Make the most of your time in Kingston by venturing into the great outdoors. There is a variety of hiking trails and conservation areas to explore in and around Kingston. Lace up those hiking boots and check out the featured trails below.
Lemoine Point
1440 Coverdale Dr, Kingston
Lemoine Point is a peaceful hiking location minutes from Kingston’s downtown, bordering Lake Ontario and Collins Bay. The area is home to approximately 11 km of hiking trails that cross flat to gently rolling woodlands, fields, and marshlands. You will find hidden gems such as scenic lookouts and beaches as you hike the trails. Besides hiking, the area is popular for cycling, swimming, birding, and picnicking.
Difficulty level: Beginner, family-friendly
Price: Free, donations are accepted
Hours of operation: 7:30 am to dusk daily
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K&P Trail
Accessible from many locations in Kingston
The K&P Trail is a 180-kilometre, multi-use trail for recreation and active transportation. The K&P Trail within Kingston is 22 km long, with urban and rural stretches extending into Frontenac County. The trail is open year-round and gives the opportunity for visitors to walk or run through natural open landscapes, rock cuts, wetlands, and historic Kingston. For more information on access points, please visit the City of Kingston’s website.
Difficulty level: Beginner, family-friendly
Price: Free
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Parrott’s Bay
4976 Bath Rd, Kingston
30 minutes west of downtown Kingston, Parrott’s Bay offers woods and wetlands with beautiful waterfront views. Hiking trails are approximately 6 km in length and cross both woodland and wetland habitats. Check out the covered lookout and osprey nesting platform. Keep an eye out for ospreys on your hike!
Difficulty level: Beginner, family-friendly
Price: Free, donations are accepted
Hours of operation: 7:30 am to dusk daily
Little Cataraqui Creek
1641 Perth Rd, Glenburnie
At Little Cataraqui Creek you can connect with nature during all four seasons. Marsh, field, and forest habitats converge while hiking the approximately 14 km, flat terrain trails. During the warmer months enjoy picnicking, biking, fishing, and birding. When the snow falls, the conservation area offers groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Additionally, the Outdoor Centre offers educational programs and equipment rentals. Located 15 minutes from downtown Kingston, these trails are an escape for the family to enjoy together.
Difficulty level: Beginner, family-friendly
Price: Adults ($5), children 12 & under ($3.50), max. fee per car ($15), annual pass ($85)
Hours of operation: 7:30 am to dusk daily, Outdoor Centre: 9 am to 4 pm daily
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Gould Lake
1540 Gould Lake Rd, Sydenham
Gould Lake presents picturesque fishing, swimming, picnicking, and hiking, approximately 40 minutes from Kingston. Explore the area’s 20 km of trails across rolling and rugged terrain. The well-known Rideau Trail and several side loops can be found within the conservation area. Its wetlands, woods, and shoreline areas provide many opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature appreciation. Let us know what wildlife you see.
Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced
Price: Adults: Free, donations are accepted
Hours of operation: 7:30 am to dusk daily
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Lyn Valley
90 Lyn Valley Rd, Lyn
Lyn Valley may be small, but it is one of the most popular conservation areas in the Thousand Islands region, roughly one hour from Kingston. Features include a swimming area, picnic spots, and 1 km of hiking trails. It is perfect for the little ones to get out and explore nature. The trials are on flat terrain and offer opportunities to appreciate the beauty of the area.
Difficulty level: Beginner, family-friendly
Price: Free, donations are accepted
Hours of operation: 7:30 am to dusk daily
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Thousand Islands National Park
1121 Thousand Islands Parkway, Mallorytown
As Canada’s oldest national park east of the Rockies, Thousand Islands National Park offers three mainland hiking locations – Mallorytown Landing, Jones Creek, and Landon Bay. Just 45 minutes outside of Kingston, this park boasts of its sanctuary of scenic lookouts, rugged rock faces, and tall pine trees. The area has spots to picnic, fish, boat, swim, and pose for pictures in the iconic Parks Canada red chairs. The three hiking routes vary in length and starting point within the park, so visit the Thousand Islands National Park website for more information.
Difficulty level: Beginner to advanced, some trails are family-friendly
Price: $8 per car, additional fees may apply
Hours of operation: 9 am to 4 pm
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Frontenac Provincial Park
6700 Salmon Lake Rd, Sydenham
Frontenac Provincial Park is well known in the Kingston region for its year-round hiking and trail systems. The park, located 45 minutes north of Kingston, boasts 100 km of well-planned trails and rugged terrain. Besides hiking, it is a perfect location for fishing, swimming, paddling, and snowshoeing. It is recommended to obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days in advance to guarantee your day-use spot at this park. For a full list of trails and how to access them, please visit the Frontenac Provincial Park website.
Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced
Price: $12.25 per car, some additional fees may apply
Hours of operation: 8 am to 6 pm
Additional hiking trail locations
Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
Debruge Rd, Brockville
Marshlands Conservation Area
1214 Trailhead Pl, Kingston
Marble Rock Conservation Area
Marble Rock Rd, Gananoque
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
148 Woodvale Rd, Lansdowne
Foley Mountain Conservation Area
105 Foley Mountain Ln, Westport
Frontenac Arch Biosphere trails
Accessible from many locations in Kingston
Before planning your hike, check the latest trail conditions and any potential seasonal closures. Remember to pack the appropriate gear, carry sufficient water and snacks, and let someone know about your hiking plans for safety purposes. Additionally, be mindful of the parks and trails: leave no trace (pack in and pack out all garbage), keep your dog on a leash at all times, and stay on the trail.
