Our Story
For more than half a century, Killarney Mountain Lodge has welcomed visitors with the promise of genuine northern hospitality set in the stunning natural landscape of the La Cloche mountains that once inspired the legendary artists of the Group of Seven.
The Lodge’s Origins
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Fruehauf Corporation, a large American company, expanded the property to create a private wilderness retreat. Tucked away in Killarney on the shores of Georgian Bay, the lodge was accessible only by boat or seaplane. It quickly became a haven for corporate guests, who came north to enjoy fishing, hunting, canoeing, and evenings by the lakeside. Many high‑profile Americans made the journey during these early years, adding a touch of glamour to the region’s rugged landscape.
Set in Killarney Ontario
First known as Shebahonaning—an Ojibwe word meaning “safe canoe passage”—Killarney has long benefited from its strategic location where George Island meets the mainland, serving as a natural port and gateway for explorers, fur traders, and fishermen. Established as a fur trading post in 1820 and once known by its Ojibwe name Shebahonaning, or “canoe passage,” Killarney remained isolated until the opening of the highway in 1962.
For generations, its sheltered harbour supported fishing, logging, and mining, with a small community of Métis, Ojibwe, and European settlers shaping its traditions. Today, Killarney’s landscapes—famously immortalized by the painters of the Group of Seven—make it a beloved destination for travelers and adventurers eager to experience Ontario’s wild and artistic heritage.
Opening to the Public
In 1962, Killarney Mountain Lodge entered a new era when, drawn by the surrounding wilderness and the La Cloche mountains, Maury and Annabelle East purchased the property—just as the 68-kilometre road to Killarney finally opened, ending decades of isolation. No longer a private corporate retreat, the Lodge became accessible to travelers from across Ontario and beyond.
The lodge in the 1960s embodied the spirit of a classic northern getaway, with simple, pine-paneled cabins and cozy guest rooms designed to immerse visitors in nature rather than modern luxury. Canoeing, fishing, hunting, and hiking were central to the guest experience, with Killarney Provincial Park established just two years later in 1964, protecting the breathtaking expansive wilderness that surrounded the resort.
A Family Legacy
Maury and Annabelle East, along with their family and devoted staff, ran Killarney Mountain Lodge with warmth and vision for over fifty years. Under their stewardship, the resort became renowned for its hospitality, character, and deep connection to the landscape and community.
One special part of the property, the historic East House, served as the family’s home for many years. Today, updated and renovated, East House now offers visiting families a rare opportunity to stay in the heart of the Lodge, surrounded by the legacy of those who shaped its story.
Restored Footage from the 1960’s
Looking to the Future
The lodge was passed into new hands in 2015 to the current owners, Holden and Carey Rhodes, who embraced the challenge of both preserving its heritage and guiding it into the future.
With deep family roots in Killarney and a strong commitment to community, the Rhodes have overseen renovations and expansions that preserve the lodge’s rustic charm while adding modern amenities. Highlights include four new waterfront log cabins and The Big Dipper—a tribute to Killarney’s paddling heritage and the world’s largest wooden paddle, crafted from locally sourced eastern white cedar. A crowning achievement is Canada House, completed in 2019, proudly recognized as the world’s largest log-built conference centre.
