Tourism Recreation and Wellness

South Frontenac is a four-season paradise offering year-round tourism opportunities. In the summer, our lakes and trails appeal to hikers, bikers, boaters and fishermen while our snowmobile trails and frozen lakes attract snowmobilers and ice fishing enthusiasts in the winter.

We’ve seen growth in eco-tourism-based businesses as visitors seek responsible and sustainable experiences. Another area of growth is fitness, wellness services and retreats to heal the mind, body and soul.

The best part about choosing South Frontenac for your recreation or wellness business is you get to live where you play, in the land of tall trees, crystal blue skies and shimmering lakes.

Unique opportunities in South Frontenac

Trails

The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy "Canada 365: Welcome the World. Every Day" identified trails as an important economic contributor to the tourism sector and local economies. South Frontenac Township is ideally situated to capitalize on this growing sector with hundreds of kilometres of trails and three major trails, the K&P Trail, Cataraqui Trail, and Rideau Trail traversing our region.

The County of Frontenac reported there were 197,110 trail users in 2023 of the K&P Trail alone with 15,632 visitors coming from over 100 km in their Frontenac K&P trail 2023 annual report.

Cycling

Cycling alone accounted for 1.6 million visits in Ontario in 2016. Transportation Options completed a report on cycle tourism in Ontario which found more cyclists are taking day and overnight trips with their bicycles and each cyclist spent $317 per trip, more than other visitors. 

As part of the World Heritage Frontenac Arch Biosphere, South Frontenac provides a unique cycling experience with hundreds of kilometres of paved roads that connect to two major multi-use trails, the Cataraqui Trail and the Kingston & Pembroke (K&P) Trail. See our 12 unique South Frontenac Cycling Routes maps.

Lakes and water-based activities

With over 75 lakes, South Frontenac provides unique opportunities for water-based adventure experiences and businesses.

Rural tourism

Rural tourism provides opportunities for Canadians to experience life at a slower pace and connect to rural roots. Visitors can stay at a working farm learn, gaze at the stars under clear skies, attend agricultural fairs, and enjoy local cuisine, farm environments, and rugged adventures. Events like Open Farm Days provide marketing breadth and scale for rural tourism and agri-businesses in the Frontenacs.