TORONTO LIFE MAGAZINE
Getaway Guide 2007
Killarney Mountain Lodge and Outfitters
The white quartzite hills of Killarney Provincial Park, so lovingly painted by A.J. Casson, have long been a mecca for canoe trippers, most of whom stop at Killarney Outfitters for rentals or guiding services. A series of packages is designed to provide some sybaritic comforts in addition to the park’s scenery. The Georgian Bay Gourmet: Fine Dining in the Wild package takes adventurers to the bay’s North Channel, where mini- islands of skin-smooth pink granite are surrounded by impossibly blue water. After spending a night at Killarney Mountain Lodge, guests are guided on a two-night sea-kayak excursion. A morning of paddling is rewarded with a Provençal picnic lunch (perhaps three-vinegar chunky gazpacho, grilled veggies on focaccia and homemade cookies) waiting on a set table on a rocky island.
The Mountain Lodge remains popular with pleasure boaters cruising the North Channel. Unlike so many Muskoka resorts that are quickly being absorbed into chains and renovated to the max, this family-run lodge still has a folksy feel. The dining room sports mounted trophies, wood panelling and stone fireplaces. For the ultimate vista, book the Pilot House, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage with stone fireplace and screened porch overlooking the Killarney Channel and Georgian Bay.
Where: Killarney, 705-287-2242 or 1-800-461-1117.
When: packages offered May to October; Georgian Bay Gourmet early July.
How much: Georgian Bay Gourmet $795; three-night packages including day trips, lodging and food $550–$650; Pilot House cabin $171–$191 per person per night, depending on season.
Driving time: five hours.
Killarney: A real masterpiece
Nellie Lake view still breathtaking
Robin Shonfield, The Toronto Star
Saturday, June 7, 2005
WILLISVILLE, ONT.—"Here it is!" claimed my son Alan. "This is the view."
We were in Killarney Provincial Park searching for the location where Group of Seven artist A.Y. Jackson had painted a picture which is titled Hills, Killarney, but is more popularly known as Nellie Lake.
The view looks a little different now. All signs of the forest fire in Jackson's picture have vanished in the 70 or so years since it was painted. At least three large pines have grown up to partially obstruct the vista. But the shape of the hills and the outline of the lake below seemed to confirm that this was the place.
If I were an artist, this is where I would stop to paint.
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Escape the city, back to the nature
(Translated from Chinese)
Chinese News Group
July 8, 2005
by Jack and Nancy Jia
"...I finished my trip to Killarney Mountain Lodge feeling refreshed. Sitting back in a city office and clicking on the mouse, I watched Email pouring in from different parts of the world, I realized that electronic wires of the current technology connect me to the globe, only Killarney separates me and links me back to the history."
Killarney Provincial Park – Travel to the Outside Society
The Heart-Flying Trip – Addicted to the Mountains and the Green Water
(Translated from Chinese)
AMERICAN LIFE NEWS
July 8, 2005
by Amy Wang, Editor
"In the beautiful province of Ontario, there are forests and valleys and a rugged rocky shoreline along the shores of Lake Huron. This magnificent Great Lake is incredible to me because the water is so clear, and there is no smog anywhere to be found. My favourite lake of all is Georgian Bay. When I saw it for the first time, I was stunned by the beauty of the lake, the shoreline and the waves dancing along the top of the water. I said to myself, God is go good to the people of this special area."
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Great Ripe North
Northern Ontario lodges combine luxury dining with great outdoors
John Filson, Toronto Star
Food Section Cover Story
November 2002
"...Heading over to Killarney Mountain Lodge, you'll realize quickly it is built for comfort, but not complete luxury, and that's not a bad thing at all. The lodge is owned by Maury and Annabelle East, who run the place along with daughter Jennifer.
