Hiking in La Cloche Silhouette Trail, Ontario: trails, map and practical info

Description

The La Cloche Silhouette Trail stands as the crown jewel of Killarney Provincial Park, offering a challenging 78-kilometer loop through some of Ontario's most spectacular wilderness. Named after Franklin Carmichael's painting "La Cloche Silhouette" and dedicated to the memory of the Group of Seven artist, this trail showcases the ancient geological wonders that inspired Canada's most celebrated landscape painters.

The trailhead begins at George Lake's primary campground, where wooden stairs lead to a bridge crossing the lake. Due to limited camping spots throughout the park, early reservations are essential—book through Ontario Parks Central Reservation at 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275). The trail follows blue markers throughout its length, intersecting with red-marked day hikes and yellow-marked campsites. In open areas above treeline, look for burgundy paint marks on rocks or large stone cairns to stay on route.

Planning Your Journey

Most backpackers tackle this trail in 7 to 10 days, though experienced hikers can complete it in a minimum of 5 days. The clockwise direction is recommended as it places steep climbs on the descent portions when your pack is lighter from consumed food and supplies. If you prefer tackling inclines with a full pack and enjoying easier descents later, consider the counter-clockwise route instead.

Essential gear includes hiking poles for the steep, rocky terrain, rain equipment regardless of forecast, map, compass, and flashlight. Merino wool socks prove invaluable for keeping feet dry and blister-free through the trail's numerous muddy sections, beaver dam crossings, and marshy areas that persist even during dry seasons.

Southern Section: George Lake to Acid Lake

From George Lake, the trail winds through mixed deciduous and coniferous forests with several creek crossings that can be challenging during high water. Keep your map handy after each crossing to ensure you're following the correct route. The path leads to beautiful quartzite-rimmed Lumsden Lake, the first campsite for clockwise hikers. The ridges surrounding Lumsden offer stunning views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and distant Georgian Bay.

This section enters geological terrain dating back 2.3 billion years, where rough quartzite formations require careful navigation and attention to daylight hours. The flat quartzite rocks around Lumsden provide excellent spots for swimming and sunbathing, though be cautious of rapidly changing water levels.

Continuing toward Acid Lake, the trail follows sections of old corduroy road—remnants from the area's logging history. Watch your footing carefully on the southwest side of Acid Lake, where a challenging log jam requires careful navigation. A hiking pole or sturdy stick helps maintain balance through this jumbled obstacle. Gulch Hill rises above Acid Lake, offering amazing northern views for those with energy to spare.

Eastern Wilderness: Cave Lake to Baie Fine

The route to Cave Lake follows a rough, trampled path providing beautiful valley views. Cave Lake takes its name from a cave formation in the rocky outcrop along its shore. Artist Creek becomes particularly attractive during July and August when wild flowers like Pickerel Weed and other aquatic plants create colorful displays in the water.

Following the creek south leads to the east end of Baie Fine, known as "The Pool." This area requires careful map reading as the Silhouette Trail intersects with The Pig Portage and Artist Lake trail. The Pool has long attracted American yachtsmen due to its stunning landscapes and remote location.

Topaz Lake and The Pig Portage

Approximately 230 meters up "The Pig," Topaz Lake appears on the trail's west side. This ultra-clear lake features white quartzite diving cliffs rising at intervals, creating a dramatic crater-like appearance. The overlook above Topaz provides stellar views, though reaching it requires a very steep and exposed climb suitable only for well-equipped, fit hikers in dry conditions. Bring a companion for safety on this challenging side trip.

Both Baie Fine and Topaz Lake can be busy during peak summer season as popular destinations for yachtsmen, paddlers, and hikers. When leaving Topaz Lake, return to the main trail along The Pig and turn left, following the path over Blue Ridge. Watch carefully here—it's easy to miss the La Cloche trail junction on the left, as the main path continues toward Threenarrows Lake.

Threenarrows Lake and Historical Connections

Vast Threenarrows Lake resulted from early 1900s logging activities when a wooden dam across Kirk Creek raised water levels by five meters, flooding three pre-existing ponds. Originally called Long Lake, this area holds fascinating history—rumor suggests Chicago gangster Al Capone once controlled a cabin here due to gambling debts. Remnants of this historic cabin's foundation can still be found in the forest across from the Pig portage.

The scattered geography of marsh and hills creates excellent photographic opportunities around this lake. A beaver dam crossing between campsites H8 and H16 can be very wet, so watch your footing. Campsites H17 and H18 offer high water access, while the bugs are more abundant than at ridge locations, making this lake excellent for wildlife viewing.

Northern Highlands: Moose Pass and Beyond

The climb to Moose Pass presents challenging terrain requiring extra attention during or after rainfall. Impressive southern views reward the effort, though a small stream from northern lakes may run dry during low water periods. Heading east from Moose Pass stream leads to higher elevation with wonderful lookouts on this remote section of the circuit.

The climb through old growth hemlock stands proves steep with potentially slippery footing, but the magic of ancient forest and views from the highest peaks provide tremendous rewards. Moose Lake itself isn't ideal for swimming, being situated in forest along a creek rather than an open lake setting.

Western Return: Shigaug to David Lake

The trail to Shigaug Lake follows a creek past several low-volume waterfalls, passing through groves of giant hemlock, silver birch, and white pine. Don't be surprised to hear wolf howls echoing through the night in this remote area. Of the two available campsites, H32 on the far side of the lake is preferred.

A high ridge west of the lake offers exploration opportunities for those with extra energy, though expect significant climbing followed by steep descent before reaching Little Mountain Lake. The trail descent to Little Mountain ranks as probably the most intimidating, exposed section—a sheer white quartzite face requiring extreme attention to footing, especially after rain.

David Lake, situated at Silver Peak's base, represents one of Killarney's most popular destinations. The lake's rugged beauty is framed by rolling foothill crags and spectacular rock formations. Amateur botanists will discover a rare mix of fir, maple, poplar, and oak trees—the oaks being particularly unusual this far north and at such high elevation, yet thriving here in abundance.