Hiking The Crack trail in Killarney was a different experience I had to endure. And I mean it in a good, satisfying way. It is the best hiking I’ve ever had in Ontario. Reaching the top was insane, but the views were worth the trouble. Every step you make will be worth it, I promise!
Intermediate to Difficult Level
The sign at the entrance shows that it’s a difficult-level hiking trail. Like any trail, we started slow and easy. We passed through a forested area as we started our ascent. Then came the blistering rocks and onto the Crack.
Personally, the hike was primarily easy-intermediate, with steep terrains. The only tricky part was the last 10-15 minutes before reaching the apex of The Crack, and we had to scramble on all fours. There was no proper trail, but hikers had to climb huge boulders to pass through the crack. And after this challenge, magnificent views await those who made it to the top!
Not a Loop Trail
Remind yourself that this is not a loop trail, unlike most (or several?) hiking trails in Canada. You have to go down the same path you walked on going up. This is a 7.6-kilometer hike (back and forth) and takes 4-5 hours to complete (including rests and depending on how long you stay on the top). The trail is marked visibly so you won’t be lost among the trees.
Best Time to Hike
I think the best time to hike is in mid-autumn. As long as it’s not a windy day, it’s perfect for conquering The Crack. We went there in September last year, and the weather was on our side. Though we brought our sweaters, we never used them most of the time. The leaves were still mostly green, but a few trees were already showing off their autumn colors.
The only thing that might discourage you is that it is a four-hour-and-a-half drive from Toronto. So, staying there for a night at Killarney is recommended.
Yes, summer is an excellent season to hike here, too, but you must start early to avoid the sizzling temperature. So, check the day’s weather forecast to prepare you for what to do/bring. Make sure that you wear sturdy shoes.
Why it’s called “The Crack?”
Obviously, there’s a crack in the middle of the two broken rocks. The boulder on the right is safer to access than the one on the left. For the adventurous souls, the left rock is, of course, more challenging.
The Views
Once you reach the top, the stunning views of the huge Killarney Provincial Park, Georgian Bay, and Blue Ridge will please you. The exhaustion you feel will magically disappear in a second. Don’t forget to pat yourself for making it there. The feeling was like landing on the moon! 😊
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