Snowshoe camping, Killarney Provincial Park
Details
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The best way to show off these amazing photos of Killarney Provincial Park last winter is to create another snowshoe trip this winter. So, get out those snowshoes, we're off.
Itinerary:
Friday, Jan. 31, head north after work, the sooner the better. Realistically its a long drive all the way to Killarney (6 hrs, 477 km), probably too much for Friday. Last year we got an affordable motel in Parry Sound. Anticipate the same this year.
How you get there or where you stay Friday night is optional as long as you're at George Lake for opening Saturday.
Saturday, continue to Killarney Provincial Park's office at George Lake, they open at 8:30 am. Pick up permits and head to the side trail for "The Crack" off of Hwy 637. By 9:30 start snowshoeing on this connector trail to the Silhouette Trail. Setup camp again on the cliff overlooking Killarney Lake.
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Bushwack down to Killarney Lake and conditions permitting cross it. Climb the cliffs on the opposite side. Take photos of our little camp from there (bring telephoto lens). Now we'll have awesome photos to show off next winter and we'll have to come back again.
Sunday, Feb 2, Pack up and return. Too bad we can't make it a long weekend. Phone in sick Monday.
Cost:
$50 shared gas + $40 shared Friday motel + $12 park permit = $102
Actual costs will vary by people per car, whether using a motel Friday, etc. The point being, none of this is paid to the 'event host' up front.
Difficulty:
Like all backcountry activity with heavier winter backpacks, a reasonable fitness level is required. The hike to where we camp has steep climbs but is only 3 km. Whether to continue from there on a day hike is optional.
Gear:
You'll absolutely need snowshoes. 'Technical' ones such as MSR Evo's are highly recommended.
The usual winter camping stuff. If you have to ask this may not be the trip for you, but please ask.
Snowshoe Rentals:
Adventure Guide, Waterloo, 519-886-3121. If from Kitchener-Waterloo, this is your best option. They have the MSR's mentioned above and it is easier to return them Monday.
Mountain Equipment Co-op, Barrie. They close too early for returning rentals Sunday.
The park may even rent them, I can't I remember.
Inspiration:
Photos from winter 2013 https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/13359072/
note: there was another identical trip last winter but they didn't post photos on meetup :( I'm tempted to steal them from Facebook :)
Plan B:
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Can you imagine waking in the morning, looking out of your tent, and being the luckiest camper in the province of Ontario, sitting on Ontario Tourism's iconic lookout over OSA Lake.
Plan B is take the route defined in meetup description but detour at km 2 from the parking lot onto the portage for Killarney Lake. From the end of that portage air-paddle to the portage for OSA Lake. Once there climb the cliff, and setup up camp.