The Crack is Killarney’s premier hiking trail, showcasing the area’s 1.8 billion year old La Cloche Mountain Range of white quartzite and offers an amazing view of the inland lakes. The mountains are believed to have once been higher than today’s Rocky Mountains and were eroded down to their current altitude.
In the fall, when the leaves change colour, this hike is one of the best in all of Ontario.
I had been telling Yim I wanted to visit Killarney for a few years so in October 2020, we visited for a long weekend and some hiking. We were very impressed.
The completion of The Crack Trail doesn’t come easy. It is named for a crack in the mountains, where huge rocks have tumbled down the upper portion of the hike, creating a tough scramble over boulders that requires the use of both hands and feet and it’s not easy.
Fortunately, the crack is only one small section near the top, and most hikers can easily do it if they are fit enough to handle the ascent up to this point. Unlike many of the hiking trails around Killarney that are a chain of short ups and down. this trail is like a mountain hike, with a lovely long walk to the top and a return trip down the same route.
The entire trail is six kilometres and lies within Killarney Provincial Park. The trail is located along the main highway, seven kilometres east of the park office, well marked and well maintained and took us just over four hours.
Don’t be intimidated. We were almost in our seventies the first time we hiked this trail and we did just fine. We took our time where footing was unstable and went the long way around a few little bumpy patches but made it easily to the top.
Don’t forget to buy a parking pass at George Lake Campground.
Once the hike passes Kakakise Lake, it begins to climb upwards. The climb begins gradually, from smooth terrain, moving to jutting roots then quickly progresses from small rocks to larger rocks, which require some scrambling.
Once you’ve completed the first rockfall climb, you are treated to a stunning view of Killarney and lakes in the distance. The terrain at the viewpoint takes a dramatic twist from forest to rocky plains and the trail markers become significantly more difficult to follow due to the unclear paths mixed with random groves of pine trees. From this point, be prepared for rocks that are slippery when wet, crumbly soil, exposed roots, large boulders and steep drop-offs.
If after reading that, you are still up for this, enjoy yourselves. As long as you are careful, the hike is completely doable.
The last stretch is a scramble up between two rock faces that helped the hike get its name. When we first saw it, we looked at each other and said – “There’s the Crack”. It’s that obvious.
It’s not easy. The rocks are large and stepping from one boulder to the next is challenging. They are also slick so you have to make certain you have your footing. I’ll say it again, bring hiking poles and some light gloves. They will help.
The hike becomes a LOT easier as you make your way through the crevasse to the final rockfall viewing area. Then you can enjoy the amazing views of Killarney Lake and much of the Southern La Cloche mountain range. This is a popular place where many hikers rest after the long climb up the trail, so it can be busy, with people milling about and jockeying for photo spots. I’ve said this before but try and follow hiking etiquette. Give hikers the chance to take their photos and politely wait your turn.
This is also an excellent spot for lunch while enjoying the breathtaking views.
Then it was back to The Killarney Lodge for a glass of wine on the rocks.
Killarney Mountain Lodge
We stayed at the Killarney Mountain Lodge. A relaxed, historic resort on the shores of northern Georgian Bay, the Lodge is simple and rustic. You’ll feel at home the moment you enter, with large wood-burning fireplaces, knotted pine decor and a very welcoming staff.
We rented a suite for the weekend and found the completely unpretentious feel very comforting.
I’ve added a chronological photo gallery. Enjoy.
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