Toronto Star 2002 End-to-End Itinerary-594 km

1. Our starting point: Lennox Generating Station

We are given a brief information session by Ross Forrest of the Eastern Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Waterfront Working Group. Explaining some of the exciting future plans are: Murray Beckel from Loyalist, County Warden and Loyalist Twp Reeve, Clayton McEwen, Greater Napanee Mayor Dave Remington, Mr. Dingman, a representative from Loyalist Parkway Association, and Barbara Bradshaw and Shirley Bailey, who have made incredible contributions to extending the Waterfront Trail east to Brockville.

2. Lennox Generating Station, waterfront area

The eastern portion of the Lennox Generating Station is now used for agricultural purposes. The Station is prepared to offer land to create a waterfront conservation area. Future plans include replacing the existing park on the west side of County Rd 21 with a larger, more diverse conservation area on the south east section of the property, adjacent to the waterfront.

3. The wide shoulders of the Loyalist Parkway

The Loyalist Parkway Association has been critical to the success of cycling and trails in the township (http://www.loyalistparkway.org/). The Loyalist Parkway is a touring route with 40 archeological sites and 125 notable heritage buildings. Thanks to the work of Eastern Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River WWG, the Association has agreed to designate portions of the Parkway as part of The Waterfront Trail - from Aldophustown to Kingston.

4. Waterfront Park on The Loyalist Parkway

5. Fairfield House

We see many examples of our excellent architectural heritage throughout Loyalist, Bath, Millhaven and Amherstview. Loyalist Township at 352 Academy Street (613-352-3361) has a mini-guide to heritage buildings and other points of interest in the area.

6. Councilors George Beavis and George Stoparczyk and Jan Rector, Kingston Planning Dept.

Quarried into the side of the bluff to preserve the dramatic view of the Lake, Amherst Islands and Brothers Islands, Fairfield Water Treatment Plant is a wonderful example of beautiful and innovative design.

7. Councilors Beth Pater and Don Rogers, Lake Ontario Park

8. Excellent existing waterfront paths

Approximately 45kms long, Kingston's waterfront (www.city.kingston.on.ca/) has a number of excellent waterfront parks and paths already. However, some Kingston sections have little if any shoulder and care needs to be taken on the road in front of The Kingston Penitentiary.

9. Terrific museums

The Pumphouse Steam Museum and the Great Lakes Museum are two of the terrific museums close to the Kingston waterfront, and will appeal to children.

10. A unique "B&B"

Alexander Henry is a 210', retired Canadian Coast Guard vessel, which has been converted into a unique bed and breakfast, within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops and entertainment. Proceeds from the BB go directly to the operation of the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes (613-542-2261) or www.marmus.ca

11. Lunch at Tir Nan Og

There is an incredible range of restaurants available in downtown Kingston.

12. Jan Rector, crossing the bridge over Kingston Harbour (Cataraqui River)

In Kingston you get a strong sense of Canada's military heritage. One of the city's most popular tourism attractions is historic Fort Henry, which offers wonderful views of Kingston.

13. Quiet countryside outside Kingston

The road includes rolling hills and broad shoulders, which give cyclists lots of room.

14. Grass Creek Park/Maclachian Wood Working Museum

One of the few places along this stretch that has refreshments and washrooms to offer, this is a lovely stop and wonderful step backwards in time.

15. The beautiful town of Gananoque

Its quaint hotels and shops and great theatre make Gananoque a pleasant stopover.

16. Crossing the Gananoque River

17. Mayor Sylvia Fletcher Thomas and Waterfront Committee Chair Bryan Adams

The presentation of end-to-end pins, Tilley hats and certificates to the entourage at the restored Town Hall. Congratulations to Shirley Bailey who stuck it out for the whole 70 kms!!

18. Our heroes!!

Thanks to the Mayor, we have transportation to Glenhouse Resort (613 659-2204) just 9 kms east of Gananoque where we spend the night. On the St. Lawrence River, it is surrounded by trees and is a wonderfully relaxing resort with everything from saunas and pools, to bike and canoe rentals.

1. The Ship's Galley Restaurant and Patio Bar, Rockfort

There are not many restaurants or shops along this section, so we take a break in Rockport and pick up a boxed lunch at the Ship's Galley Restaurant and Patio Bar. 23 Front Street, Rockport, Tel (613) 659-3402 or (800)563-8687.

2. Magnificent view of the St. Lawrence River

3. The St. Lawrence Islands National Park

We stop here for lunch (613-923-5261; www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pn-np/list) located in Mallorytown Landing. Established in 1904, the park comprises all or parts of 24 islands, 90 inlets and shoals. This park has washrooms, an interpretation centre, canoe and kayak rentals and lovely spots along the shoreline to enjoy your sandwich.

4. The 1000 Islands Parkway or St. Lawrence Recreation Trail

5. Between the end of the 1000 Island Parkway and Brockville

We've been spoiled by the off-road trail of most of the trip. This short section, between the end of the 1,000 Islands Parkway and the beginning of Brockville, does not have shoulders.

6. Les Kelly and Peter Dunn, at the Brockville Arts Centre

The manager of the Arts Centre, Peter gives us a sneak peek of the excellent opera performance that was underway. (www.brockvilleartscentre.com).

7. The Brock Trail

The 6 km Brock Trail is a paved pathway that winds through the city, highlighting the waterfront and Brockville's scenic parks.

8. Brockville's Waterfront

The landscaping is very natural and follows a meandering course to create interesting corners and spaces.

9. A memorial program

Citizens to contribute to the beautification of the waterfront while honouring a loved one's memory.

10. Brockville's charming historic character

11. The oldest underground tunnel in Canada

The Brockville trail ends at this eerie railway tunnel! Built between 1854 and 1860, it officially opened for traffic on December 31, 1860. For almost 100 years steam locomotives traveled through the Brockville Railway Tunnel, which runs under Victoria Hall (City Hall).