Trails Fest
Thank you to all the FAB volutneers and our local partners who hosted hikes in the beautiful and biodiverse Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region August 17th & 18th, 2024. Despite grey skies, the weekend was a success and we look forward to planning Trails Fest 2025!
Thanks for exploring the FAB Region with us at Trails Fest 2025!
Join Gwen Gibson, dedicated volunteer with the Friends of Mac Johnson Wildlife Area group, and Stana Luxford-Oddieof, Cataraqui Conservation’s Senior Conservation Educator and leader of their Forest Therapy Walks program, for a hike at Mac Johnson Wildlife Area – a Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority property – on Friday September 12th from 10 to 11:30am.
The full hike is 3km long and features wildlife and vegetation of three unique landscapes that intersect: woodlands, wetlands and fields. We will take a leisurely hike along the Buell Creek reservoir leading up to the scenic Beaver Dam Pond. Depending on the timing and sense of adventure, there’s an option to walk back through Trail #2 which runs deeper into the forest.
The trail is considered easy as it is a flat, open walking path. There may be some wet areas depending on the weather. Meet in the main parking lot at Debruge Road. Parking is free. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Join Dr. Rena Upitis (Founding President) and Luke Howie (Program Director) for a guided exploration of Wintergreen Studios, a non-profit environmental retreat centre located on 204 acres of land in beautiful South Frontenac, and home to the infamous grey ratsnake! Meet us at the main lodge on Friday September 12th where we’ll depart at 1:30pm and return before 3pm.
We’ll take the Main Trail to Paddy’s Lake (1.2km) and follow the Stream Trail (1.4km) back. If hikers have the energy, adding in the Cliff Trail (1km out and back) to the Mica Mine is an option before returning to the lodge. Expect to see several beaver dams, an abandoned mica mine, a number of wooden bridges, and a large wooden musical instrument hanging between cedar trees that hikers are invited to play.
This series of trails is considered moderately challenging as there are some climbs and decents over both dirt paths and rock.
Join Jim Moss, a member of the Rideau Trail Association at Frontenac Provincial Park, on Friday September 12th from 5 to 6:30pm for a guided hike along the shores of Doe Lake. The trail explores some of the iconic landforms found in the southern zone of Frontenac Provincial Park, and the FAB Region. Learn more about the unique local species, and bounty of biodiversity supported within the park.
The full loop is 3km and skirts two beaver ponds, climbs to a spectacular lookout over Doe Lake and returns along the shore of Otter Lake. The trail is considered low to moderate difficulty/intensity, there are some uneven stone steps up to the lookout. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Parking is available on-site. Access fees (typically $15.50/vehicle) have been waived for those pre-registered for this hike as part of Trails Fest – hikers will need to go into the park office upon arrival and provide their license plate information to park staff.
Join Kate McLean and Doug Bickerton, members of the Gananoque Trees and Trails Advisory Group, along with Christine Grossutti, FABN’s Conservation Project Manager, on Saturday September 13th to hike and learn about the past, present and future of the Judith McLean Memorial Forest. This 35-acre property is a significant and important part of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region. Ivan and Marguerite Scott purchased this land as a working farm from the Dempster family in 1950. Their daughter Judy inherited the farm in 1981. Judy’s goal was to preserve a habitat for native plants and animals. In her memory, Judy’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were proud to donate this property in perpetuity to the Town of Gananoque. Join us to hear stories about how the Gananoque Trails system came into existence, learn tree identification and other biodiversity values of the forest, including managing invasive species, and discuss Judith McLean’s vision for the property and how it can be achieved.
Meet us at the end of Carmichael Dr, behind the No Frills, at the construction fence – on Google Maps this location says ‘Gananoque Trail’. The trail is 2km out and back through the forest. This is part of the larger Gananoque Trail System. The trail is considered low to moderatly challenging. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Join Samantha Allison, Interpretation Coordinator at Thousand Islands National Park, to hike the Lookout Trail in Landons Bay on Saturday September 13th from approximately 2 to 3pm. We’ll meet at the Information Kiosk (a small cabin visible from the main parking lot), located at the trailhead.
Can you see what I see? On this guided hike, Park staff will show you the best-kept secrets of the landscape, as well as our iconic clifftop lookout! The trail is 2km long, and a narrow pathway, with uneven ground, tripping hazards (roots/rocks), marshy areas, and multiple set of stairs (without banisters). Together we’ll explore the importance of this landscape, biodiverstiy and species at risk, and habitat connectivity. The trail is considered moderate difficulty/intensity as it includes multiple sets of stairs. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Parking is available on-site. Access fees (typically $8.50/vehicle) have been waived for those pre-registered for this hike as part of Trails Fest – hikers will need to display a special parking pass in their vehicle. Parking passes for participants will be available at the Information Kiosk near the trailhead and/or from Samantha, the hike guide.
Stay tuned for deatils on Trails Fest 2026
Trails Fest is our annual, weekend series of guided hikes with partners from across the FAB region. All hikes take places on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee (Kanienʼkehá꞉ka) and Anishinaabeg (Algonquin) people. We are grateful to be able to gather on this land and intend to walk together in a good way.
Hikes run rain or shine and are only cancelled in the case of extreme weather. A FABN staff member will contact you within 24hrs of the hike if there is a need to cancel.
Hikes will be led in English, although you do not need to understand/speak English to enjoy the hike.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the hike’s start time to ensure you are able to park and find the meeting location.
We strongly recommend that hikers bring:
- Close-toed shoes
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- A hat
- A waterbottle
Hikes are FREE thanks to the in-kind support of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network and the host partner. Pay-what-you-can donations are gratefully welcome as any proceeds raised through Trails Fest help to ensure this unique UNESCO biosphere remains viable and vibrant for all of us, and those who come after us!
Contact communications@fabn.ca with any questions about Trails Fest or if you require any accommodations to fully participate.
Not able to attend Trails Fest but still want to explore the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region by trail? Check out our trails and waterways blog for itinerary ideas!
The Frontenac Arch Biosphere region is one part of the larger Algonquin to Adirondacks region. To learn more visit A2A Collaborative and be sure to check out their A2A Trail “A Pilgrimage for Nature” and how to become a local Trail Champion.
