Do you want to explore Ontario? Start with the Frontenac Arch Biosphere! It is one of the most beautiful locations in Ontario to explore, with plenty of hiking, cycling, and paddling options. Many of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere’s provincial parks and conservation areas are considered some of the top 100 hikes in Ontario.
In this blog article, you will learn more about the Frontenac Arch Biosphere and how the FAB Experiences platform may help you explore it. Visitors can arrange their own unique trips using an interactive map on the FABEx website. Here, you can also find self-guided trips tailored to your travel preferences. You can also find locally devoted sustainable attractions, stores, activities, and accommodations.
Explore Ontario | What is the Frontenac Arch Biosphere?
The Frontenac Arch Biosphere is one of Canada’s nationally recognized biosphere by UNESCO (Canada’s 12th biosphere). This biosphere is part of a global network of over 700 UNESCO sites in more than 130 countries. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere encompasses an area of 2700 square kilometers. In addition to this, it is located on the ancestral lands of the Haudenosaunee and Algonquin Anishinaabeg. This is a very special region on Eastern Ontario, notable for its diversity. Its Precambrian rock provides habitat for over 250 species of birds, as well as other rare and endangered species.
From its waterways to its wildlife, the protected and preserved lands of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere are popular outdoor destinations. Here, visitors can hike, cycle, paddle, bird and wildlife watch, as well as learn about its unique environment. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere provides an exciting opportunity to explore Ontario, and offers many small towns to visit. Visitors can shop local and support eco-conscious businesses,as well as taste local food, learn about native culture and history, and discover unique and exciting places.
You can explore Ontario’s Frontenac Arch Biosphere and its many small towns through FAB Experiences. This is a new platform where visitors have the opportunity to follow pre-made tours, learn about new travel experiences, and discover the best hiking trails and paddling routes while they explore Ontario.
The FAB Experiences Platform is The Best Way to Explore Ontario
FAB Experiences is an engaging platform that will help you explore Ontario and the Frontenac Arch Biosphere region. Through this platform, you can easily plan a visit to the FAB region. Whether you’re a local or someone visiting from far away, you will discover amazing places with the help of FAB Experiences. On their website, you will find free, downloadable maps and receive sustainable information that benefits the local community. If you’re on a budget, and looking for unique experiences, these protected spaces are free or low-cost to visit. You will feel connected to nature and will be making an ethical and eco-friendly decision for your vacation plans.
Within the FAB Experiences platform, you will discover even more trails to help you explore Ontario. This is a stunning region offering awe-inspiring trails, viewpoints, camping opportunities and adventures in nature. Visit the FAB Experiences website and get inspired to explore Ontario!
Hikes at the Frontenac Arch Biosphere
The Frontenac Arch Biosphere is a land bridge of the Canadian Shield, connecting the Algonquin and Laurentian Highlands to the Adirondack Mountains. Here, the Five Great Forest regions of the eastern continent meet. With landscapes of flat countryside, rocky hills, rugged cliffs and scenic lakes, all located within Eastern Ontario. The Frontenac region is famous for having plenty of hiking opportunities.
The best way to discover these hiking trails is by visiting the interactive maps offered by the FAB Experiences website. These trails can be found near Kingston, Sydenham, Sharbot Lake, Westport, Smith Falls, Merrickville, Kemptville, Perth, Brockville and Prescott. Here’s a list of the trails and parks that the Frontenac Arch Biosphere has to offer:
- Bateau Channel Park (Fitness Trail)
- Bellamy Park
- Gananoque Trail System
- Gould Lake Conservation Area
- Jones Creek (Thousand Islands National Park)
- K & P Trail
- Landon Bay Centre (Thousand Islands National Park)
- Lemoine Point Conservation Area
- Limerick Forest
- Cataraqui Trail
- Charleston Lake Provincial Park
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Frontenac Provincial Park
- Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
- Lower Beverley Lake Park
- Lyn Valley Conservation Area
- Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
5 Experiences to Help You Explore Ontario & the FAB Region
Looking for the best things to do in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere region? There are countless parks, trails, and small towns to explore! To help you plan your trip, the FAB Experiences platform features tailored trips for any style. You can check out the full listing here. Below, are a few experiences that are worth checking out on your next day trip or weekend outing.
Weekend Trip to Frontenac Provincial Park and Sydenham
This is a wonderful weekend getaway to the southern end of the Canadian Shield. Come and visit the community of Sydenham and Frontenac Provincial Park. Visit the Arkon Lake Loop Trail, go birdwatching at the park, hike or bike the Cataraqui trail, and relax at the Sydenham Point Beach. Spend the night camping at Frontenac Provincial Park or stay at the luxurious Black Oak Lodge. Try some local food at the Grains and Goods Bakery and Jim’s Gourmet Fries food truck. Take a look at the full itinerary.
Take a Hike Through Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Looking for a hiking-focused adventure? Visit the Charleston Lake Provincial Park, these hiking trails vary in length and difficulty. In addition to this, you can learn about the geology and human history of the region. This is a self-guided tour including a number of great hiking trails to experience over a day or a weekend. You can also visit nearby farms to taste fresh and local food. Check out the full itinerary here.
Paddling in Ontario – Rideau Waterway Experience
The Rideau Waterway is a dream destination for paddlers. Some say that there’s no better way to explore scenic waterways than by a small boat. You’re welcome to bring your own watercraft (the most convenient option!), but you can also rent them in the region. On this paddling trip in the Leeds and the Thousand Islands region, you’ll explore quaint villages, beautiful trails and hidden gems in and around Seeley’s Bay. Check out the full itinerary here.
Explore Ontario With a Loved One | Couple’s Weekend Getaway
Looking for a couple’s getaway? Look no further. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere region has an amazing road trip guide to Brockville and the Thousand Islands. Go cycling on the Brockville Waterfront Trail, take a boat cruise around the Thousand Islands, and see Canada’s First Railway Tunnel in Brockville. Check out the full itinerary here.
Gould Lake Conservation Area
Gould Lake Conservation Area is an underrated place to plan a hiking trip, so the folks at FAB Experiences have provided you with the low down. This protected greenspace is 589 hectares of wilderness in the Canadian Shield with 20km of hiking trails. After taking your pick of three epic trails, check out another gem in the area, Canada’s oldest general store. Check out the full itinerary here.
Plan Your Trip and Get Involved
With FAB Experiences, it’s easy to explore the FAB region in more depth! Browse the interactive maps and story maps on their website, or take one of their self-guided tours. FAB Experiences also offers unique volunteer opportunities for those who are passionate about the environment, sustainability, and community. There are nature programs, summer camps, and other programs for kids, too. You can also receive their newsletter to stay up to date and even join their board. Visit the contact page for more information.
