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Killbear

Killbear P.P. is located at the end of Highway 522 (Killbear Park Road) in Parry Sound, ON. The park is known for beautiful Georgian Bay sunsets and the rocky outrops that highlight them. We most recently visited in August 2024.

History

In 1885, Killbear was designated a farm by two Scotch brothers. In 1904, Charles Alonso purchased the land in hopes of building a Georgian Bay waterfront hotel. During this time, Killbear had been logged and cut since 1898, up until 1930. During this time, the lighthouse at Lighthouse Point was constructed. The government acquired the land in 1958, and the campground was opened in 1960. Read more at friendsofkillbear.com/its-history/

Killbear's name has unclear origins. It is either from tales of man-killing bears (or visa-versa) or a European mistranslation of Makwa Neyoshing, which means Bear Point.

What the Park Offers

Killbear offers:
- biking on the 6km Recreational trail
- fishing for bass, trout, pickerel, & panfish
- swimming on innumerable sandy beaches
- birding; especially birds of prey
- boating in Georgian Bay's high waters
- discovery programming held often

Killbear's trails are:

Recreational Trail - 6km, easy

This trail runs alongside the main road and traverses the entirety of the peninsula. Great for bikers, hikers, cyclers, and runners. (bikes permitted)

Lookout Point Trail - 3.5km, moderate

This trail starts on a boardwalk and climbs a large hill to a beautiful lookout over Parry Sound. This trail is spotty in some areas, but is worth it. (no bikes)

NOTE: THIS TRAIL'S INFORMATION IS FROM 2022. INFORMATION MAY BE OUT OF DATE.

Twin Points Trail - 1.6km, easy

A short and flat trail starts at the day use beach and goes up a rocky plateau. It then goes to two scenic points overlooking Lake Huron's largest cove. (no bikes)

Lighthouse Point Trail - 0.8km, easy

This trail brings you to the very tip of Bear Point, and the 0.4 acres owned by the Coast Guard, including the historic lighthouse. (bikes are just fine)

Visiting the Park

Drive in. Pass the gatehouse. Day use area, dump station, and Twin Points trail are accessed via turning right. Pass this. A second right brings you to Kilcoursie Bay, Beaver Dams, and Georgian Campgrounds. Pass this, too. A left after this will bring you to Blind Bay Campground. Further up, there'll be another gatehouse and Harold Point Campground on the right. Keep on trucking until you see Granite Saddle Campground on the right. On the left you'll see Lighthouse Point Campground and Lighthouse Point Trail parking lot straight ahead.

Interesting Species

Note that the photos in this section are not explicitly from this park, they are good photos of species that live here.

White Tailed Deer

Seabirds

Eastern Massassauga Rattlesnake and Eastern Foxsnake

Birds of Prey

Tips and Advice

Very nice visitor center - check it out.
Camp in Kilcoursie Bay or Beaver Dams.
Go to The Tree at Sunset Rocks.
Go to the Jumping Rocks at Harold Point Rocks.
On the Lighthouse Point Trail, marvel at the unique rock formations (shown below in bottom right of gallery)

SPOTLIGHT: The Tree

Killbear's most popular spot BY FAR is "The Tree" by the Sunset Rocks - and for good reason. This eastern white pine may only be a few feet tall but it boasts miles of inspiration in art, photography, and even music. The tree is a windswept pine, meaning its shape is based upon the wind conditions of the area - making it lean very far. The tree grew in the rocks, and as it grew in popularity because of its location and significance, the tree started to wear down. This is why a crutch was added to the pine to make sure it can be enjoyed as long as possible. Another reason for this wear down was people climbing on it for photos. So do it a favour - get some photos, watch the sunset, and do not climb/disturb the landscape.

Opinions

Nash

I had a fun time here but I would say this park is overrated. The Tree is photogenic and the rocks are nice, but I found the trails to be subpar (when compared to the trails of nearby parks like Grundy Lake, Awenda, French River, and even Six Mile Lake). Still a nice park. I'd say a 7.5/10.

Map: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/pdf/maps/killbear/park_map.pdf

Scanned Aug 13, 2024 at 2:39:12 PM.pdf

Birds Species at Killbear; Tree and Shrubs Species at Killbear

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