Killarney (Ontario)

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.

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 400 N until it becomes Hwy 69, lastly turn west on Provincial Secondary Route 637 until you come to the town of Killarney.

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.

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.

Also see the "Sleep" listings for Killarney Mountain Lodge and Sportsman's Inn and Yacht Haven below.

Eat and drink
In addition to the eateries listed below, see the "Sleep" section for hotels that also have bar/restaurants.