Scenes From Killarney Provincial Park

As a teenager, I took art classes throughout high school, which meant that I was introduced to many great artists including the Group of Seven. As such, I was also introduced to Killarney Provincial Park and its gorgeous iconic scenery.

From all the Canadian painters, I have a love for the works of the Group of Seven, and others, such as Emily Carr, who focused on nature scenes.

Visiting Killarney Provincial Park, I can understand why it was one of the key spots that inspired so many beautiful paintings by the members of the Group of Seven.

Photography At Killarney Provincial Park

White pines at Killarney Provincial Park

While there are still artists who paint and draw scenes from Killarney Provincial Park, there are also numerous photographers.

Park visitors with cameras in hand, snapping photos, crowd the trails and key landmarks. With bears around, I would imagine they should also be keeping an eye on the wildlife around them.

We headed up to Killarney early one morning. I loved the trip up because the roads north of Barrie have been improved over the past 10 years. You aren’t driving single file.

Arriving in mid-morning, we headed out on the trails with our camera bags.

I took many photos of some of the iconic landscapes at Killarney Provincial Park. I wish we could have seen some of the sights earlier in the morning at sunrise or later in the evening at sunset. However, during mid-day, you still get a taste of the beauty that can be found in at this park.

The tall pines, craggy pink rocks and dark blue water along the shoreline are very popular photo subjects. These can be found at the Chikanishing Trail (3 km, moderate). Once you head into the forest, the foliage, mushrooms, and trees are your key subjects. Keep an eye out for old, rusty cars.

Old rusted car in Killarney Provincial Park

Day Tripping To Killarney Provincial Park From Toronto

A day trip from Toronto to Killarney Provincial Park is doable, but it’s a long distance. Prepare for a long drive. It’s a good 60 km from the main highway to the main part of the park.

We recommend waking up as early as you can in the morning, with everything prepped the night before. Bring everything you would need for a day of hiking and “day camping”.

Plan out a short hike on one of the trails. There are several around George Lake, and the short Chikanishing Trail is amazing.

There are longer trails at Killarney Provincial Park, including one that takes you into the La Cloche mountains for a seven day trip. For that one, you need to be on top of your hiking game, as it’s quite strenuous. Most trails are moderate and will take a couple of to several hours.

| Related: Personal Safety On Hiking Trails

Come Prepared To Hike And Wear The Right Boots

The Chikanishing Trail at Killarney Provincial Park which offers you the view of the shoreline is extremely rocky and difficult on the legs and ankles. You will need comfortable hiking shoes or boots with ankle support and good treads

Also, bring with you a bottle or two of water. During an afternoon hike you will work up a sweat.