If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure to do in either a day trip, backpacking trip, or even while camping in the backcountry, I have the adventure for you!
Silver Peak is the tallest peak in Killarney Provincial Park. It requires you to paddle to the trail head, and you have some options!
Option 1. Johnnie Lake
Paddle 6km from the Johnnie Lake Access Point, portage to Clearsilver Lake, paddle 1.5km to the trail for Silver Peak and hike 4km (each way).
Option 2. Bell Lake (the only one I’ve done)
Paddle 3km from Bell Lake Access Point to the dock where you start your hike for Silver Peak.
The hike length I tracked on AllTrails was 15.5km total, from the dock, to the peak, back to the dock.
It is important to note that you must go back the way you hiked in when doing this trail, as it’s part of a backpacking trail recommended to take 7-10 days. You also require a parking permit that you can get at Bell Lake Killarney Kanoes.
Here is my experience hiking Silver Peak from the Bell Lake Access Point:
I read online that Bell Lake is the best Access Point if you’re looking to do in a day trip, which is why I chose it! Instead of a canoe, I opted for my paddle board and it worked perfectly well. I would do it again on paddle board!
It was easy to navigate where to paddle, I had the map and used AllTrails and paddles the 3km in about 45minutes, taking my time to soak up all the beauty. You can see Silver Peak from the paddle and it’s so photogenic.
Once we approached the dock, we put our paddleboards on the canoe racks and switched into our hiking gear. We quickly started our hike, and it started with about 4km of pretty flat and easy trail that is well marked and not very technical.
Once you get to the incline, you know. It’s about an hour of constant uphill and lots of rocks. Sturdy footwear is non-negotiable for this trek, and I’d recommend avoiding it when there’s lots of bugs or wetness (slippery rocks).
It’s a great workout, it’s certainly not the hardest trail in Ontario but a good reminder that Ontario isn’t flat! And trust me, you will be rewarded with amazing views at the top.
Once you reach the top, soak it all in! You deserve it, and there’s a lot to see.
Silver Peak offers views of Georgian Bay, white quartzite ridges, and dozens of lakes. It’s so beautiful!
After enjoying the view for 2 hours, we hiked back down which was much easier than our way up. During the paddle back we took our time, went swimming, and soaked up the sun.
This is certainly an adventure for the books!
My Top Tips For This Adventure:
- Sturdy Footwear is a MUST
- Allow a full day for this trip (minimum)
- Don’t forget your permit
- Pack extra water
- Pack bug spray if going in Spring/Early Summer
- There isn’t much cell phone service here, tell someone where you’re going before you go
- You have to travel about 15-20mins down a logging road with some pot holes, go slow and watch for wildlife
- Pack a lunch that will give you lots of energy
Until next time,
Keep on trekkin’ 🥾
Katie 🌲
yourmatiekatie 