Frontenac County

Bikepacking is a natural next step for those who love both cycling and camping, it truly is human power for the win. Over the past few years, Ontario’s Highlands has emerged as a bikepacker’s paradise with good reason: the rail trails are plentiful, you can choose between serviced front country or secluded backcountry camping options, […]

This content is part of the broader Our Connections campaign, and is intended to broaden the understanding of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their histories in Ontario’s Highlands. The next time you are outdoors, take a moment to stand and truly feel of the land beneath your feet. If you concentrate really hard you may be […]

This content is part of the broader Our Connections campaign, and is intended to broaden the understanding of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their histories in Ontario’s Highlands. On my mother’s side, I am Algonquin Anishinabek, an original inhabitant of Turtle Island, known today as North America. The traditional homelands of the Algonquin people are the […]

This content is part of the broader Our Connections campaign, and is intended to broaden the understanding of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their histories in Ontario’s Highlands. – Amber Hein is Algonquin Anishinabek, an original inhabitant of Turtle Island, known today as North America. Read her perspective on how to give back to the land […]

This content is part of the broader Our Connections campaign, and is intended to broaden the understanding of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their histories in Ontario’s Highlands. Canadians are becoming more aware of the injustices perpetrated against Indigenous Peoples since settlers arrived on the shores of Turtle Island (North America). Still, many of us aren’t […]

This content is part of the broader Our Connections campaign, and is intended to broaden the understanding of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their histories in Ontario’s Highlands. Canada is home to more than 630 First Nations, representing over 50 sovereign nations with their own lands, culture, language, creation stories, language or dialect. With such a […]

The highlight of a rural road trip is often the impromptu stop at a small town general store where you can find everything from pickled eggs to popsicles, and where penny candy begs for a sampling. General stores are a staple of the rural countryside in Ontario, peppered here and there in and between small […]

After a two-year hiatus for big, in-person events, we are so pumped to hear that many of our favourite festivals are finally happening again this year! These major community festivals and shows draw thousands of visitors and are looked forward to all year long as a chance to say hey to friends, meet new ones, […]

We’re all looking for something specific from our staycation– whether it’s a chance to unwind and recharge from our hectic lives, connect with family or loved ones, or really let loose and celebrate the joy of living. This year is your year to really have it all, no matter your vacation style. The good news […]

Stepping into your local outdoor outfitter or bike shop last year to find nothing but empty shelves was a good indication that bikepacking, the activity that combines backcountry camping and off-road cycling, will be a popular option for an outdoor getaway this year. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran ready to take on multi-day tours or […]

Did someone say road trip? The mere thought of a road trip brings to mind the excitement of heading out on an adventure where you may not know where you will end up but you’re pretty sure the getting there will be half the fun. When you head out for the day the options are […]

There are some of us who are looking for a quiet and restful vacation, a chance to unwind and breathe….and then there are those who are looking for a wild ride or breath-catching activity that will get your heart racing and you will remember for years to come. These are the adrenalin seekers and maximum […]

Anyone who has ever travelled with kids will tell you the getting there is sometimes not so much fun. There are only so many times you can hear “Are we there yet?” before you really want to be at your destination. This is why a staycation is the perfect solution for a family vacation! When […]

When was the last time you spent time in nature, not just passing through, but really immersed in the natural world? Spending time away from the hustle and bustle of modern life gives you a new perspective on this complex and beautiful environment. All of a sudden the emails don’t seem to matter and your […]

Are you the type to pull over when you see a comically large roadside attraction, or a picture-perfect spot to snap a few shots? Amateur photographers and Instagrammers alike can agree that a giant ice cream cone, a massive mural adorning the side of a building, or a full-size replica of a jet plane are […]

Spring has sprung and we are all more than ready to get outside and stretch our legs with a refreshing spring trek. The best spring walks not only keep our feet dry but if we’re lucky we might catch a glimpse of the first buds of the season, and maybe a bird or two. Get […]

