by Carolyn Bonta, Friends of Frontenac Park
For an outdoor enthusiast, a trip to Frontenac Provincial Park is essential. Frontenac was established in 1974 as a “Threshold to Wilderness”: a place to try wilderness camping and to learn outdoor skills without straying too far from civilization. Over the years, the park has grown popular with families, organized groups, and day visitors, all of whom come to experience its unique backcountry and stunning natural environment. Each season offers something special at Frontenac park, but you will get the most out of your visit if you plan your activity to match the time of year:
- Spring: before biting flies emerge: The birdsong on an early-morning hike or trail run through pine forests, rock barrens, and wetands of the southern half of the park is the best way to appreciate why Frontenac park is part of the Frontenac Forests Important Bird Area, a designation that recognizes the park’s enormous diversity of birds.
Summer: Paddle a canoe into Camel Lake for some solitude. Most of the park’s lakes are deep, clear and perfect for swimming; I especially enjoy snorkeling in the west half of warm Little Salmon Lake among schools of fish and the occasional musk turtle.- Fall: Back to hiking and trail running, this time through the northern half of the park which was settled up until the 1950’s. Remnant homesteads and old roadbeds are subtle reminders of the past, and entertain my imagination of what it might have been like to live in the park.
- Winter: Our climate can make trail travel slippery, so definitely bring foot grippers (Yaktrax or even Khatoola MICROspikes). With a pair of snowshoes and enough snow, create your own route! Set out down the Corridor Trail on a loop around Arab Lake, keeping an eye out for the Barred Owls and porcupine that hang out near the parking lot. But be careful if you travel across ice: beaver are active in winter and keep channels flowing, leading to weak ice in parts of many wetlands.
To explore beyond the Park Office / Corridor Trail area, a trail map is essential! In keeping with the Threshold to Wilderness origins, trail signs emphasize campsite locations – knowing you need to turn left to campsites 9 and 12, and go straight to sites 5 and 13, doesn’t help when you’re wondering how to get to Little Clear Lake Loop trail! The Friends of Frontenac Park’s detailed trail map ($12 for paper, $25 for waterproof) is a worthwhile investment. If you are planning to camp, book well in advance because most sites are occupied from spring to fall.
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