Algonquin/Killarney , Ontario
 

Hello

Which is the nicer place to stay for hiking/canoeing and lodging?
Bartlett Lodge, Algonquin Park or Killarney Mountain Lodge, Killarney?

If anyone has stayed at both. Thanks, Joanie

Last year we stayed at the Algonquin inn and it was great.The terraces of the rooms give on to a lake and you get free canoes to use from the motel.They have a nice restaurant and you're near the entrance to the park.Paul

It's been a lot of years since I stayed at Killarney Mountain Lodge (early 90's) although I re-visited the Park and the lodge about 3 years ago (stayed elsewhere). I spend time in Algonquin every year and am familiar with but have never stayed at Bartlett.

Killarney Mountain Lodge is in the village adjacent to, rather than right in Killarney Provincial Park. It borders the channel so has direct access to Georgian Bay (from what I remember it is a somewhat sprawling resort with a number of different room and cabin styles). Both Killarney and Algonquin Parks are wonderfully scenic. The Killarney landscape may be slightly more unique with the white Quartzite hills, pink granite outcrops and on one side the blue waters of Georgian Bay, but the extensive forests, hills, rocky ridges and lakes of Algonquin are also wonderful. Algonquin has great wildlife-viewing and offers more day-hiking trails. As I am not a canoer or back-country backpacker, I personally find I can keep busy in Algonquin for more days than in Killarney. Although, in addition to the many day-hikes, this is in part based on Algonquin having more diversions e.g. 2 museums in the park, accessible day-trips, shopping and dining options both in the park and in the surrounding areas, which may not be of interest to you anyway.

As far as accommodations, there aren't many choices in and near Killarney. In Algonquin there are 3 lodges right in the park, and many more choices on the outskirts of the park, some only a few minutes drive from the gates. Bartlett Lodge is accessed by short boat ride. Its dining room gets rave reviews. I've read that the accommodations are popular with European visitors to the park.

Yes, last year I stayed in Killarney Lodge (http://www.killarneylodge.com/) for 2 days. It was really a great place; I still remember that natural beauty. It was our first time to Algonquin Park and we are very much excited to be there. We rent a private cabin, which is fully furnished. Another specialty is, they are having some outdoor activities such as fishing, biking, etc. We enjoyed a lot there.