S05E12 Killarney Provincial Park Review - George Lake Campground

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Cell Phone Service: Bell, Telus, Koodo & Virgin Mobile - cell service was fair. At most times we got a good connection but every now and then we'd get some buffering of video and web pages. Not completely reliable. If you've been to this park please let us know your experience with cell service, especially if your with a service provider different from the ones mentioned.

[@KarlFriedrich-g7x]

Thanks for your great review of the Park and also allowing me to join you on the Crack Journey. Yes , the views are sensational !

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Hey Karl, thanks for helping out with the camera. What a view, eh!

[@barbgolubienko653]

I think Jax looks adorable!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I wasn't sure if that was even him when we got him back from the groomer. I'm glad somebody thinks he looks adorable. 😁

[@daviddressel4189]

Thanks for the great review as this is on my list for next season... cheers!

[@shane2129]

Our 3rd year with our 100ah LifePo4 battery and it’s always lasted our 3-4 day trips. So much better than a lead acid!

[@jeneatwell7523]

This park has been near and dear to my heart over a number of visits over most of my life (I'm 47). It was a pleasure to run into you there and chat this fall. Your review is very honest and thorough. Great work you two. And...Jax looks great!

[@christinasagos9322]

Was waiting for this video ❤ thanks for the details on the hike you went on. Looks beautiful

[@supergoodcamping]

OMG! I LOVE Ben's shirt! Such an amazing park! So glad you folks gave it the treatment it totally deserves. And so glad you finally got to enjoy it!!! :)

[@M.R.1525]

Some of my best memories are from Killarney, I started camping there with friends in the summer of 1980. Summer of 1981 we went back arriving on the first day of July, we got campsite Woodchuck 63 right behind the Jumping rock and our planned one week camping trip turned into a 6 week stay (at $3.00 a night for the campsite), we had the time of our lives. Went back 5 summers in a row, became friends with the locals, so many wonderful memories, so much laughter and fun. Boy oh boy have things changed there now. Beautiful, thanks for taking me back.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for sharing those wonderful memories. So many people have great memories of different provincial parks. We want to get people out there to create those memories. We have many from MacGregor Point and Pinery when the kids were little.

[@YvesBouthillier-p2t]

Hi, It was a pleasant surprise to run into you guys & have a little conversation; keep on giving your honest opinion on the parks you visit. Boots

[@CampingwiththeColes]

It was nice meeting you too Boots. Thanks for following our adventures.

[@Suzannejrobinson]

Great video. Love the length of the video. Never too long for me, thanks for sharing.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Glad you enjoyed it! It takes a real commitment to watch a 46 minute video. Thanks for watching.

[@ervinslens]

Amazing shots and overall presentation guys, your content is always so diverse and simply beautiful!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks so much!

[@gracespace1]

As soon as I saw that this video was 46 minutes my first thought was - "They must have really liked this park". Great review! Killarney has always been on my bucket list of parks. Can't wait to book.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I try to make them shorter but this one got away from me lol.

[@annapacheco5996]

Such a great review of an amazing park. I was really looking forward to this one and it didn’t disappoint. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We've been told for a long time that we have to go to Killarney. It sure didn't disappoint us.

[@joelnoela]

Everytime we go to Killarney we think the sites looks small but once you get set up they seem a little bigger and then you notice your never on it anyway! Great review, though our favorite hike is the Chick. Talk about rewarding. Mid August hike with a dip in the cool waters of Georgian Bay half way.

[@michaelsafko3640]

We enjoy your videos and reviews! We are definitely planning on trying out some of the further North parks that you have shown! As for Killarney, we Love this park and have been camping here yearly for the past 30 years! There’s not much to complain about with this park except for the outhouses! They all need to be torn down and replaced. Their money would be better invested in that then in the new yurts. In our opinion anyway. Your Loo review was too generous! My husband says you should have given them a triple skunk and I agree!😂 Thanks for another great video!😊

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Sorry about the video being so long. I'll try to keep them shorter.

[@Aiiinsleylim]

I really enjoyed the longer video, it felt like we got to take a leisurely trip alongside you and take in the views. Way more than just a review!

[@erindriffield5643]

Ben we should be thanking you for the longer video. Of all the Ontario Parks, Killarney is absolutely worthy/deserving of the extended run time.

[@elizabethc6354]

Don't mind longer videos👍.. Thanks for your time 🥰

[@cmarion1544]

Didn't even notice that the video was longer. Really enjoyed it😊

[@OntarioBirding7538]

I love the long videos! I watch the whole thing.

