Hiking in The Crack Killarney: trails, map and practical info

The route

The Crack is an out-and-back trail in Killarney Provincial Park. It starts from its own parking lot on Highway 637 and ends at the top of Killarney Ridge, with views of the La Cloche Mountains, their white quartzite cliffs, and the lakes.

The start is nearly flat and follows a lake for about 800 m, with places to swim. The trail then joins the La Cloche Silhouette Trail, which splits off after about 1.5 km. The climb goes through steep forested hills, then up a valley full of large boulders, "the Crack", before the bare rock of the summit.

What to know about the distance

Sources disagree: Ontario Parks says 6 km, Wikipedia 7.5 km, Ontario High Points 7.6 km. The mapped route in OpenStreetMap measures 3.8 km from the parking lot to the summit, so 7.6 km out and back: that is the value used here. None of the sources consulted gives an elevation gain, so none is shown. The summit's altitude is 355 m.

Difficulty

Ontario Parks rates The Crack "difficult". Wet rock is slippery, with loose cobble, crumbly soil, roots and boulders to climb: going down is often harder than going up. You need to be fit and start early. Not recommended for children under seven, and no strollers or wagons. Small or older dogs do not belong here.

Rules and safety

• Dogs on a leash no longer than 2 m at all times; carry water for them.
• At least 2 L of water per person.
• Do not hike in rain or thunderstorms (Ontario Parks).
• Black bears are present. No campfires or camping on the trail; cans and glass bottles are banned.

When to go

The trail is open year-round, but winter calls for very high skill and checking in with the park. The rest of the year, what matters most is the hour: the lot is small and fills early. A vehicle permit is required for this specific lot.

If it is too much

The Granite Ridge Trail (2 km, about 1 hour, moderate) gives views of La Cloche from two lookouts, and the Chikanishing Trail (3 km, about 1.5 hours, moderate) runs along Georgian Bay. All Killarney trails have uneven, rocky terrain.