Sharbot Lake

Sharbot Lake combines island and waterfront experiences with trails on former railway lines and a unique perspective on the region’s railway history. Whether you prefer hiking, spending time at the beach, paddling or discovering local products, the different sides of the community can give your trip different focuses. When choosing a vacation rental or holiday home, it may therefore be important to consider which experiences you want to shape your stay.

Experience Railway History

The Kick and Push Railway Museum is located at the intersection of the former Canadian Pacific Railway and Kingston and Pembroke rail lines in Sharbot Lake. The site brings the former importance of these railway lines to life. Railway history and the people who lived in the region are at the heart of Railway Heritage Park. Park attractions include a caboose exhibit and a children’s playground—a tangible point of interest for anyone looking to combine historical discoveries with a break for younger travel companions.

The trails also tell the story of the route’s former use. The 35 km Central Frontenac Trailway – Trans Canada Trail Section is a multi-use trail that runs east to west through Sharbot Lake on a former railway line. The Frontenac K&P Trail is a fully developed, gravel-surfaced rail trail with a stop in Sharbot Lake. Both trails make the railway heritage visible as part of today’s landscape, without requiring you to rely solely on exhibitions.

Trails with Different Profiles

For a shorter hike, consider the Ridgeview Trail: The out-and-back route is 0.5 km long, has an easy to moderate difficulty level and leads to a lookout from the ridge. The Discovery Trail in Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is longer at 1.2 km and follows a loop; its difficulty level is moderate. If you prefer a loop, this offers a different type of trail from the Ridgeview Trail. The length, route and difficulty level can help you choose a walk that suits your preferences.

Thomson's Cut is a trail section in the hamlet of Sharbot Lake that is still under development. It is intended for pedestrians and users of off-road motorized vehicles. Lights and historically styled lighting elements have been installed along about 300 metres at Thomson's Cut to encourage nighttime use of the trail by all user groups. Its development status and distinctive design set Thomson's Cut apart from the hiking trails described above.

99 Islands, Paddling and Beach Time

Sharbot Lake has 99 islands and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Those who want to explore the landscape from the water can paddle along the shores and around the rugged islands. Canoes can be rented at Sharbot Lake Provincial Park, in the vicinity of the destination. This makes it possible to include both an active day on the water and time on land as different interests in your trip planning.

For a relaxing time by the water, Sharbot Lake has a sandy beach that is open for free recreation. Facilities include washrooms, a pavilion, picnic tables, a playground, a large floating dock and a marked swimming area. The public washroom at the K&P Trailhead at Sharbot Lake Beach serves a range of users: trail users, beachgoers, shoppers, walkers, cyclists and ATV users. The beach offers a convenient option for a break outdoors, while the lake’s islands and shores invite you to go paddling.

Local Products and Short Breaks

The Sharbot Lake Farmers Market offers fresh bread, seasonal produce, locally raised meat, maple syrup and honey. There are also preserves, handmade soap and handcrafted goods. The selection ranges from food to handmade products, offering a unique look at what’s available locally.

The Cardinal Café is located in a restored church in Sharbot Lake and serves fresh coffee and homemade baked goods. If you enjoy discovering local places and distinctive buildings on your trip, this café brings both together.

If you’d like to explore more local pages: Cloyne, Kingston, Battersea, Sydenham, Mountain Grove and Wolfe Island.

For the broader trip overview: Frontenac County.