A visit to Killarney Mountain Lodge would not be complete without a photo op beside the largest paddle in the world!

Fondly named “The Big Dipper” by the builder – expedition paddler Mike Ranta – the paddle was completed in 2020 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Killarney, Ontario.

Built of eastern white cedar and pine, the paddle is 107’ long and 17’ wide at the blade. Situated beside “Canada House”, it overlooks the Bay and contains a time capsule that will be opened in the year 2220.

Killarney was originally named Shebahonaning – Ojibwe for “safe canoe passage” and in the mid 1800’s the name was changed to Killarney. This charming village has long been known as a canoe outpost, with a countless number of expeditions passing through the channel that links Killarney to Georgian Bay.

This iconic paddle is both a tribute to the voyageurs that came before us and the perfect welcome to boaters arriving in Killarney current day. Definitely some impressive workmanship and not to be missed on your next visit! Here is a link with further details on the construction:

https://www.manitoulin.com/giant-paddle-gives-homage-to-veterans/