Trip Rating
Description
Mountains in Ontario? Absolutely. What they lack in height, they make up for in character. The LaCloche range is bright white, rugged, and radiant in the fall. Most people experience Killarney from the hiking trails or canoe routes, but the coastal side of Georgian Bay is a sea kayaking paradise. This trip is best done as a multi-day expedition. What follows is a recap of one of our five-day paddles through the Fox Island Group.
Launch Spot Options
Parking can be tight in this area, especially in summer. Arriving mid-week helps.
Option 1: Chikanishing Trail
The most popular—and generally safest—launch is the large lot at the end of Chikanishing Road. The launch is level, there’s a composting toilet, and good garbage facilities. It can be extremely busy. To avoid headaches, pay for parking at the Ontario Parks office at Lake George before heading to the lot. The machine at the trailhead is notoriously unreliable.
Cost: $15 per day
Option 2: Church of St. Bonaventure
This one’s a bit of a local secret. The church in town allows overnight parking for $5 per night. Launch across the street beside the fish and chips shop—very convenient at the end of the trip.
Cost: $5 per day
Trip Length
You can technically do this as a day trip, but realistically this is a 4–6 day expedition. After driving all the way from Hamilton, I prefer to settle in and make the most of it. Here’s a typical five-day itinerary from our guided expeditions.
Day 1: Launch from Chik Creek and set up camp.
There are more excellent campsites than you’ll ever need. We’ve always found room for groups of all sizes. Favourites: West Fox Island, Le Hayes, and Martens.
Day 2: Day trip to West Fox Island.
West Fox and the surrounding islands are incredible. Stony beaches with wide views of the LaCloche Mountains, great lunch spots, and on the southeast side of the main island—a stretch of wild rock formations.
Day 3: Day trip to Blockbuster Island.
Blockbuster Island is a gem. It’s also home to the only thunderbox I know of in the area. Land on the southeast shore where there’s a flat (but slippery) landing. From there, hike to the high point for views across the bay.
Day 4: Rest day.
A rest day on the islands is hard to beat.
Day 5: Head home.
The paddle back is bittersweet. Approaching the creek, the mountains rise behind you—a beautiful reminder that the trip is ending. The consolation prize: the best post-trip fish and chips at Herbert’s.
Après Options
After a Fox Islands expedition, nothing beats Herbert’s.
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