Hey Kingston, Take a Walk on the Wild Side!
By Glenn Rea
It has been scientifically proven that walking in nature is really good for our health; and one of the many benefits of living in the Kingston area is the abundance of amazing hiking trails within minutes from every doorstep. Whether you want to venture out for just a few minutes of fresh air and an easy walk surrounded by songbirds or you want a more adventurous afternoon excursion that can really build up a good sweat, you’re definitely in luck in this neck of the woods.
Today, we’ll explore Kingston’s natural beauty in all its glory. By the time you’re finished, you might be tempted to pack your bags and move! Or at least book a weekend getaway that is well worth it.
What is Kingston all about and what is it like to live here? Learn more in Is Kingston, Ontario a Good Place to Live?
Choose Your Gorgeous Nature Escape
The pristine waterfront, a peaceful, lush forest, an open meadow, a rocky shoreline, or all of the above?You have options, to say the least!
Kingstonians are often surprised to find out that the Downtown Waterfront Path actually connects with the long and winding Rideau Trail System that leads all the way to Ottawa and crosses the K&P Rail Trail along the way. You can also take a short trip to Frontenac Provincial Park or Rock Dunder Nature Reserve to climb more rugged terrain and witness some spectacular views from their stunning “summits” if you wish; but you definitely don’t need to pack an overnight bag to reset your nervous system around here.
8200 Feet of Stunning Waterfront
Lemoine Point Conservation Area is a hidden gem nestled along the waterfront in the west end of the city; and with 336 acres and 8200 feet of shorefront, it may be just what the doctor ordered. There’s parking on both the north side (just past the Collins Bay Marina) and on the south side (just past the Kingston Airport).
However, a piece of friendly advice is to park on the north side during the winter season if you want to avoid the wind chill that can whip through the open fields (the north lot is actually adjacent to the forest and connects to one of the main paths).
Another reason Lemoine Point is so popular is that it’s very user friendly. You really don’t need hiking boots or advanced outdoor experience to enjoy it (although ice cleats can come in handy during times of flash freezing, but that goes for anywhere these days).
Most of the trails are relatively easy to walk and are extremely well-maintained, making them great for all ages and mobility levels. Depending on your mood and energy level, you can choose to do a short loop or spend several hours exploring.
Most regulars have even developed their own favourite “routes” through the park over time. There are also plenty of benches strategically placed to provide people a place to rest (and in many cases, provide moments of privacy for quiet and peaceful contemplation).
Still have more questions about Kingston? Fortunately, we have even more answers, which you’ll discover in the posts below:
- A Homeowner’s Ultimate Guide to Kingston Real Estate
- Where Is Kingston, Ontario?
- Your Guide to Schools in Kingston, Ontario
Birds Eating Out of Your Hand. Literally.
Feeding the birds is often a highlight for those who visit the park. Not only has this tradition now been passed down through generations, but we also think that the trust instilled in these feathery friends must have been passed down amongst their families as well.
If you’ve never had a bird eat out of the palm of your hand, you’re in for a real treat. Hearing the flap of a chickadee’s wings as it flies toward you, and feeling the weight of their tiny toes resting on your hand is truly magical. Sometimes they will even take a moment to stare into your eyes, as if to say “thank you” before choosing their snack and flying off.
Although chickadees are the friendliest and most confident bird to approach, nuthatches will also take part in the buffet from time to time; and if you’re really lucky, you’ll find a brave blue jay or woodpecker that cannot pass up the opportunity for a delicious peanutty treat, too. And yes, some birds are willing to land right on the top of your head for an amazing photo op.
What is the most enticing snack food for birds? It turns out it is a mix of unsalted sunflower seeds and unshelled peanuts. Place at least a tablespoon of this mixture in the palm of your extended hand (or on your head), stay completely still, and breathe. If you can whistle, then two high-pitched bursts (like a chickadee) can also help signal that lunch is now served. Sometimes you’ll have a line-up forming in the trees or even on your arm.
SQUIRRELS! (And Other Wildlife, Too)
One of the things that surprises first-time visitors to Lemoine Point Conservation Area is just how much wildlife lives there. Besides all the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and rabbits, the park is also home to a large population of wild deer (at last count, there were more than 20); and early mornings and evenings are often the best times to spot them quietly moving through the forest trails or grazing near open meadow areas.
And on occasion, you may just come across wild turkeys wandering through the woods or goslings being escorted along the shore by their Canadian Geese parents. Not too long ago, you might have crossed paths with an overly friendly pot belly pig that would pop by from the neighbouring farm as well.
Interconnected Trails, One Spectacular Setting
Another big part of what makes the Lemoine Point Conservation Area so special is that there isn’t just one main trail. There are several smaller paths winding quietly through the woods; and often those less-travelled trails become the most peaceful part of the experience.
The trail system winds through several different ecosystems, which keeps walks interesting year-round. Some sections feel like classic Canadian forest trails, while others open up to stunning waterfront scenery and wide skies over the lake.
There are wooded trails, marshland, open meadows, rocky shoreline, and amazing views. And path number two has some crazy looking trees with root systems winding above the ground (as if the trees could just start walking away). A helpful map for newbies is actually downloadable so you don’t get too confused and turned around on your trek.
Get Off the Beaten Path in Kingston
While the main paths are beautiful, the narrower side trails can create a completely different feeling. They naturally encourage mindfulness in a way that’s hard to explain until you experience it yourself. One of our favourite things to do is simply sit on one of the benches deep within the wooded areas and look straight up toward the canopy.
The tall treetops sway gently back and forth high above in a breeze you can’t even feel 30 or 40 feet below on the forest floor. It creates this strange, yet calming disconnect where the world above you is moving while everything around you feels still and peaceful. For a few minutes, the noise of everyday life just fades away (there is a particular bench on path number two that is ideal for this, and you just might recognize the last name inscribed on it…hint: it’s only three letters).
And if you wonder why the Trillium is the provincial flower, look no further than that forest floor during the few weeks in early May when they brighten the base of most trunks.
Looking for the perfect place to put down roots? The posts below will lead the way:
- Why Buy a House With Caldwell & Co.
- The Complete Home Buying Checklist
- Buying Your First Home? Kingston Is Calling!
Fun Fact for all the History Buffs Out There:
During the war of 1812, several cannons were planted on Lemoine Point in the expectation that the Americans might land there in an attempt to capture Kingston. Thankfully, that was a false alarm, and in 1836, Lemoine Point was sold to Captain William Lemoine, a retired British Army officer who settled here.
Although it was sold to others over the years, including the wealthy Coverdale family, it retained the name Lemoine Point in honour of the captain. Then in 1975, with the help of the Cataraqui Conservation Authority, the City of Kingston purchased all but 88 acres from the Coverdale family. There was a farm on the other 88 acres that remained operational for several decades after, and has just recently been purchased by the city to keep it from being overdeveloped or commercialized.
Now, if you end up loving Lemoine Point as much as we do, you can get involved with the Friends of Lemoine Point. The Friends of Lemoine Point is a local community-based group of volunteers that helps to conserve and enhance Lemoine Point.
They also promote public awareness and enjoyment of the conservation area, conduct invasive species control projects, and run the Native Plant Nursery at the North end of the conservation area where plants and trees can be purchased during special events every spring.
Wherever you decide to take your next walk in nature, we hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Do you want to talk more about the benefits of living in Kingston? It’s a conversation we never tire of! Reach out to us at caldwellco@royallepage.ca or call 613.449.6588 today.
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