Hiking in Canada - Killarney Park, Ontario
Hiking in Canada is a wonderful way to explore. Visit Killarney Park in Ontario for the spectacular white quartzite La Cloche hills. Killarney Provincial Park boasts one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Commonly known as the La Cloche Mountains, the ridges are composed of ancient white quartzite and date back three and a half billion years. The La Cloche hills were originally taller than the Rocky Mountains and now form some of Ontario's tallest peaks. Coexisting side-by-side with the quartzite ridges are sloping red granite rocks that emerged 1.5 billion years after the quartzite. These beautiful formations make up most of the shoreline along Georgian Bay and the inland lakes of the Park.
La Cloche Silhouette Trail
The La Cloche Silhouette Trail is named after a painting by Group of Seven artist Franklin Carmichael. These two day hikes follow sections of the 100km trail closest to George Lake Campground. When stopping for breaks, please do not occupy campsites as they are reserved for overnight hikers.
West Access: The west trailhead is at George Lake Dam. Parking/privy nearby
Length: 14km. to Acid Lake and return. Linear Trail.
Time: Round Trip to Acid Lake approx. 6-7 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate
Caution: Some parts of the trail may be quite wet depending on recent weather
The West (Baie Fine) section of the trail heading to Acid and Lumsden Lakes covers rolling topography, generally under forest canopies. The trail crosses small streams and rivers, occasionally passing rocky lakeshores. Deer and smaller mammals may be spotted. Paw prints and wolf scats may also be seen.
East Access: This trail starts from Blue Heron Circle. Parking /privies nearby.
Length: 20km. to "the Crack" approx. 10 to 12 Hours (or Ask Killarney Outfitters to recommend an easier route only 1.5 hours each way!)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Cautions: In wet weather rock surfaces are very slippery. Do not try to reach "the Crack" unless you are in good shape and get an early start. The east (Killarney Ridge) section of the trail heads towards A.Y. Jackson Lake and "the Crack" passing through forested and rocky sections. Climbing "the Crack" requires concentration and effort. Large boulders broken away from the rock faces provide the "stairs" which must be negotiated to reach the ridge top. Once on the ridge the view is magnificent, overlooking inland lakes and white hills in the park and the vast coastline of Georgian Bay.
The Chikanishing Creek Trail
Winding to the park's southern boundary, Chikanishing Trail passes over a series of small ridges to end at a beautiful wave - washed point on Georgian Bay. This trail allows excellent views south over the Bay, and exhibits typical Precambrian Shield geology. Wildlife includes small mammals such as squirrels, mink and raccoons. Vegetation is typical of the rocky, windswept terrain throughout Killarney and the Georgian Bay coast. Soils are acidic, and vegetation is stressed by shallow soil depths and harsh growing conditions. In some locations, protected areas provide enough soil to allow large pine, oak, maple and shrub species to gain a foothold. Black metal rings used for mooring lines during the logging days can still be seen at a few locations along the trail. Interpretive plaques on the route tell of the colourful history of this part of Georgian Bay.
Access: Chikanishing Trail starts at the end of Chikanishing Road, 2km west of the park office. Parking/Privy nearby.
Length: 1-1.5 hours, without stops.
Difficulty: Moderate
Caution: In wet weather rock surfaces are very slippery.
The Granite Ridge Trail
Granite Ridge Trail starts by winding through old fields and forests. On the ridge, two lookouts offer incredible views over the park area. From the South Lookout, Collin's Inlet and Phillip Edward Island follow the shore below you. Georgian Bay stretches to the horizon. To the west, Manitoulin Island is visible on clear days. The North Lookout opens onto the ridges of the La Cloche Range which reach as far as the eye can see. The closest ridge is Killarney Ridge. Blue Ridge sits beyond the north. Raptors can be seen from the lookouts, and small mammals like squirrels and porcupine are in evidence. Granite Ridge Trail offers a 'big picture' of the area, showing hikers the spectacular scenery of this special part of Ontario.
Access: Opposite park office.
Length: Approx. 2km. Loop trail
Time: 1.5 hours, without stops.
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections.
Caution: In wet weather rock surfaces are very slippery. The trail path may be wet.
The Cranberry Bog Trail
The Cranberry Bog Trail leads hikers past picturesque landscapes, including beautiful A.Y. Jackson Lake. Bogs, marshes and swamps exhibit typical wetland plant species, including sundew, leatherleaf, pitcher plant, and cranberry. Beaver 'chews', lodges and feed piles can be seen enroute. Ducks and Great-blue Herons can sometimes be seen as well as warblers and Red-winged Blackbirds. Passing over granite outcrops, the evidence of glaciation ranges from smooth rock surfaces to glacial striations and chatter marks. A.Y. Jackson Lake, named after the Group of Seven artist, is striking with its blue waters nestled against a backdrop of pink rock and green vegetation. This is a lovely scene to photograph or sketch. The Cranberry Bog Trail gives hikers an opportunity to see Killarney's beauty up close.
Access: Cranberry Bog Trail starts off the campground road, near site #103. Parking/Privy nearby
Length: 2 _ hours, without stops.
Difficulty: Moderate
Caution: In wet weather rock surfaces are very slippery.
The Lighthouse/Tar Vat Bay Trail
Tar Vat Bay Trail leads to Pond Point and back for a nice 7 km hike. Following Georgian Bay, the trail gets its name from a small bay where fishermen once tarred their nets. If you continue east past Pond Point, an easy scramble up an outcrop at bayside leads to a great view of Killarney Ridge.
Access: Tar Vat Bay Trailhead is near the lighthouse in Killarney. Parking is available at the trailhead. No privy nearby.
Time: 2- 2.5 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate
Cautions: Rock surfaces may be slippery when wet.
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