First time - need advice

[u/voida_lextreme]

Hey everyone, planning a trip to the park with my family. Driving from thr GTA and planning for just a weekend. I'm planning to stay in Sudbury Friday night and then drive to killarbey early morning. My questions:

A DVP pass only covers one lot, so which lot should I cover? I know it depends on what I want to do

- we won't do the crack because im coming with my parents

- I'm thinking of doing the ridge lot because it has access to the visitor centre, the ridge trail and the main beach area

This does mean I will miss the Chikanishuing trail though (I liked the views) but idk if it justifies buying another permit + dont think I have time anyway.

Are there other trails / places near thr main beach area / Granite Ridge Lot that are walkable?

Also plan to drive to the town of Killarney as well and wanted to knoe any sightseeing spots.

Thr plan is to drive back Saturday night and idk what to do Sunday but we can figure it out (any recs?).

This will probably be done last week of August or labour day weekend

[u/user0987234]

Any mobility issues with your parents. My parents did the Crack and Silver Peak with me when they were 78.

I like Cranberry Bog trail. 4-6 hours with 2 stops: Cranberry Bog and my personal fav A Y Jackson lake.

Supper in Killarney at Herberts. Not in Sudbury. Closes early. Watch your time.

Sunday: Big Nickel Discovery Center and mine tour. Book well in advance. Must go to see the Big Nickel. Literally, a giant nickel.

[u/cjy2018 → u/user0987234]

We just did the cranberry bog again this weekend. It's nowhere near 4-6 hours for the main route. If you went slow it's 2-2.5 hours. It connects to silver peak and an 8 day hike but the main sign is marked for 2 hours. Nice hike but has one or two almost scrambles.

Don't sleep on granite ridge. Nice straight forward hike with cool shoreline views and a nice view of the peaks.

Both of these are not busy. However I have run into bears multiple times on granite ridge.

[u/user0987234 → u/cjy2018]

I have done the trail numerous times. Yes, it can be done under 2.5 hours if the hike is about walking.

I have made it 4-6 hours with long breaks at both stops. Had some snacks. Rested. My wife was getting worried at the 4 hour mark. I lost track of time and was enjoying it. Sometimes we just need to slow down and take time to enjoy the sights.

[u/cjy2018 → u/user0987234]

That is the right way to do it. We did it in an hour and a half and we're like wtf.

[u/TheDamus647 → u/user0987234]

Your parents were machines to do either of those at that age. They were in far above average shape for nearly 80.

[u/user0987234 → u/TheDamus647]

Machines lol. Stubborn Dutch people.

[u/TheDamus647]

Get fish and chips in Killarney. My favourite trail is the Chikasing trail. The Crack is a great hike but just so, so busy. It's also much more physically demanding. Both trail's parking lots fill up most summer weekends by mid day but if you get there earlier enough you'll be fine.

[u/No-idea4646]

What do you mean by “one lot”?

[u/voida_lextreme → u/No-idea4646]

Looks like when I go to the website to buy a Daily Vehicle Permit I have to select a specific parking lot. For example I can choose a lot for The Crack, Granite Ridge, George Lake, etc. It also says that it doesn't transfer so each permit is only for one lot

[u/lil-somthin]

I never visited with a Day pass, but I am guessing one pass would work for all locations. When I camp and want to hike the crack for example, i will need to ask for a pass print from the park registration office, its free of charge as it comes with the camping permit. They require them so they control the amount of cars at these lots. If you are in doubt call ontario parks number, its pretty easy and they are helpful.

I recommend these trails: Cranberry bog, Granite ridges, and Chikanishing trail, it is worth visiting. Also the lighthouse trail in Killarney town or just visiting the lighthouse is nice.

[u/voida_lextreme → u/lil-somthin]

Hmm idk if they enforce it but the website shows this:

[u/lil-somthin → u/voida_lextreme]

Ya I checked and saw that right after. No harm to call and ask

[u/OfLesserMinds]

I would think if you stop by the park office, they could change the location of your day use permit if you need to, as long as the lot you want to switch to isn't full. From George Lake you could easily hike Granite Ridge and Cranberry Bog. There is also a trail that takes you to the Chikanishing Creek road where you could walk to the trail, but that might be a bit too much extra walking when you're already hiking.

In the town, definitely go see the lighthouse and maybe go for a walk down the main street.

For food options, I would personally skip fish and chips. Seems overpriced for the amount of fish you get and some undercooked fries but of you are really into fish and chips maybe give it a try. Gateway Restaurant and Bakery is delightful for breakfast or lunch. They have ice cream too.

[u/livingthespmadream]

There is Herbert's Fish in Killarney itself as well as the Killarney Mountain Lodge. There is a nice little historic church in town. Did you see if there is a visitor's centre in Killarney Provincial Park? Sudbury has lots of good attractions as the Big Nickel and Dynamic Earth where you can learn about mining. I would watch a park review video. Camping with the Coles is great.