Drinking water is available from a hand lift pump. With the nights being as long as they are, you'll have the chance to see stars in a … Chikanishing Trail (Classic and Skate: 8km) - This linear track-set trail meanders along the picturesque Chikanishing Creek. Two years ago it was upgraded to feature a research-grade 16″ telescope along with a 5″ refractor for stellar astrophotography. Colder temperatures and heavy snow make winter trips extra challenging. An illustration of a magnifying glass. Thank you to Ontario Parks for hosting me during my first visit to Killarney. When getting dressed for your winter excursion, make sure you layer up. 1. Why visit Killarney in the winter? The only challenge with visiting Killarney, if you are not into camping, is finding a nearby accommodation. It’s no guarantee but if you’re quiet and calm, you just might get lucky! Add in some killer trails and comfy accommodations and you’ve got a total winter hot spot. For full rules and regulations, please visit the Ontario Parks website. Next is the Freeland Trail at 11.5km long which also begins at the Park Store but goes east instead of southwest. Killarney Provincial Park has 33km of trail winding through parts of the park only accessible through the winter months. Kevin Callan heads to Killarney to check out the new Yurts and to do some winter camping in a four season tent. Killarney Provincial Park is approximately 4 hours north of Toronto, just off the Trans-Canada Highway. Skip to main content. Be sure to a lot approximately 5 hours to ensure you have enough time to complete the trail before nightfall. It’s a tough trek to the top but the views from the top of Killarney Ridge are 100% worth it! Make sure you pack a spare battery because the cold can drain it. Then, hang a left and follow it west towards Georgian Bay for just under an hour (58km) to the George Lake Campground. Inside this tiny town of 500, you’ll find a few restaurants, general store and the beauty of Georgian Bay. No problem! Both cabins are heated by a propane fireplace to keep you nice and toasty while keeping the rustic vibe alive. If you’d rather just enjoy the view, I recommend sneaking a peek at the Killarney Observatory. While my entire stay was complimentary, all the opinions you read here are always true and honest. Inside the yurt, you’ll find two sets of bunk beds, dining table and a countertop with drawers. If you plan on bringing any valuables with you, I highly recommend locking them in your car before going out adventuring. As a first time winter camper it was a weekend of hiking and snowshoeing and plenty of fresh air and beautiful nights. Be sure to allow approximately 1.5 hours to complete it! Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Day 4: Tried winter camping in a summer tent and froze our butts off. Both the Chikanishing and Freeland Trails are out-and-back trails. Though if you’re a fan of snowshoeing, I highly recommend purchasing your own pair! When I was invited to experience Killarney Provincial Park in January, I couldn’t say yes fast enough! Jan 27, 2020 - Thinking about winter camping in Killarney? If you have a clear day during your trip to Killarney, hiking The Crack is a must! Killarney Provincial Park: Killarney in Winter - See 363 traveler reviews, 531 candid photos, and great deals for Killarney, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Over the summer, I had stopped in to visit the lovely staff at the office at George Lake. Disclaimer If you haven’t heard of Killarney Provincial Park before, chances are you’ve heard of “The Crack”. Watch for icy conditions on the trails. Welcome to Killarney Mountain Lodge. Look up at the night sky during your stay here and take in the stunning views of the Milky Way. If you aren't well equipped with your own camping gear but still … Experienced winter campers will probably say a YURT is not true winter camping but as an inexperienced camper it was a great first step. Winter Camping in Killarney Provincial Park Killarney truly is a winter camper’s wonderland with a number of accommodation options available. Located just west of Winter Garden and minutes from Florida's Turnpike, our park is a half hour's drive to Orlando and its many attractions. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a fantastic visit for you and for generations to come! While Ontario may be covered in snow, a number of provincial parks are open not just for day use but overnight fun! Oct 17, 2016 - Explore Ontario Parks's board "Killarney", followed by 3711 people on Pinterest. It’s a gorgeous spot to catch the sunset after a busy day of exploring. Booking your spot in Killarney is an absolute breeze! Make sure you prepare and plan for your trip. While the first half of the trail is easy, it give you a false sense of security. You’re too kind, thank you! Read more in IBB’s disclaimer and privacy policy. Six yurts—Mongolian-inspired eight-sided, tent-like structures—are available for rent throughout the winter at the George Lake campground. And if you’re lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis if the solar storm is powerful enough! Yurts in George Lake Campground. As the temperatures can get quite cold (it was -21C with the windchill during my stay), I recommend leaving the pupper at home. Its location along the shores of Georgian Bay made it the perfect destination to establish a settlement. This famous trail offers incredible views of the La Cloche Mountains – but you’ll be working for it! Reservations are subject to a fee of $13 over the phone and you’ll save $2 by booking online with the fee being $11. The cabins each have a barbeque outside just like the yurts do if you’d prefer to cook that way. You could get caught in some nasty weather or find out there’s an accident on your way which can slow you down. The campground is the perfect place to try out winter camping. Grab your tripod and see what you can capture of our beautiful night sky. I had an amazing time exploring the natural beauty this park has to offer! Yurt 1 is ready for some winter camping in Killarney Provincial Park! 144 years after the fur trading post, Killarney Provincial Park now sees over 150,000 visitors every year. Killarney Mountain Lodge: Killarney in the Winter - See 784 traveler reviews, 322 candid photos, and great deals for Killarney Mountain Lodge at Tripadvisor. SOMETHING TO NOTE: I was a little surprised to find this but the yurts in Killarney don’t have a lock on the door. The town of Killarney, just a short 12 minute drive away, was originally founded in 1820 as a fur trading post. While camping is fun, it isn’t the only thing this park has to offer! Another trail which starts from the northeastern edge of the campground is the Cranberry Bog Trail. 5 Things to Do in Sault Ste Marie During the Winter Other than occasionally dealing with some pretty frigid temperatures, winter camping is a breeze. As you can see there is TONS of room inside the yurts at Killarney! As a first time winter camper it was a weekend of hiking and snowshoeing and plenty of fresh air and beautiful nights. There are no snowmobiles permitted in the campground. If you’re going to tackle a trail like the Crack, make sure you have proper clothing, enough water, flashlights, and headlamps packed for your trip. While there are over 300 Ontario Parks across the province, Killarney is just one of 31 that are open for the winter season. Mattresses and electricity provide some extra comfort during your stay. Here’s Some Inspiration! People flock to the pristine wilderness and it’ll leave you coming back for more! Who wouldn’t love having one of the most popular provincial parks almost entirely to themselves? I’ve got all the details why Killarney winter camping is a snow-mazing good time! However if you’re a Nordic skier, you’ll want to bring your gear! Collins Inlet is meant for more skilled skiers as the track isn’t always set and involves some steeper hills. In the winter, Killarney transforms into a cross-country skiing paradise. It was a last minute trip that we decided to do in Killarney. Noah, Andrew and I were going to be towing our blue sleds once again, and our friend Gary was going to be pulling a sled that he had built, that seemed to have a better construction. Killarney Provincial Park: Killarney in Winter - See 363 traveler reviews, 531 candid photos, and great deals for Killarney, Canada, at Tripadvisor. For more advanced winter campers, Killarney is also popular for backcountry winter camping. Yurt accommodation available year-round. Bundle up and get your layers on as this event is fun for the whole family! You’ll be welcomed by 645 square kilometres of pristine Northern Ontario wilderness. Locations: Killarney Park Activity: Snowshoeing, Winter Camping Difficulty: Beginner/Moderate. The park’s campground becomes a great trail network. A can and bottle ban is in effect for all interior adventurers, including day users. Makes me want to try Killarney Provincial Park in winter. Let me know in a comment below! Collins Inlet Trail (Classic: 14.3km) - This loop trail is packed, but not always track set. I saw a number of beautiful birds as well as some red squirrels during my time in the park. I highly recommend arriving during the daylight for your own safety. This is a great alternative to winter tent … winter camping over christmas in an ontario provincial park. If you’re a bit of an overpacker (don’t worry, I am too! Apr 25, 2017 - Explore Nina Zygmunt Lamek's board "ontario parks", followed by 118 people on Pinterest. Don’t have a pair of snowshoes? You can rent them at the Park Store from the Friends of Killarney for $10 a day or $25 for an entire weekend (Friday-Sunday). Every Family Day weekend in February, the Friends of Killarney and Killarney Provincial Park host a weekend of special programming. The park’s hiking trails take on a whole new character as snowshoe trails in the winter. Try to visit midweek if possible. Inside you’ll find a queen bed and a double/single bunk bed. Additionally, Killarney became the first Ontario provincial park to become a dark sky preserve in February 2018! While camping in Killarney’s backcountry, visitors will find basic amenities on most campsites including a designated fire pit and box privy. Climb uphill and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Georgian Bay to the south and the La Cloche Mountain Range in the north. Channel your inner survivalist by pitching a tent. Please note that in the winter no vehicles are permitted past the Park Office. However, there are a few things to know before you go booking your Killarney winter adventure. As Killarney is just one of two provincial parks that are dark sky preserves (the other being my beloved Lake Superior Provincial Park), it would be a sin to not get out and enjoy the stars! Unlike the yurts however, you can cook inside your cabin without worry. There are plans to upgrade two more yurts