Where is the La Cloche Silhouette Trail?

The trail is in Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. It crosses the white quartzite peaks of the La Cloche mountain range.

How long is the loop?

The backpacking loop is 78 kilometres, or 48 miles. Account for mountain terrain when deciding how much distance to cover each day.

How many days should be allowed?

The six- and eight-day itineraries here are planning suggestions, not established completion times. Choose a schedule based on fitness, conditions, pack weight and confirmed overnight arrangements.

What gives the trail its name?

The trail is named after Group of Seven painter Franklin Carmichael’s painting, “La Cloche Silhouette.”

Can wildlife be encountered along the trail?

Yes. Animals associated with the trail include black bears, moose, beavers and river otters. Sightings are not guaranteed; keep your distance and avoid approaching animals.

Where should permit and booking details be checked?

Contact Killarney Provincial Park for current permit requirements and overnight booking procedures before finalizing the trip.

Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop

An 80-km loop over quartzite ridges and pink-granite lakes — the Group of Seven landscape.

Plan a trip to Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop

Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop, Canada. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.

Region: Ontario, Canada
Country: Canada
Biome: Canadian Shield quartzite (200–500 m)
Best season: May – October
Difficulty: moderate

Known for

Backpacking
Hiking
Climbing
Canoeing
Fishing

Key takeaways

Biome: Canadian Shield quartzite (200–500 m)
Best season: May – October
Difficulty: moderate
Top activity: backpacking

Loading live weather & climate for Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop…

Photos of Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop

Topic summary

An 80-km loop over quartzite ridges and pink-granite lakes — the Group of Seven landscape.

Key takeaways

Difficulty: moderate
Best season: May – October

Intended uses

backpacking

Climate suitability

Canadian Shield quartzite (200–500 m)

Region

Canada

Biome

Canadian Shield quartzite (200–500 m)

Difficulty

moderate

Tools for a trip here

Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.

backpacking

Plan with verified data

Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop trip tools

Month by month Weather & climate Routes & trails Itineraries Wildlife Photos Plan a trip here

How to get there

Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop is in Ontario, Canada, Canada. Its center point is 46.0333, -81.4000. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.

Killarney Provincial Park
The park contains the La Cloche Silhouette Trail. Confirm the appropriate backpacking entry location with the park before arranging travel.
La Cloche Silhouette Trail
The named backpacking circuit across the La Cloche range. Confirm its designated starting point and return arrangements; this entry does not identify a separate trailhead.

Driving directions ↗Open on a map ↗Plan the drive in the Trip Planner

Popular pursuits at Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop

Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.

Animals around Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop

Browse all wildlife guides →

Maps, GPS & compass for this trip

Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.

Waterproof topo maps

GPS picks

See all 10 handheld GPS picks →

Compass picks

See all 10 compass picks →

Fishing at Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop

Planning to fish Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop, Ontario? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Ontario are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.

Do I need a fishing licence at Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop?

A Ontario fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
Read the current Ontario fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.

Ontario Fishing & Hunting — official Ontario licences & regulations

The Fishing Guide — species, best times & gear Wild10 fishing guides, knots & lure planner

Hunting near Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop

Thinking about hunting Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop, Ontario? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Ontario are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.

Is hunting allowed at Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop?

Confirm the land around Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.

What do I need to hunt in Ontario?

A Ontario hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.

Ontario Fishing & Hunting — official Ontario licences & regulations

The Hunting Guide — gear, permits & seasons Wild10 hunting guides & season calendars Best deer hunting broadheads Deer archery season gear list

A backpacking loop through the La Cloche range

The La Cloche Silhouette Trail is a 78-kilometre backpacking loop in Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario. Its defining terrain is the white quartzite peaks of the La Cloche mountain range: this is a mountain backpacking destination, not simply a walk through forest. The loop format makes the complete circuit the clearest objective for a trip, while the overall distance calls for planning around sustained walking with an overnight load. Treat the length as only one part of the undertaking; travel across peaks also deserves consideration when choosing equipment and setting a realistic pace. Build the trip around the trail itself rather than assuming that nearby roads, intermediate entry points, or shorter connecting routes will be available.

Landscape, name, and route planning

The trail takes its name from Franklin Carmichael’s painting “La Cloche Silhouette,” linking the walking route to a Group of Seven artist and the mountain landscape. White quartzite is the distinguishing visual feature of the range, and the peaks give the circuit its geographic character. The trail is divided into five sections, but a useful walking plan still requires current route information before setting daily objectives. For the full loop, think in terms of manageable progress rather than dividing the total distance into equal days without considering terrain. Carry navigation suitable for a backpacking circuit and confirm entry arrangements before departure. Neither the trail’s artistic association nor its loop shape makes the practical work of trip preparation less important.

