Why I Keep Coming Back to Sharbot Lake

I love visiting Sharbot Lake, a welcoming community with friendly people, great local food, a brewery, and multiple trails. This destination is right out of a nature immersion dreamscape: the town is surrounded by forests and nestled between the eastern and western basins of Sharbot Lake. 

I go on day trips and overnight camping adventures in Sharbot Lake several times a year. 

After all the times I’ve visited, it’s hard to believe this is my first time writing about this beautiful location. 

I can’t wait to tell you about my favourite spots, plus some new-to-me locations and destinations!

I know from experience that there are so many things to do, places to visit, and delicious goodies to devour that more than a couple of days is needed to do everything, especially if you love relaxing on getaways. So, why not return multiple times, as I do?

Get Ready, Get Set, and Go Outdoors!

Sharbot Lake (Public) Beach

In late July, I came to town at 8 a.m. to stroll along Sharbot Lake’s small public beach to take photos and videos while no one was in the park. With the early hour chill, many beach-goers were at home, packing their picnics, waiting for midmorning to claim their spot in the park. 

I wasn’t in the park long before a family arrived, carrying blankets and pulling their cooler while their children ran ahead to splash in the water. 
 

Soon, the park would be bustling with people enjoying the summer weather, swimming and relaxing at the beach, kids in the playground and running across the grassy areas.

K&P/Trans Canada Trail - Access Point near Public Beach

This is the first of multiple K&P Trail and Trans Canada Trail access points throughout Sharbot Lake, located off Medical Center Road. A lot is adjacent to the boat launch, and there are more spots to park near the beach. 

Walking south toward the bridge offers an incredible view of Sharbot Lake from the trail.

Three hundred meters to the south, you’ll find The Wye, a triangular junction (like a three-point turn) that allowed trains to switch from the Mainline to Toronto onto the Mainline to Kingston. Trail users can go down either of the old rail beds, heading south.

Railway Heritage Park - K&P/Trans Canada Trail Access Point

The Railway Heritage Park is situated at what was once a critical junction, with water and grain fill stations, a livestock loader, and services for the weary workers. Only a few rails remain of this bustling train hub, where a caboose and other machinery are frozen in time.

This was where the Kingston and Pembroke Railway and the Ontario & Quebec Railway (renamed CPR) parted ways from parallel routes through town. The Kingston and Pembroke Railway continued north, ending in Renfrew (they never finished the line to Pembroke), and the CPR continued its route across the country.

K&P Trail - Highway 7 Access Point

North of Highway 7, off the 509 on Round Lake Road, is a small parking lot and access point to the K&P Trail. This access point is located near K&P Brewing Co. (and Frenchies Chip Hut), making it a great spot to start/end your trail explorations because local refreshments are nearby!

 

On the south side is a beautiful view of Twin Lake and a trailside bench where you can enjoy the vista. Continue down the K&P Trail for about 1 km for your first glimpses of Sharbot Lake from the Round Lake Road access point.

Sharbot Lake Provincial Park

I’ve been camping and day-tripping to Sharbot Lake Provincial Park for several years but had not hiked either trail until a visit this past July. I planned to take advantage of the cool morning - a welcome break from the blistering heat warnings - and I was ready to rock by 8 a.m. when the park officially began its day-use hours. 

My first stop was the comfort station at the main beach, followed by a quick walk down to Black Lake. 

The deer fly that followed me through the trees to the shoreline should have clued me in: the big biters would be out on the trails.

On the Ridgeline Line Trail, I hiked the portage from Black Lake to Sharbot Lake, then proceeded clockwise around the loop in search of the closest lookout, followed by a cloud of bugs. A couple more weeks and the trails would have been mostly clear of the flying terrors.

I’m sure the entire loop was beautiful. However, I couldn’t keep up a quick enough pace to leave the bugs pursuing me far behind. After finding a viewpoint over Black Lake, I returned to the trailhead, vowing to return in September to complete the loop without the deer flies keeping me company.

