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Killarney Provincial Park protects a stretch of the La Cloche Mountains on the north shore of Georgian Bay, where white quartzite ridges rise above pink granite and dozens of clear blue lakes. The landscape inspired several Group of Seven painters, and artists were among those who campaigned for it to be protected. It remains one of Ontario's most celebrated wilderness parks, especially among paddlers and backpackers.
George Lake is the hub, with the main campground, a beach, and access to the most popular day hikes. The Crack is a steep scramble through a cleft in the ridge that ends on a lookout over lakes and forest, while Silver Peak, the highest point in the park, takes a longer effort to reach. Experienced hikers tackle the La Cloche Silhouette Trail, a multi-day loop through the heart of the range. Canoe routes thread through interior lakes, including the strikingly clear O.S.A. Lake, and sea kayakers explore the long fjord-like inlet of Baie Fine. The park is also a designated dark-sky area with a small public observatory.
Killarney suits self-sufficient campers, canoeists, and photographers. Summer campsites book up quickly, and autumn color draws crowds. The small village of Killarney, at the end of the road, has a harbor and a famous fish-and-chips stand, and Point Grondine Park lies nearby.
WiserMap travel guideKillarney Ontario White Quartzite Ridges and Canoe RoutesPlan a visit to Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario with white quartzite hills, Silver Peak, The Crack, canoe routes, dark skies, food and an itinerary.Read the guide
Killarney's most famous day hike, about six kilometers return, ending with a scramble up a steep cleft of giant quartzite boulders. From the top you look over O.S.A. Lake, Killarney Lake and the white La Cloche ridges. Wear grippy boots, start early and carry plenty of water.
The highest point in the park, a white quartzite summit with sweeping views over dozens of lakes toward Georgian Bay. It is a long, demanding outing usually reached by canoe and trail or as a side trip from the La Cloche Silhouette Trail. Plan a full day and tell someone your route.
Rugged backpacking loop of about 80 kilometers through the La Cloche Mountains, passing ridges, lakes and the side trail to Silver Peak. Most hikers take a week or more. Book backcountry campsites in advance with Ontario Parks and be ready for steep, rocky terrain.
Short loop of about two kilometers near the George Lake campground, climbing to lookouts over Georgian Bay to the south and the La Cloche Mountains to the north. It is an easy introduction to the park's landscape. Great for families and for sunset on a clear evening.
The park's main hub at the entrance off Highway 637, with a large campground, sandy beaches and canoe rentals on a clear lake backed by white quartzite hills. Many classic views of Killarney are taken here. Reserve campsites early, as summer weekends book out months ahead.
Strikingly clear turquoise lake surrounded by white hills, named for the Ontario Society of Artists, who campaigned to protect the area after Group of Seven painters worked here. It is reached by canoe and portage. Bring a camera; the view from The Crack shows it best.
Long, narrow fjord-like bay of Georgian Bay lined with white quartzite cliffs, ending at a sheltered anchorage known as The Pool. It is popular with boaters and paddlers. From The Pool, a short trail leads to Topaz Lake, a small emerald lake framed by white rock.
A network of lakes and portages links more than 600 interior campsites across the park, from easy routes near George Lake to remote loops. Paddlers come for clear water, rock islands and quiet nights. Book interior sites ahead and pack light for the portages.
Killarney is a designated dark sky preserve, and its public observatory near George Lake houses a large telescope used for evening programs in summer. On clear nights the Milky Way stretches over the lakes. Check the park events board and bring warm layers and a red light.
Loop of about three kilometers along the smooth pink granite shore of Georgian Bay at the Chikanishing access point, west of Killarney village. It passes windswept pines, coves and old fishing sites. Follow the markers on bare rock carefully and avoid the slippery edges near the water.
Small fishing village on Georgian Bay at the end of Highway 637, just beyond the park entrance. Visitors come for fish and chips on the channel, boat tours, a lodge and a quiet waterfront. It is a handy stop for supplies, meals and fuel before or after a park trip.
East of Killarney, Point Grondine Park is a wilderness park managed by the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, with hiking trails and canoe routes on the Georgian Bay coast. Guided programs share Anishinaabe culture. Check opening dates and register before your visit.
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