Each year, the spring thaw transforms leisurely meandering rivers, creeks, and streams into turbulent and powerful forces of mother nature. Fascinating to watch, this exciting display of rushing water can occupy you for hours at a time and is the perfect place to have a picnic lunch while taking in the show. This spring, take […]

Adventure seekers know that after a day spent on the road, trail, or water, giving it everything you’ve got, you’re looking for more than just a place to crash. You want an accommodation that’s central to all the activities you are planning, is a little bit edgy and invites you to push yourself just a […]

Why sleep in a boring old hotel when you can turn your overnight into an experience all its own? We love discovering new places to lay our heads and the more unique the better. These are the places that are so fun they just make the experience so much better. Whether it’s a super cute […]

Gravel cycling is all the rage these days and it’s no wonder – ideal for novice to experienced cyclists, gravel biking has just the right balance of challenge and accessibility. At the heart of gravel biking are the rail trails, defunct railways that have been converted for recreational purposes. With minimal exposure to traffic, these […]

Explore Ontario’s muddiest places with these ATV trails in Ontario’s Highlands.

High-energy spring events in Ontario’s Highlands to take advantage of the warm weather.

Discover sweet places to stay for maple adventures in Ontario this spring.

In today’s world we must consciously strive to reduce and eliminate the biases that colour the world and our interactions within it. Here in Ontario’s Highlands, we imagine a gender equal world, free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, where women are free to celebrate their successes and find support for their struggles. On International Women’s […]

Maple syrup isn’t just for pancakes. Celebrate Canada’s iconic sweetener in all its forms in Ontario’s Highlands.

Trends come and go in the cycling world, but idyllic rail trails, challenging gravel routes, and rugged mountain bike trails never go out of style. Locals have known for years that Ontario’s Highlands is a cyclist’s paradise, with all of the above and then some.   Whatever bike routes you are searching for, we have it. […]

Is there anything more thrilling and rejuvenating then venturing out into our wild places to connect with ourselves and nature? As photographer and conservationist Art Wolfe said; “It is in the wild places, where the edge of the earth meets the corners of the sky, the human spirit is fed.” And lucky us, we have […]

When you head into the wilderness in winter you step into a world completely foreign to our “real world.” Gone is the din of traffic or the hustle of everyday life. Here, you are welcomed by a vast silence interspersed with the faint and distant call of a chickadee, the soft plop of snow falling […]

Ice climbing is an activity that invites you to go deeper into the wild places where it’s just you, your gear, your climbing partner, and your own sense of adventure. Climbing calls to those who want to try something new, want to learn something, and just want to feel the cool breeze of the great […]

“Our rock is Canadian Shield, it’s old, it’s covered in lichen, you have to wander through the woods to find it. But the way I describe Ontario climbing is adventure climbing, it’s kind of the whole deal.” – Lorne Foisy, Elements Guiding Lorne Foisy didn’t grow up climbing rock walls like Tommy Caldwell, and doesn’t […]

Have you ever noticed how many Valentine’s Day proposals there are each year? Nicholas Sparks’ movie The Notebook may have been set in the south, but up here in the great white north we know that some of the best opportunities to inject a little romance come in winter. When you’re chilled, snuggling closer is […]

So you’ve heard about the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit and are wondering how you can save 20 per cent in accommodation expenses on your next Ontario getaway? Join the club! This year will surely go down in history as the year of the staycation for Ontario residents, and here in Ontario’s Highlands we couldn’t be […]

You don’t need to get on a plane to relax on a sandy beach, be pampered at a spa, or experience a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure in all four seasons. From luxury accommodations to rustic retreats, and minimalist getaways, Ontario’s Highlands has your dream staycation spot waiting for you. If you heard about the new Ontario […]

Spend four days discovering the best of winter in Ontario’s Highlands.

