Story
The wilderness interior of Killarney Provincial Park has a very complex geology where granite ridges collide with dramatic white quartzite mountains. The south edge of the park where it is bounded by Georgian Bay is home to another intersection of rock types. Here the pink granite meets the even redder gneiss that originally helped form the LaCloche Mountains.
This area is as distinctive, unique, and beautiful as the park interior. The Chikanshing Trail is short and rugged but very scenic. It follows the creek of the same name out to Georgian Bay and then loops back further inland. The path along the water is by far the most scenic. The creek is the put in point for kayakers and canoeists wanting to circumnavigate Phillip Edward Island. We met a group of anglers returning from a multi day kayak trip when we hiked the trail.
The trail is well marked, though most of the blazes are painted on the rocks so winter travel might be difficult. In some places the blazes can be hard to spot but the trail is still easy to follow. There are also informational plaques that detail the natural, geologic and historic significance of several sights on the trail. The plaques are relatively unobtrusive but they do stand out as unnatural.
The trail isn’t long at all, nor is it particularly difficult, but there is some scrambling required in places. The rocks are twisted into complex shapes that are a strong contrast with the smooth quartzite in the park interior. Windswept trees cling to the convoluted rocks of the trail, and the view of the small islands in the bay formed by the convoluted shoreline is spectacular.
The only downside is the crowds that are attracted by the easy hike and spectacular views. Even in mid September we saw many people on the trail and the water. I can only imagine that it would be worse in the high season.
Tips
- The terrain is moderately difficult with lots of ups and down. It’s more interesting than just a straightforward walk.
- The scenery is a high point. This is a very beautiful hike.
- Due to the ease of access and the proximity to the road this is a very popular hike and there can be a lot of people on the trail.