Frontenac Provincial Park: Trail Report

Frontenac Provincial Park: Trail Report

Hands down the highlight of these trails is the wildlife. They also have interpretive trails, lookouts, and open year-round for backcountry recreation (48 interior campsites). All vehicles must park in a designated area and display a valid park permit.

Suggested Stops

Ok, we all know by now that I looooooooove country drives, the slower pace and beauty is appealing. Naturally I took the back roads home stopping in to Cottage Coffee in Westport to say hellos to the owner John and pick up my favourite ‘sugar bush cafe latte’ to go (delish – thank you!) and then I hopped over to see Donna over at Jake by the Lake…the only Life is Good store in Canada. Of course I picked up another tee.

Important Insights

Note that it is easy to get turned around and lost in Frontenac PP, good navigation skills as required. Check in with park staff prior to hiking. Always carry the 10 essentials.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo people.⁠ It is important as avid hikers and stewards of the land, to acknowledge and understand the full story of our surroundings along with the people that care for her, both past and present. As sourced from native-land.ca, if there are corrections please send to victoria@girlgonegood.com.

Land Management

Frontenac Provincial Park is managed by the Ontario Parks.

GPS Coordinates

44.504167 -76.555833

Street Address

6700 Salmon Lake Rd Sydenham K0H 2T0

Directions

Distance from Ottawa: 229 kms (roughly 2hr and 20mins) via the 416/401 or 192 kms (roughly 2hr and 29mins) if you take the country roads. Depending on your preference you can take hwy417 west to hwy 416 South Hwy 401 (towards Toronto) and exit Sydenham Rd. There’s also the choice to take the country roads (always my preference) and google maps can direct you through Perth, Westport, and south to Frontenac. There is a section of dirt road using this route (on Canoe Lake Road). Both options have their benefits.

Parking

Large parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Located at the Park Office

Accessibility

No

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

15

Hours of Operation

All seasons. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from Ontario Parks.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

13

Total Distance (km)

100

Elevation Gain (m)

140

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Woodlands, Marshlands, Ponds

Activities

Hiking, Snowshoeing, Nature Centre

Dogs

Permitted on-leash. See the Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Dogs in Ottawa and Region. As stated by Parks Ontario "For the protection of wildlife and other park visitors, your pet must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 2 metres at all times. You must ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife. You must also ensure your pet does not interfere with others’ enjoyment of the park. Pets are not permitted in the swimming area, on the beach or in a posted prohibited area at any time".

Trail Description

Full trail descriptions available from Ontario Parks We decided on the Dedication Trail South loop which is 9.8 kms total (plus 1.8kms to reach the trail start point). So off we went chatting away, taking the Corridor Trail up until reached up with the Dedication Trail. Unbeknownst to us, this is where we took a wrong turn. Helloooo revenge of the humble brag! Ha ha. We were chatting so much that we ended up taking the Dedication Trail clockwise instead of counter clockwise as planned. Without noticing. All we really paid quasi attention to was the blue trail marks (the trails are very well marked). So imagine our surprise a good 4 kms in that we were the exact opposite spot then where we assumed! Doe Lake Trail is a 3km moderate hike that takes about an hour to complete, depending on your pace and how often you like to stop and take pictures (for me that’s about every 10 steps). This is a pretty pretty hike, there’s one official look out listed but there is actually three spots with benches and a view. Being on the trail early morning and alone was the perfect ‘walking mediation’. Complete joy. The birds were singing, the chipmunks were chasing each other, beaver dams were in abundance, the woodpeckers were out putting on a show.

Other Hiking Trails