FRONTENAC PROVINCIAL PARK

                                  Diversity in Rugged Nature Promises a Remarkable Experience

Imagine exploring a meticulously maintained age-old park that encompasses 5,360 hectares (3,200 acres)  of unspoiled terrain and shimmering lakes. Established in 1974, Frontenac Provincial Park is one of the most exciting topographical areas of the historic Frontenac Arch. 

A southerly extension of the Canadian Shield joining the Adirondack Mountains in the south and the Canadian Shield in the north, this area is an ecological transition zone where you can find an intermixing of both northern and southern species.

Ben Chabot, Frontenac Park Superintendent, and Ecologist Erica Kendrick, had much to say  about this highly special Ontario park.  Ben, who has been working at Frontenac since 2015 readily admitted Frontenac was his favorite for many reasons.  

Getting information from Ben and Erica

                                               

Standing proudly 

                 The Many faces of Frontenac

" It’s unique. We have 22 lakes of which 17 are inside the park’s boundaries. Several lakes interconnect taking you to others if you are willing to portage.  For example, Little Clear Lake demands portaging 923 metres over two small hills to reach Big Salmon Lake, the park’s largest lake; it’s five kilometres long and free of motorboats.  You can fish too - even in winter. There’s brook trout, bass and perch which make for great fishing.”

Ben could not stress enough the unique widespread variety of plants -- 789 species. “Given there are 120 kilometers of interconnecting trails and lakes, the choices are  great for the outdoor enthusiast. Each has its own unique features. No matter where you look, there are always surprises.”

Erica expressed her fascination for the rich diversity of flora and fauna. “The park is so unique in its landscape range. Integral to the diversity are four wetland types - marshes, swamps, bogs and fens. 

 They're a source for many water-loving flora and fauna.  They love the acidic, sour soil in these areas.” 

 I didn’t have to look hard to pass by rock barrens of huge boulders – all part of the Frontenac Arch.

 

 Frontenac Arch runs through the park
curtesy of  Frontenac Arch .ca

She explained that the Frontenac Arch is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It runs from the north of the Canadian Shield to the Adirondacks in the United Sates. “I’ve been working here for a several years, and each time I go on the trails, I notice something new. The changing seasons offer their own magic. The fall season brings a spectacular array of fungi. In the spring, the park is nestled in a carpet of trilliums."

                                                         A Dynamic Dizzying Mix

I was about to witness just how special the flora was within the 1.2-billion-year-old, granite Frontenac Arch. An astounding cornucopia of hardwood and soft wood forests comprise all kinds of ferns, wildflowers, and trees which play an invaluable role to the park’s expansive eco system. 

White pine, shagbark hickory, oak and maple tower over the lush vegetation and wild flowers below. Wood peckers, owls, eagles, even raptors are present.

 The first trail I walked was called Doe Lake Loop. Its 3 kilometer-walk was lovely. Lots of boardwalks for safe footing.

 

Doe Lake Views

  I found a spot to sit and ponder  Doe Lake's peaceful waters.

 Behind me was an old mining shaft -- a testament to the hardy settlers who homesteaded here at the beginning of the 19^th century.

                                             

            Gorgeous Arab Lake Gorge

Branching off Doe Lake Loop is the awesome Arab Lake Gorge Trail. Wow! Everywhere I looked, clusters of strange looking plants appeared among a tangle of branches. Different species seemed to mix into others creating a kaleidoscope of colours and contrasting heights.

  I got a glimpse of those boulders too. One even looked like a gigantic smiling face.

Here we were surprised by the appearance of two deer at the swamp area. They stared at me and then ran across the to the other side. I came upon them again as my walk progressed.

More surprises

Cerulean Warbler

curtesy of Ontario Parks

Near the very end, a small ascent proved challenging as there were no rails or steps. Be aware of this if any mobility issue affects you. The trail is visually dramatic; the forest scents were hypnotic.

           The Serenity of South Otter Lake

Pristine shimmering waters for swimming, canoeing and kayaking are a water-lover's dream. Right from the office lay the languid waters  South Otter Lake. I set out on a gorgeously comfy kayak, which Frontenac Outfitters Canoe and Kayak Centre lent me for the day. You can rent all kinds of equipment from them. They’re in Sydenham - only a stone’s throw away from the park.  My kayak had the most comfortable back rest possible. The kayak glided so smoothly, and was very sturdy. Getting out mid-way, I was overcome with rapture. 

 Silence!

                                                     

The lake is gentle and the water was warm. In the distance, I spotted a lone island. I made my way towards it and kayaked around it.  I didn't see or hear another human being.

Two hawks flew overhead. Were they warning me to stay away from their territory?

                                                                       Island Views

 

 

                  

  




           A lush green-lined shore 

                  

Nearing the dock

    This park is about getting close to the many gifts of nature on terra firma and on watery wonders.

Frontenac Provincial Park with its own gentle soul leaves its inspirational imprint on you. 

Thank you Ben and Erica, and to Zack at Frontenac Outfitters

Frontenac Provincial Park offers 17 wilderness survival skills courses.  In fact, a new  1000-square-foot outdoor classroom is being built for this purpose.  All ages are welcome.

