Rimming Ramsey Lake

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Ramsey Lake was world famous for being the largest lake fully contained within a city.  When Sudbury amalgamated, Lake Wanapitei edged it out.  So Sudbury has the two largest lakes fully contained within a city.  That is a neat distinction.

The best part about the lake is the Jim Gordon boardwalk that rims the body of water.  Jim Gordon was Sudbury's longest serving mayor and made great strides re-greening the city.  My girlfriend Marisa and I walked all along it and enjoyed the landmarks that can be seen on the walk.  The first building of note is the old hospital, painted in pastels with butterlies all over it.  It is a talking point in town.  Some people love it; others believe it is an eyesore.  It is definitely unique.

Science North can be seen from Lake Ramsey, along with Bell Park and Laurentian University.  It is truly in the middle of town.  Moonlight Beach is a lovely summer spot and Lake Laurentian Conservation Area is also on the lake.  In 1972, when the Inco super stack was installed and it dispersed the mine emissions across a wider area, the town of Sudbury spent money to reclaim what was then a "dead" lake.  That initiative was successful, and today the lake is safe for swimming and fishing, boasting bass, perch, pike and walleye.

Sudbury's most expensive real estate fronts on Ramsey Lake.  There are two building lots available for $750,000 a piece, and many of the houses are over $1 million.  Sudbury has 330 lakes in town, and Ramsey Lake is one of the three best lakes in town, along with Long Lake and Wanapitei.

It was an easy walk around the lake, with two benches at the end of the route to sit and take in the atmosphere and the water, before turning around and heading back. It is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.