Be tempted by the many magical parks and hiking areas listed below, and come explore the beauty of the1000 Islands. Bring your hiking gear, and we’ll provide the rest! We offer a great breakfast to start the day, exceptional accommodation to relax and rejuvenate, and outstanding local restaurants to replenish your energy (not to mention complimentary maps of all areas listed). Still have questions? Our team includes avid hikers ready to answer questions and help plan custom hikes. Just one call….
Gananoque lies on the edge of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, a UN-designation for a region of uncommon natural heritage. The Canadian Shield granite geology provides picturesque terrain for hiking trails, and offers an abundance of easily-accessible trails for every level of hiker and walker.
The Gananoque Trails: Right on our doorstep is a 12 kilometre series of scenic loops which meander in and around Gananoque, allowing visitors and residents to experience the natural beauty and the history of Gananoque. Combining street walks, easy trails and woodland walking, the trails are readily tailored to your available time and energy level.
The Waterfront Trail: From Niagara on the Lake to Brockville, the trail represents a whole new way of thinking about the Lake Ontario waterfront. It emphasizes the links between ecological health, economic vitality, and a sense of community. The Waterfront Trail is a multi-use (pedestrian, cycling, rollerblading) recreation trail that is used by people of all walks of life. The Gananoque portion of the trail is 6 kilometres and circles The Victoria Rose Inn property.
Marble Rock Blue Trail: Just a few kilometres north of Gananoque is an 11 kilometre trail described by veteran hikers as “a true gem”. This will give the more-experienced hiker a good workout, with incredible scenery. The South Loop takes about 2.5 hours to complete, and 4 hours for the whole trail.
Landon Bay Trails: Only a few minutes east of Gananoque on the 1000 Islands Parkway, this set of trails is a fascinating combination of local history and nature, and features one of the best lookouts over the 1000 Islands. Venture into the fields and forests to see the osprey nest, and the beaver-dam and pond, alive with nature’s creatures. These trails constitute a half-day easy-hiking destination, with various length combinations of up to about 6 kilometres.
The 1000 Islands Parkway : Running east from Gananoque, the 1000 Islands Parkway is a scenic path that parallels the St. Lawrence River for about 37 kilometres. This is a scenic walking path, for those who want fresh air and exercise without strenuous exertion.
Gananoque Provincial Wildlife Area: Into Orienteering? Five minutes from Gananoque the Provincial Wildlife Area is a 1000 acre terrain featuring a fascinating mixture of forest, high rock ridges and fertile marshlands. Many inspiring lookouts will reward the explorer-hiker with great views over the marshes, beaver-ponds and river lowlands. The area offers about 20 kilometres of primitive hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous all-day excursions that will challenge even the well conditioned.
Rock Dunder: Rock Dunder is a soaring lookout over the Rideau Waterway, and has been a local landmark for generations. Well-marked trails wind through mature woodlands, above rocky shorelines and finally climb to the rocky summit. Mostly moderate, (with some challenging sections on the shore-ward side), the trails total about 6 kilometres in 2 loops which take 2-3 hours to complete.
Suggestion: Combine this hike with a visit to the historic Rideau Canal locks at Jones Falls, just a few kilometres beyond Rock Dunder. The working locks are true feats of frontier engineering, and the grounds offer perfect picnic spots (full restaurant and snack bar also available at the Kenney Resort).
Charleston Lake Provincial Park: The Crown of the Biosphere! Only 25 kilometres from Gananoque, the park offers a full range of hiking trails which explore lovely farmlands. The Tallow Rock Bay loop is a full-day hike (10+ kilometres), and while fairly strenuous the trail is well-developed. The Blue Mountain Trail (up to 10 kilometres, depending on your route) ends on the highest point in the United Counties with a 360-degree view that goes forever! There are also four shorter trails of about 2-3 kilometres each, all of scenic interest, and each with an interpretive booklet available. Good picnic and swimming sites.
Foley Mountain Conservation Area: Just outside of Westport, Foley Mountain is located less than an hour from Gananoque. This picturesque area offers many different trails with hills and dales, and is perfect for family hiking – not too difficult, and full of natural interest features. Good picnic areas and swimming, with a spectacular lookout. A visit to the historic village of Westport is recommended.
Gould Lake Conservation Area: Located just north of Sydenham, this Conservation Area is about one hour from Gananoque. It offers a wide range of hiking trails, considered some of the best in this region, and ranges from easy to strenuous all-day. Good swimming and picnic areas. A good day-long excursion.
Frontenac Provincial Park: With over 160 km of wilderness hiking trails, this park is considered a “must” for serious hikers in this region. Lots of loop combinations are possible depending on your time, ambition and level of fitness. Located north of Sydenham, it’s about one hour from Gananoque.
Rideau Trail Association: The Rideau Trail is a hiking trail that extends over 300 Km from Kingston to Ottawa. There are many points of entrance, and many different levels of difficulty, so all hiking levels can be accommodated. There is no charge for using their trails - visit their website at www.rideautrail.org.
RICH IN GEO-CACHES TOO! (check out www.geocaching.com : plug in our local
postal code K7G 2V5 to get a list of current local caches). Current caches
are located in proximity to many of the following trails.
