killarney provincial park

Camping is wonderful in Killarney. Lots of the campsite are private. The bathrooms smell (unless you are near one of the newer ones with the flush toilets!). Canoeing is a must in Killarney. At least once each time my family goes, we canoe George Lake, "portage" to Freeland lake, portage to Killarney lake, AND if you think you have time, walk the shorter portage (don't portage the canoe unless you have rented a campsite on the island) to O.S.A. lake. O.S.A. Lake is the most beautiful lake I have ever seen! The water is so clear and the stones in the water are tropical in colour! Then you canoe (or kayak) back to the campground. Hiking is nice to. I would recommend doing The Crack (6 Kilometers) and Silver Peak (10 Kilometers + canoeing 2K to the start of the trail and the 2K back). The swimming is nice for swimming on a hot day. The sunsets are STUNNING. Killarney is truly the Crown Jewel of Ontario.

I went canoe camping with some friends last July, and it was excellent. We spent 2 nights at campsite 87 on Bell Lake, and 1 night at campsite 65 on Johnnie Lake. We hired canoes from Killarney Outfitters, and the park ranger we signed in with was very friendly. The weather was beautiful, as was the park. The campsites were well maintained. 65 was much more open and brighter than 87 (and perfectly situated for canoeing to the Silver Peak hike), but both had rocky outcrops into the lake for sitting on (87 had a huge one which was excellent for fishing off), and they both had thunderboxes (65 had a loo with a view). The hike up Silver Peak was definitely worth it. The view from the top is excellent, and the hike took much less time than we thought it would. Definitely would come back again.

This is a amazing Park lots of Hiking trails we Hiked the Crack a beautiful view, went into Killarney for fish and chips at Herberts , outstanding, Granite Ridge is also nice,stayed the in October thanksgiving weekend the trees are very nice the Park was clean and quite, talked to the camp warden Jamieson, he was very helpful cant wait to go back,stayed on site 123 we have a small tent trailer truly love it....

We visited Killarney as a day trip while staying in Sudbury for the Thanksgiving long weekend. The weather was gorgeous and there were still lots of leaves on the trees, though more yellows and orange than reds. We did the Cranberry Bog trail first and found the first part of the trail pleasant but not particularly scenic as it was mostly in the woods.It was fairly muddy and wet in places. After crossing a little bridge and beaver dam the views open up across a beaver pond with nice reflections and the shore is more typical smooth pink granite rock. There were some quite steep sections where we had to sometimes use our hands a bit. Towards the end there's a nice lookout over George Lake.In the afternoon we drove down to the Chikanishing trail. The trail is more open with views down to Chikanishing Creek and later out to Georgian Bay. There are some parts that are a bit challenging. The trail is a loop with a branch going down to cross a little bridge to the shore of Georgian Bay. You can explore along the shoreline a bit, climbing up and down the rocks. There were a lot more people on this trail than the Cranberry Bog trail but it certainly wasn't crowded.Both trails were well marked, though on the Chikanishing they're sometimes harder to spot because they're often painted on the rocks where there are no trees to use.pics on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hermione_jaschinski/sets/72157646491391074/

We went on the shortest hike - Granite Ridge. Our group included 2 smaller children (6 years old) and 2 grandparents. The kids loved climbing on all of the rocks, but the grandparents found the terrain a little difficult (although they made it to both lookouts!). Half of our group completed the loop, while the small kids/grandparents went back along the same trail that we arrived on. The loop contains one very tricky area - I don't think the grandparents would have been able to climb the rock to continue down the trail.Great park. I am looking forward to completing more hikes there!

We went in October for long weekend, a group of friends, the guys wanted a fishing trip. We found a guide with a both to take 4 of us fishing. It was a blast! Not only we experienced some fishing (we were not too lucky but we didn't go with proper bait) but John our guide took us along the shore and showed us good spots to fish and also told us histories of each place. We got to see the park from the lake. Take the amazing pictures you see on the websites multiply by 10 and that's how beautiful it was seeing those granite rocks in reality. We were lucky to catch a beautiful sunny day so that made it perfect. Towards the end of day south wind picked up so waves were 2-3 feet high. We felt safe and were safe at all times, and warning for the first time visitor trying to rent a boat and go on their own, I do not recommend that at all. You don't know the place, don't know when wind changes and it makes it unsafe for you to return to the golf. Better safe and worry free! I wish we could have had another extra sunny day to go and see trails but we'll go back for sure next year in the summer for more of the breathtaking views of Killarney park. I know now why it is in the top 10 Canadian parks. It is really worth visiting and spending a few days!

