Killarney Provincial Park: A Must-See Day Trip

Killarney Provincial Park is on Georgian Bay, in the Canadian province of Ontario. It encompasses a vast wilderness area of wetlands, forests and mountains.

La Cloche Silhouette Trail climbs the white quartzite ridges of La Cloche Mountains. Cranberry Bog Trail crosses bogs and swamps. Canoe routes connect the park's numerous clear lakes, and glacier-sculpted pink granite cliffs frame the coastline.

The park's main day-use entrance is at George Lake, about 55 minutes from Hartley Bay Cottages, with canoe and kayak launches, a swimming beach, and trailheads ranging from an easy lakeside stroll to the demanding scramble up The Crack — one of Ontario's most iconic day hikes, which we've covered in full detail in a separate guide. A day-use vehicle permit from Ontario Parks is required, so it's worth checking current rates and reserving ahead during peak summer weekends.

Pack a picnic, bring a camera for the quartzite ridgelines and turquoise lakes that made this landscape famous among the Group of Seven, and plan to be back at the trailhead well before dark — cell service inside the park is limited. It's an easy full day out and back, with no overnight camping required.

Base your visit from our Killarney cottages on the French River, just a short drive from the park's main entrance.