Backpacking in Killarney Park

Some recommendations

Be advised that portions of the La Cloche Silhouette trail are considered very difficult, with numerous steep and rocky sections. When planning your trip, consider the physical abilities of your group and respect your limits. You are responsible for your health and safety.

Learn how to use a map and compass, and always have them with you when you hike.

Choose your route wisely. Average backpackers cover 8 to 10 km/day depending on the terrain. Consider the topography when deciding how far you want to hike in a day (steepness is demonstrated on the map by closely clustered contour lines...more lines = more hill). When in doubt choose the shorter day (it's better to arrive early, than to arrive late and exhausted).

Take care of your feet.

Know how much pack weight you can carry for extended periods. If you have not carried a multi-day backpack before, take a trial run at home. Pack up all the gear you plan to bring and head for a walk to see if you've overestimated. For safe, enjoyable hiking, you should carry no more that 15-18 kg (35-40 pounds).

Please walk in single file on park trails, even through muddy sections, to avoid widening the trail.

Preserve the wilderness and leave no trace of your visit.

It is recommended that all lake water be boiled for at least 5 minutes.

Precautions should be taken to avoid encounters with animals. Clean up properly after meals, never take food, soap, toothpaste, vitamins or scented products into your tent and hang your pack with your food and garbage well away from the tent area.

Killarney Provincial Park Map and La Cloche Silhouette Trail Guide


The Killarney Provincial Park Topographical map, which shows the La Cloche Silhouette Trail,  hike-in sites and much more, is available for purchase on our On-line Store

 

Thinking about hiking the scenic La Cloche Silhouette Trail or interested in learning more about? Then pick up your copy of this comprehensive guide, filled with information such as trail distances, campsite descriptions, low-impact wilderness skills and the rich natural and cultural history of the area.

Permits and Reservations

Always consult a current Killarney Park map when requesting a reservation for an interior trip.

Reservations can be booked for the period between May 1st and October 8th. Outside of these dates reservations are neither required nor available.

Reservations can be booked 5 months in advance from the start date of your trip. For example if you wanted to start your hiking trip on July 5th then you could phone as early as, but not before February 5th.

Reservations may be made for a maximum of 23 nights. To make a reservation call
1- 888-ONT-PARK (888-668-7275).

For information call 1-705-287-2900

Hiking permits are issued on a site specific system, and you must camp at that site.

Fees

$11.00 per adult (18 years and over)
$4.75 per youth Age 6-17
$0.00 per Under Age 6
$8.75 Ontario Seniors
$5.50 Persons with Disabilities (Age 18+)
$2.50 Persons with Disabilities (Age 6-17)

Reservation Fee $12.00


The Rules

As a wilderness park, Killarney has a few additional rules which pertain to backcountry travel.

• A Permit is required for all interior (backcountry) camping or travel.

• Camping is permitted only on designated campsites. These are marked on site by a blue and white sign, usually on a prominent tree.

• No more than six people are allowed to occupy any hiking campsite at one time.

• Make a campfire only in the firepit on designated campsites.

• If a Restricted Fire Zone is posted due to extreme forest fire hazard, all fires are prohibited. Any cooking must be done on a portable stove. If you arrive during a Fire Restriction, you must show park staff your stove before obtaining your permit.

• Cans and glass bottles are not permitted on the park interior.

• Do not harass or disturb wildlife. This includes feeding wildlife, since it ultimately creates "problem" animals;

• Do not destroy or deface any natural, historic, or archaeological features. Don't cut, move or damage live growth -trees, plants, or other vegetation.

• Pack it in - pack it out! Littering is not permitted. Do not dump garbage in interior privies.

• Mechanized travel, including snowmobiles, ATV's and motorboats is generally prohibited in the park.

• All pets must be leashed at all times.

• Do not make excessive noise, which will disturb others.

Besides following the official rules, it is important that you, as a park visitor, take responsibility and use low-impact camping practises. Parks are mandated under the Provincial Parks Act to protect their natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Canoeing in Killarney Park

Some recommendations

• Learn how to use a map and compass and keep them with you. Be aware that campsite and portage signs are small and navigation is required to reach them.

• Choose your route wisely. Use the map scale to judge estimated traveling time. Consider the distance and difficulty or portages - remember, on the map, closely grouped contour lines indicate steeper hills. An average paddler can maintain a speed of 3 km/hr - adjust this estimate according to your group's experience.

• Be aware that water levels change throughout the paddling season. Check with park staff for information on current conditions.

• Be aware of weather conditions. You can obtain weather forecasts when you obtain your permit. A small weather radio can update you during your trip, or you can invest a little time in learning to read the sky to forecast conditions. Be aware that winds can be strong on inland lakes.

• Preserve the wilderness and leave no trace of your visit.

• It is recommended that all lake water be boiled for at least 5 minutes.

• Precautions should be taken to avoid encounters with animals. Clean up properly after meals, never take food, soap, toothpaste, vitamins or scented products into your tent and hang your pack with your food and garbage well away from the tent area.

Killarney Provincial Park Map and Canoe Guide

The 2007 Killarney Provincial Park Topographical map, which shows all portages, canoe-in camping sites and the new Killarney Headwaters and Lakelands Provincial Park is available for purchase on our On-line Store

Looking to plan your next paddling trip in the Park? This handy paddlers companion details a number of diverse canoe routes, ranging from a few days to a week. In addition, the guide offers the reader with tips on equipment and trip planning, wilderness skills, canoe camping with children and much more.

Canoe Rentals

Canoe rentals are available from local outfitters. For more information phone or visit on the web:

Outfitters serving George, Bell, Johnnie and Carlyle Lake access points.
Killarney Kanoes - 705-287-2197 or 888-461-4446
Killarney Outfitters - 705-287-2828 or 800-461-1117
Tyson Lake Marina - 705-690-0326

Outfitters serving the Willisville access point (northwest end of the park)
Widgawa Lodge - 1-800-562-9992  (Park permit issuing station)
Charleton Lake Camp - 1-877-LTS-FISH

Permits and Reservations

Always consult a current Killarney Park map when requesting a reservation for an interior trip.

Reservations can be booked for the period between May 1st and October 10th. Outside of these dates reservations are neither required nor available.

Reservations can be booked 5 months in advance from the start date of your trip. For example if you wanted to start your canoe trip on July 5th then you could phone as early as but not before February 5th.

Reservations may be made for a maximum of 23 nights. There is a four night maximum for George, Killarney, O.S.A. and David Lakes.

To make a reservation call 1-888-ONT-PARK (888-668-7275).

For information call 1-705-287-2900

Canoe camping permits are issued on a quota system which assures you a site on a specific lake each night (you are not guaranteed a specific site). When you arrive at your assigned lake you must find a vacant site.

Fees

$10.00 per adult (18 years and over)
$4.25 per youth Age 6-17
$0.00 per Under Age 6
$7.00 Ontario Seniors
$4.50 Persons with Disabilities (Age 18+)
$2.00 Persons with Disabilities (Age 6-17)

Reservation Fee $12.00
Reservation Change/Cancellation $9.00

The Rules

As a wilderness park, Killarney has a few additional rules which pertain to backcountry travel.

• A permit is required for all interior (backcountry) camping or travel.

• Camping is permitted only on designated campsites. These are marked on site by an orange and black trail marker, usually on a prominent tree facing the water.

• Canoe parties may not occupy hiking trail campsites. Canoe campsites are indicated on the park map by red triangles; hike-in sites by green triangles.

• No more than nine people are allowed to occupy any canoe campsite at one time.

• Make campfires only in the fire pit on designated campsites.

• If a Restricted Fire Zone is posted due to extreme forest fire hazard, all fires are prohibited. Any cooking must be done on a portable stove. If you arrive during a Fire Restriction, you must show park staff your stove before obtaining your permit.

• Cans and glass bottles are not permitted on the park interior.

• Do not harass or disturb wildlife. This includes feeding wildlife, since it ultimately creates "problem" animals;

• Do not destroy or deface any natural, historic, or archaeological features. Don't cut, remove or damage live growth-trees, plants, or other vegetation.

• Pack it in - pack it out! Littering is not permitted. Do not dump garbage in interior privies.

• Mechanized travel, including snowmobiles, ATV's and motorboats is generally prohibited in the park.

• All pets must be leashed at all times.

• Do not make excessive noise which will disturb others.

Besides following the official rules, it is important that you, as a park visitor, take responsibility and use low-impact camping practices. Parks are mandated under the Provincial Parks Act to protect their natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Top Of Page

Day Users

Day visitors can explore Killarney's backcountry by hiking one of the park's day hiking trails, or paddling one of the many lakes which lie near park access points. Day visitors may also want to swim at the beaches or take in our Natural Heritage Education's many programs offered throughout the summer.

Some suggestions

Skills and planning are important for an enjoyable trip.

Bring along your well equipped day pack, which should include a first aid kit

When stopping for lunch or a swim, do not occupy a vacant campsite. Your presence may mislead hikers or canoeists with reservations for that site. Use rocky points which will show no impact of your visit.

Never put food or garbage wastes in the toilets.

The Rules

The can and bottle ban is in effect for all visitors in Killarney's backcountry, including day-trippers. The ban applies to park day hiking trails and all lakes (including George Lake).

A Day Use Permit must be purchased if you are driving into the park. These can be obtained at the George and Bell Lake access points.

Fees

Daily Vehicle Permit $11.00
Ontario Senior Citizens $8.00
Persons with Disabilities $5.00

Annual Vehicle Permit $110.00 April 1-March 31
Summer Vehicle Permit $65.00 April 1 - November 30
Winter Vehicle Permit $40.00 December 1 - March 31
Bus Permit $80.00 / Day

Walk in Age 6-17 $1.00 $0.50 Person with Disabilities
Walk in Age 18+ $2.00 $1.00 Person with Disabilities
Walk in Senior $1.50

Day Hikes:  Chikanishing  :  Cranberry Bog  :   George Island  :  Granite Ridge
                  La Cloche Silhouette : East Lighthouse/Tar Vat Trail

Sea Kayaking in Killarney

As a window to Georgian Bay Killarney Provincial Park provides some of Ontario's best sea kayaking. As this way of travel on  the water gains popularity, a strong commitment by kayakers is needed to preserve the wild lands and waters. Be advised that Georgian Bay is a large body of water and requires similar skills, equipment and safety precautions as coastal ocean kayaking. Outfitters can provide local knowledge and some can also provide training programs as well as equipment rentals.

For more info call or visit on the web:

Killarney Outfitters 1-800-461-1117

Some Suggestions

Obtain the appropriate marine navigation charts for your trip and become familiar with how to read them properly

Weather on Georgian Bay can be extreme and it may change quickly. Small portable weather radios available commercially, can help you make important safety decisions. Be sure to check the long range forecast before you head out.

When choosing campsites on the bay, be aware of private property and Indian reserves - do not camp or travel there without permission.

The Rules

Permits are required by non-Canadians who wish to camp on Crown lands. These are available at the George Lake Park Office. Permit fees are $10.00 per person/night

Parking for access to Georgian Bay is available in the park at the Chikanishing access point. Fees are $10.00 per day or $65.00 for a summer vehicle pass. You can purchase Daily Parking Permits at the George Lake Access point.

Top Of Page

Top Of Page