Lakes & Trails is back for 2024!

After a year off, we are excited to announce that South Frontenac’s beloved Lakes and Trails Festival is back for 2024! Join us at the Lakes and Trails Festival as we embrace the outdoors, celebrate our shared heritage, and create memories that ripple across the water and echo through the forests. Together, we’ll weave a tapestry of connection, adventure, and appreciation for the natural wonders that surround us. 

 
Photo Gallery: Lakes & Trails Festival will appear here on the public site.

Here's the scoop

  • When: Saturday, July 13th.
  • Where: The Point Park, 4410 Point Road, Sydenham. Some off-site programming, details below.
  • Time: The event starts at 8:30 am and runs until 1:00 pm. However, there are some off site activities that will be running later than 1 pm.
  • Cost: General admission is free at the main event site. Some activities may require a small registration fee or participation by donation. See below for specific details.

Activities 

Guided Forest Bathing with Claire - Frontenac Provincial Park - Registration Required

Claire is a Certified Nature Therapy Guide, mentor, Eart Dreamer and wonder seeker. Claire is passionate about sharing the practice of Forest Therapy, through simple invitations, to rejuvenate your spirit and nurture your soul. To mindfully and gently hold space for you to wander and find wonder again. To guide without judgment or expectation Among The Trees.

Forest Bathing for Families

Forest Bathing for families is a playful, immersive and at times a quiet experience as we listen, watch and notice all that is happening in the forest. Children of all ages are welcome.

  • When: Saturday, July 13th
  • Where: Frontenac Provincial Park 
  • Time: 10:00 – 11:30 am
  • Cost: By donation of $10, $20, $30 or $40

Register here for Forest Bathing for Families

Forest Bathing for 16+

Come immerse yourself in the forest through simple invitations and find a deeper connection to our natural world. Unplug, relax and allow the goodness of the forest to soothe your mind, nourish your body & rejuvenate your soul. This is so much more than a walk in the woods!

  • When: Saturday July 13th
  • Where: Frontenac Provincial Park – Doe Lake Trail
  • Time: 12:30-3:00 pm
  • Cost: By donation of $10, $15, $20, $30 or $40
  • This walk is for those 16 years of age or older

Register here for Forest Bathing for folks 16+

Where to find Claire
Yoga and Pilates fusion class with Nomad Yogini
Amanda Butterill brings 15 years of teaching experience to her classes. She started teaching Yoga in 2009 after her first of many trainings in Costa Rica. She grew up in South Frontenac and has been running classes in Sydenham, Inverary, Perth Road and Glenburnie for 11 years. In 2016 she completed a Pilates mat 1 and 2 training and in 2022 she completed a Myofascial release with a foam roller course. With over 500 hours of professional training and 15 years of teaching experience, Amanda leads her classes with the belief that moving and breathing intentionally on a regular basis is the best way to enhance your well-being and keep you strong, flexible, and feeling your best.

The perfect balance of strengthening, stretching, breath work, and relaxation. This 1-hour session combines strengthening and stretching exercises to enhance mobility, with an emphasis on core strengthening to improve stability in the lower back.  We will move with our breath, flowing through Yoga poses and Pilates exercises finishing with resting (savasana) to leave you feeling calm and energized. All levels welcome including beginners. 

  • When: Saturday, July 13th
  • Where: The Point Park – Upper baseball field
  • Time: 9:00–10:00 am
  • Cost: Free
  • Not recommended for children, but are welcomed if accompanied by an adult
Where to find Amanda
Canoe skills instruction with Firefly Adventures
Walt Sepic, owner and operator of Firefly Adventures, is a retired teacher with 34 years of instructional experience, 12 years in high school Phys. Ed. and Industrial Arts; then 22 years in Outdoor and Environmental Education with the Algonquin &  Lakeshore Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, (ALCDSB) running the outdoor education program and managing the Msgr. J.S.Ryan Outdoor Education Centre on Wolfe Island, ON. Walt has taught over 70,000 children and adults in all seasons in the outdoors; over 20,000 in canoes. 

Walt will be hosting a canoe skills workshop for paddlers of all levels. Learn some new skills or get tip on how to improve as a paddler.

  • When: Saturday, July 13
  • Where: The Point Beach
  • Time: 9:00 – 11:00 am
  • Cost: Free
  • Requirements: Must be 12 years of age or older, must sign the waiver form and bring it with you on the day of the event to participate.
  • Waiver: https://fireflyadventures.ca/forms/
Where to find Walt:

Facebook: @FireflyAdventuresInc

Website: https://fireflyadventures.ca/

Guided Trail Run with Frontenac Run Club

Join the Frontenac Run Club on July 13th at The Point Park in Sydenham for a fun run/walk event! Choose from either a 5k or 10k along the beautiful Cataraqui Trail. This out and back run is fun for the whole family! Whether this is your first run/walk event or you're a seasoned vet, this inclusive event is the perfect way to kick off the Lakes & Trails Festival!

5K Fun Run

Explore the beautiful Cataraqui Trail on 5k guided fun run along Sydenham Lake. As seen below, the run kicks off at the Point Park and leads to the Cataraqui Trail. Runners will then be guided up the trail, along Sydenham Lake to Clearwater Road where they will turn around and head back to the Point Park. This 5k up and back fun run is perfect for runners of all levels including children.

