Killarney Wilderness Adventure
Distance from Toronto
4 hours
About this Trip
On this three day wilderness adventure, we'll spend each day exploring a different part of Killarney, the spectacular park that inspired Canada's most famous landscape painters. We'll hike to the park's highest spot for inspiring views, paddle rugged shores and canoe into the heart of Killarney's sapphire lakes. We'll cap off days of adventure with nights of peaceful stargazing, local dinners, and restful sleeps at the historic Killarney Mountain Lodge.
Highlights
+ Inspiring views from Silver Peak
+ Paddling exploration of rugged north shore of Georgian Bay
+ Canoeing crystal blue lakes
+ Scenery that inspired Canada's legendary "Group of Seven"
Photo Gallery
Sample Itinerary
The trip begins in the evening before our first day of adventure, you'll check into the lodge in the late afternoon where your guide will meet you for a drink by the water and to chat about what to expect over the next few days.
Day 1 - On our first day, we’ll get a sense of the park’s vast beauty by hiking up to its highest point – Silver Peak. Part of the La Cloche Range that was once higher than the Rockies, Silver Peak is named for the sparkling quartzite ridges exposed on its South side. The winding trail to the top of Silver Peak offers spectacular views of Killarney Provincial Park, showing us why this region was such an inspiration for the famous painters, the “Group of Seven.” We’ll have lunch at the top where, if the skies are clear, we’ll see all the way to Manitoulin Island. When we finish our hike, we'll gather around the bonfire and enjoy a delicious dinner by the water.
Day 2 - Day 2 is our journey into the heart of Killarney Provincial Park’s canoe routes. We’ll launch our canoes into Bell Lake and explore the hidden corners of Killarney. We'll paddle through brightly lit forests, enjoy the sounds of the loons, and the beauty of the topaz lakes. You’ll dictate the pace, we can push hard and explore deeper or we can take it easy, relaxing and enjoying the serenity and peacefulness of the park. At the end of the day we'll enjoy a delicious local dinner, before heading out for a night trip to the Killarney Observatory to gaze at the night sky.
Day 3 - After two days venturing into the heart of the park, today we’ll head to the park's southern terminus. After a short but spectacular shoreline hike, we'll paddle out towards Georgian Bay. Depending on the size of the waves and how inclined you are to get wet, we’ll either paddle seaward, braving the waves and the great wide open, or we can hug the coastline and discover the maze of beautiful islands, shores and inlets of the Georgian Bay’s rugged north coast. We’ll finish up with time for you to dry off, grab your stuff and make the journey home…until next time.
Sample Itinerary
Dates Available
August: 26 - 29
September: 17 - 20, 23 - 26
Summer (July - August) - Summer is high season in Killarney, and for good reason. Warmer weather allows for swimming in the saphire lakes, and maybe even in Georgian Bay, if you're brave. As the summer progresses the bugs die off, and evening campfires by the lake become increasingly magical.
Fall (September - October) - Autumn in Killarney is truly special. With the bugs (and people) gone, and fall foliage in full display, autumn in Killarney may well be Ontario's most spectacular site.
Sample Itinerary
Trip Length
3 Days & 3 Nights
Accommodations
Killarney Mountain Lodge - A historic resort on the shore of the Georgian Bay and just minutes away from the park.
What's Included | What to Bring
Whats Included
+ Accommodations at Killarney Mountain Lodge
+ All meals except for dinner upon arrival and departure.
+ Canoe rentals, PFDs, paddles
+ Private guide
+ Safety and first aid equipment
+ Park permits
What to Bring
+ A packing list will be provided upon booking.
Additional Information
Killarney Provincial Park is a 645 square kilometre wilderness showcasing the wild, pink granite, north coast of Georgian Bay, the white quartzite ridges of the La Cloche Mountains and over 50 exceptionally clear, sapphire lakes set amongst Jack Pine hills. The wilderness of Killarney served as a primary inspiration for Group of Seven painters including A.Y. Jackson, who spearheaded the campaign to protect this beautiful region.
Safety Information
All guides leading the Killarney Wilderness Adventure are experienced paddling and hiking guides with appropriate certification and wilderness first-aid training and certification.
