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The Georgian Bay shoreline creates spectacular scenery from north to south. With rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, dozens of towns, and hundreds of islands, Georgian Bay and Lake Huron offer beautiful landscapes, as well as several ways to enjoy those various landscapes. The further north you travel along the Georgian Bay, the more remote these landscapes become.
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Killarney Provincial Park is one of the northernmost points on the Georgian Bay that is accessible to the public.
The park borders the waterfront for a small stretch, with the rest of Killarney Provincial Park taking up over 600 km2 north of the Huron shores. This includes the La Cloche Mountains, 50 lakes, and several small creeks. Additionally, the heavily forested area provides incredible backdrops to any activity: camping, boating, hiking, picnicking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Hiking under Killarney’s Fall Colours
The day hikes within Killarney Provincial Park offer stunning views of George Lake, the La Cloche Mountains, and more surrounding waterways. These hikes are, for the most part, moderate in terms of difficulty levels and will require 1-3 hours to complete. Along the trails, enjoy the bright fall foliage of the park’s maple trees and birch trees.
- Those more moderate trails include the Chikanishing Trail (3 km) to views of Georgian Bay; the Cranberry Bog Trail (4km) through stunning fall colours; the Granite Ridge Trail (2km) for great mountain views, and the Lake of the Woods Trail which loops the Lake (3.5km).
- The more challenging of Killarney’s hikes is the Crack trail at 6km with a steep climb. This trail is better suited to more experienced hikers. The hike is worth every step up as you approach the best view of the park.
Paddling under Killarney’s Fall Colours
Killarney Provincial Park is comprised of 50 lakes, many of which are interconnected. This creates opportunities for the ultimate backcountry canoe or kayak adventure with route options that cover multiple days.
- The Chikanishing Access Point has a boat launch for those wishing to get onto the waters of the Georgian Bay, whether by paddle or motorized boats.
- The other 50 lakes of the park only permit nonmotorized boating.
- George Lake has a dock near the main beach, which is hidden within a small cove of the lake. Paddlers can explore this calm and quiet area around the beach and under the beauty of the La Cloche Mountains or continue further on the shorelines for a full day of paddling.
- The connection between Killarney’s many lakes starts with George Lake; this then connects to Freeland Lake and, eventually Killarney Lake.
- Canoe rentals are available onsite.
Stargazing at George Lake
While not an official national dark sky preserve, Killarney Provincial Park is still over 100km from the closest urban centre (Sudbury). The remoteness of the park and, therefore, lack of light pollution create the perfect setting for evening and nighttime stargazing- whether from the day use and beach area or the comfort of your campground.
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Get Inspired & Create
The natural beauty, remote environment, and accommodations of Killarney Provincial Park make it a huge draw for artists.
The Friends of Killarney Provincial Park hosts summer art events and markets, as well as art shows and sales.
Additionally, The Friends of the Park features different artists in residence. So, if visiting Killarney any time of year, be sure to bring your own materials and find your own inspiration from the park.
Year-Round Camping at Killarney
Whether you prefer the backcountry camping experience, standard tent or RV/trailer sites, or prefer a roofed accommodation, Killarney PP offers it all. And they offer these camping options all year! The front country George Lake Campground sites include radio-free camping, pull-through options, rustic cabins, and equipped soft-sided tents.
Explore the Village of Killarney
Find the village of Killarney to the south of the park and on the shores of the Georgian Bay- you’ll know you’re there when you see the Big Dipper, the world’s largest paddle! The Big Dipper is at the Killarney Mountain Lodge & Conference Centre. Further east from here is the Killarney East Lighthouse, which creates several photo opportunities and picturesque scenes on the rocky Georgian Bay shore.
- Killarney’s local restaurants and cafes are centred around Channel Street, like Herbert Fisheries, Gateway Restaurant & Bakery, the three options provided by the Sportsman’s Inn Resort & Marina, or the five more options offered at the Killarney Mountain Lodge!
Planning your Trip – Killarney Provincial Park
Location and how to get there: 110km south of Sudbury via the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway ON-69
Killarney Provincial Park is located around:
- ~ 300 km from Barrie (3 hours drive)
- ~425 km from Toronto (4.5 hours drive)
- ~ 560 km from Ottawa (6.5 hours drive)
- ~ 560 km from London (6.5 hours drive)
Best time to go: open year-round, Fall fun: October
How Much: $18.00 per vehicle. Reserve online to ensure access, especially during weekends.
For more information:
