Beginner Kayaking - Killarney, The Crack & The Chik

Has a kayak on Georgian Bay been calling your name? Don't know if you can answer? Snap out of your paralysis and grab a paddle my friend...you're going to Killarney!

Join me and a select group of paddlers, in exploring Killarney's exceptional scenic, inland and coastal seascapes on a trip specifically for Beginner Kayakers.

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Friday - If you can leave town early, paddlers can make the 6 hr drive to Killarney, where we've arranged for Killarney Outfitters to host our group campsite for the weekend. Will there be a campfire? Probably. Will you set up a tent in the dark? Definitely, and it's why we need a campfire.

Saturday - After breakfast, we'll head to George Lake where you'll start to become one with your kayak. We'll practice entries, bracing, various paddling strokes, wet exits and some basic open water rescue. Yes, you'll get wet, and it's part of busting any myths you have about sea kayaking. We'll review packing a kayak and different gear options, but the focus this weekend is you and your yak, and increasing your comfort level with paddling a sea kayak in open water.

In the afternoon, we'll explore some of the park's inner lakes, such as Killarney or O. S. A., with a hike to The Crack as an option. For those that don’t want to cook dinner, we could do fish n' chips in town at World Famous..well that is the name of the joint! The evening will continue with another campfire and your preferred post paddle beverage. Who knows, I may even share some of my favourite Cowboy poetry.

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This is a view of Blue Ridge of the South La Cloche Range, overlooking Killarney Lake

Sunday - We head to the waters of Georgian Bay by way of the Chikanishing Access Point, where you can take in the natural beauty that surrounds you. We'll build on the previous day's paddle and enjoy the experience of some more open and exposed waters. It's the perfect way to start knocking off some of the 30,000 islands that are now left for you to explore. Hiking The Chik is just the thing to celebrate the Killarney experience before driving home.

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From a hike along The Chik.

Costs & Logistics

Use Killarney Outfitters if possible! 5% is off on everything, kayaks included... Just say you’re from KW Backcountry though, when reserving. KO provides complete outfitting, gear, food, kayaks (one price) for those looking to test out gear…it’s easy breezy. Camping in Killarney Outfitters backforty is $10 per night by donation.

Kayaks can be rented at KO, starting at $37 and they can arrange delivery of your kayak to the put-in for only $10 each day

Click on http://www.killarneyoutfitters.com/kayak-rental.php for their complete list of services, or call them at 888-222-3410.

As a group, we also need to purchase parking permits, about $14/day, for vehicles parked at the put-ins, but we’ll just take a few cars to transport people to and from the camp site.

Carpooling is common with this meetup group and I truely love my planet, so look out for a shared document to arrange carpooling so we don't take 20 cars up North.

We're also planning a "What to pack, wear & bring" potluck / pizza night on Thursday July 9th, for those needing a little more information. I'll send an email to those that have signed up. There may be some availability of gear, tents, bags, etc to borrow, since we are really just car camping if anyone is hindered by equipment.

Like all of our trips, everyone is responsible for arranging their own transportation, meals, camping equipment, kayak and paddling gear. KW Backcountry Travel provides the inspiration and the friends to enjoy the weekend with.