Winter Info
Winter Information
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: See the Ontario Parks website. Ontario Parks Reservation System
The Park Office is open most days of the winter and on weekends starting in January. The 4 km road from the Park Office to Big Salmon Lake is closed for the winter to vehicle traffic.
Hiking, Skiing, and Snowshoeing
Visitors to the park can enjoy the entire network of hiking trails year round. Throughout the winter, the park track-sets Big Salmon Lake Rd and select hiking trails for cross-country skiing. The park also packs one side of Big Salmon Lake Rd for hiking and snowshoeing.
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 a longer 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.
Snowshoes are available for rent at the Park Office. Please contact them directly for more details.
Ski Trails
Big Salmon Lake Road: The 4 km road from the Park Office to Big Salmon Lake is closed to vehicle traffic for the winter, and is track-set for classic cross country skiing 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 take in 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. This trail is marked as a snowshoe trail and is best suited for travel on foot, rather than on skis.
Note: To check on ski trail conditions check out Ontario Parks Snow Report
Winter Safety
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”.
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.
Be prepared to deal with poor weather.
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.
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.
Plan extra time to travel to your registered campsite.
We recommend you download the What3Words App ahead of your visit. If you need to call for help, this App will show exactly where you are and three words that are unique to that location.
Park Office: (613) 376 3489
Ontario Provincial Police: 911
Emergency (specify South Frontenac): 911
911 address: Frontenac Provincial Park, 6700 Salmon Lake Rd, Sydenham, ON, K0H 2T0 (2.5 km off County Rd 19)
