Frontenac Provincial Park
Frontenac Provincial Park is a provincial park located near the town of Sydenham, north of Kingston, Ontario, Canada. This park is classified as a natural environment park, and lies on the Frontenac Axis, a topographic extension of the Canadian Shield connecting to the Adirondack Mountains. It features 22 lakes, over 700 species, and extensive areas of mixed forest, wetlands, and granite outcrops.
Located within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve and the Frontenac Forests Important Bird Area the region is regarded for its biodiversity. It is home to many species of ferns and orchids, some rare. There is also an abundance of fauna, including the American black bear, red fox, mink, northern river otter, white-tailed deer, porcupine, and fisher.
History
Frontenac Provincial Park was established in 1974.Before European settlement, indigenous peoples, mostly Algonquins, lived in the area. Several homesteads were established by European settlers in what is now park area, but the rocky landscape posed challenges for homesteading. Historically, the area supported forestry and mining industries for local communities.
Recreation
Camping, hiking, and paddling
Frontenac has roughly of hiking trails, 51 backcountry campsites, and many lakes for canoeing and kayaking.- Arab Lake Gorge Trail is a short, trail that traverses the Arab Lake Gorge.
- Doe Lake Trail is in length. It goes from South Otter Lake to Doe Lake and back. A highlight of the trail is the abandoned Kemp Mine.
- Slide Lake Loop measures in length and encircles Slide Lake and parts of Buck Lake. It is the longest loop in the park,
- The Rideau Trail runs through the southern portion of the park.