by the summer season of 2020! As you pass through mature pine forests, open fields and frozen-over marshlands, don… The park has six heated yurts and two camp cabins. All of the roofed accommodations are heated with a propane fireplace to keep you warm and toasty. Now that winter camping is gaining in popularity, some parks, such as Algonquin, MacGregor Point, Silent Lake, and Pinery, feature winter camping amenities: yurts, heated comfort stations and winter campsites with electrical hook-ups for RV enthusiasts. Lastly is the Collins Inlet Trail at 14km long and begins from the Granite Ridge Trail parking lot. I’m not a huge winter person, but I feel like watching your IG stories and reading this over, I need to find a way to get over my dislike of being cold! A concrete boat ramp, docks, paved parking and 12 camp units are situated on the shore of 500-acre Killarney Lake. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve stayed in a tent and none of those have been in the winter. Killarney Provincial Park: Winter camping on Family Day - See 363 traveler reviews, 531 candid photos, and great deals for Killarney, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Check out these great things to do in Killarney Provincial Park during the winter season. Oooh Lindz, staying in a yurt sounds like a really fun thing to do in winter (if you were warm enough!?) If a yurt is a little too primitive still for your liking, one of Killarney’s cabins should do the trick! Outstanding hiking including the 80 km, looped, La Cloche-Silhouette Trail, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. There is no running water, but two heated washrooms are nearby. . Bedding, cookware (pots and pans) and dishware are necessary for your stay. What does this mean exactly? A beautiful snowshoe through the forest is a sign of a good day in my books! Keep it inside your coat to stay warm. These cozy Mongolian-inspired tent structures let visitors experience the feel of winter camping, but have the benefits of a warm furnace and outdoor BBQ. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve stayed in a tent and none of those have been in the winter. As Killarney is a dark sky preserve, it means visibility is low at night. We have activities like snowshoeing and skiing, which are very popular among the people that stay here." See what's new with book lending at the Internet Archive. Yes, you’ll have to brave some chilly temperatures but I promise it’s worth it. Feast your eyes on the turquoise of Georgian Bay as it melds with pink granite, the iconic white quartzite ridges of the La Cloche Mountains and 50+ lakes nestled throughout hills of Jack Pine. The roads remain unplowed, and ski trails are groomed and set. There are a number of trails in Killarney, most of which are best enjoyed via snowshoes. Take this opportunity to visit a part of the park you’d never see in the summer! Have the proper gear on hand, and pack enough clothing, food, and water. You’ll head north along Highway 400 for about 3 hours (+300km) until the turn off at Highway 637. Their passion for the land persuaded the Ontario government to create Killarney Provincial Park in 1964. Looking for More Winter Fun? Killarney is definitely a must-visit in the winter months! Within the boundaries you’ll find solace in solitude while being surrounded by Mother Nature’s beauty. Once you pass through Kidney Lake, you’ll see what I mean as you’re greeted by huge boulders and hills of the Canadian Shield. Are you thinking of planning a winter adventure here? Experienced winter campers will probably say a YURT is not true winter camping but as an inexperienced camper it was a great first step. At 4km in length, this trail shows you the importance of water to Killarney’s ecosystems. H@H Tip: Killarney Provincial Park is the perfect winter getaway. The roads remain unplowed, and ski trails are groomed and set. Camping in Killarney on Kakakise in a Konigshaus Kanoe. With all of that incredible natural beauty, it’s no wonder Killarney’s hiking trails draw thousands of visitors every year! We stayed in a YURT at Killarney Provincial Park and it was an amazing experience. A line drawing of the Internet Archive headquarters building façade. Killarney Provincial Park is 645 km2 of beautiful, unspoiled nature. They can be reached at 705-287-2800. I stayed in Y1 or Yurt 1, which has been upgraded (along with Yurt 2) to a newer model which includes a skylight. Yurt Camping Fall asleep to the sound of wolves howling in the distance in Killarney Provincial Park’s fully equipped yurts. Visit the Friends of Killarney site for full details. It’s no wonder winter explorers flock to the park when the cold hits. This trail is mainly flat but does have some rolling hills. Camp units, water and vault toilet are accessible. 15+ Winter Activities in Canada That Will Have You Smitten. Here are some travel time estimations from various destinations to Killarney Provincial Park: It is important to give yourself extra travel time when the snow falls. I’ll tell you right off the bat – I’m not an experienced camper, let alone a winter camper. Canadian Vacation | EP#4 Winter Camping in Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario. The trail starts and finishes in the same spot however it does offer a large loop. The park’s hiking trails take on a whole new character as snowshoe trails in the winter. Or get a winter season pass! George Lake at sunrise in Killarney Provincial Park. