As winter gets underway, Killbear Provincial Park turns into a snowy paradise for day-trippers and campers!
The amazing Georgian Bay landscape that draws visitors each summer is just as amazing with a blanket of snow. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping are prime activities at Killbear in the winter season.
Although the snowy season is fun to adventure in, it does take a lot more preparation than camping in the warmer months.
Here are some frequently asked questions to plan your winter trip to Killbear with ease:
- What activities are available?
- What’s the snow like there?
- Do I need a reservation to camp and/or visit for the day?
- Do I need a permit for my car and/or campsite post?
- When is the park office open?
- Where can I buy firewood?
- Which campsites are available in the winter?
- Can I drive to and park on my campsite?
- Are electric sites available?
- Will washrooms be open?
- Is the trailer dump and fill station open?
- What should I pack?
- Does the park have rentals?
- Will the Discovery Centre and Nature Shoppe be open?
1. What activities are available?
The park offers 15 km of groomed cross-country ski trails that are track-set for classic style skiing and 4.7 km of trails available for skate skiing.
Interested in snowshoeing instead? There are 13 km of snowshoe trails available, many of which follow the summer hiking trails. People with fat bikes can ride the park roads, but there are no groomed trails for fat bikes.
2. What’s the snow like there?
Check the park’s Snow Report before planning your trip.
This will give you the most up-to-date snow conditions for Killbear.
3. Do I need a reservation to camp and/or visit for the day?
To avoid disappointment, reservations for day use and camping at Killbear are recommended, even during the winter season.
Day use permits are available online up to five days in advance. Camping reservations can be made up to 5 months in advance by visiting reservations.ontarioparks.ca or by calling 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275).
4. Do I need a permit for my car and/or campsite post?
Killbear has now gone paperless!
For campers, once you have reserved your campsite, you can preregister online and head straight to your campsite. Just make sure that you have a digital or printed copy of your confirmation letter on your person at all times.
Remember: check-in is at 2:00 p.m. Please only proceed to your campsite after this time.
When purchasing a daily vehicle permit, users must register their license plate number.
If you own a seasonal permit, you are still required to register your license plates via the Ontario Parks website every time they you the park.
5. When is the park office open?
The park office is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
6. Where can I buy firewood?
Firewood can be purchased at the park office, open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
7. Which campsites are available in the winter?
The campsites available may change throughout the season. In general, sites 204 to 238 in Beaver Dams Campground will be available throughout the winter.
Please check the reservations site to find out the most up-to-date information on campsite availability.
8. Can I drive to and park on my campsite?
Yes, roads to campsites are plowed after each snowfall to ensure easy access to campsites!
Staff also plow a portion of each campsite for vehicles and RV parking.
Please note that after large weather events, snow removal may take extra time.
9. Are electric sites available?
All sites that are open for the winter are electric.
10. Will washrooms be open?
Yes, the Beaver Dams comfort station is winterized and remains open. The Beaver Dams comfort station has flush toilets, warm showers, and laundry facilities.
The vault privies near campsite 207 and 209 are also open.
The washrooms at the park office will be open for day users.
11. Is the trailer dump and fill station open?
No. Due to below freezing temperatures, the trailer dump and fill stations are closed for the winter season.
12. What should I pack?
Enjoying winter weather requires the right equipment.
Here are a few items to pack:
- headlamp/flashlight
- first aid kit
- water bottle
- synthetic or merino wool layers (avoid cotton — it’s no good when wet!)
- snow shovel
- snowshoes
- cross country skis
If you’re camping in a tent, remember the following at minimum:
- four-season tent
- sleeping bag rated to at least –15°C
- sleeping pad
- camp stove
- long tent stakes to secure your tent in deep snow
13. Does the park have rentals?
No, Killbear does not offer rentals.
Rental equipment is available nearby at Georgian Nordic (skis, snowshoes, fat bikes) and White Squall (snowshoes).
14. Will the Discovery Centre and Nature Shoppe be open?
The Discovery Centre will be open during the Family Day weekend and March Break.
The Nature Shoppe will remain closed during the winter.
Stickers and patches are available for purchase at the park office.
Stay safe this winter!
Safety is key when exploring in winter. Make sure you plan ahead and keep in mind that the sun sets quite early. Trail conditions can change rapidly as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.
Remember that no ice is safe ice!
All winter campsites have electricity, but in case of a power outage, you should have an alternative source of heat that is properly vented. Do not use propane heaters inside your tent — carbon monoxide can kill.
Snow tires are a must for winter driving in the Parry Sound area.
Other important considerations
Parry Sound is often 5-10oC colder than southern Ontario.
Winds off Georgian Bay can be quite strong, so you need a good shelter to be comfortable. Streamers off the Bay occasionally dump 50 cm of snow over a couple of days, so being prepared is essential.
Always try out all of your gear in cold weather before arriving at the park. Gear that works perfectly in summer may not perform as well in winter. This includes your cooler (a hot water bottle inside can prevent your food from freezing).
Remember to share the trails with your fellow winter appreciators —
Last but not least, enjoy exploring the beauty of Killbear in winter!