Believe it or not, winter is my absolute favourite season to get outdoors and hike! The trails are little more quiet, there are no bugs, and you don’t have to get up as early to catch an incredible sunrise.  If that’s not winning, I don’t know what is. The caveat of course, is that you […]

So you say you love the outdoors? But do you love it no matter the time of year? Falling in love with the outdoors is easy when it’s warm and sunny, but it’s a little harder to get similarly enthused when the wind is cutting through you like a knife, your eyes are smarting, and […]

“Winter’s so special because you have incredibly fresh air, you get that cold oxygen into your lungs. It just feels good to be outside.” – Andrew Twigg, Cruising Canoes When the snow blankets the ground for the first time each year it’s immediately clear there are two kinds of people in the world: those who […]

If you’re not into the adrenalin rush of downhill skiing or the technical nature of cross country skiing, but still want to get out and get moving outdoors, snowshoeing can totally be your sport. We kind of think that snowshoeing is one of the great underappreciated of winter sports – you don’t need a lot […]

Discover these 6 cabins in Ontario and uncover the beauty of a winter staycation in Ontario’s Highlands.

*When wandering in Ontario’s Highlands, please be aware of any local travel restrictions and guidelines. Vaccine passports accompanied by photo identification are currently required to enter some businesses.  You waken to the sound of new snow drifting onto the top of your tent or cabin, landing light as a feather one snowflake at a time. The world is hushed […]

*When wandering in Ontario’s Highlands, please be aware of any local travel restrictions and guidelines. Vaccine passports accompanied by photo identification are currently required to enter some businesses.  The hill spills beneath the runners of your toboggan, plunging into a darkness made even deeper by the sparkle of snow beneath the moonlight. Your nose is cold but your mittened […]

When the holiday decorations go up in December the whole world begins to shimmer with magic. Every car ride or stroll is filled with wonder as we drink in the night filled with sparkling holiday lights of all colours. For the next month or longer, villages, hamlets, and towns in Ontario’s Highlands will be lit […]

*When wandering in Ontario’s Highlands, please be aware of any local travel restrictions and guidelines. Vaccine passports accompanied by photo identification are currently required to enter some businesses.  Is there any better feeling of aliveness than the way we feel when we connect to ourselves and others? Connections give us a grounded, joyful sensation of awareness and interaction that […]

Let’s face it – men can be tough to buy for at Christmas, so why make it any harder on yourself? If your guy is someone whose answer to “What do you want for Christmas?” is “Nothing.” Or “I don’t know, whatever.” we’ve got you. Browse our curated list of gift ideas that men will […]

If there’s one thing that makes one want to celebrate, it’s food. Doesn’t a slice of rich chocolate cake just call out for candles to mark a special occasion? And who can resist the lure of an expertly frothed hot cocoa, complete with grated nutmeg or cinnamon? Good wine, rich beers, and perfectly cured meats […]

*When wandering in Ontario’s Highlands, please be aware of any local travel restrictions and guidelines. Vaccine passports accompanied by photo identification are currently required to enter some businesses.  When the days start getting shorter and the sun becomes something you crave more than chocolate, you know you are entering into the darkest months of the year. It can be […]

Food is the great uniter – it brings people together and provides a social context to feed our spirit as well as our bodies. And isn’t it true that a gathering of family and friends can only be enhanced by the accompaniment of really good food (and vice versa)? This fall, we invite you to […]

*When wandering in Ontario’s Highlands, please be aware of any local travel restrictions and guidelines. Vaccine passports accompanied by photo identification are currently required to enter some businesses.  Fall is the perfect time for astronomy lovers to explore the night skies no matter where you are, but especially in Ontario’s Highlands, known for some of the darkest skies in […]

Raise your hand if you’re all about snacks while hiking, camp meals on the fire, or cabin feasts with friends? (we’re going to go ahead and assume that your hand is up because all these things are awesome). Plant life contributes to the ecosystem, meals are the cornerstone of communities, and packing the right food […]

North Frontenac Parklands have all the best outdoor experiences to offer – from camping to hiking or cycling the Schooner or Crotch Lake trails, to paddling the many lakes, the parklands in fall have it all.

