About the Hike

Our geology walk through Bell Park to the grounds of Science North will start at a massive 10 ton block of ore just a few steps from the Elizabeth Street parking lot. After discussing its origin and the extra-terrestrial impact that created the Sudbury Basin almost 2 billion years ago, we will walk to rounded outcrops of once molten rock that was part of the solid crust of the Earth at the time of the impact. When we reach the gazebo above the main beach, we will go back in time on rock that was once sandy sediment called the Ramsay (yes, … Ramsay) Lake Formation probably deposited during a glaciation almost 2 ½ billion years ago. We will see evidence for its icy origin in the Science North hill near the end of our walk where we will also admire the much younger, once molten wall-like dyke cutting the older rock underneath the centre, that is itself cut by the Creighton Fault. Finally, we will look for shatter cones that are the evidence of the shock of the Sudbury Impact in the rock wall of the parking lot. They will tell us we have walked on shocked and broken rock that was under the floor of the second largest crater on the planet, larger than the one that killed the walking dinosaurs. Where else can you do that ?

Our Science Centre is built on several chapters of the history of the planet, surrounded by the very recent regreening and restoration effort that Jane Goodall was inspired to share in her “Reasons for Hope” IMAX film.

All ages and abilities welcomed.

There will be frequent stops along this walk.

Hike Details

When: Sunday, September 27, 2026

Time: 2:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m   (Please arrive 15 minutes early for registration)

Meeting Point: Elizabeth Street Parking Lot

Trail: Bell Park Trail

Length: 2.5 km

Duration: 1.5 hours

Terrain: Lockstone

Trail Difficulty: Easy on hard surface

Dress Code: Dress for Autumn weather in layers, and bring a sunhat and water.

Hike Leaders: David Pearson (Vale Living with Lakes Lead), John Gunn (Jane Goodall Reasons for Hope team), Peter Beckett (certified Hike Leader, Rainbow Routes Association)

Hike Type: This will be a slower walk along the trail and there will be frequent stops along

Transit passengers: From the downtown terminal take the bus #1S

Note: GOVA fare is $4.00. Exact change or a bus pass is required