Frontenac Fall Colours Hike

Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on our website.

A true member favourite returns! While the crowds flock to Algonquin to view fall colours, Frontenac is where it's really at.

By late September, the first maples along this loop are already turning red and gold against bare granite, weeks ahead of peak colour further south. That granite is part of the Frontenac Arch, a two-billion-year-old ridge connecting the Canadian Shield to the Adirondacks, and it's what gives this loop its particular look in fall.

The Cedar Lake South Loop runs about 9km through a mix of open granite, rooted forest trails, and genuine wetland: expect boggy sections, small ponds, and stretches where the water clearly has the upper hand on the trail.

Frontenac sits at an ecological crossover point, where northern species like spruce and balsam fir grow next to southern hardwoods like sugar maple, red oak, and yellow birch. That mix means a wider range of fall colour than you'd get from a single-species forest: deep red, burnt orange, and gold, all held together by the seasonal consistency of the dark green conifers.

By the time we're back at the vehicles, you'll have spent the day walking through some of the best fall colours eastern Ontario has to offer!

Self drivers please note - Frontenac is at least a 3hr drive and requires a $15 day pass - you're strongly recommended to choose the transport option for this trip. The day pass is included for anyone riding in the van.
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Accessibility
Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to [info@wildernessunion.com](mailto:info@wildernessunion.com)

Highlights
Stunning Fall Colours: Red and gold hardwoods press right up against bare granite, the loop's sharpest colour contrast.
Doe Lake Lookout: A gap in the trees opens onto the full length of Doe Lake, framed by granite shoreline and turning hardwoods.
Away from the Crowds: Lesser known spot to enjoy the Fall colours.

Event cost: $75+HST (for explorer members). Optional transportation available.
Register here.

About Wilderness Union
Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people.

Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad.

Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming!

Learn more at our website www.wildernessunion.com