route. The inclines aren't rough and you won't need to rockclimb anything.

Of course, if you go off this main route you'll find yourself going through thinner trails, up the hills, and even through the marshes. Some of us crazy hikers like to take those risks though!

Overall

I'd recommend this trail if want a light workout and a little peace in nature. If you walk all the way to the other entrance, be prepared for 6 kms in total. That means water, bug spray, and some pauses at the benches provided along the way.

5 / 5 Stars!