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links where I may receive a kickback at no extra cost to you. A small wooden table seats four inside while a larger picnic table is located outside. So what are you waiting for? said Dylan Hyatt of Friends of Killarney Park. Take a little wander throughout the town and don’t miss the Killarney East Lighthouse! Keep reading to find out! George Lake campground, with access to beaches, trails, and canoeing. Chances are you’ll be the only one on the trail so it’s important to let someone know where you are in case your trek goes sideways. 144 years later, drive 10 kilometres east along Highway 637 and you’ll find Killarney Provincial Park. This will add an extra 7km onto the already gruelling 6km trail so make sure you’ve got all the gear (and eats) you need! This beginner-level trail follows Chikanishing Creek along campground roads and the access road. Killarney Provincial Park offers 33km across three cross-country skiing trails. There is no shortage of adorable critters in Killarney! At the George Lake Campground, you’ll find six yurts on the western side of the campground. The park has 6 heated yurts available for rent. Killarney truly is a winter camper’s wonderland with a number of accommodation options available. Our initial weekend plans fell through, and we were eager to get out for another winter camping trip. It’s recommended to allow approximately 2.5 hours to complete the trail. The backcountry trails, portages and campsites are well-marked, however, understanding and utilizing map navigation is essential. As this is a protected area, there are a few rules you should know when visiting Killarney Provincial Park. Reservations are accepted up to 5 months in advance of your planned arrival date. In the summer this 6km trail will take you approximately 4 hours, however the winter conditions will slow you down. *, Be the first to find out about updates, contests, promotions & more by becoming a member of the, Winter Camping in Killarney: A Snow-mazing Good Time, Winter Camping in Killarney Provincial Park, Things to Know About Winter Camping in Killarney, How to Book Your Winter Camping Accommodation, Tackle The Crack, Killarney’s Famous Hiking Trail, Enjoy the Stars & Try Your Hand at Night Photography, Things to Know When Visiting Killarney PP, book online at any time throughout the year, Click here for a full list of pricing at Ontario Parks, my full guide to hiking The Crack in the winter, 5 Things to Do in Sault Ste Marie During the Winter, 15+ Winter Activities in Canada That Will Have You Smitten, Sault Ste Marie & Surrounding Area – 4.5 hours, Gravenhurst, Huntsville & the Muskoka Area – 3 hours, Little Current & Manitoulin Island – 2.5-3 hours, Cans and glass bottles are NOT permitted anywhere in the backcountry, including all lakes and trails, It is illegal to destroy or deface any archaeological, historic or natural features, Damaging or removing live growth is strictly prohibited within the park, Pets are allowed within the park, however they must be kept on a leash at all times, You can fish in Killarney but only in certain areas as many of the park’s lakes are designated fish sanctuaries, Bicycles can only be used on George Lake Campground roads, Chikanishing Road and the Trout Creek Bike trail but are not allowed in the backcountry (including all hiking trails within the park), As a general rule, mechanical vehicles such as snowmobiles, ATVs and motorboats are prohibited in Killarney Provincial Park. ... 01 - Killarney - Winter Camping Item Preview There’s also a kitchenette featuring a coffee maker, microwave, mini-fridge and kettle. If you’re new to winter camping, park staff are happy to help you plan your trip. Family owned and operated since 1980, Killarney Court is located on the shore of one of Florida's largest natural lakes. Spending a few nights in a provincial park like Killarney can help adjust your sleep cycle as well, meaning you’ll not only return home well-rested but with a better sleep schedule. While tent camping is available at many of their front-country campsites, never fear if this isn’t your forte. In the distance, sparkling white mountains, once higher than the Rockies, begin to fade below a deepening blue sky. If you need to change your reservation for any reason, this must be done within 4 months of the arrival date and can be subject to a fee. Strap on your best boots and get ready for gorgeous landscapes that are a treat for the senses. If you’d like to rent some, it’s advised to call the Friends of Killarney ahead of time as there is a very limited amount of them. See more ideas about ontario parks, ontario, canada travel. We offer options for delivery and pick up anywhere in the city you rented with … Stay away from cotton and make sure your head and neck are properly covered. First, you’ll pass through an early settler’s farm to then find yourself surrounded by a beautiful, lush forest. Whether you prefer sleeping under the stars or with a roof over your head, Killarney has options. toothpaste) must be hung in a pack from a tree, or a rope between two trees, at least 13 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the nearest tree trunk. Camping and winter may not go in the same sentence for most people. Planning a day trip? Sorry adrenaline junkies, you won’t find hills and lifts here. 2. For those not ready to tent it in the snowy season, there are six yurts and two cabins open all winter.