Spanning 5,355 hectares of space on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield is the Frontenac Provincial Park. A stunning family-friendly park open year-round with 48 interior campsites, incredibly scenic trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and winter camping, this outdoor destination is close and accessible from Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto. Winter still offers wildlife viewing – sneak peeks of the life of little birds darting from branches and squirrels burrowing in the snow.
Winter Hiking
The park boasts over 100 kilometers of hiking trails that can be used for snowshoeing/winter hiking. Beginners, intermediate hikers, or advanced hikers can enjoy the multitude of paths that range from the difficult 21km long Slide lake Loop, to the beaver pond laden 8km Bufflehead Trail that takes you around frozen beaver ponds, through forests of pine trees sheltering the trail, and over barren granite ridges forming part of the Canadian Shield, to the simple 1.5km loop that is the Arab Lake Gorge Trail. Snowshoes are available for rental at the park office.
Go for a Scenic Ski
Two major ski trails exist at the park, including the Big Salmon Lake Road which is 3.5km of gentle curves and slopes for a relaxing ski against the landscape of a crisp winter day, and the Corridor Trail, 4.5km of narrow road bordered by trees. Throughout the winter there are 10 km of trails marked for cross-country skiing with track setting done when there is sufficient snowfall.
Enjoy winter birdwatching
Because of the park being nestled in the Frontenac Arch, there is an exceptional diversity of bird species from the northern and southern eco-regions of Ontario. Both common and rare species exist here, including the Prairie Warbler, the Louisiana Waterthrush, and the Cerulean Warbler.
Go ice fishing
There are plenty of ice fishing opportunities around Frontenac Park. Three stocked lakes with Northern Pike, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, and varieties of trout are just a few of the species that can be caught here.
Camping in an interior campsite
Camping permits MUST be obtained through the park office when the office is open. Participate in the Frontenac All Season Camping Challenge, which encourages campers to camp at least one night each month of the full calendar year.
TRIP PLANNING
PARK HOURS: Open Year Round.
Camping permits MUST be obtained through the park office when the office is open.
The Park Office is open on weekends during winter from mid January from 8:30am-4pm. The office will generally open from 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday through Friday when staff are available
You can stop by the park office during weekends in January, February and March to warm yourself by the fire and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
Phone: 613) 376-3489
Reservations: 1-888-668-7275 (1-888-Ont-Park)
Address:
Big Salmon Lake Rd. is closed for the winter.