Opportunities for adventure, discovery and fun abound at Killbear. Here are some "must-see's" while at the park:
Killbear discovery Centre
Killbear Visitor Centre
The Discovery Centre has 1,000 square metres of exhibit space with interactive exhibits about the park and the surrounding area. Popular attractions include the live Massasauga Rattlesnake and Eastern Foxsnake. Located on a stretch of rocky shoreline, the Visitor Centre has stunning views of Georgian Bay. Open daily.
Snake Talks
Snake talks are offered weekly and provide the opportunity to learn about local snakes and species at risk initiatives taking place at Killbear. Check program calendars online at https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/killbear/events or see posted calendars on park bulletin boards.
If you spot a Massasauga rattlesnake or Eastern foxsnake in the park, call 705-342-5492 ext. 0. We will still be conducting snake research throughout the 2020 season. For further information please contact 705-342-5492 ext. 2303 to speak with a naturalist.
Park Programs
Interpretive programs are held daily by Park Naturalists during the summer months and focus on the natural and human history of the area. Programs include Children’s Programs, Guided Hikes, Ask the Naturalist Tables, Exploration Stations, Evening Programs at the amphitheatre, and special music concerts. A limited number of programs are offered in the spring and fall.
Speak with a member of the Discovery team or visit the Discovery Centre for more information.
Check program calendars online at https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/killbear/events or see posted calendars on park bulletin boards.
Park Trails
You have a variety of trail options available at Killbear:
Recreation Trail: This 6km linear trail is ideal for hiking, jogging, cycling, or nature watching as it winds through hemlock groves, hardwood forests and rock outcrops. Skill level: Easy/moderate.
Lookout Point Trail: This 3.5km hiking trail winds through a variety of forest types to a breathtaking view of Georgian Bay from the Parry Sound side of the park. An interpretive trail guide about the ecology of the area is available at the trailhead. Skill level: moderate.
Lighthouse Point Trail: This 0.5km hiking trail loop takes you to the tip of Killbear Point where the Killbear Beacon has guided many a ship laden with supplies, lumber, oil, or tourists into the Parry Sound Harbour. Skill level: moderate.
Twin Points Trail: This 1.8km hiking trail loop crosses forest, sandy beaches and bedrock ridges as it works its way along Killbear’s shoreline. An interpretive trail guide about the geological features is available at the trailhead. This trail has been designated one of Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve's Amazing Places. Skill level: Easy/moderate.
Shoreline Clamber: While there is no actual trail, the shoreline between Harold Point and Granite Saddle is an exceptionally fun area to hike. See dramatic geological features as you clamber from rock to rock. You can go all the way to Lighthouse Point along the shore and return via the Recreational Trail. Make sure you take some drinking water and a snack as this could take you over 3 hours. Skill level: Moderate/difficult.
Visitor Centre: The Visitor Centre has great views towards the open water of Georgian Bay.
Scenic Viewpoints
With its mix of sandy beaches, rugged shoreline, windswept pines and views of the 30,000 Islands, there are scenic views everywhere at Killbear. A number of highlights include:
Sunset Rocks/The Tree: Possibly the most photographed tree in Canada, this windswept pine is located near campsite 320 in Beaver Dams campground. It shows the effects of dealing with decades of west winds off of Georgian Bay.
Harold Point Viewing Rocks: There are beautiful views from these high rocks near Harold Point campground. Parking near the beach is limited so park at the amphitheatre and walk towards the beach.
Day Use Beach and Twin Points Shoreline: Looking out on the tranquil waters of Kilcoursie Bay you can see the full length of the Killbear peninsula. A 300 metre walk along the Twin Points trail brings you to a beautiful pocket beach between two rocky points.
Lookout Point: The scenic viewpoint at the halfway point on this trail looks eastwards over the islands and bays of the Big Sound. You can see the town of Parry Sound 10 km away.
Lighthouse Point: There are great views from the trail and dramatic geologic formations at the tip of the peninsula.
Beaches
There are more than 4 km of beaches scattered along the Killbear peninsula. The longest beach is almost 2 km long and there are numerous smaller “pocket” beaches flanked by rocky headlands. Each campground (except for Georgian) has at least one swimming area designated with buoys. Most campsites are within a five minute walk of a beach, including Georgian campground which is very close to the beaches of both Harold Point and Beaver Dams campgrounds. Killbear even has two beaches for pets!
While visitors may use any beach, parking for some campground beaches can be limited and you may find it more convenient to walk or bike. For the Harold Point beach it is best to park at the amphitheatre and then walk through Harold Point campground to the beach. There is plentiful parking for Day Use beach and the beach at Lighthouse Point.
Killbear has the perfect beach for everyone:
Families: The beach along Kilcoursie Bay is quite child friendly as it is usually protected from wind and waves. This is Killbear's longest stretch of beach. It can be accessed at Day Use, Kilcoursie campground or Beaver Dams campground.
Picnic'ers: The Day Use Beach on Kilcoursie Bay has picnic tables, firepits, a picnic shelter and bathrooms.
Windsurfers/Sailors: The intimate beaches at Harold Point and Granite Saddle campgrounds are often more exposed to the prevailing onshore westerly winds.
Solitude-Seekers: Blind Bay campground has one small designated beach near the boat launch. Many people will also swim from the rocky shore.
Shade-Lovers: The beach at Lighthouse Point has shade trees if the sun gets too hot.
Pet Owners: There are two options for pet owners. One option is the Pet Exercise Beach near Day Use. To get to it, you hike 300 m walk along the Twin Points trail. Dogs must remain on leash at the beach since the beach is next to the hiking trail. The other option is the Pet Exercise Beach near Group Camp. The beach is a 250 m walk along a beautiful path through the woods. Dogs can be off leash at this beach.