Killarney is a town of 400 people (2016) in Northeastern Ontario.
Understand
Many tourists visit Killarney for its rugged hiking trails, majestic mountains, turquoise lakes and jack pines. The Killarney area's economy is based primarily on tourism, consisting mainly of wilderness lodges, campgrounds and retail services geared toward campers and other visitors to Killarney Provincial Park. Along the waterfront, there are gifts shops, cafés, bars and restaurants open during the summer.
The area was named after the town of Killarney in Ireland.
The ghost towns of French River and Key Harbour are also located within the boundaries of Killarney.
History
The first European settler was French-Canadian fur trader Étienne Augustin de Lamorandière and his Anishinaabe wife Josephte Saisaigonokwe, who established a trading post named Shebahonaning (canoe passage) at the townsite in 1820.
Killarney was operated as a fishing camp by the Fruehauf Trailer Company in Detroit, USA. Clients and guests would be flown in on sea planes for vacations during the warmer summer months. The community relied on water transport until Highway 637, connecting Killarney to Highway 69, was constructed in 1962.
Get in
By car
Killarney is 110 km from Sudbury by travelling south on Provincial Route 69 and west on Provincial Secondary Route 637. It is a 410-km drive from Toronto, starting on the Hwy 427 N, then the 401 East, turning onto 400 N until it becomes Hwy 69, lastly turn west on Provincial Secondary Route 637 until you come to the town of Killarney.
By bus
- Parkbus, toll-free: 1-800-928-7101. A weekly bus from Toronto (34 Asquith Ave. near the Bloor/Yonge subway) to the Town of Killarney (7 hr) with a stop in Killarney Park at Bell Lake. Round trip/one-way tickets: adult $100/71, student or senior $90/64, child $50/36.
By plane
- Killarney Airport. No scheduled flights. Private planes only.
Get around
The primary road access to Killarney is via Highway 637. The town is also served by the small Killarney Airport. Killarney can also be reached by water using municipal docks and those of accommodators along the shores.
See
Killarney sits at the entrance to the North Channel amidst sparkling white quartzite peaks and pink granite rock. Its harbour is sheltered from the turbulent waters of Georgian Bay by George Island. The Town of Killarney and the Provincial Park are havens for outdoor enthusiasts looking for wilderness camping, hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, sea kayaking and for those seeking accommodations in resorts or Bed & Breakfasts.
- 1 Killarney Provincial Park, ☏ 1 705-287-2900. Considered one of Ontario Parks’ crown jewels, this majestic, mountainous wilderness of sapphire lakes and jack pine ridges so captivated artists – including the Group of Seven’s A.Y. Jackson – that they persuaded the Ontario government to make it a park. Once higher than the Rocky Mountains, La Cloche’s white quartzite cliffs gleam like snowy peaks from afar. Where paddlers, hikers, skiers and snowshoers now journey through in this craggy, imposing landscape, there is evidence that others passed thousands of years before. (Ontario Parks Website)
- 2 Killarney Museum, 29 Commissioner St, toll-free: 1-888-597-2721. The artifacts reflect the lifestyles of the people as Killarney changed from its beginnings as an aboriginal settlement and voyageur trading station to a vibrant fishing and logging community and now a popular tourist destination and small mining village. Donation.
Do
Hike any of the area trails through the LaCloche Mountains and be rewarded with a spectacular view of Georgian Bay. Come see the views that inspired Tom Thompson and Canada’s renowned Group of Seven painter.
- 1 Killarney Outftters, toll-free: 1-800-462-1117. Provides outdoor supplies including canoes, kayaks, tents and a shuttle service. They also offer many boat and sailing cruises with meals and accommodation. There are many options, ranging from very rustic to luxurious. The Killarney Outdoor Store carries high-tech adventure wear, equipment and souvenirs.
Also see the "Sleep" listings for Killarney Mountain Lodge and Sportsman's Inn and Yacht Haven below.
Buy
- The Quarterdeck Gift Shop, 19 Channel Street, ☏ 1 705 287-2050.
- Friends of Killarney Park Outpost, 960 Highway 637, ☏ 1 705 287-2800. (books, gifts, artwork, clothes)
- Channel Marina, 23 Channel Street, ☏ 1 705 287-2326. Gifts, ice cream.
- Pitfield General Store, 7 Channel Street, ☏ 1 705 287-2872. Groceries, gas, gifts, sundries.
- Killarney Outfitters, Hwy 637, toll-free: 1-800-461-1117. Outdoor gear, clothes, camping, accessories, gas, propane.
Eat and drink
In addition to the eateries listed below, see the "Sleep" section for hotels that also have bar/restaurants.
- 1 Herbert Fisheries, 21 Channel St, ☏ 1 705 287-2214.
- Gateway Marine& Storage Inc., 29 Channel Street, ☏ 1 705 287-2333, ✉[email protected].
Sleep
- Avalon Eco Resort, 464 Hwy 637, ☏ 1 705 688-3453.
- 1 [dead link]Killarney Mountain Lodge, 3 Commissioner St., ☏ 1 705 287-2242. Also has a bar/restaurant that serves meals made from scratch and comfort food. In addition, they have fishing supplies, outdoor adventure programs, and canoe and kayak expeditions.
- The Pines Bed & Breakfast, 36 Channel Street, ☏ 1 705 287-1068.
- Sportsman's Inn and Yacht Haven, 37 Channel St., ☏ 1 705 287-9990. Also has a bar/restaurant and offers boat rentals and fuel equipment and has a restaurant and gift shop.