| Frontenac Provincial Park | |
| Iucn Category: | II |
| Location: | Frontenac County, Ontario, Canada |
| Nearest City: | Kingston, Ontario |
| Map: | Canada Southern Ontario |
| Relief: | y |
| Coordinates: | 44.5333°N -105°W |
| Area Km2: | 52.14 |
| Established: | 1974 |
| Governing Body: | Ontario Parks |
Frontenac Provincial Park is a provincial park located near the town of Sydenham, north of Kingston, Ontario, Canada. This 5,350-hectare park is classified as a natural environment park,[1] and lies on the Frontenac Axis, a topographic extension of the Canadian Shield connecting to the Adirondack Mountains. It features 22 lakes,[2] over 700 species,[3] and extensive areas of mixed forest, wetlands, and granite outcrops.[4]
Located within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve and the Frontenac Forests Important Bird Area[5] the region is regarded for its biodiversity. It is home to many species of ferns and orchids, some rare. There is also an abundance of fauna, including the American black bear, red fox, mink, northern river otter, white-tailed deer, porcupine, and fisher.
Frontenac Provincial Park was established in 1974.
Before European settlement, indigenous peoples, mostly Algonquins, lived in the area.[6] Several homesteads were established by European settlers in what is now park area, but the rocky landscape posed challenges for homesteading. Historically, the area supported forestry and mining industries for local communities.[7]
Frontenac has roughly of hiking trails,[8] 51 backcountry campsites (consisting of 48 clusters and 3 single sites), and many lakes for canoeing and kayaking.
Wilderness courses are offered to teach wilderness skills in a semi-wilderness setting. Common offerings include wilderness navigation skills, wilderness first aid and ORCA.
Fishing is permitted within Frontenac Park year-round, and species include lake trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, perch, and brook trout. Several lakes are stocked to offer winter ice fishing opportunities.[9]
Frontenac remains open throughout winter, and offers trails for snowshoeing, cross-county and backcountry skiing, winter camping, and ice fishing.