Is the hike "The Crack" in Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario worth the detour?
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Crack is one of the most popular hikes in Ontario. But is the detour to Killarney Provincial Park really worth it? Here you'll find my experiences, practical tips, and GPS data for the hike.
Unfortunately, I don't have much time left. In a few days, I have to be at Algonquin Provincial Park on time for my canoe trip. Killarney Provincial Park would mean a detour of more than 100 kilometers for me. I'm not sure if it's worth it. Kattrin, herself an outdoor enthusiast and an absolute expert on Ontario professionally, sends me just a short WhatsApp message:
“Do it – you'll love it.”
I believe her.
And leave the Trans-Canada Highway towards Georgian Bay.
Key Facts about the hike on The Crack
♡ Factor: ♡♡♡♡♡
Length: 18 km
Duration: approx. 6 hours
Elevation gain/loss: 164 meters
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlight: View from the crack over the lake landscape of Killarney Provincial Park
My tip: Take the longer route directly from the George Lake Campground
Why the longer version is the more beautiful one
Most hikers start directly at the road and choose the significantly shorter route.
However, the route from George Lake Campground via a section of the famous La Cloche Silhouette Trail is much more beautiful.
I encounter very few other people here.
Instead, I enjoy the forests, the rocks and the many lakes of the park almost entirely to myself.
Click on the first image to start the photo gallery:
A burst of color in Canada And apart from this funny squirrel, I don't meet anyone on the trail. The rock formations above the lakes are spectacular. At the beginning of October, the forest glows red and yellow. I even encountered a snake on the way. The scenery is magical just beyond the campsite.
What exactly is The Crack?
The hike leads through dense forests and up into the white quartzite mountains of the La Cloche Mountains.
The higher I climb, the rockier the terrain becomes. Sharp rocks, exposed roots, scree slopes, and short climbing sections ensure that the hike is quite challenging despite the manageable elevation gain.
Shortly before the finish, the path becomes significantly steeper. Here, you often need to use your hands.
Then suddenly the famous rock fissure opens up: The Crack.
The viewpoint is one of the most beautiful in Ontario.
Before me stretches a landscape of countless lakes, forests, and rocks.
What appears to be a natural amphitheater is nature's grand stage.
From up here, the view extends far across the lakes of Killarney Provincial Park.
Now I know for sure: Yes. The detour was worth it.
My tip
If you have enough time, you should dedicate more than just one day to Killarney Provincial Park.
Besides The Crack, there are numerous other hikes as well as fantastic opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. I also did the Chikanishing Trail , which is absolutely worthwhile.
The many lakes make the park a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Safety instructions
The final ascent to the viewpoint requires some climbing over large boulders.
The stones can become very slippery when it rains.
Sturdy footwear is therefore mandatory.
Alternative: The shorter version
If you have less time, you can also start the hike directly from the road.
This reduces the distance to about eight kilometers.
However, you will also need a permit for this option.
General information
General information about accommodations and activities can be found on the website of Finding a destination in Ontario .
Current information & reservations
Up-to-date information on trail conditions and campsite reservations can be found on the Ontario Parks website.
Overnight stay: George Lake Campground
George Lake Campground is a large and well-equipped campground right on the lake.
There are even washing machines here – a real luxury after several weeks on the road.
I can particularly recommend pitches 87 to 89 in the Blue Heron Circle.
They are located right by the water and the hiking trail starts practically at the front door.
The only downside is that the washrooms are a bit further away. However, there is a clean outhouse nearby.
Permit
You need a permit for the hike.
If you are staying at the George Lake Campground, this is already included in your booking.
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