Hiking the Crack in Killarney: Killarney Provincial Park's Epic Trail

The Crack in Killarney Provincial Park is one of the best Ontario hiking trails, hands down. In fact, it's one of my most favourite places to hike of all time! Needless to say, I was really impressed by this hiking trail in Ontario. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you absolutely need to hike The Crack trail in Killarney as soon as possible.

First, you're in a beautiful setting even before you begin to hike up the rocks. The hiking trail meanders around a pretty lake with outstanding views. Then, things get better and better as you continue towards the top. It's an adventure to scramble up the boulders at "The Crack". Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular scenery in the province.

The Crack Killarney Map

Here is The Crack trail map in Killarney Provincial Park. This hiking trail is pretty much one path through the forest until you reach the rocky section to the top. There are plenty of trail blazes on the way, and there's lots of signage along the way. It's important to follow the travel blazes to ensure you don't get off track.

Once you reach the rocky section, there are some trail blazes on the rocks themselves. In addition, there are little sign markers to show the right way. Just keep an eye out for them, and you'll be following the path to the viewpoint.

Staying Safe on the Crack Trail

Safety is at an utmost importance when you hike the Crack trail at Killarney Provincial Park. It is one of the more difficult popular trails in Ontario. After all, this is a mountain climb in a wilderness park, and not like many flat hikes or small hills that you will encounter in Ontario. You will need to decide whether or not you are able to hike it, as we are all at different fitness levels and skill levels for hiking.

Wear Hiking Shoes or Hiking Boots

As there are many safety concerns, you will need to be prepared before you hike. First, always make sure that you have proper hiking boots. By wearing hiking shoes, it will be easier to navigate across the rocks, you won't be uncomfortable on the hike, and most of all, it prevents you from injuring yourself.

On the trail, you will encounter sharp rocks that can get slippery when wet, large boulders, exposed roots and crumbly soil. It is so important that you wear the proper footwear when embarking on this hike. You will be climbing using your arms and your legs right before you reach the top.

Bring Lots of Water

Next, it is important to bring lots of water. You don't want to become dehydrated on the trail. Always bring at least 2 litres of water, even if you're hiking in the cooler weather. Bring more water than you think you'll need. You don't want to run out.

How to Avoid Getting Lost

It's possible to get lost on the trail. The red trail blazes are designated for the Crack trail. There are blue blazes as well, but these denote the lengthier La Cloche Silhouette Trail, a 78km loop backcountry trail. Make sure you have access to a map, compass, or GPS. If you no longer see red blazes, backtrack to the last time you saw one, and then proceed with your hike.

Hike in Good Weather

Make sure that you don't venture out for your hike during weather warnings. Always check the weather first. If there are any signs of strong winds, thunder and lightning, or flood warnings, do not go hiking on the Crack trail in Killarney.

If it's raining, keep in mind that the rocks at the Crack get incredibly slippery. Boardwalks can also get very slippery. It might be a good idea to adapt and choose a different trail that's not as challenging if it's raining.

If you decide to hike the Crack in the rain (if the weather doesn't seem too bad), be extra careful out there. Watch your step and be mindful of each step, even more than usual. Wear sturdy boots and waterproof clothing. A quality rain jacket that's waterproof is key.

The Ontario Parks website has a fantastic article about wet weather hiking. Take a look at that blog post for more details on hiking in the rain. If you're in doubt about hiking the Crack in the rain, you might want to wait for a drier day. If you're ever in doubt at all, you can always choose to hike the easier (and very beautiful) Chikanishing Trail at Killarney Provincial Park.

Hike During Daylight Hours

Hiking in the summer allows for a little more flexibility because you have more hours of daylight. In the fall, the days are shorter and it's important that you don't start your hike too late in the day. Plan to finish your hike at least one hour before dark.

For experienced hikers, it takes about four hours to hike the Crack. If you're less experienced, allow yourself more time. From conversations on the Ontario Hiking Facebook group, hikers have taken anywhere from four to six hours to hike the Crack.

Hiking the Crack Killarney

The Crack Killarney is part of the La Cloche Mountains, also known as La Cloche Range. These mountains are approximately 1.88 billion years old, and they're comprised mostly of white Quartzite (metamorphic rock that was originally pure quartz sandstone).

While the highest peak of the La Cloche Mountains only stands at 539 meters today, they were once higher than the Rocky Mountains. These hills are among the highest altitudes in Ontario.

While we won't be hiking to the highest point on The Crack trail at Killarney Provincial Park, we'll be headed to the top of the Killarney Ridge. The Killarney Ridge (top of The Crack Trail) is 355 metres at its highest point. This is also where you can begin hiking the famous La Cloche Silhouette Trail, one of the longest hiking trails in Ontario.

An Easy Walk Through the Forest

From the parking lot, it's an easy stroll through the forest. This Ontario hiking trail starts out looking like every other trail in the books. You will follow the red trail blazes as you hike. The red trail blazes follow the Crack trail. The blue blazes follow the lengthier La Cloche Silhouette Trail, a 78km backcountry trail.

If you no longer see red trail blazes, backtrack until you see them again. Then, make sure you continue following the red blazes and you'll be back on track. As you continue hiking along the Crack trail, you'll soon come across a small boardwalk and a beautiful lake. This is a nice point to briefly stop and admire your beautiful surroundings.

You'll keep walking past the Kakakise Lake on the trail. Eventually, the path will begin to ascend up short hills in the forest and you'll come to a clearing. The trail leads up some massive boulders that aren't too difficult to climb.

