Killarney Provincial Park: George Lake to Kakakise Lake (4 days / 54 km)

Located at Georgian Bay’s northern shore, Killarney Provincial Park provides excellent canoeing and hiking opportunities. White rock cliffs and crystal clear lakes characterize this park’s landscape. Killarney has an enormous historical significance. Oral history accounts of the park and surrounding lands affirm Odawa, Ojibway and Potowatomi’s use of and relationship to this land.

Historically lots of artists have taken inspiration from Killarney’s spectacular landscapes. We have to thank them for the efforts they made to conserve this area.

This is a fantastic route to get introduced to this spectacular park. This route passes through 5 different Lakes and offers stunning views of the La Cloche Range; you will want to paddle really slow to take in the sights that you will encounter at every turn. This route has six portages, 3 of them long but very straightforward. Another reason why I think this is a fantastic route is that it offers the possibility to hike to 2 of the most scenic places in the park (The Crack and Heaven Lake)

Trip completed: September 2020

Trip Summary

Starting Point: George Lake

Ending Point: George Lake

Total Distance: 54 km

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Difficulty: Moderate (3 long portages, each over 1 km)

Location: Killarney Provincial Park

Traditional Territory: Killarney Provincial Park is located on the traditional territory of the Mississauga and Anishinabewaki (source).

Maps & Resources

Guidebook: Top 60 Canoe Routes of Ontario by Kevin Callan

Map: Killarney Provincial Park: Backcountry Hiking and Canoe Route Map (Updated 2023)

Interactive Route Map: Click here to edit and view this route map using the Canoe Route Planner

Permits & Reservations

Campsite Reservations: You need to book your campsites on the Ontario Parks Reservation System. Starting 2022, you must book a specific campsite, not a campsite on a specific lake. You can see a list of cam...