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Killarney is a town on the northern shores of Georgian Bay that is a national treasure. With a year-round population of approximately 500, it is small and charming. Yet it possesses one of the prettiest provincial parks in the country. Full of rock and trees, it evokes Canadiana in its best form. We decided to explore the town on New Year's Day. What a great way to start 2024. Setting out from Sudbury around 3 pm, we arrived at Killarney Mountain Lodge at 4 pm. On the way, we lost complete cellular reception for about 30 of the 60 minute drive. I was driving my truck and we had a quarter tank of gas. In hindsight, I should have ensured there was a full tank because if you ever were stranded on that road without cell service, you would be waiting in the truck for a while for someone to come along. During our drive from Highway 69 along Highway 637, we encountered a total of four vehicles en route to Killarney. Killarney Mountain Lodge was closed for the season, but still grand in its scale and architecture. You can imagine many a beautiful wedding and lots of great parties being held in this place. Adjacent to Canada House, on the grounds of the Lodge, there is a hiking trail to the Lighthouse. It is five kilometers long and takes you into the forest full of pink rock and quartzite. You then traverse along the shore of Georgian Bay. The lighthouse itself is modest, in white wood with red accents along with a beacon atop. The true treasure is in the natural setting. Sitting on the northern shore of Georgian Bay, with its vast beauty and remote wilderness, you experience the wonder that always comes to me when I am in nature. The day was crisp and just above zero with sun and a sunset that we captured along the water. There was some ice on the trail, but it was rare and we were beneficiaries of the mild winter thus far which made the trek safe. I wouldn't want to walk the trail in the snow. By the time we arrived at the lighthouse, night had fallen. We had to leash our dog near the ice because none of the lakes were frozen through and they just had a layer of ice on the top, if anything. Given nightfall, thankfully there was an access road to the lighthouse and we trekked back to the lodge via the country roads. We had worked up an appetite so headed over to the Sportman's Inn where the pub was open. We were the only guests in the large, 200 seat restaurant. Apparently we were a day late for the party. They hosted the Polar Bear Dip folks the night before until 3 am and apparently had a full house. We enjoyed the quiet and luxury of having the place all to ourselves. Given the lack of snowfall to this point, there were no snowmobilers or skiers as there typically would have been in other years. We were literally the only car in the parking lot. Given the weather, we thoroughly enjoyed the poutine, caesar salad, burgers, fries, nachos, fish tacos, and the chicken pot pie. I would strongly recommend the chicken pot pie - it was just delicious. We also splurged on some toffee cake which my youngest daughter enjoyed. I thought Killarney lived up to its billing as an absolutely beautiful place in the wilderness, gateway to the North Channel. I would imagine a visit in the summer would be even prettier.
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Norma WaltonEntrepreneur and mom to four amazing kids New Day
Q: Why did the can crusher quit his job?
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February 2024
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