There are 51 campsites – all alongside a lake nestled in the back country. Each has its own firepit and plenty of space separates each campsite, but if you’re the hermit type, there are three campsites for those seeking solitude.

In winter, you can go cross-country skiing and rent snow shoes here. The literature given to you on everything this park offers is exceptionally helpful.

Visit the website: Ontarioparks.com/park/Frontenac or call 613 376-3489.

The address is 6700 Salmon Lake Road, Sydenham, Ontario K0H 2T0.

Make your campsite reservation online, or call 1-888-688-7275.

To get answers to all your questions, call the park office at 613 376-3489. 

For rentals, visit frontenacoutfitters.com or call 613 376 6220.

The address is 6674 Bedford Road, Sydenham K0H 2T0.

photo credit: Yagnesh Mangukiya

NS took photos from her kayak of South  Otter Lake 

Kayaking with Venture Outfitters

                                                A day to Remember

Belleville’s West Zwick's Island Park is a splendid place to roam. The walking path features the majestic view of Lake Ontario’s great expanse that scenically embraces the curvaceous 121-kilometre-long arm of Quinte Bay.  Today, I was about to become a kayaking water babe on the Bay.

I headed towards Zwick's Venture Outfitters, housed in a pop-up on the Bay. It was here that I would set out for my kayak experience. Easy to find with its beautiful mural, I found Mark Schwartz - owner of Venture Outfitters. I was about to fulfill my dream for the day.

Mark Schwartz

the lovely mural

The go-to-guru for your paddling needs

For the past four years, Mark Schwartz been Belleville's kayak guy at his own  pop-up positioned at the park's prime waterfront spot for nearly four years.  A while back, he owned for eight years a travel company, but from a young age he began his underwater journey, making countless dives into the vast network of remote Caribbean islands. Not one to shirk the cold, he even dove in the Artic.

His dedication to helping novice and expert alike to safely paddle away in a peaceful manner, reflects his love of people and their yearning to get close up and personal on the water while using the best equipment in the business that you can buy on line.

 Visit the complete list of equipment here: www.ventureoutfitters.ca

                                                    

Mark carefully laid a grand variety of kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards on the ground after he emptied them all of water. Then the paddles came out.

Emptying out the water

Here come the paddles

 

The giant Mega stand-up paddle board (18'x 6').
 It holds up to eight adults and/or 20 kids - a total of 1500lbs.

"You can social distance on water using this big guy." 

 Mark owns and runs Venture Outfitters in several cities in Canada, where a vast top-of-the-line equipment is sold to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages who hike, bike and paddle. 

                                        Kayaks, canoes and boards galore

Checking those back seats

                           He also sells those lifejackets you'll wear when you go out. 

the iconic Stohlquist lifejacket

Sporting super comfy front padding, and handy, easy-to-reach-storage zippers with straps at several levels, this jacket totally outclassed all the others I had worn when on the water.

“You want to make sure a lifejacket doesn’t keep slipping up on you as older ones do. I want to make sure everyone is wearing the right size to give them, maximum comfort and safety, so they won’ t take them off while boating. “

                                             Pretty in pink or blue

“So, Nancy, which colour of kayak do you want?”  There was pink and orange, blue and white with top seats. There were sleek tandem kayaks (made for two; kayaks for three and the ubiquitous single seat kayak. Did you know you that there are blow up kayaks – perfect for the globe gliding kayaker?

Before setting out, he gave newbies a complimentary quick lesson on paddle grip and paddling technique.

                                                                   Mark giving a mini lesson

Bridge and launching dock


 "No, ducks; you can’t come along!"

   

Eager to launch off

We headed to the right of the bridge. Seven kilometres across, we could see Prince Edward County.  The skies were grey and the wind was clearly affecting wave force.

I was glad Mark came along to bring more muscle power to the paddling.

The rocky shoreline 

The view was interesting. Stacked rocks called caims dotted the shoreline. Their presence marks a trail path, while spiritually signifying balance patience and growth. Across the water on the left, Prince Edward County came into view with its houses nestled along the shore. 

           “The waters are calmer on the other side of the bridge."

            Maybe I'll explore that during their 10 pm full moon paddle.

 A plethora of pop-ups

 I went up Zwick's hill, and to my surprise, I came upon a series of pop-ups.

                              Belleville's poutine festival was in full swing.

A crowd was gathering around the food trucks

                                                                

I indulged myself biting into Quebec’s popular poutine dish. Then I made the circuit exploring the plethora of pop up offerings of food, favorite gifts and quirky surprises.

mmm... yum yum

                                                       

                                                                         

real squeezed lemons

                                         

I heard my name being called.  I turned around and there was Mark. He led me to his snow cone machine.

“Would you like one?”  What a generous guy! How could I refuse?!

Wow! The strawberry and coconut topping over tiny bits of crushed ice was so tasty.

 That certainly sealed a delicious dessert deal.

What a wonderful day! 

Thank you, Mark!

 

Visit Venture Outfitters website:

www.ventureoutfitters.ca

Email:info@ventureoutfitters.ca

Call: 1 888-204-4137

Facebook.com/ventureoutfitterscanada