Killarney – Mann Aboard

Welcome to Killarney, Ontario

Our perfect cruising day was riddled with excitement, especially as we made the turn to enter the 1.6 mile Killarney Channel from the west and cruised to the east end to our family friend’s dock.

Left – Our travel map for 2025 – starting on Lake St. Clair to Killarney, Right – Killarney Channel – red circle marks our dock for our stay

We stayed last year at the Goudreau dock on George Island and were excited to return. Located across from the Killarney Mountain Lodge, it is the perfect setting for people and boat watching. Over the next almost three weeks, we would get very good at it.

Now or Never on the Goudreau dock, George Island, across the channel from the Killarney Mountain Lodge

Our dinghy was our daily mode of transportation to the mainland and exploring numerous, coves and islands. There was only one day during our stay we didn’t venture off George Island as the weather was really crummy. Wind, rain, and wildfire smoke didn’t deter us on other days. We had some pretty good weather also, only a few days in the 70’s and our highest to date of 77 one day. We’re enjoying the weather especially since we know family and friends are shaking and baking at home.

Dinghy ride circling George Island – over 8 miles

The fishing village was established in 1820, and it wasn’t until 1962 that you could visit by car. Today there is still only one road in, a single lane each direction for 42 miles that weaves in and out of the First Nation land and the provincial park, and one block of “town” with a year round population of less than 300. With our arrival in early July, we found the village very quiet. It was more than a week until the summer season kicked into full gear. We enjoyed experiencing both facets of this unique Canadian village.

There was no lack of excitement and entertainment. Local boats filled the waterways early on (commercial and personal fishing, cottagers, work boats, those commuting to work) and then the cruisers, kayaks, and cruise boat tenders appeared and were everywhere. The Mountain Lodge docks would fill up each day, empty out the next, and another round came in to fill them up. We enjoyed watching boats of all sizes have good days and bad days docking. We have been in both situations, so no judgment from us, well, maybe a little.

Just a few of boats that frequented the channel

Float planes were abundant taxiing down the channel just off the Now or Never starboard side and sometimes taking off or landing close enough where we felt we could reach up and touch them. Helicopters landed at the lodge and stayed a few minutes to a couple of days. Kids screamed in delight as they hit the cold waters swimming amongst the granite rocks.

A daily dose of planes and helicopters

We witnessed a wedding take place on a boat anchored in the channel with the guests on shore at a cabin at the Mountain Lodge, this would be our 4^th loop wedding!

Wedding at the Mountain Lodge

Our crew took our bikes to shore and rode miles checking out the territory beyond the city limits. We made the rustic 1.5 mile trek to the lighthouse numerous times to take in the view over Georgian Bay and down the channel to the dock we were inhabiting. We walked, hiked, biked, and dinghied our way through the area. We sat in more red Adirondack chairs than we can count – a true Canadian staple and feasted on fresh blueberry pie. The best darn blueberry pie you could ever taste, filled with tons of fresh blueberries and no fill. We had our fill and then bought more to freeze to enjoy onward in our travels. If you are ever in Killarney, go to Gateway and order a blueberry pie! Last year in Canada we devoured butter tarts, this year blueberry pie for the win, hands down.

Important Delivery from the mainland – Blueberry Pie!

The fog moved in so bad one day, Captain Dave remotely started the foghorn at the lighthouse. We later learned it was the Canadian wildfire smoke. It hung around for about a week.

Wildfire smoke in Killarney and as far as Mackinac Bridge

Our landing port was the Mountain Lodge, and even though we were not guests, the dock master treated us as we were, always having a spot for our dinghy and our bikes. We spent a fair amount of time on the grounds, enjoying the view from the red Adirondacks back towards George Island and the beautiful channel. We also got to know Austin, the bartender at the Carousel Lounge fairly well.

The Red Adirondack chairs that are everywhere in Killarney

We can’t thank our friends and hosts, Kathy and George enough for their hospitality and always leaving the light on for us and the pups for always greeting us! Killarney holds a special place in our hearts, and it’s been wonderful to spend extended time in a place we love with dear friends.

Our hosts, Kathy and George and their pups!

Until we return again, we’ll leave you with photos. The area is incredibly beautiful, and the pictures only touch the surface of the beauty and wonder of the area.