[@elainekorvemaker814]

Thank you for this video. We just booked a week at Killarney for our family in July. This video helped us to know what to expect

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kaylaburns1012]

welcome to a real provincial park

[@jeffeberhard6272]

Cheers to Ben for rescuing the rating of my #1 rated park (although I have not been to Lake Superior and based on your video it could be a contender to change my mind)

[@cmarion1544]

Great review! This park is on our list for next year. Also glad for the update on how your new setup for camping at non-electric sites is working out. It certainly opens up further possibilities for future adventures 😊

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Your trailer should be good for this park. We had a heck of a time getting into our site. Luckily no damage getting in or out.

[@thercguy]

Wow...great review.. Good driving around the trees and well done to both of you for hiking the crack ..my wife is similiar in build to Cheryl and I don't think we could attempt that . So ..huge cudos Cheryl..you are amazing We just put Killarney on our list for next year . Looks beautiful

[@slo1867]

Your dog is still very cute❤❤

[@michaelpearson4220]

Jax looks just as cute after the haircut!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

You're too kind. We know he looks silly😋

[@lyndagodin3712]

Wow, a "9". Thanks for sharing your adventures, with another park to add to our bucket list. Would like to have heard reviews about your freeze-dried dinner, what a great idea!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

It's a great park like everyone told us it would be. We like the freeze dried dinners for an easy meal after an active day.

[@timewellwasted3341]

Greetings again from Orillia! This was an extra special video for us as we just missed you guys by about ten days. We were in site 127 the week of Sept 25th. We used your site to back our trailer into our site. Yes everything is tighter than it looks on those sites! We enjoyed your video of the Crack, and although we went on many hikes we never got to it. We plan on going back next year and hiking to the Crack. No power on the sites for us involved a little propane for the furnace and fridge and a solar panel to keep things going for the week. Water pressure at the fill sites was poor. I grew a beard filling my fresh water tank there.....Again, thanks for another great video - this one was extra special and much appreciated.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Glad you had a good time. We hope to go back and do some of the other hikes. We just did the two hikes and they were both fantastic. I'm sure some of the other hikes would be just as good.

[@shawnsprague7401]

Hi guys, another great park review and with a 9 rating we may need to check it out. It was great meeting you at Rockwood last weekend, looking forward to that review. btw Jax looks cute with that haircut.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Great meeting you too. Love the hoodie! You're two kind saying that about Jax. We know, he looks silly.

[@chesterchiu5583]

We'll be camping here again for a second time on July long weekend and we'll be right beside the jumping rocks, cant wait! Love your videos and subscribed.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Wow, you got a great site! Such a nice view from there. Have a great time!

[@jessicac5463]

I love this park. I was there Sept 20-24, just missed you by a week! September is such a beautiful time to visit Killarney especially this year with the mild temperatures. This is an amazing park and I’m glad to finally see your review of it! If you do a second visit/follow up review, I highly recommend Chikanishing trail. Beautiful topography that takes you right out to Georgian Bay. P.S. I didn’t mind the longer video for a park that has so much to offer. ❤

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We'll definitely be back and we'll try the other trails. We just did two and they were both incredible.

[@HusbandnWifeDuo]

Love from Mississauga, Ontario! We watched your video on our TV after a long time. Last 4 months were super busy for us traveling internationally and locally with relatives. This is a great video on a great park, which, unfortunately, does not have electric sites. When we visited it for one whole day in 2022, it was in June and we were camping in Grundy Lake PP. Now we got to watch your other videos too.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Welcome back! Sounds like you had an eventful summer. Now you can relax and watch some camping videos to prepare for next year. Happy camping!

[@wrxs1781]

I enjoyed the revue and have a couple of comments, firstly the dog looks fine and we also have a small dog that occasionally needs the same treatment "haircut". We live in Simcoe county and for our summer near north travels we usually take a day trip and scout out the Provincial parks and desirable campsites before booking, yours seemed small in size, would not be desirable for myself. This year we have gone non electric with less crowding and noise.

[@MFN2020OntarioExploring]

Such a fantastic and well informed video 🙌🏽 the Cheryl’s review from the loo 💯😆 those are the details we need. I live in London Ontario and completely forgot about Forest City surplus as a resource supply place, thank you for sharing that. New subscriber 👍🏼

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks so much.

[@gregsido99]

Agree; a good park for smaller setups. We experienced an interesting encounter last year in the pull thru area, narrow and dangerous, no damage but no recommendation here either for any trailer larger than 20 feet. Some back in sites are ok, but very difficult to book. Happy camping !

