Ravi Taxali's Blog

August 8, 2013
Camping at Killbear Provincial Park

Our group, which consists of three families, has been going for camping for two or three days once every year for more than 10 years. As we are not hardcore campers and also don’t have the luxury of owning an RV (Recreational Vehicle), we have always opted for campsites with electrical connection. As the numbers of electrical campsites in most parks is limited, getting a reservation in popular parks during high demand time (long weekends) is difficult. Besides, since we need two or three electrical campsites side-by-side, our options become even more difficult. For this reason, were not able to visit the popular Killbar Provincial Park until recently. Even this year, I could not secure reservation in Killbear when the booking opened in Feb for Aug, and we ended up booking sites in some other park for Aug 2-4.

Sometime in May, Usha and Narayan, who are part of our camping group, informed that they won’t be able to join for camping as they plan to celebrate their 25th marriage anniversary on Aug 3. So, we cancelled the camp booking. By chance, I checked for available campsites in Killbear, and to my surprise, one electrical site was available for Aug 3 and 4. Since the anniversary function was planned for Aug 3 afternoon, we could attend the function and then proceed to Killbear. So, we went to The Host restaurant for the function with the camping gear stuffed in our van, and Jayant and Shuba too did the same. As soon as the party ended around 3.30 pm, we quickly changed from party clothes to casual wear and drove off towards Killbar. Killbear is located only 250 KMs from Toronto, just off Highway 400. As it was Saturday afternoon, the traffic was not heavy on the Highway and we managed to reach Killbear a little after 6 pm. We quickly setup three tents, sipped hot tea and went to have a view of the Georgian Bay. Unlike most parks, Killbear has a very long beach and is at walking distance from most campsites. The beach was gorgeous and there was hardly any soul at that time, as it was getting cold. As we were warned by our friends who were in Killbear the previous week, we came somewhat prepared, however, I felt freezing cold in my sleeping bag during night.

Next morning, after preparing and eating breakfast, it was time to explore the park. We decided to hike the Lookout trail, which passes through thick forest. This 3.5 KMs long trail offers an excellent view of the massive Georgian Bay; the islands in the Bay make the view astonishing.

Georgian Bay

View of Georgian Bay 

The Visitor Centre located in the Park has several exhibits about natural and human history about Killbear. It also offers educational lectures about animals. In the afternoon, it was time to enjoy sunbath on golden beaches. (We could do only sunbath as the water was too cold to swim!). Later in the evening, it was time to hike the Lighthouse trail and watch the sunset from Harold Point. I must admit, that it was an amazing experience to watch the sunset over Georgian Bay, something just not possible in city. While coming back to our campsite, we watched three deer grazing in the forest. (Earlier, we also saw a small snake.) And, before retiring for bed, we enjoyed campfire in complete darkness.

killbear sunset

killbear Campfire

Next day, after breakfast, it was time to pack up tents. However, before heading back home, we hiked to lookout trail once again to enjoy the Georgian Bay again. Looking forward to go for another camping next year. Sure, I will return back to Killbear Park in future. (True to its name, Killbear is famous for bear sightings!)

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