The Great Canadian Wilderness, Part 2
Outside the snow is starting to fall. The winter solstice is more than a month away, but winter has definitely arrived in Toronto and the rest of Canada. There are tons of fun activities to look forward to, to enjoy the Great Canadian Winter like snowshoeing, skiing, skating, and maybe even dogsledding. But right now, knowing that the cold temperatures are here to stay for at least another 4 months, I’d rather stay indoors with a cup of hot tea and think about a more temperate time, like my last hiking trip to Killarney. Here is part 2 of The Great Canadian Wilderness fall hike.
KILLARNEY PROVINCIAL PARK
Driving Time: 4.5-5 hours (from Toronto)
Trail: The Crack
Trail Length: 6 km roundtrip
Time: 3 hours, including lunch break at Killarney Ridge
The Crack is one of many day trails at Killarney Provincial Park, which is absolutely magnificent with its pine forests and white granite mountains that used to be as huge as the Canadian Rockies once upon a time many million years ago. For the more ambitious, there is La Cloche Silhouette Trail, which is an 80 km loop that takes a week to complete. I like adventure but I prefer something softer, so The Crack is perfect. The ascent to the top is moderately challenging at times because you have to climb up big boulders, but the panoramic views make up for it. You’ll have to retrace your steps on your way down because The Crack is not a loop trail. However, most of the trail is open with vistas all around, so your trip back will be just as picturesque as on the way up.
There is a big parking lot at The Crack’s trail entrance with an automated pay station. You will see the lot as you drive along the bumpy, gravel road of Highway 637, approximately 50 km west of Highway 69.
Beautiful October day on The Crack
Autumn reflection
I see the white hills across the lake
Gorgeous fall colours
Elevation gain begins gradually
Climbing up, but still manageable
Vistas from the plateau
Vistas from the plateau
Ascent continues with mini inukshuks
Pink granite, steeper climb
Follow the signs
The Crack, we’re almost there!
We made it to the top! What a spectacular reward on top of Killarney Ridge.
Killarney is a very special place
I’m staying up here for a little while longer before heading back down…
Spending the night at Stone Base B&B in Alban, before heading back home
Worthwhile stop at French River Visitor Centre along Highway 69 South
Very cool snowmobile suspension bridge at the French River Visitor Centre
View of the historic French River gorge from the bridge
Helpful Research:
Ontario High Points – Great trip report with detailed directions and specs (elevation, gps coordinates, distances, etc) with a detailed play-by-play, so you know which part of the trail you should be at a given time. It also has a photo of the trail map.
Ontario Parks – Complete list of trails and descriptions (under Things to Do) in Killarney. The Crack is categorized as being Difficult. Maybe I’m used to the rugged and steep terrain in Vancouver, but I consider The Crack to be moderate with a few challenging spots in the middle and towards the end, because you have to climb up large large boulders. By climbing, I don’t mean using your hands and knees to climb up a rock face. You just have to have strong legs and good balance. Be cautious when you come back down. There is no downloadable trail map, but as with all Ontario Parks, the trails are clearly marked.
B&B Canada – Great website to find and book B&B’s across Canada. Rather than drive back to the city after a day of hiking, why not relax for a night at a nearby B&B?
Soundtrack of the Day:
City and Colour – Sometimes
Link to The Great Canadian Wilderness, Part 1, Algonquin Provincial Park