I make an annual pilgrimage to Killarney Provincial Park. I find that a few days in the park is a rejuvenating and inspiring experience.Ontario Parks considers this to be their premier park - for good reason. The scenery is spectacular, thanks to steep, narrow, and uniquely white quartzite ridges affording panoramic views in all directions, in particular over Georgian Bay and the maze of interconnected lakes in the park interior. Serious hikers can challenge the week-long circular hike along the ridge crests. Canoeists can explore the interconnected lake system, some with challenging portages, or venture out on Georgian Bay among thousands of erosion-sculpted granitic islands. Dozens of campsites are available in the George Lake campground or at wilderness sites. My favourite activity is a hike to The Crack, a wide fracture that provides an easy route to the top of Killarney Ridge and a spectacular view, only an hour and a half from the highway. I pack in my oil paints and spend the day trying to capture the views on my masonite panels.For geologists, a visit to the Grenville Front is recommended. There is an excellent exposure on the southern shore of Phillip Edward Island, about a km east of the western entrance to Collins Inlet. Attention to wind conditions is recommended while out on the lake!

My wife and I were up here Aug 24 to 28th/2014. We had to book in March to get our spot #61. We were very close to the water for a paddle. The hiking trails are good. Can be tough but good. The hike to "The Crack" was the big hike and it didn't disappoint although there were several people that particular day. The outhouses were fine and they do have shower and laundry buildings. We saw a bear our first morning. It didn't hang around , just took off into the bush off the trail. The views are amazing everywhere you go, from the park to the hiking down by the town of Killarney. We were able to do some Geocaching in the park as well as in the village so that was cool. The sites are on the small side but we were just happy to get a site. Would definitely come again.

The trails are amazing and each one is so unique with inspiring vistas at every turn. Highly recommended!

Killarney This is one of the most beautiful provincial Parks in Ontario. I went camping there in September when the weather was perfect, there were no bugs, and it wasn't too crowded.The park is well laid out. It has beautiful beaches, beautiful trails and one of the most unique and stunning views of the very best that Ontario has to offer. It is a good 4-5 hours from Toronto- but it is well worth the drive. It is like no where else in Ontario- the Canadian Shield and pristine waters I was completely overjoyed as I walk through the park and along the beaches. Many visitors were enjoying the waters in kayaks and on canoes. There were many people that were taking trails into the interior. I had come for the first time to check out Killarney as a potential place to camp for a week. I bought a year long pass which is a good idea because you can enter any Provincial Park for the day - It is a perfect way to look around and see if you would like to spend time. To spend a night it is around $46 - and they had no electrical sights when we visited. Our stay was brief but I will definitely be back. It has a view and a topography unlike any that I've ever seen in my life. I can certainly see why this park is one of the world renowned Group of Seven’s inspirations.Be forewarned that there definitely are Bears the area. But apparently there are no problem bears- that was great news to me. The Ranger came by my campsite and was about to issue me a ticket for having food on the table that was too accessible for bears.I had taken a break from preparing my food to look at the view from the rock that overlooks the water. It was sunset and the view is stunning,The water is clear and clean in the beach is a great place for small children to play.I am definitely planning to go back because you need a good four or five days just to begin exploring this jewel of a park.There are yurts available but book ahead. Another great feature of Killarney. There are stores to buy supplies if you forget to bring them and the town of Killarney is a close drive away. There you can buy freshly caught seafood, it can be smoked or raw or it can be takeaway in the form of fish and chips try out Herbert's fisheries and stroll around the marina.Herbert’s has a huge line of eager customers - so be prepared to wait- there are covered benches to sit on by the water and public washrooms as well. There is also a kayak outfitter just outside the park in Killarney It is a great store with lots of supplies for outdoors man. Remember to bring your wallet it is very expensive. You can rent a kayak or canoe at several locations if you don't have your own.The visitors centre is modern and full of information. The staff were friendly and helpful. We could not fit our Camper into our original site and the ranger was very helpful and pointed out a few spots that were better for large campers. He did take the time to tell me that my partner was a bad "parker"! Bring your bikes, bring your fishing rod, bring your hiking shoes and be prepared for a wonderful stay at Killarney

