Hiking the Linton Lake Trail at Kivi Park, Sudbury

There’s a new trail in Ontario and you could be among the first to hike it. Located in Sudbury, one of the best cities for hiking in the province, you’ll find this brand new trail at the much beloved Kivi Park. Embark on a scenic trek around the perimetre of Linton Lake inside the park and be one of the first to leave behind your footprints.

Kivi Park’s newest trail goes by a few different names: the Linton Trail, the Linton Lake Trail, or the Teal Trail after its teal trail blazes. The trails at Kivi Park are generally named after different colours, so this one is formally known as the Teal Trail but more commonly referred to as the Linton Trail or the Linton Lake Trail.

I had the opportunity to hike at the Kivi Park Linton Lake Trail before its grand unveiling this weekend. I’m pleased to report that the trail is a wonderful addition to the park’s massive trail network system. This peaceful retreat within the forest feels far removed from the city, even though you’re technically still within the city itself. Plus, there are multiple stunning lookouts as you make your way around the lake.

All About Kivi Park

Kivi Park is a 480 acre, all-season destination in Sudbury that’s a favourite for both locals and visitors alike. There’s a 56km trail network for hiking, mountain biking, fat biking, snowshoeing, skating, cross-country skiing and skate skiing.

What’s in a name? “Kivi” means “rock” in Finnish and celebrates the history of the settlers to the area. It also pays tribute to the vast Canadian Shield, the natural rocky terrain that you’ll discover at Kivi Park.

As for hiking, there are well over 25km of trails to explore at Kivi Park, ranging from 1km to 13km in length. The newest trails around Linton Lake are home to some of the lengthier trails for those looking to escape into nature for a few hours.

If you’re looking to get onto the water, Crowley Lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are even rentals on site for those requiring them. You can combine a hike at Crowley Lake and Linton Lake with a paddle on the lake itself for an entire day of outdoor fun.

Kivi Park Linton Lake Trail Map

Here’s a map of the hiking trails at Crowley Lake and Linton Lake. The Yellow Trail around Crowley Lake is 8.5km long, the Teal Trail around Linton Lake is 9km long, and the Purple Trail extensions around Linton Lake are 13km in length.

There are signs posted at the trails and the trails themselves are extremely well marked with coloured trail blazes. You may wish to refer to this map throughout your walk, although I didn’t find it to be necessary. Follow the teal blazes and you won’t have any issues.

How to Hike Kivi Park’s Linton Lake Trail (Teal Trail)

First, stop at the main office for Kivi Park and pick up a day pass. Kivi Park also offers family passes, weekend passes and annual passes that makes sense for those who frequently visit. Then, you can either hike some of the trails directly from the office or head towards Crowley Lake to check out the new Linton Lake Trail.

How to Reach the Trail and Where to Park

The Teal Trail isn’t close to the main office, so it’s best to hop in your car and drive towards Crowley Lake. From the Kivi Park main office, turn on to McFarlane off of Long Lake Road. Then, make a right onto Raft Lake Road. Follow the road through to Kasten Lake Road (also known as Brodill Lake Rd) until you arrive at the gate for Crowley Lake.

It is approximately a 10 minute drive from Lake Road to the Crowley Lake car park. You will see a small parking lot at the Yellow and Pink trail heads. Leave your car there and head out on foot.

To reach the Linton Trail, walk on the Crowley Trail (Yellow Trail) / Pink Trail until you reach a large trail map on a sign post. From there, you’ll enter the forest and remain on the Yellow Trail for a short while until you’ll spot a sign for Linton Lake.

Hiking the Teal Trail (Linton Trail)

Once you follow the sign for Linton Lake, you’ll be hiking on the Linton Lake Trail. The trail is a very obvious path through the forest and across the expansive boulders of the Canadian Shield. There are teal trail blazes all along the way, so there’s really no chance that you’ll get lost.

The Teal Trail is 9km long and wraps entirely around the lake. If you’re looking to extend your hike, there are some added Purple Trail loops on the way that make the total distance 13km.

I stuck to the Teal Trail that follows the lake itself for the most part, making a few detours into the forest. I had the trail entirely to myself. Well, I heard so many birds all around (and I’m sure there was plenty of other unnoticed wildlife around), but I was the only human on the path.

For fans of scenic lookouts, the Linton Trail will be a treat. There are numerous lakefront lookouts all along the way. Each lookout comes with sets of Muskoka chairs where you can relax and admire the view.

If you decide not to make any stops, the Teal Trail takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to walk in total. The trail is rated as “difficult”, but I’d rate it a little closer to “moderate” myself. Perhaps it could be called difficult based on the distance. There are a few inclines and declines now and again, but there aren’t really any huge hills. At the same time, you’ll feel pretty accomplished getting a bit of a workout on this one. Enjoy every moment!

Where to Stay in Sudbury

On my most recent visit to Sudbury, I spent the night at the Travelway Inn Sudbury. It’s a clean and comfortable hotel in the city, conveniently located right across from Science North. It’s not a far drive from Kivi Park, only about 10 minutes, making it an ideal home base in Sudbury.

If you’re planning a longer stay in Sudbury for a couple days or more, check out my guide all about the best things to do in Sudbury. This includes attractions, activities and must see places in Sudbury.

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