Winter in Frontenac
Frontenac Provincial Park is an all season park that provides its winter visitors with a range of recreational activities, from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to winter camping, ice fishing, and a wilderness-skills program.
Hike among the snow laden pine branches as blue jays and chickadees fly from tree to tree. On a warm winter day you may see a squirrel scurrying about in search of food hidden beneath the pristine white snow.
Fees and permits: All vehicles must have a valid permit displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle, which must be purchased at the Park Office or self serve kiosk upon arrival at the park. Winter camping is permitted at the designated tent pads with a valid interior camping permit.
The Park Office is open most days of the winter. During the weekends of January, February and March, stop by the office to warm yourself by the fire and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, provided by the Friends.
Hiking and Snowshoeing
Visitors to the park can enjoy the entire network of hiking trails year round. Throughout the winter, the park marks 12 km of hiking trails for cross-country skiing.
The Doe Lake Loop, Arab Lake Gorge Loop and Bufflehead Trail are used primarily by snowshoers and hikers. Although the entire park's network of hiking trails are available to visitors throughout the winter, most snowshoers and hikers enjoy the moderate 3 km Doe Lake Loop and easy 1.5 km Arab Lake Gorge Loop.
For an all day adventure, try the 8 km Bufflehead Trail, located 2 km from the Park Office. The trail meanders around frozen beaver ponds, through forests of pine trees sheltering the trail, and over the barren cold granite forming part of the Canadian Shield.
Ski Trails
Big Salmon Lake Road: The 4 km road from the Park Office to Big Salmon Lake is closed for the winter, and is used as part of the cross-country ski trail system. The trail consists of gentle slopes and curves. It is ideal for the novice skier and those wanting to absorb the splendor of a beautiful winter day in Frontenac Provincial Park.
Corridor Trail: The 5 km south trail and 2.5 km north trail run parallel to the Big Salmon Lake Road, and are of moderate to difficult level. The trails are narrow, bordered by trees and have sharp curves. There are several steep hills.
Note: There are no groomed cross-country ski trails in Frontenac park however park staff normally trackset 6 km of ski trails. To check on ski trail conditions, log onto www.ontarioparks.com/skireport
Winter Safety
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Travel over frozen lakes and ponds is not recommended as ice conditions vary greatly. Stay on the designated marked trails and travel with a "buddy".
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The trails are not checked by park staff or the Friends at the end of the day. Let park staff know of your intended route.
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Be prepared to deal with poor weather.
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Carry nutritious food and a non alcoholic beverage, avoid becoming overtired, wear layers of warm clothing, and frequently check party members for frostbite and hypothermia.
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Emergency cache drums are to be used only in emergencies. If supplies are taken from the drums, please notify the Park Office so the supplies can be replaced.
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Plan extra time to travel to your registered campsite.
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A public telephone is located outside the Park Office. Most cellular telephones do not work in the park interior.
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Park Office: (613) 376 3489
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Ontario Provincial Police: 911
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Emergency (specify South Frontenac): 911
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911 address: Frontenac Provincial Park, 6700 Salmon Lake Rd, Sydenham, ON, K0H 2T0 (2.5 km off County Rd 19)
