Mar 10, 2010- 4:32 PM
Outdoor adventure season kicks off in May
He said his resort offers plenty for those city dwellers who feel a need to get back to nature after a long winter, spent mostly indoors.
“We are open in May, the first or second week depending on the weather, and operate through to October,” East said.
In business for the past 48 years, the lodge offers a variety of spring and summer activities, from hiking, to sailing, to canoeing.
One popular use of his facilities is for weddings, East said.
“Killarney Mountain Lodge has catered to spring and fall weddings for many years. Most occasions include a weekend celebration, dance, and an idyllic outdoor ceremony under the pines.”
Killarney Mountain Lodge has become a popular wedding destination, as well as a mecca for business conferences..
“They tied the knot at the lodge two, five or 10 or more years ago,” he said. “They’ve never forgotten the romantic charm of a Killarney wedding.”
Cruises along the coast of Georgian Bay have become popular as the weather warms up.
“Megan Smith, director of our outdoor recreation program, is inaugurating a weekly sightseeing cruise this year that follows the spectacular inside passage east of Killarney,” East said.
“This route, known only to local residents because of its intricate channels and inter-island maze, affords an up close view of the pink rocks, windswept pines and wilderness grandeur that characterizes the north shore of Georgian Bay.”
Visitors can canoe or kayak or sail the area as well. They can also hike back to the lodge after a ride on the cruise boat to Baie Fine, a large peninsula studded with islands. The motor boat travels there twice a week.
“(Guests) have the option to hike back to the lodge on a good nine miles of trail,” the lodge owner said. “It can be strenuous but it is beautiful country.”
Others can choose to fish the inland lakes in Killarney Park, such as Johnny Lake, where the lodge has an outpost camp in the narrows of the eastern part of the lake.
“When we first came here, there was only large lake trout left in Johnny Lake. Now the lake has really recovered and there is very good small mouth bass fishing there. There is the odd pike as well. At our outpost camp, there is a spectacular viewpoint from the hill above the camp.”
He recommended people book accommodations early at his resort to ensure they obtain the accommodations they want.
“There is a trend towards people trying to book on a whim, at the last moment,” he said. “In our case, because we have 46 rooms, we can accommodate most people. But I would recommend phoning us early. We are booking conventions and conferences already.”
(Guests) have the option to hike back to the lodge on a good nine miles of trail. It can be strenuous but it is beautiful country.
Maury East,
owner of Killarney Mountain Lodge
“We find Canadians are staying closer to home.”
Room prices and meal plans can vary, he said.
“Generally we follow the American Plan. Rates vary from $135 a day to $215 a day, deluxe accommodations.”
For more information, phone 705-287-2242 or e-mail escape@killarney.com or visit www.killarney.com.
