Killbear Provincial Park - This Could Be Ontario's Best Park

Killbear is one of Ontario's most popular Provincial Parks - and many would argue it is also Ontario's BEST park. Killbear has 7 different campgrounds (Kilcoursie, Beaver Dams, Georgian, Harold's Point, Granite Saddle, Blind Bay and Lighthouse) with 880 sites.

And while it’s a wonderful natural setting to simply relax in, there’s also lots to do.

There are 5 trails to hike including our favorite, Twin Points.

Lookout Points Trail also has some great views. Or you can try the Shoreline Clamber – where the shoreline between Harold’s Point and Granite Saddle campgrounds makes for a rugged hike. On any of these hikes you should keep a sharp eye out for deer, bears, and even massasauga rattle snakes. Yes, the eastern shore of Georgian Bay is one of the few locations in Canada you might encounter a venomous snake.

There’s also the recreation Trail – a groomed path for cyclists and hikers to share that runs along the 6km main road through the park.

And you can take the recreation trail to Kilbear’s Visitor Centre. Here you’ll find great displays that include some of the local inhabitants…. There’s also information on the history of the park and area.

And in the visitor centre you’ll also find the park gift shop run by the friends of Killbear.

Killbear has 4 kms of beaches including the main beach – a 2 km stretch of sand that runs form the day use area and Kilcoursie cg to Beaver Dams cg. There are also numerous other pocket beaches including at Harold’s point, granite saddle and lighthouse campgrounds. And accessed via Harold’s Point CG is an area many refer to as the jumping rocks – where the brave can take a leap of faith into the cool waters of Georgian Bay.

You’ll also find two pet beaches where your best friend can cool off.

And if the weather changes….and it often does on Georgian Bay parry Sound is only about a 25-minute drive away with a cute downtown, boat tours of the 30,000 islands and some good dining choices.

And if you arrive at camp and realize you need something, you don’t have to drive into Parry Sound – there are 2 camp stores near the park - The Killbear Park Mall and the Detour Store - both have basic staples, gifts and clothes, ice cream, camping supplies, firewood, ice and canoe rentals.

Did we mention yet that Killbear is Beautiful. Your camera or phone is likely to get a workout here. One lone white pine tree, that has stood against the harsh Georgian Bay winds for decades, somehow having taken root in crevices of the granite surrounding it, has become one of Canada’s most photographed trees and a symbol of Killbear. But the years, winds and winter ice are taking a toll and "The Tree" is struggling, now supported by poles erected by park staff.

You will find ‘The Tree’ in Beaver Dams CG – and it’s also here that something kinda cool happens almost every night. Campers from around the park gather on what has been nicknamed Sunset Rocks to, you guessed it, watch the sunset. Harold’s point near the jumping rocks is also a great sunset viewing location.

Killbear is a very special provincial park with lots of wildlife (including deer, massasauga rattlesnakes and yes, bears) and beauty at every turn. It is, without a doubt, our favourite.

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