Sudbury Camino and Hiking Northern Ontario

One of the most intriguing and beautiful Canadian Caminos is the one found in Sudbury Ontario.

Developed in conjunction with the Sudbury Parks system and Rainbow Routes Association. The Sudbury Camino was inspired by the trail to Santiago Spain as a local experience to allow people to challenge themselves and to push their limits as well as a means to slow down and reflect upon the world around us. The Sudbury Camino route traverses the city of Sudbury taking pilgrims through its beautiful greenspaces, parks, downtown core, and natural spaces.

The Sudbury Camino's route is 30km in length taking users from the Kinsmen Sports Complex to Moonlight Beach entirely along the Trans Canada Trail. While it is one of the shortest Caminos we have found it is also one of the most accessible and easily completed routes to undertake as it is set along a series of extremely well maintained pathways close to city amenities. As a result it can also be easily accessed along the route and therefore accommodates shorter day hikes for 30km, 21km, 15km or 4 km segments.

While travelling the Sudbury Camino hikers can also take a selfie at a number of different stations along the route to affirm that they have trekked the path. These images can then be submitted to get a personalized certificate of accomplishment! 

Among the amazing places the Sudbury Camino takes pilgrims are past Science North, an amazing museum, located on the shoreline of Ramsey Lake whose buildings are designed in the shape of snowflakes. Just a few steps off the Sudbury Camino, Jim Gordon boardwalk and Rainbow Route Trails, Science North includes an IMAX cinema, Planetarium, displays on local Geology, butterflies, natural history, and engineering.

Further along the trail and of particular interest to pilgrims is the beautiful site of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes located in the heart of the city of Sudbury. The Grotto is an isolated forested hill which overlooks the surrounding neighbourhoods. This site is a hidden gem in Sudbury that allows people to rest and relax, enjoy beautiful flower gardens, visit the stations of the Cross, walk a Celtic reflection labyrinth , enjoy a Greek fountain, meander along a dedication pathway, and visit the shrine to the Lady of Lourdes.

While annual group treks are regularly planned by the city, anyone can hike along the way throughout the year and receive recognition for their achievement. Consequently, information and maps are available online and include sectional directions and commentary. In the past few years this route has been an amazing success inspiring increasing participation!