Ontario Parks | Killbear
Size: 1760.00 ha
Year established: 1960
Park Classification: Natural Environment
35 Killbear Park Road
Nobel
P0G 1G0
Biking
A 6 km Recreational Trail runs the length of the park and is a very popular way to experience the park.
Birding
Woodpeckers, warblers, wood thrushes, herons, hawks and hummingbirds all makeup part of Killbear’s birdlife. The best places to birdwatch are the hiking trails. Bald Eagles show up in late September and are regularly seen until the Bay freezes over in January. Bird checklists are available at the Visitor Centre.
Boating
Located in the heart of the 30,000 islands, Killbear is an ideal location to explore the beautiful Georgian Bay. Sailing, cruising, trolling, and waterskiing are all possible.
Canoeing
Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities. The park has over 12 km of rugged shoreline and three islands to explore. There are dozens of other islands within a short paddle of the park. Paddlers must be aware of wind and wave conditions on Georgian Bay and be aware that the weather can change quickly. Killbear does not rent canoes or kayaks, but rentals are available outside the park at local businesses.
Discovery Program
Interpretive programs are held daily during the summer months and focus on the natural and human history of the area. Programs include Children’s Programs, Guided Hikes, Evening Programs at the amphitheatre, plus special musical concerts by groups such as the Wakami Wailers.
A limited number of programs are offered in the spring and fall. Programs are available for schools groups and special interest groups.
Fishing
Fish for Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, pike, perch and walleye. Parry Sound is best known for a productive Lake Trout fishery in the waters of the Big Sound (on the eastern side of the Killbear peninsula). Please note: the waters of Kilcoursie Bay (on the western side of the peninsula) are a Lake Trout sanctuary and are closed to Lake Trout fishing year round.
Hiking
Twin Points Trail 1.6 km loop (40 minutes) easy.
The trail crosses over rock outcrops and through different types of forest until it makes its way to the rocky points and sandy beaches of the shoreline. A trail guide interprets the geological features found along the way.
Lookout Point Trail 3.5 km loop (1.5 hours) moderate
This trail winds through a variety of forest types and rock outcrops and provides a breathtaking view of Georgian Bay at the midway point. A trail guide explains the ecology of the area.
Lighthouse Point Trail 800 m loop (25 minutes) easy to moderate
This short trail takes you to the tip of Killbear Point and offers superb views of Georgian Bay and interesting rockscapes.
Recreational Trail – 6 km linear (3 hours) easy to moderate
The recreational trail runs parallel to the main park road from the park entrance to Lighthouse Point. The trail winds through hemlock groves, hardwood forest and rock outcrops and is ideal for hiking, jogging, cycling or nature watching.
Swimming
Each campground has its own designated beach plus there is a beach at the day-use area. In addition, there are kilometres of adjacent shoreline, some rocky and some sandy, that are suitable for swimming. Kilcoursie, Beaver Dams and the Day-Use Beach share a 2 km horseshoe-shaped beach. Beaches at Georgian, Harold Point, Granite Saddle, Lighthouse Point and Blind Bay Campgrounds are all on smaller beaches flanked by rocky headlands.
Barrier-Free
All comfort stations are barrier-free. There are nine designated wheelchair-accessible campsites (#’s 50, 51, 94, 228, 282, 434, 436, 594, 1178).
Boat Launch
There are boat launches in Blind Bay and Lighthouse Point Campgrounds. Due to low water levels, they are limited to smaller boats (< 20 feet).
Comfort Station(s)
Comfort stations (complete with showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities) are located in Kilcoursie, Beaver Dams, Georgian, Harold Point, Lighthouse Point and Blind Bay Campgrounds. The only campground without a comfort station is Granite Saddle.
Day Use
The Day-Use area has a sandy beach with a designated swimming area. There are shady areas with picnic tables, hibachis, water taps and flush toilets nearby.
Flush Toilets
Flush toilets are found in various locations throughout the campgrounds as well as at the Day-Use area.
Laundromat
Laundry facilities are available at the comfort stations in every campground except for Granite Saddle.
Park Store
The Nature Shoppe is operated by the Friends of Killbear Park and is located in the Visitor Centre. It features clothing, souvenirs, nature books and artwork.
Ice and groceries are available outside the park at local stores or in Parry Sound (35 km from the park)
Pet Exercise Area
There is a dog beach located near the Group Camping area which is the only location in the park where your pets are allowed off-leash.
Picnic Shelters
There is one picnic shelter located in the day-use area. Reservations can be made online or by phone, or by contacting the park directly at 705-342-5492.
Trailer Dump / Fill Station
There are 2 potable water stations located in the Park. One on the edge of the Park Office parking lot and one at the grey water pump out station located off Day Use Beach road.
Visitor Centre
The Visitor 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. Snake talks are held daily during the summer. Located on a stretch of rocky shoreline, the Visitor Centre has stunning views of Georgian Bay.