I like everything there, even mosquitos are friendly. Not to crowded, especially when rainy weather:)

The provincial park system deems Killarney as the crown jewel of the provincial park system. While I have not managed to camp at EVERY provincial park in Ontario (yet!!)...I would certainly agree that Killarney deserves a visit or three. You have to book ahead as it is a small park but it is worth the effort to do so and the long drive to get here. This most recent trip, we did a four night interior canoe loop trip...through Carlyle, Johnnie, Three-Mile, Balsam, Deacon, David and Clearsilver Lakes. Although our weather was disappointing (wet, windy and cold)...it was still beautiful. We then car camped at George Lake...enjoying the Cranberry Bog and Granite Ridge Trail one day and then the George Island loop trail the following one (all highly recommended!).

What a fantastic park to camp in! This trip we decided to try something different and stay in a yurt (walled tent with electricity, two bunk beds, table, chairs, BBQ, deck) instead of a tent. A great choice for our family! This allowed us to stay nice and dry during a torrential downpour throughout the night. The park is on the small side so the beautiful beaches on Lake George were never insanely busy. The views from the beach were spectacular - craggy trees, small mountains and rocks jutting out from the lake. The water was clean, clear and fairly warm. Our kids spent a lot of time jumping off one particular rock into the refreshing water! Even coming across a water snake didn't deter them. ;) My husband, on the other hand, was a little freaked by it! Hehe. There are ample hiking trails with stunning views of Georgian Bay and the LaCloche mountain range. The park store isn't outfitted for groceries so be sure to have everything handy beforehand. If you do need some basic supplies like bread and eggs you can drive ten minutes into Killarney where you will find a general store, ice cream, the BEST fish and chips at Herbert's Fisheries and a lovely view of their marina. I think Killarney Provincial Park is our new family favourite!

Great area to swim and canoe/portage. Also a treed campground within the park that is very atmospheric.

This was our fourth trip to Killarney Provincial Park. On all occasions we have stayed at a yurt. A yurt is a tent type structure set on a wooden platform/deck. The ones at Killarney have power, are quite large and contain two bunk beds involving a single bed over a double, so it sleeps six. There is a table in the yurt as well. The surrounding deck has a picnic table and a barbeque with a side burner, so no camping stove required. Bring your own bedding, and food, which is stored in a bear-proof metal box on the deck. All but yurts 1 and 2 at Killarney have covered areas on the deck in case of rain. Our favourite yurts at 3 and 4 as they are at the back and afford the most privacy. We were in yurt 2 this time and didn't bring a tarp, so we had to deal with some rain. The yurts are also very private and there is a lot of space between these camp sites, which is quite nice. Kilarney park has amazing hiking and a great beach. It is easy to rent a canoe from Killarney Kanoes or from Killarney Outfitters. KK has the paddles and life jackets on site - you just have to reserve over the phone and it is all there. KO you have to drive about ten minutes to their store to get the paddles and jackets, but they do have more canoes available. Canoeing on George lake is great. This year we hiked the Crack as well. We did it with four kids ages 5, 7, 7 and 10, plus three adults. It was a challenge for sure, at times there is a 45 degree plus section over large boulders, but it was worth the view. It was just amazing. It was four hours and a challenge as reported, but we are glad we did it. The kids handled it well except the last 30 minutes or so they struggled, but by then you are walking on an old logging road, so it is flat and easy going. Killarney Provincial Park has some of the best nature that Ontario has to offer. Even the raccoons that came to the site weren't too bad and we didn't have bears on the site this year. Last year at night while sleeping we heard a bear at the bear box, but since we had properly put things away, they left. It was the shuffling and grunt that was clearly bear, and the bear paw print left by a wet paw on a wooden deck that confirmed it.If you haven't gone yet, this is a place worth visiting for young and old alike, and should even make your bucket list!