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Killarney has been appropriately labeled as Ontario's
Crown Jewel. If you visit this scenic park, you will immediately
agree. Nestled among the white quartz hills of an ancient mountain
range, the La Cloche Mountains provide a gorgeous backdrop. The south
side of the park is comprised of red granite ridges. Along with rich
forests and abundant wildlife, Killarney is a photographer’s dream
come true. It is no wonder why several of the members of Canada's
Group of Seven were inspired by the Killarney Landscape.
A.Y. Jackson and the Ontario Society of Artists played an important
role in preserving this special part of Ontario. |
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The George Lake Campground offers car campers 126
sites. The sites are nothing special, but, then again, they don’t have
to be. Killarney is so picturesque that you will not want to spend
your time lounging around the campsite anyways. The beauty lies within
the park and you will want be hiking, canoeing or kayaking to fully
enjoy the scenery. The Cranberry Bog Trail (4km) tours marshes,
swamps, bogs and a small lake. The Granite Ridge Trails (2km)
starts off winding through fields and forest, then leads up to exposed
rock ridges to lookouts offering views of Georgian Bay and the La
Cloche Mountains. The Chikanishing Trail (3km) takes you over granite
ridges to views of Collins Inlet. |
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La Cloche Silhouette Trail
is a 100km loop designed for backpackers. It takes 7 to 10 days to
complete. There are numerous campsites on the trail, however,
reservations are recommended. Of course hikers can take shorter hikes
starting from two trailheads in George Lake Campground, but make sure
you allow sufficient time as these would be linear trips and would
require you to return the same way you came. |
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George Lake
Campground has limited facilities with no electrical hookups. One
year, we had the misfortune of camping beside a family who ran their
very noisy generator a couple times a day. It was so bad that all the
surrounding campers eventually had enough and told them to shut it
down. Thankfully they did and we enjoyed the rest of our trip in
peace. The campground has two excellent beaches and a wonderful view
of the lake. There is also a first rate book and souvenir store in the
main office. Wood is available, but you will have to travel to the
neighbouring Killarney Outfitters for ice and supplies. George Lake
Campground is also the main trailhead of the park for both hiking
trails and interior water travel. This campground is extremely busy
and campsite reservations are a must. |
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Probably the best way to
enjoy this wilderness park would be to canoe the interior. The biggest
disadvantages, however, is that the travel and portages can be very
strenuous. In the late afternoons, the westerly winds can make lake
travel a labourious task. The portages can be long, rugged and steep.
Nevertheless, many adventurers agree that the beauty of the park is
worth the effort involved and it has become a very popular place to
paddle. Trip planning is a must as you will have to book a specific
route indicating which lake you will be staying on each night. |
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