The springtime Perimeter Challenge for 2025 is coming soon. 

 

Registration opens April 1!

 

     The Perimeter Challenge in Frontenac Provincial Park is a demanding 45-kilometer trek that circumnavigates the trails along the park’s boundaries. Unlike the longer Frontenac Challenge, which covers approximately 160 kilometers, the Perimeter Challenge offers a more concentrated yet equally rewarding experience for seasoned hikers. Participants navigate diverse landscapes, including dense forests, rocky outcrops, and scenic lakes, all while adhering to the park’s established trails. This challenge is typically undertaken over multiple days, with hikers either choosing to do day hikes or camping at designated backcountry sites along the route.  The Perimeter Challenge was introduced in 2024 and was so popular that the Friends of Frontenac have decided to make it an annual event. 

     Organized by the Friends of Frontenac Park, the Perimeter Challenge usually commences in May, providing hikers with the opportunity to experience the park’s springtime beauty. Yes, there will be bugs, but the profusion of flowers, great birding, and scenery make it worthwhile.  And, there’s a badge for those who successfully complete this Challenge!

        

 

     Participants who complete the Challenge for the first time get the green badge shown above.   For years 2-5, you will get 1/4 of a badge each year, with the blackfly portion for the 2nd year, the trillium for the 3rd year, the frog for the 4th, and the scarlet tanager for year 5.

 

      Participants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly, as the challenge demands physical endurance and proficient navigation skills. Completing the Perimeter Challenge not only offers a profound sense of achievement but also deepens one’s appreciation for the natural splendor and ecological diversity of Frontenac Provincial Park.

 

Rules and Tips:

1. Participants must register for the Challenge between April 1 and May 15.

2. The Challenge must be completed between May 1 to May 31.  Participants can only be credited for completion of one Challenge per year.

3. Confirmation must be submitted online no later than 11:59 May 31.

4. Trail confirmation:  Proof of the hikes is to be submitted in the form of a GPS track. A handheld GPS or a navigation App such as AllTrails or GaiaGPS can be used to record the track.  Take a screenshot of your track that also shows the date, or download it as a GPX file. Email either of those to perimeterchallenge2025@gmail.com.

5. Pace Yourself:  This challenge should be broken into two or three hikes. See the image and suggested start and end points at the bottom of the page.

6. Must Hike On Foot:  All hikers must hike all sections on their own feet, you cannot be carried for any duration of the hike.

7. Anyone who is found to be cheating will be disqualified from the challenge for the current and following years. The Challenge Coordinator determines if cheating has occurred and has the final decision.

8.  The Rideau Trail Association will probably post guided hikes for this Challenge.  Check out their web page for more information.  Home – Rideau Trail Association

9.  Access via Clear Lake Road is not permitted.

10. If you want your challenge badge mailed to you, please drop off a self-addressed postage-paid envelope at the park office, when you have completed Challenge. Otherwise, badges can be picked up at the park office 3 days after the Challenge has closed (that date being May 31 for the Perimeter Challenge, Oct 31 for the Frontenac Challenge), or at the Challenge Celebration event in the fall.

 

 

Suggested hikes in 3 parts:

1/  Park office to Kingsford Dam, 14.5 km, 25 minute car shuttle (you need at least two cars)  OR Arab Lake Parking lot to Kingsford Dam, 13 km.

2/ Kingsford Dam to 6767 Perth Road, 23.6 km, 35 minute shuttle

3/ 6767 Perth Road to Park Office, 12.5 km, 30 minute shuttle