Lakes around South Frontenac offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The region features over 75 lakes, including those within Frontenac Provincial Park, Loughborough Lake, Dog Lake, and Sydenham Lake. These bodies of water provide settings for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. South Frontenac's lakes are situated on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, contributing to its distinct geography.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
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Take Meditation Trail, a short spur off Orange Maple Trail, to the shores of Upper Rideau Lake to get a wonderful view across the water. Upper Rideau Lake is the highest point in the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site, sitting at 125 meters above sea level.
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The Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area is a nature reserve north of the city of Kingston, near Highway 401 (Toronto-Montreal). The Little Cataraqui Creek was dammed for water regulation and wildlife management. This has resulted in a near-natural landscape with a lake, wetlands, and forests. The short hiking trails in the reserve are a great way to stretch your legs during a long car ride. Sources: https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/little-cataraqui-creek https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Cataraqui_Creek_Conservation_Area
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Rock Dunder Conservation Area is a gorgeous spot that sits above Morton Bay and is part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO site managed by the Rideau Waterway Land Trust. There are over seven kilometres of well-marked trails through beautiful woodlands and along lovely shorelines before reaching a rocky lookout that rises 84 metres above the lakes below. It’s a fantastic place to spend some time outdoors and enjoy nature.
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Extensive park in a wooded area with lakes, hiking trails, camping sites, boat trips and fishing spots. There are trails for walkers of most abilities Don't forget Mosquito spray
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The lakes in South Frontenac are set amidst diverse natural landscapes, characteristic of the southern edge of the Canadian Shield. You'll find extensive forests, rocky shorelines, and wetlands. Areas like Rock Dunder Conservation Area offer stunning viewpoints over Morton Bay, while Lakes and Forests of Frontenac Provincial Park provide a true wilderness experience with numerous lakes and dense woodlands.
Yes, several lakes and areas are great for families. Lakes and Forests of Frontenac Provincial Park offers trails suitable for various abilities, and Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area features short hiking trails, a lake, and wetlands perfect for a family outing. Verona Lake also has a park with a beach, fields, and a playground.
South Frontenac is a popular destination for anglers. Frontenac Provincial Park's lakes are known for lake trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, perch, and brook trout. Loughborough Lake and Dog Lake are also excellent for bass and northern pike, while Sydenham Lake offers smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch.
Many lakes in the region are ideal for paddling. Frontenac Provincial Park, Loughborough Lake, Dog Lake, and Sydenham Lake all offer great opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Bobs Lake, described as Ontario's largest wilderness lake, is another excellent choice for these activities.
Yes, there are several public access points and beaches. Davidson Beach on Loughborough Lake in Inverary provides a natural water experience. Gilmour's Point Beach on Dog Lake offers a sandy shoreline, and Sydenham Lake features a public beach known as 'The Point.' Verona Lake also has a beach as part of its park.
Beyond water activities, you can explore numerous trails. Frontenac Provincial Park has over 100 km of looped backpacking and hiking trails. For more structured routes, you can find various hiking trails around South Frontenac, including easy options like the South Otter Lake loop. There are also running trails, such as the loop from Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area.
The lakes offer experiences year-round. Summer is popular for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Fall brings spectacular colours, especially around forested lakes like those in Frontenac Provincial Park. Winter provides opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, particularly in Frontenac Provincial Park.
Yes, the region is home to important conservation areas. Rock Dunder Conservation Area is part of the UNESCO Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area is another protected nature reserve with a lake, wetlands, and forests. Buck Lake also borders Frontenac Provincial Park and is part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere.
While many lakes are well-known, exploring the smaller, numerous lakes within Frontenac Provincial Park can offer a more secluded experience. Additionally, the countless ponds scattered throughout the Kingston area, like the one east of the K&P Trail, provide quiet, scenic spots for wildlife viewing and relaxation.
Absolutely. Rock Dunder Conservation Area is renowned for its rocky lookout, rising 84 metres above the lakes below, offering panoramic views. Another excellent spot is the Upper Rideau Lake Viewpoint, accessible via the Meditation Trail, providing wonderful vistas across the water.
The diverse ecosystems around South Frontenac's lakes support a variety of wildlife. Frontenac Provincial Park is particularly noted for wildlife viewing. You might encounter various bird species, deer, and other forest animals. The wetlands and forests of areas like Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area also provide important habitats for local wildlife.


Still not found your perfect lake around South Frontenac? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.