10K Fun Run

Experience the beautiful Cataraqui Trail on 10k guided fun run along Sydenham Lake. As seen below, the run kicks off at the Point Park and leads to the Cataraqui Trail. Runners will then be guided up the trail, along Sydenham Lake to Songbird Lane where they will turn around and head back to the Point Park. This 10k up and back fun run is perfect for runners of all levels who want to challenge themselves.

Where to find the Frontenac Run Club

Facebook: @FrontenacRunClub

Guided Bike Rides with Doug

Doug has been cycling all his life, but more avidly in the last 15 years. He's a member of the Kingston Velo Club and has just returned from the Winnipeg to White River leg of his cross Canada cycling adventure.

6km Guided Bike Ride on the Cataraqui Trail

Explore the beauty of the Cataraqui Trail on a 6 km guided bike ride. The ride kicks off at the Point Park and leads to the Cataraqui Trail. Riders will then be guided up the scenic Trail to Loughborough Portland Boundary Road where they will turn around and head back to the Point Park. This 6km up and back trail ride is perfect for riders of all levels including children.

  • When: Saturday, July 13
  • Registration: Opens at 8:30, located at the Point Park
  • Start Point: The Point Beach
  • Start Time: 10:45 – approximately a 30 -40 minute ride depending on the group
  • Cost: Free!
  • Limit: 10-12 participants. First come, first serve at the registration tent
  • Helmets are mandatory for all participants!
14km Guided Bike Ride on the Cataraqui Trail

Embark on an adventure that takes you through the heart of stunning scenery on a 14 km journey to Harrowsmith. The 14k will leave The Point at 9:00 am and will last approximately 30-40 minutes as a out and back ride to Harrowsmith. The ride kicks off at the Point Park and leads to the Cataraqui Trail. From there, rides will be guided along the trail to Harrowsmith where they will turn around to come back to the Point Park. This 14km up and back route is great for riders who want to challenge themselves.

  • When: Saturday, July 13
  • Registration: Opens at 8:30, located at the Point Park
  • Start Point: The Point Beach
  • Start Time: 9:00 – approximately a 30 -40 minute ride depending on the group
  • Cost: Free!
  • Limit: 10-12 participants. First come, first serve at the registration tent
  • Helmets are mandatory for all participants!
Pickleball Demonstration with the Kingston Racquet Centre

The Kingston Racquet Centre offers 6 tennis and 12 pickleball courts in separate domes for year-round enjoyment! The Centre welcomes Members and Non-Members, and offers a huge variety of events and programs for all ages and levels. Located off Highway 15 at 1025 Innovation Drive, just 2 minutes from the 401, it’s a convenient drive for those coming from North of Kingston. Find out more at www.tennisclubs.ca/kingston, call 343-477-1143, or drop by for a visit anytime between 8 am - 9 pm weekdays, or 8 am - 6 pm on weekends. 

Visit the Kingston Raquet Centre at the Lakes and Trails Festival for a for a friendly match of Pickleball or develop some new skills. Whether you are a seasoned pickleball player or new to the sport, this Pickleball demonstration is perfect opportunity to dive into the action!

  • When: Saturday, July 13
  • Where: The Point Park Community Courts
  • Time: 8:30am -1:00pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Limit: 16 players
  • Registration may be required depending on demand.

Where to find the Kinston Racquet Centre:

Instagram: @kingstonracquetcentre

Facebook: @kingstonRacquetCentre

Website: www.tennisclubs.ca/kingston

Supervised Swim and Water Games

Jump into Sydenham Lake to cool off at The Point beach. There will be a lifeguard present from 8:30am - 1:00pm for supervised swimming. Waterfront games will be organized by two of South Frontenac’s Day Camp Counsellors.

Pack your bathing suit, towels, goggles and don’t forget sunscreen!

Face Painting with the Not So Amateur Amateurs

Christine and her talented team will be offering face painting from 10am – 1pm. You name it, they can do it! 

Community Booths

We collaborate with local organizations to educate participants on sustainable practices, wildlife conservation and how to care for our beloved lakes and trails. Find groups such as the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, Ealy ON, and Frontenac County!

Food and Drink

Families are encouraged to bring cash for the food vendors. Some vendors may not accept debit or credit!

The Paper Plate

Inspired by the love of good food.

At The Paper Plate, they're passionate about bringing fresh, local flavors to the South Frontenac region. As a husband and wife team, they're dedicated to serving up delicious plates that are inspired by the love of food.

Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, they've got something for everyone!

www.thepaperplatefood.com

Lenny's Deli

We've partnered with Lenny's Deli to offer a Lakes & Trails Festival Special! Check out all-day breakfast and their Lakes and Trails Festival themed lunch. They'll be open 7am - 3pm. Be sure to stop in and say hi!

Not So Amateur Amateurs Concession Stand

A festival isn’t complete with cotton candy and popcorn! Stop by the concession stand from 10am – 1pm for a tasty treat!

Girl Guides of Canada

Our local Girl guides will be selling delicious cookies at the Lakes and Trails Festival from 8:30am – 1pm.

Bring your reusable water bottle

There is a water bottle filling station located at The Point. Don't forget your water bottle!

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