Hiking is a great way to spend a day outside and enjoying nature in all its splendor. From flat, well-groomed public routes like Cataraqui Trail to the rugged beauty of Frontenac Provincial Park’s back country, there is a trail for every age and ability in South Eastern Ontario. I guarantee you will fall in love with these hiking trails, whether you are visiting for a day or a weekend.

1. Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Established over fifty years ago by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, this 9,000 hectare is a haven for a variety of wildlife, but most notably our migrating feathered friends. More than 200 species of birds call the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary home, including waterfowl, songbirds and birds of prey. In the fall, the popular bird feeding program draws visitors for unique interactions with Canada Geese, but don’t leave the Sanctuary without exploring the 8 kilometers of self-guided trails. A mature upland forest, early successional woods, old fields, wetlands and open water are among the habits you will hike through. Well-marked trails which are mostly flat or paved of varying distances make this one of the region’s most family-friendly routes and one of our favourite. ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ Parks of the St. Lawrence on Facebook for special event updates.

2. Frontenac Provincial Park

Frontenac Provincial Park, located 40 kilometers north of Kingston 1000 Islands, has over 100 kilometers of trails in interconnected loops. Trails range from easy to difficult, which means you can bring along sure-footed children for a day of connecting with nature or perhaps gather a group of friends for a back country adventure. Arab Lake Gorge and Doe Lake are the most family-friendly trails, whereas the Cedar Lake Loop is best for experienced hikers. Up for a challenge? Join in on the Frontenac Challenge! This annual event offered by the Friends of Frontenac Park encourages hikers to complete each of the 11 loops throughout the months of September and October. New to hiking? Try the Frontenac Trek, which is conquering six of the Park’s trails. Check the Ontario Parks’ Fall Colours Report to time your visit with when leaf peeping will be at its finest.

3. Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area

Located outside of Picton in picturesque Prince Edward County is the local gem Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area. Don’t let the word “mountain” intimidate you, there are plenty of easy hiking trails here for both families and those wanting a more rugged outdoors experience. The soaring and rugged escarpment is one of the most notable features here, but the peaceful trails and famous Birdhouse City makes Macaulay Mountain a great day trip destination. There are over 20 kilometers of trails throughout the 178 hectare park, ranging from the nearly 15 kilometer bike trail to the accessible 1.5 kilometer Whattam’s Memorial Walkway. Pack a picnic and spend the day outdoors! Follow Quinte Conservation on Facebook or Twitter to keep up date on events at Macaulay Mountain.

If you’re a fan of unique adventures then you’ll love exploring the 202 kilometres Rideau Canal by kayak or bicycle. Running between Ottawa and Kingston through a number of quaint, small towns the route – at least for kayakers is a mix of rivers and lakes and approximately 19 kilometres of the Rideau Canal itself. For cyclists there are many options including the full tour between Ottawa and Kingston; for something less ambitious you can choose from one of several scenic loops or an out and back ride.

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and not because it is known to be the world’s largest skating rink in winter. Rather it’s considered to be the best-preserved example of a slack water canal in North America. Also, it’s the oldest, continually operating canal with the locks working in much the same manner they did in 1832. Built as a supply route alternative to the St. Lawrence River, it’s considered to be one of the 19^th century’s greatest engineering feats. What this means for kayakers is that you can work your way from Kingston to Ottawa via a series of 47 locks and 23 lock stations. (Not including the locks and stations on Tay Canal that leads to Perth). Novices and experienced kayakers alike can enjoy the adventure.

If you want to have the lock through experience, then your paddling trip needs to happen between mid-May and mid-October – though it’s possible to portage around the locks if they aren’t open. If you paddle in the off-season – May, June, September or October, it will be quieter with fewer powerboats. While it’s suggested that you start in Kingston because the prevailing winds will likely be at your back, you really can start anywhere between the two cities, depending on how much time you have. In fact, you could just do a day-trip to experience paddling through the locks. On most multi-day trips people paddle the canal in one direction only so a shuttle needs to be arranged. If you can’t do it yourself, Ahoy Rentals in Kingston can pick up or drop off at most of the lock stations along the canal.