Surrounded by treetops at a bit of an elevation already, you'll wonder if the views can get better than this. Spoiler alert: they will!

Climbing the Rocks and Navigating the Crack

You'll continue along the rocks, following the trail blazes (both on small sign posts and on the rocks themselves). Then, it's time to hike through The Crack itself. You'll need to climb up and over a series of massive, broken rocks between two huge rock walls.

These large boulders have broken away from the rock walls over the years, and they create a natural staircase up to the top of the Killarney Ridge. I'm using the term "staircase" quote loosely here as it's definitely more challenging than climbing up stairs.

You'll climb from one rock to the next. It isn't terribly difficult to be perfectly honest, but it will require a certain level of fitness, and it probably shouldn't be your first hike ever. Take it slowly and watch your step, and you'll do just fine!

Reaching the Top at Last

At last, we're at the top! The views up here are incredible. You'll be treated to scenery of the deep blue Killarney and O.S.A Lakes, Georgian Bay, and the ridges of neighbouring mountain tops. The most famous view is right when you reach the top, overlooking the lakes.

Once you're at the top, take your time to explore your surroundings. After all, you made it! Soak it all in. There are several vantage points offering nearly panoramic views of the area. Wander over to the other side to catch glimpses of the Kakakise Lake that you hiked past earlier. Wander a little further down from the main ledge for alternate views of Lake Killarney.

Justin and I spent at least an hour at the top, taking photos and absorbing the magnificent scenery. As The Crack Killarney is an out and back trail, this meant that we had to hike the same way back to the car. It takes a little less time to walk back because it's all downhill from here. Be careful on those rocks though - I found it to be a little more challenging on the way down (lots of butt slides!).

Plan Your Visit to The Crack in Killarney Provincial Park

There's a parking lot for The Crack trailhead in Killarney Provincial Park just off highway 637. If you search "The Crack Trailhead" or "The Crack Trail Shortcut Parking Lot" on Google maps, you'll find it. You will need to pay for a day pass in order to park your car and hike at Killarney Provincial Park. Use the pay stations at the parking lot. You can also use an Ontario Parks annual pass, which I highly recommend purchasing if you plan to visit any provincial parks more than a few times a year.

This is a 6km out and back trail (from the parking lot to the viewpoint and back). It will take you about four hours to hike, and it is considered to be a difficult hike. On a sunny day where you aren't hiking in the blistering heat, I'd rate this one as moderate to difficult. I'd rate it as difficult if it's really hot outside (there isn't any shade when climbing the rocks) or if it's raining outside, as the rocks can get slippery.

Justin and I spent four hours hiking the Crack, with about an hour enjoying the scenery from the top. For us, it was about three hours of hiking (two hours to get there, an hour to get back to the car). Be sure to take your time navigating the rocks.

What to Bring When Hiking The Crack

In June, there were some black flies and mosquitoes in the forest. Once we hiked to a higher elevation, there was a nice breeze and no bugs. For this reason, please wear bug spray and even consider bringing a bug net if it gets to be too bad.

Sunscreen is a good idea, too. You'll be out in the open when climbing the rocks and sitting at the top. While it's a shaded hike through the forest, you will have the sun beating down on you for the last half of the hike. I also suggest bringing a sun hat, especially one that's breathable with SPF protection.

Make sure you wear appropriate footwear to hike The Crack Killarney. Hiking shoes or hiking boots with a good tread is necessary. Here are my recommendations for hiking shoes if you're looking to get a pair.

Water, water, and more water! Always bring more water than you think you'll need. You can bring a couple of standard water bottles. The GRAYL Purifier bottle is a favourite of mine because it will purify any water in seconds. You can pack this one bottle and refill it from any lake or stream without getting sick. Bringing some snacks or a packed lunch is a good idea, too!

Where to Stay in Killarney

You are welcome to go camping at Killarney Provincial Park, and this is a popular choice for many visitors. If you are looking to stay somewhere a little more comfortable, Killarney has two main resort hotels: Killarney Mountain Lodge and the Sportsman's Inn.

Justin and I spent two nights at the Killarney Mountain Lodge and it was fantastic. We had a comfortable and spacious room, the property is beautiful, and there's even an additional hiking trail from Killarney Mountain Lodge (the Lighthouse Trail). There's nothing like relaxing on the red Muskoka chairs and gazing out to the Killarney Channel after a day of hiking.

When staying in Killarney, you'll likely end up dining at the on-site restaurants as there aren't too many amenities in town. There's one small general store and another restaurant, but that's about it.

More Places to Stay Near Killarney

The Crack in Killarney: Frequently Asked Questions

This is one of the best hikes in Ontario, and I'm sure you have a lot of questions. Who can hike the Crack in Killarney Provincial Park? How hard is it to hike? I'll try my best to answer all of the questions here, but be sure to ask any other questions in the comments section below.

This trail is featured in our list of the 100 best hiking trails in Ontario. Take a look at the entire list to plan all of your future hiking adventures!

More Hiking Guides for Northeastern Ontario

Planning a trip to northeastern Ontario? You can base yourself in Sudbury and explore more trails. Here are more awesome places to visit:

• Hiking the Crack at Killarney Provincial Park
• Onaping Falls and the A.Y. Jackson Lookout
• The Best Hiking Trails in Sudbury
• Chikanishing Trail at Killarney Provincial Park
• The Killarney Lighthouse Trail
• Kivi Park Trails in Sudbury

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