Looking for Ontario’s best lakes, beaches & islands? The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region (FAB) is home to some of the most stunning beaches and islands in the vicinity, making it an ideal day trip or relaxing weekend destination.
The FAB Region provides something for everyone! Whether you want to swim in crystal-clear waters, go hiking in magnificent forests, or simply relax in a natural setting, the FAB region has some of Ontario’s best lakes, beaches and islands for you to explore.
To help you plan your next swimming, boating, or day trip activity, here are our top five selections for the best lakes in the FAB Region:
Ontario’s Best Lakes: Big Salmon Lake
Big Salmon Lake is a lake in Eastern Ontario’s Frontenac Provincial Park. It is the largest lake in the park and is located on the Frontenac Axis. It is a long, narrow lake accessible via the park’s main road and numerous hiking routes. Despite its name, this lake does not contain any salmon. This popular destination is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The lake’s crystal-clear water makes it an excellent location for snorkeling and diving. For an even more tranquil experience, rent a kayak or boat and explore the little islands dotting the lake.
Ontario’s Best Beaches: Frontenac Provincial Park
This park is filled with beautiful beaches and little islands for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Hiking trails wind through the woodland, providing spectacular views of the surrounding area. Some of the best beaches of this area include Sharbot Lake Beach, Sydenham Point Beach, and Sand Lake Public Beach
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
This Provincial Park is located on Charleston Lake near Athens, Ontario, Canada, in the township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands. This park is ideal for a day trip or a quiet weekend, with various beaches and small islands. The lake is famous for boating and fishing, and it is home to a variety of fish species such as bass, pike, and perch.
Jones Falls
This well-known Set of falls on the Rideau Canal is ideal for a day trip. Known as one of the prettiest lockstations along the Rideau Canal, Jones Falls is home to the “Great Stone Arch Dam,” featuring 4 locks, 3 in flight and 1 detached, with individual lifts of 15′ each; the highest per-lock lift of the original Rideau Locks. Stroll by the old blacksmith shop and the Sweeney House to get a sense of life in the 1800s.
Nearby Morton was at one time called “Whitefish Falls” until George Morton purchased the water rights and the adjacent land in 1851. He built saw, grist and plaster-mills, powered by the falls. Now, instead of rumbling mills, Morton radiates wonderful flat-water routes for paddling in four cardinal directions.
Plan your next swimming, hiking, or day trip activity today to enjoy the natural splendor of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region!
