Canadian Yachting June 2018 - 7

Above: Sheltered from
the wind, there's plenty of space
for group anchoring in nearby
Covered Portage Cove.
Left: For some serious hiking, head into
Killarney Provincial Park. The exceptional view from The Crack is impressive
and makes the effort worthwhile
Opposite Page: Hike to the top of the
hills on the north side of Covered
Portage Cove for inspiring views.

Kelly McAree is the general manager of
Killarney Mountain Lodge, The
Sportsman's Inn, and Killarney Bay Inn, all
now owned by Rhodes, whose roots run
deep in the small community.
"Holden still has myriad extended family here. He has fond memories of growing
up here and he wanted to invest in the
community, to show his appreciation. It
really is a labour of love," says McAree.
Rhodes purchased Killarney Mountain
Lodge in 2015, and after 60 years it was in
need of some tender loving care - and significant investment. The focus for the first
year was on modernization and renovation
with new beds and updates to food and
beverage spaces before turning to expansion. "We're adding 21 more guest suites,
bringing the number up to 87, and our
eventual goal is upwards of 200 suites,"
added McAree. Eye catching growth will
be a hallmark in 2018.

"Our biggest news is the opening of
our new convention centre slated for late
September, early October," McAree said.
"It is the largest log structure under construction in the world. The conference
centre will be at the forefront as you
come into the channel. It will blow people away." When completed, the twofloor centre will comprise 34,000 square
feet, with the largest room accommodating 300 people. It will also include a
steakhouse, expanding on-site offerings.
A rotunda will be reminiscent of the
shape and feel of the Lodge's legendary
Carousel bar, one of the heritage spaces
originally constructed in the 1950s.
"From concept to construction, the
convention centre is unique in Ontario

and Canada," McAree said. "It will really
make an impression on people. Killarney is
a destination not just for boaters, you can
also drive in and enjoy the properties." It's
already attracting attention as a wedding
destination with bookings into 2021.
With sales teams sharing the vision
across Ontario and the U.S. to reach and
build a customer base, McAree said it
really is a case of 'if you build it, they will
come,' as revenue has doubled each year
and the Lodge has a full slate of bookings
June through October.
Now they are working to re-establish
their reputation as a premier cruiser
destination with improved facilities for
boaters.
Dock space at the Lodge has doubled
and high-speed fuel pumps have
improved efficiency. The existing sauna
building has been renovated to include
laundry, showers, change rooms, and a
modern sauna. "We want to provide
everything our boating clients have asked
for each year," said McAree, recognizing
the growth opportunities.
Just down the channel, Rhodes pur-

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting June 2018