Frontenac Park Challenge Registration

Register for the Fall Frontenac Challenge

2025 Registration opens August 1.

Take on the Frontenac Challenge This Fall!

Looking for the ultimate hiking experience? The Frontenac Challenge awaits! To complete the full Challenge, participants must hike all 11 loops in Frontenac Provincial Park—covering approximately 160 km. For a shorter option, the Trek requires completing six loops (excluding Doe Lake and Arab Lake Gorge).
All hikes must be completed between September 1 and October 31.

Along the way, look for signs with clues related to this year’s theme. Earn milestone badges at years 1, 5, 10, and every 5 years thereafter.

Registration is FREE for all members of Friends of Frontenac. Members will receive a coupon code via email before registration opens.

Rules:

1. Registration
Register online between August 1 and October 15 by adding the Challenge to your cart and checking out.

2. Completion Period
All hikes must be completed between September 1 and October 31.
Only one Challenge per participant per year.

3. Answer Submission

Submit your answers using the provided Google Form by 11:59 PM on October 31, 2025.

4. Challenge Levels

• Frontenac Challenge: Hike all 11 loops.

• Frontenac Trek: Hike any 6 loops, excluding Doe Lake and Arab Lake Gorge.

• Junior Challenge: For kids under 12 – complete any 6 loops.

5. Trail Confirmation
Each loop features one prominent yellow and red sign with a clue. Record each clue in your Challenge Log.

6. Alternate Trail Option
You may substitute Moulton Gorge Loop (11 km) for the Little Salmon Lake Loop.

7. Slide Lake Loop 

Rule (21 km)
You must hike one full side of the Slide Lake Loop. The west side is shorter but rugged.
Small Slide Lake (9 km) does not count—you must hike the full 21 km loop.

8. No Shortcuts
Shared loop sections must be hiked twice.
Bufflehead and Dedication loops are not part of the Challenge.

9. Must Hike on Foot
No transportation or carrying allowed—you must complete the Challenge on foot.

10. Cheating = Disqualification
The Challenge Coordinator has

 final say. Cheating includes:

• Sharing loop clues (verbally, online, via messages)

• Skipping shared loop sections

Before You Start

• Register on time    – Challenge runs Sept 1–Oct 31; registration opens Aug 1.

• Plan ahead – Bring a headlamp and emergency gear—daylight is limited in the fall.

• Check weather – Begin hikes early and be ready for surprises.

Safety & Navigation

• Carry extra water, food, and a full first-aid kit.

• Tell someone your planned route and direction.

• Use GPS and maps; install What3Words for emergency location sharing.

• Cell service is unreliable—Rogers is better than Bell/Telus/Koodo.

• Consider

• a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, Zoleo, Spot).

Hiking Strategy

• Combine loops efficiently – Figure-eight routes are possible, but shared sections must be repeated.

• Wear proper footwear – Use hiking boots or trail runners with Vibram soles—no sneakers, Crocs, or flip-flops.

• Take care of your feet – You’ll be putting in some serious mileage.

Bonus Tips

• Capture the moment – Share your hikes (without clue photos!) on social media using #FrontenacProvincialPark.

• Hike with others – Join group hikes hosted by the Rideau Trail Association.

• Want to do two full rounds? Go for it! But you’ll only be officially recognized for one.

Park Trails (excluding Moulton Gorge)

| Trail Name                            | Distance                            | Colour       |

| Tetsmine Lake Loop                    | 10 km                                 | Blue         |

| Gibson Lake Loop                         | 9 km                                   | Orange       |

| Hemlock Lake Loop                       | 5 km                                  | Dark Green   |

| Little Clear Lake Loop                  | 7 km                                   | Red          |

| Little Salmon Lake Loop             | 10 km (or 11 km)           | Olive       |

| Big Salmon Lake Loop                 | 17 km                                 | Lilac        |

| Cedar Lake Loop                           | 14 km                                 | Light Green |

| Slide Lake Loop (Big)                   | 21 km                                 | Teal         |

| Arkon Lake Loop                           | 11 km                                 | Yellow       |

| Doe Lake Trail                                 | 3 km                                   | Gray         |

Note: Trail distances do not include access trails from parking lots.

Additional Notes

• Bring a detailed trail map—available at the park office or order online from our store.

• To receive your certificate and badge by mail, drop off a self-addressed stamped envelope at the park office during the Challenge.

• Items not picked up at the Challenge Celebration in November will be left at the park office for later pickup.

Need Help?

If you’re a Friends of Frontenac member and haven’t received your coupon code, email:
frontenacchallenge@gmail.com