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Adventure
Fall adventure in Killarney
In collaboration with Ford Canada
Every fall, I look forward to getting outside—canoeing across quiet lakes, hiking through forests on fire with colour, and soaking in the crisp air. This year, I kicked off the season with a weekend trip to Killarney Provincial Park, a local gem just four hours from Toronto known for its trails, canoe routes, and rugged beauty.
Info
Year
2020
Images
Tiffany C., Danny Z.
Info
Year
2020
Images
Tiffany C., Danny Z.
Info
Year
2020
Images
Tiffany C., Danny Z.
The colours of fall
Autumn is the best time to visit Ontario’s parks, and this year the leaves turned earlier than usual. Ontario’s Fall Report became my go-to for checking where the colours were peaking—it’s worth keeping an eye on if you want to catch the magic before it fades. Killarney makes it easy to enjoy, with viewpoints scattered throughout the park where the reds, oranges, and yellows feel almost endless.
The colours of fall
Autumn is the best time to visit Ontario’s parks, and this year the leaves turned earlier than usual. Ontario’s Fall Report became my go-to for checking where the colours were peaking—it’s worth keeping an eye on if you want to catch the magic before it fades. Killarney makes it easy to enjoy, with viewpoints scattered throughout the park where the reds, oranges, and yellows feel almost endless.
The colours of fall
Autumn is the best time to visit Ontario’s parks, and this year the leaves turned earlier than usual. Ontario’s Fall Report became my go-to for checking where the colours were peaking—it’s worth keeping an eye on if you want to catch the magic before it fades. Killarney makes it easy to enjoy, with viewpoints scattered throughout the park where the reds, oranges, and yellows feel almost endless.
The drive up
Getting to Killarney was part of the adventure. I had the chance to try out the 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum, which made packing and road-tripping simple. With room for gear, fold-flat seating, and a few luxuries (massage chairs and a giant moonroof that made stargazing unforgettable), it made the long drive feel smooth and comfortable. It was the perfect kind of car to pile in everything you need for a weekend outdoors and still feel at ease on winding northern roads.
The drive up
Getting to Killarney was part of the adventure. I had the chance to try out the 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum, which made packing and road-tripping simple. With room for gear, fold-flat seating, and a few luxuries (massage chairs and a giant moonroof that made stargazing unforgettable), it made the long drive feel smooth and comfortable. It was the perfect kind of car to pile in everything you need for a weekend outdoors and still feel at ease on winding northern roads.
The drive up
Getting to Killarney was part of the adventure. I had the chance to try out the 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum, which made packing and road-tripping simple. With room for gear, fold-flat seating, and a few luxuries (massage chairs and a giant moonroof that made stargazing unforgettable), it made the long drive feel smooth and comfortable. It was the perfect kind of car to pile in everything you need for a weekend outdoors and still feel at ease on winding northern roads.
Mornings on George Lake
Early mornings are my favourite time in the park. At George Lake, just after sunrise, the mist hovers above the water, glowing in the soft light. It’s fleeting—gone within an hour once the sun climbs higher—which makes it feel extra special. Standing at the shoreline, wrapped in a warm blanket, I felt like the whole park was still asleep except for the birds.
Mornings on George Lake
Early mornings are my favourite time in the park. At George Lake, just after sunrise, the mist hovers above the water, glowing in the soft light. It’s fleeting—gone within an hour once the sun climbs higher—which makes it feel extra special. Standing at the shoreline, wrapped in a warm blanket, I felt like the whole park was still asleep except for the birds.
Mornings on George Lake
Early mornings are my favourite time in the park. At George Lake, just after sunrise, the mist hovers above the water, glowing in the soft light. It’s fleeting—gone within an hour once the sun climbs higher—which makes it feel extra special. Standing at the shoreline, wrapped in a warm blanket, I felt like the whole park was still asleep except for the birds.
Exploring by canoe
No trip to Killarney feels complete without getting on the water. Killarney Outfitters makes it easy to rent a canoe or kayak, and staying near George Lake meant I could paddle out right after breakfast. Portages are part of the adventure here—learning to flip the canoe overhead and balance it on your shoulders takes some practice, but once you get the rhythm, it feels like a rite of passage.
Exploring by canoe
No trip to Killarney feels complete without getting on the water. Killarney Outfitters makes it easy to rent a canoe or kayak, and staying near George Lake meant I could paddle out right after breakfast. Portages are part of the adventure here—learning to flip the canoe overhead and balance it on your shoulders takes some practice, but once you get the rhythm, it feels like a rite of passage.
