FireFly

Preface
Acknowledgments

Killarney Canoe Routes

• Introduction
• OSA Lake
• Threenarrows Lake Loop
• To the Crack and Back
• The Big Loop
• Northwest Loop
• Bell-David Loop
• East Panache Loop
• Nellie Lake Loop
• Bear Lake Loop

Killarney Kayak/Canoe Routes

• Introduction
• Bell Lake/Silver Peak
• Philip Edward Island
• Fox Islands
• Panache Lake

The French River

• Introduction

French River Canoe Routes

• Introduction
• Eighteen Mile Island Loop
• The Restoule/ Upper French

French River Kayak/Canoe Routes

• Introduction
• Lower French Figure-Eight Loop
• The French River's Old Voyageur Channel
• French/Pickerel River Loop

Take a Hike

• Granite Ridge Trail
• Chikanishing River Trail
• Cranberry Bog Trail
• East Lighthouse and Tar Vat Trail
• George Island Trail
• Silver Peak
• Baie Fine
• Silhouette Trail Loop

Winter in Killarney

• Frozen in Time
• Christmas in Killarney
• The Joys of Freezing to Death

More Information

Bibliography
Index

Killarney Canoe Routes
Introduction

When I think back to my past canoe trips across Killarney Provincial Park, not all were pleasant outings. Some involved hauling gear and canoe over incredibly steep, jagged portages, dredging through thick, bug-infested bogs, and even setting up on a campsite already occupied by a black bear. My arms have strained trying to paddle hard against a constant onslaught of wind and waves, and there were a few stormy nights when I truly feared my flimsy nylon tent would become the next Noah's Ark.

So why do I still go? Quite simply, it's to be close to this magnificent wild landscape, to be invigorated by the park's turquoise lakes and white quartzite hills, and to go home with enough good memories of wilderness travel to get me through to another season. Simple? That's exactly why I like it. Canoeing through the park isn't easy at times, but it's a lot easier than dealing with the stress of the real world.

In this book, you'll find a number of trips I've tried through the years. The trip descriptions are not definitive guides. A lot of the routes are possible from other access points, but these are the ones that were most memorable to me.

A note before you go: please make sure to plan your canoe trip before setting out. The park can get busy at times, so reservations are usually needed far in advance. Also, remember you are only allowed nine people per site, no bottles or cans may be carried in, and campsite locations may change over the years so make sure your park map is up to date. Also, before heading out, check with park staff regarding water levels, fire bans, and nuisance bear reports. A little pre-trip planning can greatly reduce your chance of having a "misadventure" out there.

 

Callan's love of the wilderness and sense of humor shine through the pages of this guide, and one feels confident that his first-hand experience provides trustworthy information to assist would-be explorers of this most beautiful region.
- Diana Mumford  Wave Length Magazine  2006 04

A comprehensive guide to one of Ontario's most celebrated parks... detailed maps, new routes and photos.
-   Explore  2006 05

Callan has written another beautifully photographed and detailed book about canoeing, kayaking and hiking in the Killarney and French River regions of Ontario... a must have that will guide you on the way.
-   The Cottager  2006 10

Kevin helps you find the hidden corners... great maps, solid photos and a wonderfully witty and self-deprecating style.
- Michael Peake  Che-Mun (Journal of Canadian Wilderness Canoeing)  2006 04