Frontenac Follow the Trails, Stay for the Stories
Frontenac, a place that makes you slow down in the best way. Tucked into a landscape of forests, lakes, and classic Canadian Shield, Frontenac County feels like one big breath of fresh air. It’s quiet in all the right ways, but full of the kind of energy that comes from being surrounded by nature and good people.
Think peaceful paddles at sunrise, afternoon hikes with rocky lookouts, starry skies that go on forever, and dockside hangs that stretch late into the evening. This is a place where the local farmers know their customers by name, and artists, makers, and small business owners pour their hearts into everything they do.
A profoundly beautiful place
Spring and summer in Frontenac have a way of bringing people together—at weekend markets, lakeside cabins, music events, and campfires under the stars. It’s not flashy, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s real, it’s welcoming, and it’s waiting to be explored.
If you're eager to hit the trails, explore local history, or enjoy the great outdoors, this vibrant township offers something for everyone. From hands-on workshops to scenic hikes and peaceful fishing spots, these top 10 spring & summer experiences will help you embrace the seasons and make the most of longer, sunnier days.
1. Hit a Trail: Lace up your boots! Adventure awaits. Are you looking to hike, bike, horseback ride, or jump on an ATV? There are lots of meandering trails to explore serene lakeshores, rocky escarpments and wooded paths. Each trail is unique and managed by various conservation groups. There are 8 trails to enjoy in South Frontenac, including:
It's a very connected, vibrant part of the world.
2. Visit the museum: this local treasure that offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region. The museum, located in Harrowsmith, is housed in the historic Limestone School House, a building that dates back to 1865. The museum features exhibits that showcase the area's cultural heritage, including displays on early settlers, Indigenous history, and the development of local industries. Visitors can explore a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of South Frontenac's past, from its agricultural roots to its role in the broader development of Eastern Ontario. The museum also hosts seasonal events, educational programs, and community initiatives, making it a great stop for history enthusiasts and anyone looking to learn more about the region's past. It's a wonderful place to experience South Frontenac's charm and history.
3. Historical Walking Tour is Sydenham: There are 32 places of interest on this tour of Sydenham Village. It was originally named Sloat’s Landing, for Michael Sloat, who received a land grant here in the 1790s. Other settlers soon followed, attracted by the sheltered valley with a small waterfall for power, and good farmland nearby.
4. Build a Bench or a Little Library: Nestled in the heart of nature, Wintergreen Studios offers an inspiring retreat where sustainability meets serenity. This eco-friendly haven invites visitors to reconnect with the natural world through immersive programs and thoughtfully designed wilderness facilities. Whether you're looking to unwind in a tranquil setting or learn practical ways to live more sustainably, Wintergreen Studios provides the perfect backdrop. Guests leave not only refreshed and rejuvenated but also empowered to bring eco-conscious practices into their daily lives, making a lasting difference for the planet. There are lots of hands-on activities popping up at Wintergreen Studios this spring, including some woodworking workshops. Watch this site for events.
5. Visit Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre. As a satellite facility of the Queen’s University Biological Station, the Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre offers curriculum-based programs year-round that encourage students to explore and measure local biodiversity through field-based scientific investigation. Some programs include geocaching, GPS scavenger hunts, diversity and adaptations of birds, fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, tree identification and forest assessment, insects and invasive species.
6. Rideau Canal: See the UNESCO heritage site of the Rideau Canal with a visit to the Lower Brewers Lock. This peaceful lock station with a wooden swing bridge, is an attraction for those arriving by land or by water. An existing sawmill was bypassed with a canal cut, allowing it to continue operating.
7. Frontenac Farmers Market: Although this is a seasonal market (May to October), it doesn’t mean you can’t bookmark this link. Watch for opening day on May 9 with many new vendors and a seedling sale. The market is located at Centennial Park in Harrowsmith.
8. Cast a line: Fishing is a popular sport in the township and there are many places to cast a line. There are over 75 lakes in the area making it an angler’s paradise. Large and smallmouth bass, pike, lake trout, splake and an array of pan fish are available during various times of the year. Visit this website for a list of township boat launches and water access points. Learn the fishing regulations if you don’t already by visiting this link.
9. Birding on the islands: Visit Wolfe Island for some top-notch birding. In the spring, you get a triple dose of birds. The year-round resident birds are still there. Your usual summer birds will be returning from their warm weather vacation. In addition, certain species that bred farther north of the area will be passing through on their way back north.
10. Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve is another great spot for an immersive visit. The UNESCO-designated natural corridor is where the rugged landscapes of the Canadian Shield connect with diverse ecosystems. Spanning from the St. Lawrence River to the Rideau Canal, it is home to rich biodiversity, scenic trails, and pristine waterways. This ecological haven offers opportunities for hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing, all set against a backdrop of deep cultural and historical significance.
With warmer days ahead, Frontenac is the perfect place to visit. Come explore scenic landscapes, dive into local history, or connect with nature, as there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. Plan your visit and discover the best of what this charming township has to offer!
Frontenac, “it’s wild”.
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