This sunrise hiking elopement in Killarney Provincial Park was such an incredible day I cannot wait to share it with you!
Killarney Provincial Park
Killarney Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s more hidden gems, located just over 4.5 hours away from Toronto. Drive 45 minutes down a gravel road into the small town of Killarney where you will be charmed and likely never want to leave. Situated on the shores of Georgian Bay and surrounded by the white quartz La Cloche mountain range it truly is an amazing spot in Ontario. Only 10 minutes from the town of Killarney is Killarney Provincial Park which is 645 square kilometres of wilderness landscape for the adventurers at heart. With over 50 clear, saphire lakes the mix of pink granite and white quartzite ridges set among the Jack Pine hills your breath will be taken away.
Killarney is best know for a place to canoe, hike and explore the expansive wilderness area which makes for excellent options when looking to elope in Ontario. With tons of options for hiking both short day hikes and the ultimate hike of doing the entire 80km La Cloche Silhouette Trail there is something for everyone in the park.
Killarney is one of my all time favourite spots to elope in Ontario.
A Sunrise Hiking Elopement in Killarney Provincial Park
We woke up very early in the morning (think 2:30am) for Celeste and Dan’s sunrise hiking elopement to begin to head to the trailhead where we were going to meet them along with their family members. We pulled out of the Killarney Mountain Lodge parking lot where we were staying and there was not another soul in sight as everyone else was fast asleep. When we make it to the trailhead it was a perfect night with the sky filled with stars. Once everyone had arrived we hit the trail to begin our hike towards the summit for sunrise.
Some tips to consider when doing a sunrise hiking elopement:
– Make sure you factor in extra time in the morning for both your hike and anyone running behind so you don’t miss sunrise
– Make sure everyone is well prepared for the length of the hike and has all the proper equipment (headlamps, good hiking boots, lots of layers, snacks and well as liquids to name a few!)
– Be aware of your surroundings and the potential wildlife you may encounter. You are walking through their home so ensure you are wildlife aware
– Playing music, talking consistently or having a bear bell is always a great option to not only let bears but all wildlife know you are coming
Sunrise Ceremony on the La Cloche Mountains
Once everyone summited the peak we had chosen for their sunrise elopement everyone took a quick break to fuel up on food and snacks and then very excitedly began to get changed. Their first look was on the most amazing ridge with the sun peaking through the trees in the background with the sky glowing pink. From their first look we went right into their beautiful ceremony where we laughed, cried and celebrated these two as they said I do! After we spent sometime exploring after the ceremony we hiked back down and then headed into the town for a few more photos along the Georgian Bay rocky shoreline that I love so much.
Getting up early for their sunrise hiking elopement in Killarney Provincial Park then gave them the rest of the day to celebrate with their family which is the perfect way to combine both a hike and family time on your elopement day. It truly was such a magical day in Killarney and it is so easy to see how beautiful this area is!
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