If you’re looking for your next unforgettable cycling adventure, set your sights on the scenic K&P Trail. Stretching 180km from downtown Kingston to Renfrew, 90km of this multi-use recreation rail trail winds through beautiful Frontenac County. With its changing landscapes, from flat limestone through the St. Lawrence lowlands to rugged Canadian Shield rock cuts, the Frontenac K&P Trail is a dream ride for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
A Trail Like No Other
The K&P Trail serves as a vital link in Eastern Ontario’s extensive network of multi-use trails. In South Frontenac, it connects with the Cataraqui Trail, which runs from Napanee to Smiths Falls. Cyclists can take a short scenic side trip along the Cataraqui Trail to the village of Sydenham. Grab a fresh treat at Grains and Goods Bakery, enjoy a hearty meal at Lenny’s Deli, cool off at The Point Beach, or browse the aisles of Trousdale’s General Store—Canada’s oldest general store.
Further north, in Central Frontenac, the K&P connects with the Tay-Havelock Trail. Together, these routes form part of the Trans Canada Trail— Canada’s longest network of multi-use recreational trails. The K&P is also set to become part of the upcoming Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop, a major initiative aimed at creating a 360km off road loop of rail trails.
The K&P isn’t just a trail, it’s a hub of connection, with endless options for trip planning, detours, and scenic routes.
Planning Your Ride
Getting onto the trail is easy with numerous access points including Harrowsmith, Verona, Godfrey, Hinchinbrooke Station, Tichborne, Sharbot Lake, and Clarendon Station. Whether you’re up for a day trip or a multi-day cycling tour, you can tailor your adventure to suit your pace. Start at one end and cycle the whole stretch, or park somewhere central and explore a new section.
South of Verona, the trail is reserved for non-motorized use, giving cyclists a quiet and peaceful ride. North of Verona, the trail is shared with ATVs and side-by-sides. The Frontenac ATV Club maintains safety with Trail Wardens who frequently patrol the trail and are always ready to lend a hand. ATV riders are known to offer assistance to cyclists in need, demonstrating Frontenac’s small-town hospitality.
A Wild, Beautiful Ride
If you want to experience the most remote and scenic part of the trail, head north, from Tichborne to Snow Road Station. Here, you’ll be surrounded by wetlands, rivers, rock formations, and forest canopies. Expect minimal cell service, perfect for disconnecting and immersing yourself in nature.
When the summer sun gets too hot, take a refreshing break! Frontenac is scattered with lakes and rivers that hug the trail. Just pull over at one of the many quiet lakeshores for a swim and a snack or if the beach is more your style, you can make a pit stop at McMullen Beach in Verona and Sharbot Lake Beach.
5 Must-Stop Spots Along the K&P Trail
1. Back Forty Artisan Cheese & Bistro – Mississippi Station
Nestled near the trail in Mississippi Station, Back Forty is a working farm, cheese shop, and riverside bistro offering raw sheep’s milk cheeses and a farm-to-table dining experience. Their seasonal outdoor kitchen (open Fridays and Saturdays, June–September) serves wood-fired pizzas, cheese flights, and Ontario craft beverages. It’s a rustic, gourmet oasis that makes for a delicious mid-ride stop.
2. Kick & Push Brewing Co. – Sharbot Lake
Conveniently close to the trail, this locally beloved craft brewery offers award-winning beers in a cozy cedar-log taproom. If you enjoy IPAs, stouts, or something crisp like “Relax Alice” (an award-winning amber ale), it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long ride. Indoor and outdoor seating makes it great rain or shine.
3. Belong Sharbot Lake
Sharbot Lake’s Belong is more than a restaurant—it’s an experience. Chef Brad Long, one of Canada’s top culinary talents, brings farm-to-table to life in Belong’s menu. Expect innovative dishes in a welcoming, stylish atmosphere. If you’re looking to refuel after a ride or enjoying a relaxing dinner, this is a recommended stop for foodies.
4. Cardinal Café – Sharbot Lake
Housed in a beautifully restored church, Cardinal Café is equal parts charming and tasty. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and treats, it’s a great place to sip an espresso, grab a soft-serve ice cream, or enjoy lunch on the patio. Its whimsical interior and friendly service make it a fun and memorable pit stop.
5. Food Less Travelled – Verona
This farm store and cafe is all about keeping it local. Cyclists can swing by for a freshly made sandwich, a cold drink, or a scoop of ice cream—perfect for a refreshing break. From hearty homemade shepherd’s pie to soups, baked goods, and seasonal treats, everything is crafted with ingredients sourced from nearby farms or within Canada. It’s a true taste of Frontenac County, and you might even meet the Perry family, who raise the livestock themselves!
Why Cyclists Love the K&P Trail
- Scenic Variety: From peaceful farmlands to dramatic rock cuts and forest tunnels.
- Trail Connections: Access to other major trails and the Trans Canada Trail system.
- Swim Stops: Lakes, rivers, and beaches within minutes of the trail.
- Local Food & Drink: Farm-fresh meals, artisan cheese, craft beer, and gourmet coffee.
- Warm Community: Friendly locals, helpful ATV users, and bike-friendly businesses welcome cyclists with open arms.
Get Rolling!
Frontenac County’s stretch of the K&P Trail is more than just a recreational trail, it’s a gateway to nature. Grab your helmet, pack your panniers, and hit the trail. Come for the views, the food, and the serenity. You’re in for a ride that’s anything but ordinary.
For Additional information on the K&P Trail, visiting and cycling in Frontenac County visit:
- Take a virtual tour of the K&P Trail
- Download maps and find all trail info – www.frontenaccounty.ca
- Frontenac County – Great Places to Cycle – Ontario By Bike – Find cycling routes and trails and bicycle friendly places to visit, eat, and sleep
- South Eastern Ontario – Great Places to Cycle – Ontario By Bike – Find cycling routes and trails and bicycle friendly places to visit, eat, and sleep
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