I went on to the next hike: the in-and-out Discover Trail. After ascending the first part of the trail, I saw some views of Sharbot Lake through the trees. When I arrived where the linear route ended, the described vista over both lakes was utterly obscured by greenery.

North Frontenac Astronomy Park

It’s been several years since my last visit to the North Frontenac Astronomy Park. The overnight skies were cloudy for my last few stays in Sharbot Lake - and weren’t good for stargazing. 

I even checked the Clear Dark Sky website for night sky viewing conditions, just in case the clouds would clear later on, but the forecast didn’t show any improvement.

However, since I was last there, a few upgrades have been added to the Dark Sky Preserve, most notably, the addition of walls to block light from the only house visible and the few vehicles passing by. There are also accessible washrooms.

The Astronomy Park is a little over 30 minutes away from Sharbot Lake and worth the drive to see the night sky without light pollution. Pack a chair to lean back in, a jacket and a blanket, too - you might get chilly while stargazing!

 

Boating and Fishing

Go Fish! 

With the town hemmed in on both sides by Sharbot Lake and the area dotted with even more waterbodies, it’s easy to see why it’s an angler’s dream destination. In my youth, I would go fishing with my uncle, but during my years as an adult, I’ve held a fishing rod a handful of times.

Visit a Fish Culture Station

Guided tours are available at the White Lake Fish Culture Station. Learn how fish culture stations raise fish to stock Ontario lakes and rivers, from collecting eggs and milt to fertilizing and hatching eggs and releasing the young fish in the final step.

Getting Hungry?

You might be getting hungry if you didn’t cook your catch for lunch. 

Artisanal Cured Meats at Seed to Sausage

My first taste of Seed to Sausage’s fine products was at a bakery south of 7: they had wrapped Jalapeno (& cheese) Smokies in flaky pastry, served hot. Since that day, I knew then that I’d always order anything Seed to Sausage on a restaurant menu and stop by the shop in Sharbot Lake at any opportunity.

In July, I was gifted a package of Black Pepper and Parmesan Pepperettes that do not need refrigeration. It’s the perfect snack for passing cyclists, campers and anyone who loves artisanal meat sticks. Those meat sticks will become a ‘must-have’ on trips!

In August, Mike and I picked up a couple of packages of Mexican Chorizo and our favourite sausages: Jalapeno Smokies. The gentlemen ahead of us heard me raving about how good those spicy and cheesy sausages were, so they added some to their purchase - a dozen ribeye steaks.

I should have asked what time the BBQ started.

Fresh Coffee and More at The Cardinal Cafe & Shop

Whenever we pass by, I have to stop at the Cardinal Cafe. 

You might be wondering how early you can grab your java and donuts; the Cardinal Cafe opens at 6 a.m. and serves baked goods, sandwiches, hot drinks, and more. 

My go-to is the BLT Croissant - it’s warm, toasted and tasty.

I know from experience that if you want a large selection of donuts and goodies, arrive early. By the afternoon, the display case will be half empty, and all of the Maple Bacon Donuts (made with local Conboy Maple Syrup) will be gone.

Local Fare at Belong Restaurant & Cafe

I have heard wonderful things about the dishes that Chef Brad Long creates at Belong, alongside his wife and sous-chef, Sheryl Long and the team. So, when Ontario’s Highlands asked if I would visit, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to eat there.

When I walked in, Chef Brad Long’s daughter, Hannah (front-of-house manager and hostess), greeted me immediately. Everyone was on the patio, allowing me to take photos inside before heading to the last empty table outside. 

I wanted to be outdoors on this hot, sunny day, enjoying the breeze while sipping iced tea.

I ordered the Grilled Seven Ounce Burger and Tallow Fried Potato Chips to share. It was the Buttermilk Fried Chicken on a House Milk Bun for Mike. He couldn’t believe the size of it - and there were two pieces of chicken! Sadly, he was only there in spirit and had to wait until I came home to devour *half of this glorious sandwich. 

