Clarendon Station
Clarendon Station near Sharbot Lake - Guest Experience
Driving up to Clarendon Station, turning off highway 7 and on to the country roads, you leave the buzz of everyday life behind. There’s less traffic, less houses, and more fresh air and treed landscapes. I kept eyeing the lower marsh sections while driving, imagining that moose must enjoy these lands. Pulling up to the station, the building seems bigger that I thought.
With ample parking, the station sits on the east side of the K&P trail and there are two homes on the west side. The front of the building, with its large patio, faces east, into a field then forested area.
Walking in, my mouth dropped.
This isn’t your average stay, it has everything you could possibly need, unique design elements, and, well, a lot of ‘wow’ factor.
It’s also rich with history with books, articles, and photos displayed in a way that blends perfectly with the décor. Look closely and you’ll learn plenty of interesting insights.
“Clarendon Station was a railway village on the former K & P Railway Line which took shape in the 1870s. This newer station was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in and around 1917, after the original station had burned down.” – Clarendon Station
The Low Down
On the K&P Trail for hikers, cyclists, snowshoers, skiers
Bring the kids!
Boardgames, outdoor games, books, and toys
AC, central heating, and gas fireplace
Limited to no cell reception, Wi-Fi (incl Netflix and Prime)
Fresh linen, towels, and bodywash/shampoo/conditioner provided
Fully equipped kitchen
10min drive to Hwy 7 (gas station)
13min drive to Sharbot Lake (groceries, cafes, etc)
The most kind, thoughtful, and helpful hosts Kathy and Noel
Book and more info: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/869643305663088344
“Clarendon Station is one of the last remaining stations (besides the one located in downtown Kingston) on the former Kingston & Pembroke Railway. The station has been lovingly restored to reflect the architecture of its day but with all the modern amenities one might desire. The whole group will be comfortable in this spacious and unique building.” – Clarendon Station
Inside Clarendon Station
I’ll get to you hikers and activity enthusiasts in a second. First I wanted to highlight how this is a fantastic stay for families or for creatives.
For families, there’s there trail to enjoy of course, either with hiking, biking, snowshoeing, or skiing but the indoor are is also perfectly set up for you. There’s a full kitchen and large dining table for meal times. The living room has a tv with Netflix and prime, a dresser full of board games, and very comfortable furniture. There are two single beds in the upstairs loft, a queen bed on the main floor, and a king in the master bedroom upstairs. Now, the added space is the real win. It’s a garage like area that’s been converted as a rec room. There are games, kids toys, train memorabilia and plenty of room to have fun. It’s unheated but no worries there, a space heater is provided for the cooler months.
For creatives, there are so many well designed elements of the station that would make a fantastic back drop for content photos. The dining room table or multiple seating options in the living room for collaborative sessions or concentrated work time. It’s my next goal to have a creative retreat here with friends to work on our businesses and bounce ideas. I can imagine the day easily with break to take a walk on the trail or evenings spent around the fit pit outside.
Recommendation: As the owners will advise, it’s best to enable wi-fi calling on your smartphone before arriving. I did notice that there was slightly better reception about 500m down the south end of the K&P Trail.
Clarendon Station Wildlife
If you’re looking to experience wildlife, then my suggestion would be to venture out a little a hike one of the trails mentioned in the next section. On the K&P trail, I noticed blue jays and wood peckers mostly, along with rabbit and deer tracks.
Recommendation: Try out the iNaturlist app, for flora identification along the trails.
Clarendon Station Trails
Ahhh, the section we’re all waiting for – the trails! Calrendon Station makes for a great homebased for nature lovers, hikers, cyclists, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers. It’s right on the multi-use K & P Trail and there are some of my favourite trails within driving distance.
The K&P Trail
Let’s start with the K&P Trail, it’s a 180km old rail line that has been converted into a multi-use trail. Frontenac County owns and manages 90kms of the trail and for this section, the trail is a wide dust and stone path. It is maintained year round and that includes being groomed in the winter months.
As a multiple-use trail, you can use it for cycling, walking, hiking, horseback riding, ATV’ing (with restrictions), and snowmobiling (with restrictions). There is no camping permitted along the trail.
You can use the trail:
April 1-Nov 1 6am to 10pm
Dec 1 – Mar 30 7am to 10pm
More information and trail maps: https://www.frontenaccounty.ca/en/things-to-do/kp-trail.aspx
Other Trails
Ready to hit the trails, here are the ones that I recommend that are nearby in Frontenac County and Lanark County:
Palmerston Canonto Conservation Area (6km of trails, two vistas, and beach)
Silver Lake Provincial Park (marchlands and boardwalk, unmaintained in winter)
Purdon Conservation Area (wild orchids, boardwalk, fully accessible)
Crotch Lake (Linda’s Loop) and trail map (21kms, navigation skills required)
Kennebec Wilderness Trail (hidden entrance from hwy, varied terrain)
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park (two short trails with views)
And if you’re an astronomy and photography enthusiast, you can check out:
Don’t forget to download your free print out on what to wear hiking, safe solo hiking, and seasonal considerations!
Clarendon Station Shops and Stops
The beauty of Clarendon Station is that it makes for the perfect hub, you drive south to Sharbot Lake for groceries, gas, or to stop at Cardinal Café, Belong Sharbot Lake, and Seed to Sausage. Drive 7 mins North on the 509 to visit Back Forty Artisan Cheese, or 8 mins South to Conboy Maple Syrup.
Want to stay on the train theme and fancy a good brew? Only 10 mins away, off of highway 7 is Kick and Push Brewery.
Enjoy And Stay Connected!
Are you going to check out Clarendon Station? If so, tag @clarendonstation and @girlgonegood with your adventures! I’d love to see what trails you enjoyed and your stay with Clarendon Station - all of it.