What makes cheese something we crave so much? Is it the slightly salty flavour, or because it’s the ultimate comfort food? Whatever the reason it’s a fact that cheese added to pretty much any dish only makes it better. No matter where you are from, cheese has played an important role in our gastronomic evolution. […]

*When wandering in Ontario’s Highlands, please be aware of any local travel restrictions and guidelines. Vaccine passports accompanied by photo identification are currently required to enter some businesses.  When was the last time you bit down into something so warm and rich, cheesy and flavourful that your heart said “thank you!” and your belly said “more please!” The best […]

*When wandering in Ontario’s Highlands, please be aware of any local travel restrictions and guidelines. Vaccine passports accompanied by photo identification are currently required to enter some businesses.  In my humble opinion, there is no better time than fall to hop on my bike and hit the roads, gravel, and trails of Ontario’s Highlands. I don’t have to worry […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. The summer may be over but that doesn’t mean the party has to stop. Events that take place in fall are in many ways even more amazing than summer events – there are no bugs, the weather is more reasonable, and we’re all eager […]

Discover these top lakes and rivers in Ontario’s Highlands to discover the beauty of fall colours from a canoe.

Find the best vantage points for all the brilliant fall colours this season.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. In fall you aren’t looking for a highway experience, you want to cruise the backroads and kick up the leaves into a whirlwind behind you as you pass. The best fall drives will you past spectacular scenery to small communities, perfect picnic spots, and […]

What do you get when you combine cute shops and restaurants housed in heritage buildings with enticing waterfront or a dash of strollable parks? You get totally adorable small towns that make the perfect road trip destination.  Whether you’re in it for the food, need some retail therapy, or are seeking natural wonders like towering […]

As we head into the last few weeks of summer this is the time to break out the daytrips and make the most of the nice weather. As a short, doable experience within a few hours drive from home, daytrips are like little mini holidays, without the airfare. Whether you live in Ottawa or Toronto, […]

In 2020, my friend Tanner and I set off on an epic bike trip travelling from Sharbot Lake to Calabogie on the K&P and Ottawa Valley Rail Trail (OVRT). This was a 330-kilometre counter-clockwise loop that we planned to tackle in three days. We called this loop the Choo Choo Loop and you can read […]

When you hike, is it to experience nature? Perhaps catch up with friends? Whether if it’s one or the other – or maybe both! – nothing trumps taking a pause to listen to nature’s ‘music’. There is beauty is listening to bird songs, frogs’ choruses, and the wind through the trees. In fact, it’s an […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. We all want to be able to make beautiful music, paint stunning works of art or write beautiful prose, but if it were easy, everyone would be doing it, wouldn’t they? It’s fair to say that fostering creativity is difficult to achieve in a […]

Local’s Take is a series highlighting the staycation experiences available close to home this summer. The experiences featured in this series were hand curated to highlight fun insider spots in our region. Use these stories as your launchpad to create your own staycation in Ontario’s Highlands. Local: Amy From: Lanark Highlands Travelling: Frontenac County If […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. Getting to know a river is almost like embarking on a wet and wild love affair. You forge a connection, learn everything you can, and then strengthen it over time. Sounds like a relationship, doesn’t it? The connection you have with a body of […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. Shhh…we’re not supposed to tell you about these swimming holes…some of them don’t even have names and you may never find them without a map, but we understand that when it’s 40 degrees out with the humidity and the public beach is packed the […]

Learn how you can get the most out of your river experience, while being a responsible tourist in Ontario’s Highlands.

