When the weather outside is frightful, it’s easy to be temped to bunker down in the warmth of your home with a blanket and the thermostat cranked to ‘inferno’. But Kingston offers so many reasons to get outdoors and enjoy nature, it’s hard not to take advantage of them. Below are five great outdoor spots if you’re looking to escape the hustle of the city.
1. Kingston Waterfront
Why you should go:
8 whole kilometres of beautifully maintained Kingston waterfront pathway ensure that you’ll get some exercise while taking in the beautiful sights of Kingston – the Rideau Trail, City Hall, Murney Tower, the Pump House Steam Museum and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour are some of the things you can stroll by and visit. The path connects to the downtown core from King Street and extends west to beautiful Emma Martin Park. The pathway also forms part of the 900 km WaterfrontTrust Trail which runs from Niagara to Quebec. Go for a run and lose yourself in your music, or take a loved ones’ hand and go for a romantic walk. And the best part? It’s totally free if you don’t take into account tax dollars.
Find out more: www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/parks-trails/waterfront-pathway & www.waterfronttrail.org
2. Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area
Why you should go:
For starters, its pretty close and located north of Highway 401 and Division Street. Next, it’s really affordable at $5.50/adults, $3.00 for kids twelve and under, and a maximum fee of $14/car (if Conservation Areas are totally for you, you can even get an annual pass for $80 and really get your money’s worth). In March they hold their annual Maple Madness event – complete with tractor-rides into the sugarbush to learn how maple syrup was made in the days of yore. And lastly – there’s 394 hectares of marsh, field and forest; plenty of space to take a hike, play some sports, rent a canoe, have a picnic and just enjoy nature and some well-deserved fresh air.
Find out more: www.crca.ca/conservation-lands/conservation-areas/little-cataraqui-creek-conservation-area/
3. Frontenac Provincial Park
Why you should go:
Just 30 – 40 minutes outside of Kingston, the park is around 52,00 hectares and is full of small lakes and ponds – perfect for appreciating while hiking the rugged trails within. Camp (both in the winter and in warmer seasons), canoe through routes on 22 lakes, cross country ski, fish with reckless abandon – you’re not restricted by the seasons and there’s always something worth doing. Standard day fees apply, so you’re looking at about $11/person – less expensive and far more fulfilling than the cost of admission to see a movie.
Find out more: www.ontarioparks.com/park/frontenac
4. Lemoine Point Conservation Area
Why you should go:
Lemoine Point is pretty spectacular and has one of the nicest waterfronts around. With just over 136 hectares of forest, field and marsh and 2,500 meters of shoreline- there is plenty of things to keep you busy while visiting. For the cooler months, busy yourself with snowshoeing or wildlife viewing, and in the summer you can go for a refreshing swim on a beautiful stone beach at the north end of the conservation area. Don’t want to take a dip? Cycle all along the service roads and designated trails throughout and find the perfect spot for a picnic. Get back to nature spend the day surrounded by beauty of the changing colours.
Find out more: www.crca.ca/conservation-lands/conservation-areas/lemoine-point-conservation-area/
5. Wolfe Island
Why you should go:
Any place that requires a (free) ferry to get to is automatically more fun, and Wolfe Island is no exception. Stare in awe of the magic of the wind farms – something you don’t get to experience every day! When you’re done, get lost in one of the largest corn mazes in Canada before taking in some delicious baked goods that will make you lose your mind. The largest of the 1000 Islands, Wolfe Island operates 365 days a year so you can take a trip whenever the mood strikes you. It’s a beautiful, easy and free way to experience Kingston from the water.
Find out more: www.wolfeisland.com