Assuming you start in Kingston you will be lifted 50.6 metres from Lake Ontario to reach the high point on the route – Upper Rideau Lake. From there you descend via the locks 83.8 metres to the Ottawa River. While it doesn’t matter so much in a kayak, there is a well-marked navigation channel that is 1.5 metres deep. If you’re on a self-guided trip be sure to carry the two sets of navigation charts that cover the river.

The beauty of this kayaking trip is you have the choice of camping at the lockstations or staying in nearby campgrounds and even some charming, historic inns and hotels just a short portage away – depending on your budget. Even if you elect to camp, you can still take advantage of fine dining options near some of the lockstations.

With mostly flat-water paddling except when the winds pick up on the big lakes, no appreciable currents, over 1,000 kilometres of shoreline to explore, and a beautiful section of the Canadian Shield to cross along with the unique lock through experience, this is definitely a bucket-list-worthy trip.

Cyclists have a lot more flexibility when it comes to exploring the region. For a self-guided option, you can find loads of detailed routes click here. The rides whenever possible take you on quieter back-roads. If you choose to do the full Ottawa to Kingston ride you’ll be able to experience the beauty the Rideau- provided you’re prepared to take several days and do a few side-trips. Highlights in the region, include the delightful town of Merrickville, Chaffey’s Locks and the Opinicon Lake boat tour, Delta and the Old Stone Mill, the Forfar Cheese Factory for squeaky cheese curds, and Kilmarnock Lock with its’ wooden swing bridge.

Whether by kayak or bike, the Rideau will charm you with its pretty towns and historic lock stations. 

By Leigh McAdam

With two pretty towns as bookends, cyclists will love the easy biking between Gananoque and Brockville on a section of Ontario’s Waterfront Trail. Plenty of access points ensure a whole lot of ways you can configure a trip. And with a 10 foot wide, newly paved (in 2014) mostly traffic-free trail, this is an outing the whole family can enjoy.

The approximately 45 kilometre section of the Waterfront Trail between the two towns parallels the 1000 Islands Parkway and the St. Lawrence River – one of North America’s longest rivers. As you cycle alongside the upper part of the St. Lawrence River, an especially scenic section, dotted with well over a 1000 islands, some of which are part of 1000 Islands National Park, you can gawk at the myriad of cottages. Many of them are eye-candy and great fun to admire – not only for their architecture but for the beautiful islands they sit on, some of which aren’t much bigger than the cottage itself.

But before you even get to the eye-candy you’ll have to decide in advance what kind of cycling experience you’re looking for. Do you want an out and back ride – in which case where should you start? Or would you rather just cycle a section between the start and end points of the 1000 Islands Parkway? There is also the option to cycle one way and overnight in either Brockville or Gananoque and retrace your steps the next day? Strong cyclists can certainly knock off the round-trip in about five hours but recreational cyclists might want to stop and swim, enjoy a picnic or admire the view from one of the lookout spots.

I’m partial to starting in Gananoque – as I love the waterfront and the choice of historic and very beautiful B&B’s to stay in before or after the bike ride. (It’s also a great place to take a boat tour post bike ride.)My inclination is to do and out and back trip.

In Gananoque, you can park for a fee down by the marina on Water Street. Just be aware that the area can get congested on summer weekends so plan to arrive early. The actual car-free trail starts 2.5 kilometres east of town. Other places to start that are right on the trail include the Environmental Awareness Centre in Mallorytown Landing, picnic spots along the 1000 Islands Parkway and Brown’s Bay Day-Use Area (pay for two days if you leave your car overnight.)

There’s a short section of a busy road you must contend with as you head east from Gananoque. Once on the parkway, you pass through a pretty area around Ivy Lea before you head under the 1000 Islands Bridge to the US. This is one of the few areas where you need to exercise caution as there is a short section of a narrow, busy road. From there continue to Rockport, a popular centre for boat tours. You’ll find a restaurant, fast food places, and a store. Although it’s a good spot to buy cold drinks and food, especially since it’s at about the halfway point, picnickers would do well to stop at one of the many rest stops with picnic tables overlooking the river. If you’re like me and love slabs of pink granite and wind-swept trees with views of islands, then save your picnic for the 1000 Islands National Park further to the east and enjoy your picnic by the water. Don’t forget to buy your picnic supplies before starting out for the day.