This summer is the year to be on the water, to cast off on an epic paddling adventure that will take you along winding rivers, past shorelines crowded with towering trees, and where the ripples on the water draw you forward with each pull of the paddle. If you have been yearning to feel the […]

When was the last time you discovered a local landmark or business that you didn’t know was there? In Ontario’s Highlands, we have some amazing spots and experiences that you might be surprised to hear about. For example, did you know the longest canopy boardwalk in the world is located in Haliburton Highlands? Or that […]

At the beginning of cycling season, my friend Tanner and I made a plan to bike a long loop of the old railbed. The plan was to follow the old train tracks for three days and to try avoiding the road as much as possible. We were looking forward to feeling the sun on our […]

Imagine entering a body of water and taking it in with all your senses; the feel of your feet touching the rocky, sandy or muddy bottom, the sensation of cool water on your skin, the smell of pine trees in the air, the taste of lake water on your lips – this is what swimming […]

Pull off the gravel road that leads to Jeff and Jenna Fenwick’s small Frontenac County farm and you are greeted with a quintessential small farm scene: a cozy farmhouse, rustic barn, small orchard and garden. The setting on the shores of the Mississippi River is pastoral and idyllic. At first glance it may appear that […]

Tell Dad how much awesome he is this Father’s Day with a little local love from these places in Ontario’s Highlands.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out, Whether it’s a throwback to simpler days when a weekend picnic was a full day adventure or a need to connect with nature, having a picnic is something we universally enjoy. Spreading your picnic blanket on the ground and lounging while you nibble on […]

Challenge accepted: Take on the Great Potato Abundance of 2020 and put a dent in the local potato population.

From the day we burst into the world, mothers mean safety, warmth, and unconditional love. Mothers are almost superhuman, virtually able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and cure all ills with the sweep of a hand. Moms know when you need a hug, when you need to be left alone, and are […]

These days the warm weather is telling us summer is here and we don’t need to be told twice to get out and embrace the outdoors. The best summer hikes not only take us into the wild places but if we’re lucky we might catch a glimpse of some wildlife and take in the rushing waters […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  Valentine’s Day may be over but that doesn’t mean our chocolate indulgence has to end. Is there even such a thing as too much chocolate? We think not. For true chocolate lovers, every opportunity to sample a new artisanal chocolate is reason to rejoice. […]

At the beginning of this season, I got the idea to cycle one large loop of old railroad bed before the leaves turned in the fall and the snow closed in. I love setting goals on the bike; It seems like this happens on a micro and macro level constantly. This became my goal for […]

*Stay home, stay safe. This article contains experiences you can have at home or that conform with current stay-at-home orders. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but unfortunately this year brings with it new challenges.  You can’t go out to dinner, you can’t go see a movie, and many of the typical Valentine’s Day […]

The ground may be covered by snow right now, but we’re dreaming of the warm weather and the camping season to come in the wild places in Ontario’s Highlands. Camping reservations have recently opened at provincial campgrounds across Ontario and if last year was any indicator spots will book up fast. You can book a […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  While many of us are tucked up in cozy comfort in the night hours, the intrepid astronomers among us head outdoors to drink in the starry night skies. Stargazing in winter may be a wee bit nippier but it definitely brings the best rewards, […]

The holiday season is coming, and it’s the season for giving. You might be the type to start planning early, or the kind who is motivated by pressure, not even beginning your shopping until the 11th hour. Whichever you are, we’re here to help get the ideas flowing with a list of online gifts that […]

Disconnect from the everyday with a snowmobile trip through Ontario’s Highlands.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  You’ve heard the word and maybe you’ve even seen Instagram pics of colourful charcuterie boards, and if you’re lucky you’ve sampled this meaty treat yourself (in case you wondered, it’s pronounced shahr-ku-tuh-ree). Charcuterie is originally a French word that literally translates to […]

Spend the night in historic accommodations to take yourself to way-back-when, and get into the spirit of the community you’re visiting. These inns have stories to tell of the people who lived and breathed inside their walls.

