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

Description

The La Cloche Silhouette Trail is the crown jewel of Killarney Provincial Park — a demanding 78-kilometer loop through some of the most visually striking wilderness in Ontario. Named in honor of Franklin Carmichael's painting and dedicated to the memory of the Group of Seven artist, this trail winds through the ancient quartzite ridges and crystal-clear lakes that inspired Canada's most celebrated landscape painters. If you're looking for a multi-day backcountry experience that genuinely earns its reputation, this is it.

The trailhead starts at the George Lake campground, where wooden stairs lead down to a bridge crossing the lake. Blue markers guide you throughout the entire loop, intersecting with red-marked day hikes and yellow-marked campsites. Above treeline, where markers are harder to spot, watch for burgundy paint on rocks and large stone cairns. Camping spots throughout the park are limited, so book early through Ontario Parks Central Reservation at 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275).

Planning Your Trip

Most backpackers take 7 to 10 days to complete the loop comfortably. Experienced hikers can push through in as few as 5 days, but the terrain doesn't reward rushing. The clockwise direction is generally recommended — it puts the steepest climbs on the descent side of the trip, when your pack is lighter from consumed food and fuel. If you'd rather tackle the big climbs with a full pack and cruise the descents later, go counter-clockwise instead.

Pack hiking poles — they're not optional here. The rocky, uneven terrain is hard on knees, and several sections are genuinely exposed. Bring rain gear regardless of the forecast, a detailed map, compass, and a headlamp. Merino wool socks are worth every penny for managing the trail's persistent wet sections: creek crossings, beaver dam traversals, and marshy stretches that stay soggy even in dry summers.

Southern Section: George Lake to Acid Lake

Leaving George Lake, the trail moves through mixed forest with several creek crossings that can run high in spring or after heavy rain. Keep your map out after each crossing — it's easy to drift off route. The first major destination for clockwise hikers is Lumsden Lake, rimmed in white quartzite and surrounded by ridges with views stretching toward Georgian Bay. The flat quartzite slabs along the shore make excellent spots for swimming and drying out gear.

The geology here is genuinely ancient — you're walking on formations roughly 2.3 billion years old. As the trail continues toward Acid Lake, you'll pass sections of old corduroy road, a reminder of the area's logging past. The southwest side of Acid Lake involves a log jam crossing that requires careful footwork; a pole or sturdy stick helps. Above the lake, Gulch Hill offers sweeping northern views for anyone with legs left to climb it.

Eastern Wilderness: Cave Lake to Baie Fine

The route to Cave Lake follows a rough path through open valley terrain. The lake takes its name from a cave formation visible in the rocky outcrop along its shore. Continuing south along Artist Creek, the trail becomes particularly scenic in July and August when aquatic wildflowers like Pickerel Weed bloom in the water.

The creek leads to the east end of Baie Fine, locally known as "The Pool" — a long, narrow fjord-like inlet that has drawn American yachtsmen for generations. Navigation requires attention here, as the Silhouette Trail intersects with The Pig Portage and the Artist Lake trail. Read your map carefully before committing to a direction.

Topaz Lake and The Pig Portage

About 230 meters up the portage known as "The Pig," Topaz Lake appears on the west side of the trail. The water is extraordinarily clear, framed by white quartzite diving cliffs that give the lake an almost crater-like appearance. An overlook above the lake offers some of the best views on the entire circuit, but the climb to reach it is steep and exposed — only attempt it in dry conditions, and don't go alone.

Both Baie Fine and Topaz Lake see significant traffic during peak summer, popular with paddlers and yachtsmen as well as hikers. When leaving Topaz, return to the main trail along The Pig and turn left over Blue Ridge. Pay close attention at the La Cloche trail junction — it's easy to miss, and the main path continues straight toward Threenarrows Lake if you're not watching for it.

Threenarrows Lake and Its History

Threenarrows Lake owes its current size to early 1900s logging operations, when a wooden dam on Kirk Creek raised water levels by five meters and flooded three smaller ponds. Originally called Long Lake, the area carries an unusual piece of local lore: rumor has it that Chicago gangster Al Capone once held a cabin here as settlement of a gambling debt. The foundation of that cabin is reportedly still findable in the forest across from the Pig portage.

The scattered mix of marsh and rocky hills makes this section excellent for wildlife viewing and photography. A beaver dam crossing between campsites H8 and H16 can be very wet — watch your step. Campsites H17 and H18 offer high-water access, though the bug pressure near the lake is noticeably heavier than at ridge sites.

Northern Highlands: Moose Pass and the Remote Interior

The climb to Moose Pass is one of the more demanding stretches on the circuit, especially in wet conditions. The payoff is impressive southern views from the top. East of the pass, the trail gains elevation steadily through a remote section of the loop with outstanding lookouts. The old-growth hemlock stands here are steep and can be slippery, but the combination of ancient forest and high-ridge panoramas makes this one of the most memorable parts of the trail.

Western Return: Shigaug Lake to David Lake

The trail to Shigaug Lake follows a creek past a series of low-volume waterfalls through groves of giant hemlock, silver birch, and white pine. Wolf howls are not uncommon in this remote stretch. Of the two campsites at the lake, H32 on the far shore is the preferred option. A high ridge west of the lake rewards exploration, though it involves serious climbing and an equally steep descent before reaching Little Mountain Lake.

The descent to Little Mountain is arguably the most technically demanding section of the entire loop — a sheer white quartzite face that demands full attention, particularly after rain. Take your time here.

The loop finishes near David Lake, set at the base of Silver Peak and framed by rolling quartzite crags. The area supports an unusual mix of fir, maple, poplar, and oak — the oaks being notably rare this far north and at this elevation, yet thriving here in abundance. It's a fitting final note for a trail that consistently surprises you with what it holds around the next corner.