La Cloche Silhouette Trail in Ontario has sapphire blue lakes and mountain views
La Cloche Silhouette Trail in Ontario is often touted as one of the best backpacking trails in the country, featuring gorgeous crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and rugged quartzite ridges with picturesque views of the La Cloche mountain range.
You'll find the trail 4.5 hours north of Toronto located within Killarney Provincial Park, which sprawls for over 645 square kilometres of wilderness along the Georgian Bay Coast.
The trail was dedicated to the late Franklin Carmichael of The Group of Seven and named after his La Cloche Silhouette painting. Extending 78 kilometres, it's not for the faint of heart, taking on average 7—10 days to complete.
The loop encircles the La Cloche mountains, traversing over rugged landscapes, roots, rocks, up steep inclines, and through water crossings.
Hikers are drawn to the trail's ever-changing scenery, as it begins admist dense green cedar forests before opening up to showcase shimmering deep blue lakes. Eventually, the terrain exposes the magnificent white quartzite cliffs, which can give off a pink glow at sunrise and sunset.
Along the trek, you'll come across some of the most-visited spots in Killarney, including The Crack. Here, you'll find a steep climb up to breathtaking panoramic views.
Silver Peak is another stop you can't miss, boasting the highest point in the park where you can see sparkling lakes and forests that look like they stretch on forever.
There are plenty of backcountry campsites along La Cloche Silhouette Trail to rest your head overnight, which is especially necessary considering how strenuous the trek is.
If a multi-day hike isn't your thing, there are still plenty of shorter hikes or things to do in Killarney. Paddle across the lakes and see the magnificent cliffs from the water, or you relax and swim at one of the park's two beaches.
Killarney also has incredible stargazing opportunities, and there's an observatory within the park where you can explore the night sky.
Camping reservations are required and can be made directly on the Ontario Parks website.
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