Here’s another Ontario adventure that’s just waiting for you to explore, just before summer ends. If you’re an avid hiker and love the wonders of nature, Frontenac Provincial Park should be your next stop on that summer bucket list.
Located minutes north of Kingston, over three hours east of Toronto is Frontenac Provincial Park. This park is part of the UNESCO-listed Frontenac Arch Biosphere and sprawls across 5,355 hectares of land.
Whether you choose to explore by foot or boat, you can enjoy over 100 km of hiking trails and 22 lakes. To better describe it, according to Destination Ontario, the park consists of “dense forests and shady pathways, dotted with granite outcrops and deep, crystal-clear lakes that were carved out during the last ice age.”
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When it comes to trails, there are a few loops that are accessed via another trail to start. Trail length spans from 30-minute walks to hours-long treks.
Big Salmon Lake Loop is one of the longest, with a 17 km loop that takes about five to seven hours to complete. It runs through a forested landscape and past century-old remains of homesteads.
You can also get scenic views at the east end and south side of Big Salmon Lake.
Another option is the Tetsmine Lake Loop, a 10 km loop that takes about five to six hours to loop around.
“The loop is fairly rugged in a mature deciduous bush setting and crossing the north end of the Moulton Gorge,” according to Ontario Parks. “Abandoned mica mines and a few 19th-century homesteads remain.”
As for the lakes, you’re allowed to go in for a dip but if you’re looking for sand beaches, those are limited. All lakes are perfect for swimming but it’s important to know that some are deeper and colder than others. Brace yourselves!
Fee
According to Ontario Parks, the cost of a Day Use permit depends on the time of the year whether it be on or off-season, and by park.
Entry fees for vehicles start at $12.25, but for a full day at Frontenac Provincial Park in the summer season, the cost is $13.72 plus tax. And for park-specific fees, contact the park directly.
Frontenac Provincial Park is open all year long. So whether you make it for summer or go exploring in the winter, you’ll be sure to enjoy it to its fullest.
Frontenac Provincial Park
Where: 6700 Salmon Lake Rd – Sydenham, ON
