North Frontenac Lodge
North Frontenac Lodge - Guest Experience
North Frontenac Lodge is special. This morning I woke up without an alarm after a solid sleep in the built in log bed. A quick stretch and I wandered a whole five steps to the kitchen for a view of the water and morning sun lighting up the trees. With the loons calling out and the midst rolling off the lake, the first few sips of my morning coffee seemed especially peaceful.
The log cabins, three total, were built in the 1940s and it was originally a fly-in fishing destination. There is also a fourth larger cabin available. No worries about having to fly in to this location though, there's dirt road access, one that twists and turns following the hydro lines. Once you turn on to Log Cabin Lane, you'll notice the cottages and log cabins lining the way on the shores of Mosque Lake. The cabins and shared beach at North Frontenac Lodge give off that "summer camp" vibe, except there's no noise, just calm.
Upon arrival yesterday, I was met by Jolene, the owner the North Frontenac Lodge. Originally from Toronto, she was looking for a quiet spot where she could create memories and have a few out buildings to rent out on AirBnB. It is, in my opinion, an adventure that we all secretly desire at one point.
The Low Down
Located in North Frontenac, near Oompah.
Close to PCCA, Schooner's Lake, and Crotch Lake trails for hikers.
Original log cabins.
Dogs are welcome (extra cleaning charge applies).
Electricity and Starlink Wi-Fi in cabins.
Fresh linen and towels provided (extra charge) or bring your own.
Washrooms in cabins and showers near the main lodge.
Full kitchen (fridge with freezer, stove, kettle, dishes).
Shared screened in gazebo and fire pit
Shared beach with canoe and kayaks available
Incredible kind and thoughtful hosts
Book and more info: https://northfrontenaclodge.ca/
“A rustic retreat surrounded by the unique vibe of the Canadian outdoors. Come and explore all that awaits to be discovered at North Frontenac Lodge. These lakeside cabins are ready to help you reconnect with nature and welcome you to a simple way of living with the same feel and comfort of home.
North Frontenac Lodge is established in a 1940’s old fishing lodge that represents a time when life felt slower and living was calmer. Every season, the lodge is ready to offer unique experiences – trout fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, hiking, ice fishing, campfires and stargazing.” ~ North Frontenac Lodge
Rustic Overnight Stays in a Log Cabin
When it comes to guest stays, the word "rustic" can be interpreted a million different ways depending on our experience and imagination. So let me paint the picture for you.
Let's take my stay in the 'Cedar' cabin. It's a studio cabin, one room. The cabin is located right on the shoreline with lake views on one side, and the dirt road on the other. The log cabin is true to it's original state in that the logs are exposed along with the ceiling. It's got that cottage feel with modern perks and beautifully mismatched dishes. There's hot water, a two-piece washroom, a full kitchen, electricity, fans and an electric fireplace space heater.
The wood floors are worn yet well maintained. And yes, there's a solid Starlink wi-fi connection for anyone who works remotely, like me. Speaking of which, the small table by the window is perfect for work! As for showers, no stress, there's a shower house by the owner's main cabin for guests to use. Only one cabin, the larger Juniper Cabin has it's own shower.
Recommendation: Bring shower sandals and maybe a housecoat to use the showers. Consider keeping all your food in the fridge or cooler/rubbermaid to discourage critters (note that I saw none during my stay, it's just normal protocol for country living).
North Frontenac Lodge Wildlife
Loons, geese, and fish is what I've seen the most. On the drive here, be cautious of deer and wild turkeys.
Recommendation: This is probably a good spot to mention a word of caution is you're taking South Lavant Road to come here from Hopetown. It is a beautiful road, a favourite to drive actually, but, if you have kids or pets that easily get car sick be warned that it a curvy road with lots of dips. Also note that you shouldn't speed, there are no sidewalks so you'll often see folks walking along the roadway, not to mention the wildlife like wild turkeys and deer that can catch you off guard.
North Frontenac Lodge Activities
Ok, let's chat about Mosque Lake and guest access! There is a small sand beach, with a nice gradual entrance into the lake. That said, it's still recommended to have water shoes. There's large dock and you'll find a paddle boat, canoe, and kayaks available to use during your stay. If you're into SUP, you're welcome to bring that are well but note that it is a motorized lake (yet, for the most part, very very quiet) so you might catch a little wave or too.
Recommendation: Bring water shoes!
North Frontenac Lodge Trails and Treats
Your welcome book in each cabin will have a list of nearby spots to explore and enjoy including beach, an alpaca farm, and food stops. If you want to combine your cabin experience with a hiking adventure then you can check out PCCA, Schooner's Lake, and Crotch Lake (Linda's Loop) trails. PCCA is the closest and suitable for families, Linda's Loop is roughly marked and over 20+ kms (recommended for experienced hikers only).