Lakes & Trails Festival

Kelli Mc Robert | Jul 20, 2022

After a brief COVID break, the Lakes and Trails Festival was back on the calendar for its 5th annual event. The gathering did not disappoint as families lined up early to register for various activities. The volunteers were pleasant and easy to locate as they directed us between the various stations. Throughout the day from 9-1 PM, participants could enjoy the walk, paddle, cycle theme with Sydenham Point as the lake side backdrop. Early in the morning cyclists arrived ready for an 8 KM guided cycle along the lake using the well-groomed Cataraqui Trail. The weather was perfect as the sun was bright and there was less humidity than previous days. The water shimmered and was calm as the group headed off to enjoy the relaxed tour of the lakeside vistas. The crunch of the well-groomed trails was exciting as the large group started off towards their mini adventure.

For those that were feeling more energetic, there was a longer guided 21KM route that looped around the lake and headed back along side roads with water breaks to refresh at scenic stops. Other families enjoyed the opportunity for a bicycle tune up and could stop in with their cycles between 9-1 for expert tuning run by Cycle Kingston. A donation of $30.00 was suggested and was being donated to Gear Up a training program for youth to learn about bikes, repairs, and life skills needed for future employment. Residents could also drop off used bicycles to donate for restoration and refurbishing so they can be offered to those with limited resources in the community. Cycle Kingston is in its 12th year and provides cycling education and awareness through volunteer led initiatives. For more information contact Neal Scott at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

All participants could enjoy free ice cream from Trousdales (and it was delish!!!!) as they wandered through the Natural Heritage Expo and enjoyed displays and free activities from various groups like the Inverary Lake Association, Kingston Frontenac Library, Early On, Girl Guides, and Elements Fitness, to name but a few. Children enjoyed a guided Story Walk towards the lake, as others played in the shaded playground or enjoyed a refreshing swim with two cordoned off sections of clean beachfront. Gaelen Strathdee performed an interactive concert that entertained the young ones and kept them dancing and singing as others enjoyed the shaded picnic areas or snoozed in their strollers.

The Frontenac Pickleball Club held a demonstration on the local courts and for those that like a bit of mystery there was a creative 1-hour (2KM) Historic Sydenham Outdoor Escape Adventure, where you could unravel clues and search historic locations. The well planned self-guided tour gave you a backpack of clues, a map, and the decoder tools you needed to explore Sydenham and solve the mystery. As you looped your way through town each stop gave you a brief history of the location and then offered intrigue as you solved the puzzles and headed eagerly towards the next stop.

Overall, it was a great family friendly event that highlighted some of the beautiful lakes and trails in the area. I look forward to seeing what next year has to offer.