Join SHE Ventures for an 8-day, 7-night backpacking trip along the La Cloche Silhouette Trail in Killarney Provincial Park, one of Ontario’s most iconic and challenging backcountry hiking routes.
This approximately 78-km loop travels through quartzite ridges with picturesque views throughout the La Cloche Mountains. The trail is known for steep climbs and descents, as well as technical sections that make the terrain feel more demanding than the daily distances may suggest.
Our trip begins with a front-country overnight at George Lake Campground, where the group will meet, complete introductions, review the trip plan and conduct a final gear check. The following morning, we’ll begin hiking clockwise along the La Cloche Silhouette Trail, travelling from campsite to campsite before returning to George Lake at the end of the route.
This trip is intended for adventurous women with previous multi-day backpacking experience or a high level of fitness. Participants should be prepared for sustained elevation changes and technical terrain.
With a maximum group size of five participants plus one guide, this trip offers a small-group backcountry experience with opportunities to refine wilderness skills by completing one of Ontario’s most rewarding multi-day hiking routes.
Cancellations made 60+ days in advance of the departure are fully refundable, minus a 5% administrative fee. Cancellations made 30-60 days in advance of departure will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made outside of the 30-day window are non-refundable. However, all trips are transferable to another qualified woman aged 18 or older prior to trip departure.
A minimum of 4 participants are required to run this trip. Registrants will be fully refunded if 4+ people have not registered 2 weeks in advance of departure.
The itinerary is proposed and subject to change based on weather, trail conditions, access, group pace and other factors.
Daily hiking distances are approximate and may vary.
The lead guide has not completed the La Cloche trail since 2016. The trip will be planned using current maps, trail information, access updates and route research, and the guide will be supported by appropriate navigation, emergency communication and trip-planning systems.
Group equipment will be distributed among participants for carrying while on trail. Participants are expected to carry their assigned share of group gear in addition to their personal equipment.
Participants are expected to assist with shared camp responsibilities, including meal preparation, clean-up and other routine camp tasks throughout the trip.
SHE Ventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary, route, campsites, or transportation arrangements as needed.
7 days / 6 nights of backpacking along the La Cloche Silhouette Trail
Front-country camping at George Lake Campground before the backcountry portion of the trip, with the option to overnight again following trail completion
Camp at scenic backcountry sites including Topaz Lake, Three Narrows Lake, Moose Pass, David Lake, Bunnyrabbit Lake and Sealey’s Lake
Learn or refine backpacking skills, camp systems, food management, water treatment and wilderness travel techniques
Small-group experience with a maximum 6:1 participant-to-guide ratio
Maximum 1:6 Ratio; Certified WFR; Commercial guiding & liability insurance; Search & rescue coverage; Satellite communication & emergency equipment
Essential gear and backpack fitting; Water treatment and purification; Food preparation and storage; Bear safety and camp set-up; Hands-on gear demonstration
Frontcountry camping permit at George Lake Campground (Sun, Aug 22 and Sun, Aug 29); Backcountry camping permits (Mon, Aug 23 – Sun, Aug 29)
See checked boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip
Trip logistics; route and itinerary planning; trailhead transport; participant prep and packing guidance; weather/trail monitoring; contingency planning; permits and registrations
Ground transportation to/from George Lake Campground in Killarney Provincial Park
See blank boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip
Daily vehicle permit from Aug 22-29 payable to Ontario Parks upon arrival
Breakfasts, lunches, dinner, snacks, coffee, tea while on trail
A detailed proposed itinerary, subject to change based on availability at the time of booking, will be provided to registered participants.
ARRIVAL & GEORGE LAKE CAMPGROUND
Participants will arrive at Killarney Provincial Park in the late afternoon and meet the group at George Lake Campground. Upon arrival, the group will check into the front-country campsite, complete introductions, review the trip plan, conduct a final gear check and prepare for the following morning’s departure into the backcountry.
Participants should arrive with all food and personal supplies required for the trip. Exact meeting location and timing will be coordinated with registered participants closer to departure.
Overnight: George Lake front-country campground
GEORGE LAKE → TOPAZ LAKE
Approximate distance: ~9 km
Cumulative distance: ~9 km
Overnight: H7
TOPAZ LAKE → THREE NARROWS LAKE
Approximate distance: ~13 km
Cumulative distance: ~22 km
Overnight: H18 or H19
THREE NARROWS LAKE → MOOSE PASS
Approximate distance: ~10 km
Cumulative distance: ~32 km
Overnight: H22
MOOSE PASS → DAVID LAKE
Approximate distance: ~13 km
Cumulative distance: ~45 km
Overnight: H34
DAVID LAKE → BUNNYRABBIT LAKE
Approximate distance: ~11 km
Cumulative distance: ~56 km
Overnight: H46
BUNNYRABBIT LAKE→ SEALEY’S LAKE
Approximate distance: ~12 km
Cumulative distance: ~68 km
Overnight: H50
SEALEY’S LAKE→ GEORGE LAKE
Approximate distance: ~10 km
Cumulative distance: ~78 km
The group will complete the La Cloche Silhouette Trail, descending through The Crack before returning to the George Lake area. Following completion of the hike, participants may either depart for home or choose to overnight at a front-country campsite at George Lake Campground.
