The best cycling routes around Greater Sudbury

Greater Sudbury's touring cycling routes are characterized by the unique Canadian Shield landscape, featuring rocky hills, dense boreal forests, and an abundance of lakes. The region is known as the "City of Lakes," with 330 lakes providing numerous picturesque lakeside sections. You'll find a mix of dedicated bike lanes, trails, and some on-road sections, often traversing areas that have undergone significant regreening efforts.

While all listed touring routes are rated as moderate, many are accessible for families with some cycling experience. Routes like the Bell Park – Moonlight Beach loop from Sudbury offer a manageable distance of 22.3 km (13.8 miles) and combine urban sections with natural fringes around Ramsey Lake, making for an enjoyable outing. The city also has various multi-use trails suitable for a relaxed family pace.

You'll encounter many natural features, especially lakes, as Greater Sudbury is known for its 330 lakes. Ramsey Lake is a prominent feature, with routes like the Bell Park – Moonlight Beach loop from Sudbury offering views around it. The Lake Laurentian Conservation Area provides a green space with trails amidst lakes and boreal forest. The Canadian Shield terrain itself, with its rocky outcrops and forests, is a constant scenic backdrop.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Greater Sudbury are designed as loops. For example, the CPR Bay – Moonlight Beach loop from Lot 1 is a moderate 40.6 km (25.2 miles) route offering expansive views. Another option is the Bike loop from Sudbury, which is 21.6 km (13.4 miles) and takes you through lakeside and forested sections.

The best season for touring cycling in Greater Sudbury is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and the natural landscapes, especially the lakes and boreal forests, are at their most vibrant. Winter cycling is also possible, particularly fat biking on groomed trails in areas like Kivi Park, but touring cycling is best enjoyed in warmer conditions.

The touring cycling routes in Greater Sudbury feature varied elevation gains due to the Canadian Shield terrain. For instance, the Robinson Lake loop from Lot 1, a 27.2 km (16.9 miles) route, involves an elevation gain of approximately 188 meters (617 feet). Routes generally offer a moderate challenge with rolling hills rather than steep climbs.

While this guide focuses on touring cycling, Greater Sudbury is also a popular destination for mountain biking. Kivi Park and the Walden Mountain Bike Club trails offer extensive single-track options suitable for various skill levels, known for their distinctive hardrock sections and scenic woodlands. These are separate from the touring routes but provide additional cycling opportunities.

The touring cycling experience in Greater Sudbury is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.6 stars from 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the beautiful lakeside views, the unique Canadian Shield landscape, and the combination of urban and wilderness sections that offer a diverse riding experience.

Yes, Greater Sudbury has segments of the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) that can be incorporated into or accessed from touring routes. Popular sections include the trail from Laurentian University to Moonlight Beach and the Vermillion to Hillfield section. The Kelly Lake Trail, also part of the TCT, offers a scenic path along the lakeshore.

Many popular trailheads and parks in Greater Sudbury offer designated parking areas. For routes around Ramsey Lake, you can often find parking near Bell Park or Moonlight Beach. Kivi Park and the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area also have parking facilities for trail access. It's advisable to check specific route starting points for the most convenient parking options.

Yes, routes like the Bell Park – Roxborough Greenbelt loop from Sudbury, a 23.8 km (14.8 miles) route, include sections that border or pass near the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area. This area is a 950-hectare green space offering multi-use trails amidst lakes, wetlands, and boreal forest, providing a beautiful natural setting for your ride.