Friluftsliv (free-lufts-liv): Free air life *Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  If you’re worried about being stuck indoors this winter, the Scandinavians may have the solution with this hard to pronounce and consonant-filled word: friluftsliv. Loosely translated, friluftsliv means “free air life,” a concept that was coined by […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  Thanksgiving dinner is something we dream about all year long – the perfectly roasted turkey dishes up with cranberry sauce, potatoes and veggies, and often paired with more than one glass of wine or a cold pint of beer or cider, not […]

So you’re not ready for camping season to end? Here’s a tip: It doesn’t! Just because the summer is over doesn’t mean we need to head indoors, when it comes to camping experiences, fall is where it’s at. Fall camping is an entirely different (and some would say better) experience from summer camping. Sure it’s […]

Now more than ever we are drawn to our community, and the places that help us to unwind and get outdoors. To get away from the crowds and reconnect with our roots. Frontenac County tempts us to sit back, unwind and check into vacation mode, to rediscover a world of countless lakes and a region […]

This year the key to exploring is to keep it local; this is the time to explore our own backyards, and the regions close to home that have so much to offer us in the way of exhilarating outdoor experiences, fantastic food and drink, and blissful relaxation. If you’re exploring a new corner of Ontario’s […]

You waken slowly in the early morning, the high-pitched warble of birdsong drifting lightly through the trees overhead. The sky is faintly brightening with the coming of dawn, and the natural world is gradually blossoming to life. Around you there is no trace of human activity, no murmurs of voices, clanging of dishes, or whir […]

You don’t need to leave the house for a romantic and locally inspired experience. Bring date night home with these four romantic experiences.

A throwback to summers gone past, with inspiration for this year’s adventure.

Discover these chip trucks and their classic dishes, located throughout Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover the benefits of Wandering and why the place to do it is Ontario’s Highlands.

Stretch your legs by exploring these nature hiking trails along Highway 7.

Meet the Locals: Rob and Nancy Moore, owners of Cardinal Cafe and Shop in Sharbot Lake Ontario.

Discover the beauty of mindfulness and allowing yourself to Just Breathe.

Spring’s revival invites you to immerse yourself in your senses.

Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian – dine with confidence at these 10 Ontario’s Highlands restaurants. Your belly will thank you.

Winter events across Ontario’s Highlands that will help you keep your New Year’s Resolutions.

Only a few minutes from Highway 7 in Frontenac County sits the small waterfront community of Sharbot Lake, one of those cute-as-a-button small towns that are a pleasant surprise for visitors, and a well-loved home for residents.

Warm up your winter in Ontario’s Highlands with a getaway to one of these snug lodges or resorts.

Warm up your winter with good music and good food, together, at the Sharbot Inn & Crossing Pub, in Sharbot Lake, Ontario.

Tips for a successful catch with ice fishing this winter.

Places throughout Ontario’s Highlands for any type of group.

Discover these top ice cream stops across Ontario’s Highlands to keep cool this summer on your road trip.

Get your muscles working with these five ways to embrace the Canadian wilderness in Ontario’s Highlands.

Head into the woods and onto the water this summer and discover these off-grid cabins in Ontario.

Indulge your taste buds this summer with these 5 local finds at Farmers Markets through Ontario’s Highlands.

Grab your SUP board and take in the beautiful views at these 5 places in Ontario’s Highlands.

Schedule your next doughnut date to one of these stand-out shops in Ontario’s Highlands.

Treat that special someone this Valentine’s Day to a gift of sweets at one of these top places.

Enjoy some quality family time and embrace the season during an escape to Ontario’s Highlands.

Watch JR Alli’s video and see what he discovers when he allows himself to just wander.

Find out where to appease your creative side on this Creative Cruiser road trip.

A three-day Serenity Seeker Route to getaway, unwind, and leave any stress behind.

Travel ideas for Father’s Day and beyond.

4 Tips for getting to welcoming Ontario’s Highlands communities.

An expert’s guide on the best fishing spots in Ontario’s Highlands.

A beginner’s guide to everything you need for a great catch in Ontario’s Highlands.

Visit these 8 Ontario Parks’ campgrounds in Ontario’s Highlands and discover why they are worth the admission.