Landon Bay Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Enjoy a hike on any one of the five trails found at Landon Bay. The grassy Garden Loop Trail runs by the raised gardens which are wheelchair accessible. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Landon Bay and the St. Lawrence River from the top of the Lookout Trail. Here you can see for miles over the St. Lawrence. The newer Bay Trail winds its way along Landon Bay itself so watch for loons or the occasional fish splashing in the bay.

Hike though the meadows and marshlands. Watch for an osprey or beaver or one of many other birds found along your way. Landon Bay features also include a picnic area with fire pits, a playground area, camping sites, and a small store.

Start at the parking lot, and go through the arch on your right to begin the Donevan Trail. This section of the trail is gentle and quite popular, as you travel through beautiful forests. For an optional side trek, turn onto the Riverview Trail for a short loop up to the second-best views at Landon Bay. Return to the Donevan Trail.

At approximately 0.7km, the trail will fork. Technically, you're staying on the same Donevan Trail, but you actually need to take a pretty sharp left turn, otherwise you'll be on the Bay Trail which appears to go straight.

The trail begins to climb and there is a natural set of stairs which can be slippery at times. At about 0.9km, there will be a sign for the Lookout Trail, which you'll follow to the right. More climbing (but not too steep), and you'll be at the Landon Bay Lookout which is one of the highlights of the area. There's some benches; stay for a while and enjoy the view!

Then return, following the Lookout Trail back to the Donevan Trail. You'll see some interesting signs and labels, including Avalanche Pass, the Wishing Tree, and Whale Rock. Some of this section can be steep and there are switchbacks, which can be steep, and are especially hazardous in the winter.

At around 2.1km, you'll be at a fork. You can turn right for a longer hike, and if you need a bathroom break there is an outhouse nearby. Turn left onto Halstead Creek Trail, which follows the creek back towards the main entrance. There are a few brief difficult sections.

Near the end of the Halstead Creek Trail it's actually fairly easy to lose the trail, but never fear, you'll come out onto the clearing. During the summer, Landon Bay includes a campgrounds, summer camp, and other activities, so you won't get lost, just head for the open area.

Stay to the right of the open area, where you'll find some buildings, and locate the trailhead for the Garden Trail. It winds through some light forest and meadows with tons of wildflowers, and is a nice way back to where you parked.