Winter Weekend
Held each year during the Family Day weekend, this event is a great opportunity to discover the beauty of winter in Killarney Provincial Park. Glide along 30km of cross-country ski trails, take a guided snowshoe hike, and view the stars from the Park’s Main Beach.
2023 Winter Weekend: February 17 - 19We are so pleased to bring back this wonderful winter weekend in Killarney Park. This year you can expect fun for the whole family.
More details to come soon! Keep reading to see how we celebrated our Winter Weekend last year (2022)! On Friday, February 18 we welcome you to the Park office, open from 8:30 - 3:30pm everyday. Say hello to the Friends in the Outpost and rent snowshoe or skiing equipment you were not able to bring. *limited supplies, first come first serve* On Saturday, February 19 the day begins at 9:45-11:15am outside with a morning activity at the Nature Centre where you will move around to find some of the interesting sights and sounds of Killarney in the winter. Free BBQ lunch, courtesy of the Friends will be held from 12:00-12:45pm, with vegetarian options available. *Donations are welcome* Our Featured Guest Speaker Professor John Gunn, Canada Research Chair in Stressed Aquatic Systems will speak about the UN Decade of Restoration and how it relates to research being conducted here in Killarney Park from 12:30-1:30pm. Watch as artist Christy A. Smith completes a single piece of art, Plein Air, starting at 1:00pm. We recommend wearing snowshoes to observe. Find Christy on Instagram here @christysmithsudbur and Facebook here. Guided hikes will be held in the afternoon from 2:00-5:00pm
Sunday, February 20 a final guided hike will be lead by park staff showing you one of the hidden secrets in Killarney Park. Explore across George Lake to find an ice cave on the northern shores. *weather dependent* More fun things to explore in Killarney before you leave:
Winter SafetyTRAVEL OVER ICE IS NOT RECOMMENDED
Your safety is ultimately your responsibility. If you do plan to cross lakes, check for the latest ice conditions with staff. Exercise caution near creeks, narrows, dams and other areas of moving water. BE PREPARED FOR SEVERE COLD TEMPERATURES
Temperatures can get as low as -30C. Bring proper clothing, a sleeping bag and other equipment for these conditions. Carry a survival kit with you at all times. |
Winter in KillarneySNOWSHOE & SKI RENTALS
Snowshoes are available at the Park office for $25 for adults and $15 for kids per day. Traditional cross country skis are available for $30 per day. Please Note: We recommend calling ahead to reserve a pair for your visit in Killarney Park. *A deposit at time of pickup may be required. PARK PERMITS
Permits are required in the off-season and can be purchased from the Park office. If staff are not available, please self-register at the kiosk. ACCOMMODATIONS
Local accommodations are available at Killarney Mountain Lodge, Roque's Marina, Sportsman's Inn and Rocher Rouge Campground. The Park also has six yurts available year-round. These eight-sided, tent-like structures are mounted on a wooden deck floor. They offer electric heat, making them a great option for winter in the Park. There are also two cabins within the Park, with more details here. SKI TRAILS
Chikanishing trail
7 km | flat terrain | beginner Overview: Follows campground roads along Chikanishing Creek. Trailhead: Park Office freeland trails
11.5 km | Flat Terrain | All Levels Leaves from the Bobcat section of the campground and finishes at east-end of Freeland Lake. Trailhead: Park Office Collins Inlet trail
14 km | Flat terrain, steep pitches | Experienced Passes through many ecosystems including mature forests to marshlands. |