Find a fellow outdoors lover and pack your bags! Charleston Lake Provincial Park is a gem nestled within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere. The Ontario park truly has it all from rocky barrens, to beautiful forests. If you’re visiting, there’s also a stunning lookout spot you’ll want to check out.

Where

If you’re driving in from Toronto or the surrounding area, getting to Charleston Lake Provincial Park will take you around three and a half hours by car, around 50 minutes past Kingston, Ontario.

What to do while visiting

Like I mentioned, you’re going to want to add the scenic lookout point to your list of what to do while you’re here.

The lookout is at the end of the Quiddity Trail. The trail is marked as easy and is suitable for hikers at all skill levels. The first 300 meters of the trail is barrier-free, leading to a lookout with forest and lake views – simply stunning!

Another trail you can check out while at Charleston Lake is the Sandstone Island Trail. This hike has a little history mixed into it, with the tral highlighting a rock shelter that was used thousands of years ago by Indigenous people of the area. The shelter still stands today but be careful and respect the structure if you decide to go see it.

Cost

You’ll need to pay a park fee in order to spend the day at Charleston Lake Provincial Park. Day fees start at $12.25 and you can pay as you enter the park.

Backcountry camping is available as well as a roofed accomodation – a rustic cabin. You can check out availability here but just note the park is open until October 15th so get booking soon.

Enjoy. your trip!

Charleston Lake Provincial Park 

Where: 148 Woodvale Rd, Lansdowne, ON