At least I was thinking of him!

Chef Brad came out to say hello and returned later to see how everything tasted. He stopped to talk at my table and with other guests while enjoying the restaurant’s meals and hospitality. After our short conversation, Chef Brad’s passion for food was evident, and his words struck a chord with me. 

My father was a chef for 25 years. Dad was self-made, working up the ranks from dishwasher to running big kitchens and once owning his restaurant. Dad would have loved Chef Brad’s vision and approach to the local food, as I do.

Even though I was saving half my burger for later - I always cut them in two, spearing them with a skewer to make takeout easier - I was too stuffed to indulge in dessert. 

Shocking, I know. 

As I took care of my bill with Hannah, sous-chef Sheryl surprised me with a butter tart (sweetened with local maple syrup and made with real butter) bigger than the palm of my hand to take with me.

Goodies and Fresh Pizza at Gray’s Grocery and Bakery

Don’t pass by this small grey store on the corner of Highway 38 and Highway 7 fool you because it’s what’s on the inside counts. Gray’s Grocery and Bakery’s shelves are stocked with essentials, canned goods, cold drinks, chips and, best of all, fresh-baked bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and more.

We’ve come here in the past for their pizza and camping supplies. This August, we bought baked goodies: homemade Peanut Butter Cups, Caramel Crunch Squares, and Pecan Tarts, which made it home but didn’t last until the next day.

Kick & Push (K&P) Brewing Company

After hiking and sweating it up at Sharbot Lake Provincial Park and the K&P trail, I was ready for a cold brew when the microbrewery opened. Thanks to good planning, I arrived early to take some photos and videos without the customers who would be arriving shortly.

I’ve stopped in for a cold drink on numerous occasions. I brought Mom in July and returned later in the month. In August, I took Mike over to the brewery for a pint.

Frenchie's Chip Hut (on-site at K&P Brewing Co.)

Since Frenchies Chip Hut recently relocated to K&P Brewing’s property, I’ve often eaten at this seasonal foodie spot. With its new place next to the brewery, it’s hard not to order their Bacon Cheeseburger to eat with a pint or a flight.

If burgers aren’t your favourite, as they are mine, there’s also poutine, sausages, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fish and chips, and ice cream on the menu.

Take the Trans Canada to Snicks n Scoops at Mohawk Lodge

From Sharbot Lake Beach, it’s about a 4.5 km walk to Snicks n Scoops on the Trans Canada Trail - 3.5 km on the trail, plus 950 meters on dirt roads; Brewers Road to Mohawk Lane leading to Mohawk Lodge’s waterfront.

We didn’t walk to get our snicks because I saw the signs as Mike and I were leaving town Sharbot Lake, and I couldn’t pass by without getting a cool snack. At the end of the single-track lane, we passed a few of Mohawk Lodge’s cottages, drove down the steep hill to park on the grass and walked to the waterfront for an apres-lunch dessert.

While debating what to order, I met a woman who’d been bringing her kids for week-long stays with the extended family for the past five years. They love the accommodations - and really love the addition of Snicks n Scoops on-site.

The children were lined up, waiting for their waffle cones. For the adults in the group, they’d ordered the Ice Cream Nachos, of which I was able to snap a few photos. It was hard to decide, but in the end, I ordered the S’mores Snick (Waffle) Bowl, which I didn’t share with Mike.

Stock Up The Cottage at Mike Dean Local Grocer

I’ve forgotten to pack meals and intentionally left food at home as an excuse to visit local stores and markets. On my last trip with Mom to Sharbot Lake, I didn’t pack everything we’d need, opting to shop for lunch supplies at Mike Dean's Local Grocer: cheese curds, salads, chips, and chocolate chip cookies.