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Yes, the park is great for small trailers and tents. Our trailer is definitely on the big side for that park. We were worried getting in and out of our site but we made it without any damage.😰

[@martincurrie8195]

The video was not too long. Very detailed. Just got home an hour ago from Valens Conservation campground. Worthy of a review! Best cabins if someone needs that. going to give Killarney a try next year. Your fault!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks. We did a review of Valens two years ago. The cabins were still under construction then. Sounds like it might be worth going back. Thanks for the update.

[@denniskwasnycia1950]

That is so nice, great videos guy's!! What radio coms are you using? The length of the video was just fine, Thank you both for taking us along!!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for watching. What are you referring to when you say the radio coms?

[@denniskwasnycia1950]

When you are communicating while getting the camper in the camp site. While you were trying to get the camper out of the park, she was behind the camper watching and you were both able to talk back and forth? @@CampingwiththeColes

[@CampingwiththeColes]

@@denniskwasnycia1950 oh ok. We were talking on our cell phones. Mine was on Bluetooth in the truck so i could talk hands free. We always use our phones in places we get cell service. We also have a set of walkie talkies for those places without cell service.

[@GF-pc5bt]

I think he looks adorable…jax

[@CampingwiththeColes]

thank you

[@suezaple4950]

Jax look's great but i thought he looked lab lol. To bad your site was so small that sucks suppose it is ok with smaller truck and trailer, but you got in regardless. Wow that view from the top of the crack was amazing Jax did very well as did the two of you. thanks explaining why it is called the crack . I go to Forest city surplus yes great prices for sure. Gezz what a place for a privy at the top of a hill you may go in your pants before reaching it. Thanks for the review lots of great info.

[@lynndespatie6965]

If you get a chance to go back, I highly recommend you portage the very short portage into Killarney Lake.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for the tip!

[@karlmopete]

Our Aussie doodle has the same type of coat that requires us to take him for a haircut every couple of months. No need to apologize it’s just the way they have their fur grow.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We hope that with daily combings, when we take him in for a grooming they don't have to buzz him down so much. I'd like to keep a bit of a curly look still.

[@katanaguttman4063]

Great video! Not too long of a video at all, considering its Kilarney you are reviewing. I wonder why you needed a DVP for the hiking trails even though you were camping? Usually if you are camping you dont need to arrange any day use permits.... As for the freeze dried food, if you can get OTG meals, do so....they taste like homemade fresh food and have less sodium than the others. I believe OTG is based out of Kitchener ON.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I guess because of the limited parking they require everyone to get a DVP. At least it doesn't cost anything if you're camping there. Thanks for the tip on the OTG meals. We'll look into as most freeze dried meals are pretty high is sodium.

[@marigoro]

Thank you for reviewing The Crack! I've always been curious about this place. BTW who are your original songs musicians? I began to think Ben might be the singer🤔

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Hahahaha, I definitely can't sing! The Killarney song was written and performed by our friend Punkydoodle Steve. He's also made songs for Arrowhead and Pinery as well as Cheryl's Loo Review and our Camping with the Coles theme song. Here's his KZbin channel: kzbin.info/door/3aFUmD5xK8MM7cr2BqdX3w

[@marigoro]

@@CampingwiththeColes thank you for your reply and the link - I love the songs! Very Canadiana, makes me feel happy😊🌲🍁

[@danschinkelshoek158]

Great video, watched it in our trailer at Elora Gorge. Killarney was my introduction to backcountry camping. We hiked Silver Peak, the views there are beautiful. Question about the batteries; did you use an inverter for 110v stuff?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We love when people watch our videos in their trailers. People often send us pictures of themselves watching our videos in their RVs. We've hiked Silver Peak a couple of times in our backcountry camping days. Incredible views from up there. Regarding the batteries, I didn't install an inverter so only the DC system worked. That means no plugs, microwave or air-conditioning. Previously I installed a DC cigarette lighter type socket and two DC usb outlets. I can run the TV off the cigarette lighter with a little 60V inverter I have. I can charge a few items with the two usb outlets. I also have a 1200W solar generator that I bring in to the trailer to charge up things like my laptop, camera batteries, e-bike batteries etc.

[@courtneycooper2499]

My favourite place, wish I could do the La Cloche Silhouette trail but I don't think my old knees could manage it so I'll stick to the day hikes which are all incredible.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

That's the best part about this park, you don't have to do real long hikes for great payoffs.

[@GoJoeFish]

We are gaining lots of info from your videos. Keep up the great work. Just one comment, George Lake is not a sanctuary. It is only closed to Lake Trout. You can still fish for brook Trout, Small Mouth Bass, and a few other species.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for the info.

