I was attracted to the Killarney provincial park for many reasons. But the driving force was its radical views of natural wild and amazing wild beauty. A beauty that inspired my favorite artists, the Seven group. Their landscape paintings across Ontario give life outside. And yet, almost 100 years after their creation, continue to inspire a lot to seek these remarkable places.
Although the Killarney Provincial Park is not as popular as the famous Algonquin Park in Ontario, it is just as spectacular. Covering nearly 50,000 hectares, Killarney is home to a wealth of fauna, a dozen hiking trails and more than 50 crystalline lakes. One of its best trails is the crack, a difficult 6 -kilometer hike to the summit of the Killarney ridge. Although it can take four to six o’clock, the crack will undoubtedly lead you the most breathtaking view of the park. Another popular hike is the Trail silhouette of the bell.
While I would like to return to the Killarney provincial park, it’s hiking, I knew I wouldn’t have enough time to finish it during my short visit to my Northwestern Ontario Road Trip. So I chose a short path, but always an excellent, the Ridge granite path. I am a hiker who has a little obsession for epic views. And I wanted to choose a path that did not sacrifice this. Thus, the Ridge Trail granite offered exactly what I wanted and that I needed. I needed a short path but that would provide me with what I wanted, the view!
Ridge Trail granite
Access to Granite Ridge Trail is right opposite the provincial reception center of the Killarney Provincial Park. This trail is perfect for most hikers with only a few hours to lose. The Ridge granite trial will take between one to two hours, is moderate and two kilometers.
The initial path led us into the woods. Enveloped by darkness, my lungs filled with the rich smell of dense cedars that surrounded me. Here in Woods, among the cedars, with the remains of yesterday’s rain, made for a perfect party for the masses of mosquitoes. By moving at a faster rate to exceed the buzzing of the bites, we have passed an old agricultural vehicle, now recovered by the forest floor.
Then, on the left, I saw another path. This is where we turned to continue on the Granite Ridge path. This narrow path, where I could barely see my feet of large herbs, was in a striking comparison with the large large path on which we started. But alas, here we have freed ourselves again in the light. And the boy was a glorious day. As it was still early, around 9 a.m., the temperature was soft and the humidity was from a distance.
After a walk, we started our ascent. Any ascent, when it tires me, it excites me. I know that when I reached the summit, I would be rewarded. With the shining sun, we have climbed on rocky and rooted land, from top to top. Pure samples of the incredible Canadian shield under the feet have now become our new path.
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The wind started to resume and I knew we were almost there. And after a few more steps, I was there, at the top of one of the peaks of Killarney. There, in the distance was the amazing and majestic mountains of the bell. Large lush hills, some ending with brilliant white cliffs, filled my sight and my heart. The eye of my mind evokes images of some of the paintings of seven. They could have sit on this very rock and leave the fear and beauty of this view of their art.
When I was able to move away from this impressive view, I noticed that the path continued along the summit in the south. And I couldn’t believe my eyes! There, beyond the trees, was yet another epic view. And it was entirely different from the previous one. Here, before me, the powerful Georgian bay. Pushed by small islands and the largest on the island of Phillip Edward, people on boats enjoying the heart of summer, was a familiar spectacle but a new perspective. I was speechless. I could not believe my fortune by hiking on the Granite Ridge path. It rewarded me not one but two epic and very different views.
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The Ridge granite path can be hiked in a linear way or in a loop. When we went down the peak, we chose to take over the loop for new landscapes. And once again almost immediately, we were again broken into the forest. But not the dark and dense cedar path at the beginning. This one was a typical wooded path with streams of sunshine brilliant stealthily. The birds chunk and a peak that seemed to follow us from the peak made its way with us. It was a charming path on walks, and even passed a huge fallen tree whose root system appeared a work of art.
But again, the granite of the Canadian shield has appeared. At the beginning, we cautiously crossed this, stealing glances on the right view. And then I realized that it must be there that the Granite Ridge path obtained its name. We slowly descended what turned out to be a granite crest literally. He was stiff and needed chess work thinking about the scale. But once we were back on a solid floor, I looked at him back and I was impressed. This has solidified that a path does not need epic views to argue, sometimes these works of mother nature are just as fulfilling.
The loop trail brings back to the path that brings you back to your initial steep ascent, then returning off the coast of the Cedar forest. And even a Saturday in the middle of the summer, the path was not very busy. We spent less than half a dozen people, and it only came back when they started their ascent.
Where to eat near the Killarney provincial park
After our departure early in the morning and a great hike, our belly was starting to scold. So, after hearing the staff of the Parc Visitors Center, the small village of Killarney was only 10 minutes by car at 637, we are heading. And the charming lady of the center recommended that we try the Sportsman Inn.
This inn has an excellent restaurant with the atmosphere of Summer Getaway Meets Sports Bar. And the best part is just on the water. You can eat inside or dinner on the veranda. I opted for the Wick Club Wrap with Pesto Mayo and it was delicious!
Tips on hiking in the provincial park of Killarney
- Bring a lot of water and snacks
- Bring a sunscreen and a hat
- Wear appropriate hiking shoes (find all the top day hiking equipment here)
- Be aware that you are in the bear, more other wild animals
- Packaging insect spray
- Note that from the highway to the park, along 637, it is at least half an hour drive
- Ask the track; its length, its difficulty, and more, before leaving
Have you hiked in the Killarney provincial park?
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