Reach the Brown’s Bay Day-use Park six kilometres past the 1000 Islands Visitor Centre in Mallorytown Landing. The park is a great turnaround spot if you want to avoid cycling the nine kilometres of road into Brockville though there is the option to continue a further 2.8 kilometres on the car-free trail to Butternut Bay. And what better way to get refreshed for the return ride than a swim in Brown’s Bay Park. Just don’t forget your bathing suit.

Recreational cyclists can easily make a full day out of the bike ride. Everyone will enjoy not only the scenery but the prolific birdlife and the chance to experience the St. Lawrence River up close.

For detailed help in planning your trip check out the Waterfront Trail website with its interactive map that showcases places to stay, exact distances, and the suggested bike route through towns along the way.

The sultry dog days of summer are upon us in South Eastern Ontario, evident by our busy waterways and even busier ice cream stands! If you are a runner, you may find that as the mercury climbs, your motivation to stick to your regular running routine plummets – especially if you are in the region on vacation and you’d much rather hit the beach than hit the pavement!

Enter trail running: the best way to beat the heat and explore our naturally beautiful landscapes on foot.

With such diverse terrain throughout South Eastern Ontario – from the rugged Canadian Shield in the north to the flat sandy beaches in the south – there is guaranteed to be a trail that suits your running ability. So grab a buddy, lace-up and  I hope to see you at one of these three amazing running trails!

Best For Beginners: Cataraqui Trail

If you are new to trail running, the hard-packed and flat Cataraqui Trail is a great introduction to the sport. Following a section of abandoned Canadian National Railway that was discontinued in 1986, the 104 kilometer trail starts in Smith Falls and ends in Strathcona (just outside of Napanee). Lush green farmland, towering native trees offering shade and the cooling effects of the marshes and swamps make the Cataraqui Trail a pleasure to run on even the hottest days. Trailheads in friendly small towns offer a place to pick up snacks or drinks along the way. There is no charge to use the trail system, but frequent users should consider purchasing a $25 annual membership which supports trail improvements. Accommodations through the Land O’ Lakes region turn your trail run into a weekend retreat.

Beyond The Basics: Cataraqui And Gould Lake Conservation Areas

If you’re ready to graduate from the rail trail, Little Cataraqui Conservation Area is the perfect next step. Just a short drive from Kingston, Little Cataraqui offers a good mix of trail surfaces for you to test out your trail running skills. The 394 hectare site has 5 interconnected loops varying from 1 kilometer to 7 kilometers in length, which means you can run as little – or as far – as you like. Keep your eyes open for wildlife that call the area home, such as herons and other migratory birds.

Runners Ready For A Challenge: Frontenac Provincial Park

Frontenac Provincial Park, near Sydenham, offers the ultimate trail running experience. Breathtakingly beautiful and serene, Frontenac boasts over 100 kilometers of trails for you to explore. Yarker-based running coach and trail runner Derrick Spafford names the trail systems here among his personal favourites. That said, he suggests that you first log time on more moderate trails before tackling Frontenac. “With the park being in the Canadian Shield, most of the trails are a little more technical in variety with plenty of rocks and roots to negotiate, in addition to some challenging hills,” says Spafford. Swap out your regular runners for trail running shoes as well. “You’ll need a little more protection and traction on these trails,” Spafford adds. Daily Vehicle Permit fees apply.

At Gould Lake Conservation Area, the 20 kilometers of trails are a little more technical (meaning more hills, rocks and roots), but you can cool off with a rewarding dip in the lake itself. Daily admission is only $5 per car in July and August at Little Cataraqui and $14 per car at Gould Lake, so gather a group of friends to hit the trails together! B&Bs, inns and hotels in Kingston and the 1000 Islands make visiting these trails easy.