Hiking in Chikanishing Trail (Killarney): trails, map and practical info

The route

According to Ontario Parks, the Chikanishing Trail winds along the park's southern boundary, crosses a series of small ridges and ends on a wave-washed point on Georgian Bay. Killarney Outfitters describes it as a loop starting at the end of Chikanishing Road, 2 km west of the park office, with parking and a privy nearby. The windswept vegetation includes large pine, oak, maple and shrubs where soil pockets allow. Black metal mooring rings from the logging era can still be seen, and interpretive plaques tell the history of the area.

How far is it?

Sources disagree: Ontario Parks says 3 km (about 1.5 hours), Killarney Outfitters about 2 km (about 1.5 hours) and the Ontario Hiking blog 3.5 km (a little under 2 hours with stops). The trail sections mapped in OpenStreetMap add up to 2.4 km from the parking lot: that is the value used here. The 1.5-hour time is the one from Ontario Parks and Killarney Outfitters.

Terrain and footwear

The terrain is rocky, with a series of ridges and a few steep climbs (Ontario Hiking). Killarney Outfitters warns that rock surfaces are very slippery in wet weather. The blog also notes that the first half is exposed to the sun and that the forest section can have insects (black flies and mosquitoes). Bring shoes with good grip, water, a hat and sunscreen.

Dogs and rules

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 2 m at all times. They are not allowed in swimming areas or on beaches; the minimum fine is $95.

Permit and parking

Ontario Parks requires a valid permit for every vehicle in the park, and parking must be in a designated area (minimum fine $30 otherwise). The trail's parking lot is mapped as a permit-access lot in OpenStreetMap. The park does not publish the permit amount for this lot: call 705-287-2900 before you go.

Going further

On the same activities page, Ontario Parks also lists Granite Ridge (2 km, about 1 hour, moderate, two lookouts) and The Crack (6 km, about 4 hours, difficult), meant for fit hikers who can start early.