Wildlife and preparation

Wildlife is part of the setting along the La Cloche Silhouette Trail. Black bears, moose, lynx, fishers, porcupines, beavers, and river otters are among the animals associated with the route. Sightings are possible, not something to build a schedule around. Give animals space, avoid approaching them for photographs, and keep food and scented items secured using guidance appropriate to the park. For a backpacking trip across the range, pack for changing weather and carry the essentials needed to remain self-sufficient between stops. Plan drinking-water treatment rather than assuming untreated water is suitable to drink. Before setting out, confirm current trail conditions and camping requirements with the park, and leave a clear trip plan with someone who is not joining the walk.

Route options

La Cloche Silhouette Trail — complete circuit78 kilometres (48 miles)
Follow the backpacking loop across the white quartzite peaks of the La Cloche mountain range in Killarney Provincial Park. The trail is divided into five sections.
La Cloche Silhouette Trail — landscape-focused circuit78 kilometres (48 miles)
Use the same complete loop for a trip focused on the quartzite landscape associated with Franklin Carmichael’s painting. This is a different trip emphasis, not a separate route or a shorter alternative; allow time for observation without compromising daily walking plans.

Sample itineraries

Six-day La Cloche Silhouette loop · 6 days
A suggested six-day plan for the 78-kilometre backpacking loop through Killarney Provincial Park’s white quartzite peaks. Choose this pace only if the mountain terrain suits the group’s fitness. Confirm overnight arrangements with the park before committing to daily stages.
Eight-day La Cloche Silhouette loop · 8 days
Allow eight days for the same 78-kilometre loop, spreading the distance across more walking days. This suggested pace leaves more room for breaks and changing conditions. Set daily stages only after confirming suitable overnight arrangements with the park.

Seasonal conditions

Spring

Confirm current conditions before departure.

For this mountain loop, check for lingering snow, ice and wet footing rather than assuming spring means clear trails. Adjust plans to the conditions reported by the park.

Summer

Confirm current conditions before departure.

Plan for sun exposure while crossing the quartzite peaks. Carry sun protection and sufficient water capacity, and adjust walking effort to the temperature.

Fall

Confirm current conditions before departure.

Build daily stages around available daylight. Carry warm layers and rain protection, and check temperatures before choosing a sleep system for a multiday mountain trip.

Winter

Confirm access and trail conditions with the park.

Do not treat a summer backpacking schedule as a winter plan. If snow or ice is present, reassess footing, navigation, equipment and daily progress before attempting the loop.

Season	Window	Conditions
Spring	Confirm current conditions before departure.	For this mountain loop, check for lingering snow, ice and wet footing rather than assuming spring means clear trails. Adjust plans to the conditions reported by the park.
Summer	Confirm current conditions before departure.	Plan for sun exposure while crossing the quartzite peaks. Carry sun protection and sufficient water capacity, and adjust walking effort to the temperature.
Fall	Confirm current conditions before departure.	Build daily stages around available daylight. Carry warm layers and rain protection, and check temperatures before choosing a sleep system for a multiday mountain trip.
Winter	Confirm access and trail conditions with the park.	Do not treat a summer backpacking schedule as a winter plan. If snow or ice is present, reassess footing, navigation, equipment and daily progress before attempting the loop.

Permits, fees & closures

Confirm permit requirements and overnight booking procedures with Killarney Provincial Park before planning the loop.

Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.

Hazards & regulations

Mountain terrain can make distance a poor measure of effort. Leave time for careful footing across the quartzite peaks.
Wet or icy rock can compromise traction. Slow down and reassess travel when footing deteriorates.
Changing weather matters on a multiday mountain loop. Carry protection against rain and cold.
Black bears and other wildlife may be encountered. Keep food secure, give animals space and follow park guidance.

What to pack for Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop

Navigation and emergency equipment

Route map and compass
Offline navigation with backup power
First-aid kit
Headlamp
Emergency communication device

Mountain weather and footing

Footwear with dependable traction
Rain shell
Warm insulating layers
Sun hat and sunscreen

Multiday camping

Backpacking shelter
Sleep system suited to forecast temperatures
Water containers and treatment
Food storage consistent with park wildlife guidance
Food for the planned trip plus a contingency supply

Build this list in the gear builder →

Wildlife you may see

Black bears
Moose
Lynx
Fishers
Porcupines
Beavers
River otters
Snakes

Killarney — La Cloche Silhouette Loop FAQ

Where is the La Cloche Silhouette Trail?: The trail is in Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. It crosses the white quartzite peaks of the La Cloche mountain range.
How long is the loop?: The backpacking loop is 78 kilometres, or 48 miles. Account for mountain terrain when deciding how much distance to cover each day.
How many days should be allowed?: The six- and eight-day itineraries here are planning suggestions, not established completion times. Choose a schedule based on fitness, conditions, pack weight and confirmed overnight arrangements.
What gives the trail its name?: The trail is named after Group of Seven painter Franklin Carmichael’s painting, “La Cloche Silhouette.”
Can wildlife be encountered along the trail?: Yes. Animals associated with the trail include black bears, moose, beavers and river otters. Sightings are not guaranteed; keep your distance and avoid approaching animals.
Where should permit and booking details be checked?: Contact Killarney Provincial Park for current permit requirements and overnight booking procedures before finalizing the trip.