After years on the road, I confirmed something I’ve always suspected: I prefer eating locally. That’s why I save a portion of my budget for spending at local grocers, markets, cafes and restaurants when I travel.

Sharbot Lake Farmers Market

As a weekday traveller, I have not been in town during the Sharbot Lake Farmers Market, held every Saturday from July to September. 
You’ll find fresh produce, handmade goods, and more when you visit this farmers' market!

Sleepover in Sharbot Lake!

Rock Hill B&B

Greg and Arnette Rodgers are the kind and dedicated hosts of the Rock Hill B&B. They care for guests in the 3+1 rooms and manage the bed and breakfast themselves. Mike and I were lucky when Ontario’s Highlands booked our overnight stay in August; one night was available in their best suite: Kennebec.

It’s a ground-level bedroom (queen with an ensuite) with a separate outdoor entryway. The suite’s glass sliding doors face our private patio. The other rooms are accessed through the main entrance on the second floor. Even though the B&B was fully booked, we didn’t hear the other guests or Greg and Arnette (who live onsite) - our room was quiet.

Arranged ahead of time, Mike and I were to have dinner at the Rock Hill B&B, a delightful service available to guests! When we arrived, our places were set at a table by the window with a view of the water, and Greg offered us wine or K&P Brewing Co. tall boys with our salad starters.

I’m a fan of home-cooked dinners, so we’d arrived early so I could (take photos) loiter near the kitchen where Arnette was cooking over the stove; scents to salivate over were in the air. 

Before our stay, Greg asked that we pick a single option from a short menu, and Mike was lucky he selected the same one as me: Jambalaya featuring Seed to Sausage’s Chorizo. 

We both had been looking forward to this meal, which Mike’s dad used to make often.

While we’d been eating our meals (I invited them to join us), Arnette didn’t sit down much - she was preparing the dessert and making a sourdough loaf to serve with breakfast the following morning.

After I told Mike we wouldn’t be stargazing with the cloud forecast, he curled up and went to sleep, even though he usually stays up until midnight. All that fresh country air mixed with local food must have caused Mike to be unable to keep his eyes open. 

The clouds were too thick for the sunset’s colours to show themselves. I watched the skies darken and the heavy clouds thicken to obscure the handful of stars barely visible overhead before turning in. Morning came too soon - as did checkout. 

We spent those hours having breakfast, chatting with the other two guests, and talking with Greg and Arnette until almost 11 a.m. 

Then it was time we were on our way.

More Places To Stay 

The Cottages at Windrush: Look at these two beautiful, modern finished cottages with huge glass windows. Each accommodation has a private patio overlooking the lake, with stairs leading down to the deck on the water’s edge. Staying in Sharbot Lake never felt so posh. 

Lehlewa Lakeside Retreat:  Choose from one of two 2-bedroom or 5-bedroom cottages. Amenities include beach access, a sauna, and a fire pit. Guests can borrow kayaks, paddle boards, and a canoe for use on Sharbot Lake. 

Mohawk Lodge: Rustic housekeeping cottages along Sharbot Lake’s shoreline are perfect for a low-stress solo getaway, as a couple’s escape or a week-long family gathering. 

Sharbot Lake Country Inn (& The Crossing Pub): This inn’s seven waterfront bedrooms are usually fully booked on Airbnb. Located in downtown Sharbot Lake, restaurants are nearby: The Crossing Pub is on-site, the Cardinal Cafe is across the road, and Belong is 200 metres away. 

Camping at Sharbot Lake Provincial Park: If you like car camping and being close to the water, this provincial park is for you! Many campsites are on the waterfront, and with two beaches, it’s easy to access Black Lake. At the small lake’s west end, a marked portage connects paddlers to Sharbot Lake after a short carryover.

Shops and Services

Chill at the Sharbot Lake Library Branch

Learn about Sharbot Lake’s history! If reading the plaques around town has intrigued you into finding out more, then there’s no better than the Sharbot Lake Library Branch archives!