Exploring by canoe
No trip to Killarney feels complete without getting on the water. Killarney Outfitters makes it easy to rent a canoe or kayak, and staying near George Lake meant I could paddle out right after breakfast. Portages are part of the adventure here—learning to flip the canoe overhead and balance it on your shoulders takes some practice, but once you get the rhythm, it feels like a rite of passage.
Hiking the Crack Trail
Of all the hikes in Killarney, The Crack Trail is the showstopper. It winds through rocky terrain and eventually funnels you through the namesake “crack”—a narrow passage between boulders—before opening up to sweeping views of the La Cloche Mountains. The climb takes about four hours round trip, with a steep, hands-on scramble near the top. Good shoes are non-negotiable.
Trail details:
Distance: 7.2 km round trip (about 4 hours)
Elevation gain: 259 m
Difficulty: Moderate, with a tough final stretch
For a twist, some visitors combine canoeing and hiking—paddling to the midway point before tackling a shorter ascent. However you do it, the view at the top is worth every step.
Hiking the Crack Trail
Of all the hikes in Killarney, The Crack Trail is the showstopper. It winds through rocky terrain and eventually funnels you through the namesake “crack”—a narrow passage between boulders—before opening up to sweeping views of the La Cloche Mountains. The climb takes about four hours round trip, with a steep, hands-on scramble near the top. Good shoes are non-negotiable.
Trail details:
Distance: 7.2 km round trip (about 4 hours)
Elevation gain: 259 m
Difficulty: Moderate, with a tough final stretch
For a twist, some visitors combine canoeing and hiking—paddling to the midway point before tackling a shorter ascent. However you do it, the view at the top is worth every step.
Hiking the Crack Trail
Of all the hikes in Killarney, The Crack Trail is the showstopper. It winds through rocky terrain and eventually funnels you through the namesake “crack”—a narrow passage between boulders—before opening up to sweeping views of the La Cloche Mountains. The climb takes about four hours round trip, with a steep, hands-on scramble near the top. Good shoes are non-negotiable.
Trail details:
Distance: 7.2 km round trip (about 4 hours)
Elevation gain: 259 m
Difficulty: Moderate, with a tough final stretch
For a twist, some visitors combine canoeing and hiking—paddling to the midway point before tackling a shorter ascent. However you do it, the view at the top is worth every step.
Sunset and beyond
At the summit, the quartzite peaks glow white against a fiery sunset sky. Staying until the sun set was one of the best parts of the trip. The descent was dark, so headlamps came in handy. But the real surprise was the ride back: a moonlit paddle across George Lake, water rippling silver under the stars. It was one of those moments that felt both unplanned and unforgettable.
Sunset and beyond
At the summit, the quartzite peaks glow white against a fiery sunset sky. Staying until the sun set was one of the best parts of the trip. The descent was dark, so headlamps came in handy. But the real surprise was the ride back: a moonlit paddle across George Lake, water rippling silver under the stars. It was one of those moments that felt both unplanned and unforgettable.
Sunset and beyond
At the summit, the quartzite peaks glow white against a fiery sunset sky. Staying until the sun set was one of the best parts of the trip. The descent was dark, so headlamps came in handy. But the real surprise was the ride back: a moonlit paddle across George Lake, water rippling silver under the stars. It was one of those moments that felt both unplanned and unforgettable.
Why Killarney stays with you
Killarney has a way of leaving an impression. From its clear lakes and pine forests to its rugged cliffs, it’s easy to see why the Group of Seven artists were so inspired here. Their paintings captured what still makes the park so special—the kind of beauty that feels both wild and comforting.
It’s a reminder that you don’t have to go far to find adventure—sometimes, it’s just a few hours up the road.
Why Killarney stays with you
Killarney has a way of leaving an impression. From its clear lakes and pine forests to its rugged cliffs, it’s easy to see why the Group of Seven artists were so inspired here. Their paintings captured what still makes the park so special—the kind of beauty that feels both wild and comforting.
It’s a reminder that you don’t have to go far to find adventure—sometimes, it’s just a few hours up the road.
Why Killarney stays with you
Killarney has a way of leaving an impression. From its clear lakes and pine forests to its rugged cliffs, it’s easy to see why the Group of Seven artists were so inspired here. Their paintings captured what still makes the park so special—the kind of beauty that feels both wild and comforting.
It’s a reminder that you don’t have to go far to find adventure—sometimes, it’s just a few hours up the road.