Nestled on pristine Tyson Lake near Killarney, Ontario, Avalon Eco Resort offers an authentic off-grid wilderness escape in the heart of northern Canada. This unique retreat encourages guests to truly ‘unplug’ while staying in rustic yet comfortable cabins powered entirely by wind and solar energy.
With seven charming accommodations including The Barn, Nesting Eagle, and The Singing Loon, each cabin features fully equipped kitchens, solar lighting, and modern conveniences like USB charging ports.
Located adjacent to the stunning Killarney Provincial Park with its pink granite shores and white quartzite La Cloche Mountains, the resort provides complimentary park passes, canoes, and kayaks. Perfect for those seeking digital detox, artistic inspiration, and genuine connection with pristine Canadian wilderness.
Their story
In 2017, a young family with their 2-month-old daughter and 2-year-old dog embarked on an adventure by moving to Killarney to establish Avalon Eco Resort. Their vision was to create an off-grid sanctuary powered by wind and sun that serves as a perfect base for exploring the Killarney area and Provincial Park.
The location holds deep historical significance, originally settled in 1820 as a fur trading post called Shebahonaning, meaning ‘canoe passage’ in Ojibway. The broader Killarney region became a protected wilderness preserve in the 1960s. This happened in part thanks to advocacy by the renowned Group of Seven artists, who recognized the area’s exceptional natural beauty. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The resort emphasizes a low-impact, off-grid style of hospitality designed to reduce its overall environmental footprint.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The resort operates completely off-grid using renewable energy sources.
- Cabins are powered by a combination of wind and solar energy systems.
- Solar panels provide power for lighting and USB charging ports, while propane supplements the lighting system.
- The energy setup allows guests to charge small electronic devices while maintaining the off-grid experience.
Pioneer in waste management
- The resort employs a centralized waste management approach with bathrooms located in a shared shower house featuring flush toilets. This reduces environmental impact and infrastructure requirements.
- The resort is actively testing sustainable waste solutions, including a Sun-Mar composting toilet as part of their commitment to composting human waste.
- Drinking water is sourced from filtered Tyson Lake water treated with UV lights for purification.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The resort emphasizes a simpler, lower-impact approach regarding its organic and chemical-free products.
Actively protects nature and community
- Guests receive complimentary Killarney Provincial Park passes and are encouraged to participate in the park’s annual bird count and seasonal loon count programs.
- By offering low-impact activities like hiking, paddling, and bird-watching, the resort encourages responsible nature enjoyment.
- The establishment maintains memberships in regional tourism associations including NOTO and TIAO, demonstrating commitment to sustainable tourism practices and community partnerships.
Most Popular Activities Near Avalon Eco Resort
- Painting and art programs.
- Bird-watching (eagles, loons, herons, woodpeckers) and annual bird count participation.
- Canoeing and kayaking.
- Fishing (bass, pike, lake trout).
- Hiking in Killarney Provincial Park.
- Chikanishing Trail to Georgian Bay.
- Cranberry Bog Trail.
- Back-country camping.
- Women’s Unplugged & Rejuvenate Retreat.
- Seasonal loon count participation.
- Excursions to Science North and Dynamic Earth museum.
READ ON – 10 Most Visited National Parks in Canada and 23 Scenic Ferry Rides in The World.
Best Time To Visit Avalon Eco Resort
- Summer and early fall for optimal hiking, paddling, and outdoor activities in the Canadian wilderness