Outdoors
The Crack Killarney Hike
The trail climbs through a jumble of huge tumbled boulders, known as The Crack, to the top of Killarney Ridge. From there you see the white cliffs of the La Cloche Mountains all around, and the end of the trail looks over Killarney Lake.
- Where
- Ontario, Canada
- Distance
- 6 km
- Time
- 4 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
The route
The Crack, Killarney Provincial Park.
Killarney Provincial Park is reached by Highway 637, and the park office is at George Lake (960 Highway 637). Get your permit and confirm the trailhead and parking with park staff.
Permits and fees
Each vehicle needs a valid provincial park permit, and you can buy a daily vehicle permit for Killarney up to five days ahead. Campers need a day permit for The Crack, which gate staff issue free at check-in if you tell them your plans.
Before you go
- Ontario Parks says not to attempt The Crack unless you are fit and can make an early start.
- Wear sturdy footwear and carry plenty of water, a park map and a compass; all Killarney trails cross uneven, rocky ground.
- The Friends of Killarney Outpost shops at the George Lake entrance and Bell Lake sell maps and trail guides.
What to bring
- Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Food you will actually want to eat
- A warm or waterproof layer
- The route, saved offline
- Sun cream and a hat
Getting ready for it
If your longest walk lately is under two hours, do a few longer walks first, ideally with some climbing and the pack you will carry.
Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents much easier on your knees.
Staying safe
- You have to scramble over large boulders to reach the top of the ridge.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
- Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against ontarioparks.ca, ontarioparks.ca, ontarioparks.ca and en.wikipedia.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
