Gould Lake
Eastern Ontario’s best-kept trail-running secret
Nestled within the wilderness of Gould Lake Conservation Area is a hidden trail running gem, featuring some of the most diverse, challenging and technical trails that you will find in eastern Ontario.
Gould Lake is situated 35k north of Kingston and is often overlooked as a trail running destination due to its close proximity to the much-larger Frontenac Provincial Park just a few kilometres up the road. The rugged beauty of Gould Lake makes for a running experience that will not disappoint and a must-do for those looking for new trails to explore.
Like much of the surrounding area a century ago, Gould Lake was home to several mica mines, which were active until 1912. A number of mining pits are still visible today and will take you back in time as you run past them and peer down.
Today, the Gould Lake Outdoor Centre is the focal activity in the conservation area, offering environmental and experiential learning programs for elementary and high school students year-round, including credit courses during the summer months.
The 20k trail system at Gould Lake weaves along the lake’s shoreline where runners can piece together multiple shorter loops to explore all that the trails
have to offer. Runners can expect to be treated to a wide variety of surfaces including many hills, technical and rocky terrain and some of the sweetest smelling pine needle trails that you’ll ever encounter.
The hills along the eastern side of the lake will have you continuously climbing and descending on challenging singletrack trails and require you to pace yourself accordingly right from the beginning of your run. While the hills aren’t long, many are very steep and repeat relentlessly for an impressive cumulative vertical change. The reward for these climbs are spectacular views from the top of cliffs of the lake far below.
Caution needs to be taken while descending some of these hills as the rocks can be wet and loose, combined with pine needles that cause unsure footing. Some of the hills will have you climbing and descending while using your hands for added balance and security. Trail shoes are highly recommended.
The western series of trails, while still technical in places, does allow for extended sections where you can open up your stride a little and run fast through the long gradual downhills.
The Rideau Trail, which connects Ottawa to Kingston, runs through Gould Lake with orange trail markers guiding the way, so once you have explored all that Gould Lake has to offer, you could extend your run on the Rideau Trail to connect a short distance later with Frontenac Park. The blue trail markers indicate the trails that lie within the 589 hectares of Gould Lake’s boundary.
While trail running (or snowshoe running in the winter) can be done year-round, my favourite time to run the Gould Lake trails is during the summer. The majority of the trails are shaded to provide relief from the sun and you are never far from the lake for a refreshing swim, either during or after your run. Bug spray is recommended when deer f lies are at their peak.
The picnic area and sandy, intimate beach right at the parking lot make this a great place to bring your family and enjoy a full day, while allowing you to explore this wonderful playground of trails.