[@stevedupe2954]

Beware they don't sell ice at the park. You have to go to town or Killarney outfitters $7 a small bag lol.

[@jeffhelsdingen4354]

You should add a firewood review to your campground reviews. I realize you use dry pallet wood, but it could be helpful for others to know the state of the wood in each park. Perhaps if it showed up on KZbin provincial parks might start offering better lumber.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

The wood should actually be the same at all the parks. There's one supplier that supplies all of Ontario. In the "Ontario Provincial Parks (Unofficial) Facebook Group they have a section where you can query any Ontario Park and people comment where to get good firewood outside of each park. We use that when we don't have skid wood with us.

[@jeffhelsdingen4354]

I suppose that is interesting as they have signage posted not bring in outside wood in order to fight against ash borers etc. and only use "local" wood.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Yes, they say to only use local wood then the entire province gets the wood from one supplier.

[@fayzalv]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@burkhardkurfiss3015]

The Crack is probably the most beautiful spot in all of Ontario. Unfortunately, it is no longer a “hidden gem” . It’s getting pretty popular!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

It probably would have been a lot busier during July and August but we weren't bothered by the number of people in September. I've hiked it several times over the years but always in the shoulder season. This was Chery's first time hiking it.

[@burkhardkurfiss3015]

@@CampingwiththeColes you guys already did “The top of the giant”. That’s on our bucket list for next year. 🤗

[@brendastewart39]

I didn't understand the bear, moose sticker comment? What did you mean

[@CampingwiththeColes]

A few years ago at Arrowhead PP a branch dug into the side of our trailer when backing in. It made an 8" give about a half inch deep into the side of the trailer. I patched it up with some marine epoxy but it was black and was pretty obvious. I bought a sticker of a bear and moose in a canoe, to fit over the repaired area. It fit perfectly and no one could tell it was covering damage.

[@OntarioBirding7538]

Hey, do you make these songs?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Our friend Punkeydoodles Steve kzbin.info/door/3aFUmD5xK8MM7cr2BqdX3w?si=DwAWeb5qzr7rUbLU made the Killarney song and the opening to Cheryl's Loo Review. The rest of the songs are from Epidemic Sound.

[@OntarioBirding7538]

@@CampingwiththeColes how about pinery?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

@@OntarioBirding7538 yeah, all the park specific songs like Pinery, Killarney, Arrowhead and the Camping with the Coles theme song from our Early Spring Camping at Rondeau video are all from Punkeydoodles Steve.

[@OntarioBirding7538]

@@CampingwiththeColes oh nice!

[@robertspadorcia8175]

Why is scenario spelled incorrectly on your shirt?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Hahahaha I never noticed that.

[@northlander4370]

wont be camping there , even though it looks beautiful , i spent twenty five years in tents , not anymore , a new 24 ft camper is my way now no hydro , no camp . but that is just me . . off to killbear now !

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I hear ya. It's hard to go back.

[@ktownc936]

I cant believe you guys didnt mention the raccons that do Round every night. Also the bears are very prevalent, my dog almost got attacked on site. This is not Algonquin.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We can only comment on the time we spent there. We never saw a racoon or bear and didn't hear anyone talking about them. We've seen bears in Killarney when backcountry camping years ago but that's it.

[@ktownc936]

@@CampingwiththeColes agreed. I've been there almost 10 times and the wildlife is extreme compared to other places like Algonquin and killbear. The bugs seem to hang around because of the cranberry bog. It's a 6 hour drive from Toronto. Algonquin is way way better for a trip for a 2 and a bit. Even killbear is bigger with so many beaches. Killarney beaches are really for the dogs we have. Thanks!

[@codyplante-p3b]

go to rushing river pp

[@codyplante-p3b]

Go to rushing river pp

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Now that's a heck of a long drive for us!

[@abLADYab]

I’m at Killarney right now I wish I never came The washrooms are closed, no showers, the outhouses are in such deplorable state. The flush washrooms by the entrance are equally disgusting. There’s nobody here after 3:30 so if you need wood/ice you’re screwed. The sites are also dirty covered in large branches and debris with no privacy.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Awe, that's too bad. We had a great experience there. Hopefully you can go back some other time and give it another chance.

[@timthompson7351]

Love your show watch a lot of your reviews but sick of hearing about you dog

[@CampingwiththeColes]

That's the beauty of watching videos on KZbin; just skip right past the areas that don't interest you.

[@pascalfo6014]

Pass by Québec mont tremblant and the surunding st donat,montagne noir etc.... if you like view you ll be well serve

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for the tip