I loved being in libraries as a kid, reading spine titles on the shelves, looking for something to pop out and taking my finds to flip through slowly. I’d have to consider my options to whittle down my selection and not exceed the maximum allowed books to borrow at one time.

Cozying up with a novel will always be a favourite pastime - especially when it’s raining.

Get a Massage at Sharbot Lake Chiropractic and Wellness

Let’s face it: sometimes you want to be pampered a little. You don’t need an excuse, but if you do, try “The rain makes my muscles ache” or “My shoulder needs work before the fishing derby.” Otherwise, “I’m taking some me time.” works every time.

They all sound like good reasons to make an appointment online for massage services at Sharbot Lake Chiropractic and Wellness. In fact, all of their services are available to travellers, even if you’re a one-time visitor, so if you need more than your muscles getting worked - look at their offerings!

Wooden It Be Nice To Spoon

You may have passed the “Handcrafted Paddles 4 Sale” on Highway 38, 2.7 km south of Sharbot Lake, without stopping before, so you should take this as a sign that you should pop into local artisan Dennis Foeller’s shop, Wooden It Be Nice To Spoon.

Are you riding the trails? You can easily visit using the access point across from the shop’s driveway on Highway 38, south of km 73 on the K&P Trail, just before the trail veers from following the roadway into the forest. Dennis can be reached at 613-449-8997.

What To Do When It’s Raining?

I’ve mentioned a few indoor activities, such as spending time at the library, local shopping, eating at restaurants, having a pint at the K&P Brewing, and getting a massage at the wellness center. 

• If you love gardening, head to 1010 Lawn and Garden Center and wander through the greenhouse. Enjoy the warm growing space and the scent of earth and flowers. Don’t resist the temptation to bring a potted plant home with you! 
• Another excellent way to get outside (and stay dry) is at the public beach’s covered picnic table, watching the waves and waiting out the rainstorm. Pick up lunch - takeout from Belong, fill your basket at Mike Dean Local Grocer or order a pizza from Gray’s Grocery and Bakery for an easy rainy-day picnic! Don’t forget your hot drink and donuts from the Cardinal Cafe!
• You can also take your food on a longer trip, driving around North Frontenac’s Four Seasons Scenic Route. I prefer going counterclockwise around the loop - it’s a 75-minute ride without stopping. The embedded Google map below shows the route.
• I’ve mentioned many outdoor activities in Sharbot Lake that are perfect for rainy days. For example, a leisurely walk or cycle on the K&P Trail would be fantastic, as the new surface doesn’t collect deep puddles.
• Too often, we wait for sunny weather to go swimming, but why hold off if there’s no chance of lightning? You’ll be wet anyway! I remember dancing in the rain in my youth; it was freeing!
• If there are no thunderstorms in the forecast, consider seeing the storm from a high vantage point and tackle the moderately challenging Ridgeview Trail at Sharbot Lake Provincial Park. Be careful walking on the wet, bare rocks.
• Another bonus of wet weather is no dust! So, suit up and hit the trails. I love riding in the rain!
• Finally, anglers know rainfall increases fish activity, leading to more bites, so go fish!
•  

Now that you’ve read about it, you can prepare for rainy-day exploration by packing umbrellas, waterproof gear and extra towels! 

What Else Do You Need To Know?

For cyclists needing tools, there is a Greenspoke Repair Post at the corner of Highway 38 and Medical Center Road, near the public beach.  
Find conveniences and fill up at Sharbot Lake General Store / PetroCan on the north side of Highway 7, straight across from Highway 38.  
Other gas-up options: From Highway 38, there is an Ultramar on the southwest side of Highway 7 (next to K&P Brewing) and an Esso on the southeast side of Highway 7.

Go west from Highway 38 on Highway 7 to find a Beer Store and an LCBO on the south side of the 7. They are in a shared lot between the Subway and the Ultramar.