line cook

housekeeping manager

sous chef

head chef

event manager

Killarney Mountain Lodge

Without a car you’ll be stranded. The nearest place to access anything is 1.5 hrs away. There isn’t even a grocery store, just a liquor store and a fish n chip place that they claim is famous. Otherwise you will need to use a delivery service to bring you essentials or get a ride with a coworker. They make it sound like it’ll be so easy to get rides and then the reality is very different. If you’re desperate, they have a free pantry where you can get canned stuff.

The staff accom is in an old inn that looks like it hasn’t been updated since the 70s. The only good thing is that it’s cheap, but it needs to be because they don’t pay well. They locked up the staff kitchen so your only options are to eat microwaveable stuff or buy meals from them which is expensive even after your staff discount! You are not even allowed to have a kettle in your room. It’s also dorm style living and there’s nowhere to go for your own space.

It’s a 20 minute walk from the main lodge where you work, which is no problem when it’s warm but if you ask for a pickup when the weather is bad the supervisors/managers will hold it against you. So you’d better have a coworker in your department that you can catch a ride with if it’s cold or raining, because the managers don’t care and of course their housing is two steps away right at the lodge. They used to have close-by staff housing but they turned it into hostel type rooms to make more money.

They mandate that you buy a specific uniform. Depending on your department the material is very uncomfortable. They told us we can wear something similar but we still have to buy theirs. Which is more proof that clearly you’re a customer first then a team member. 

Your job is not secure here, even though it’s seasonal. Some people get away with a lot, others are let go very easily. It’s not equal and just depends. Don’t spend your summer here, go somewhere exciting!

Pros

Being in Killarney, Ontario is a beautiful experience for anyone who loves nature. The lodge is close to Killarney Provincial Park, with access to incredible hiking, swimming spots, and natural scenery.

Staff can use some of the resort amenities including the sauna, gym, pool, and kayaks.

Opportunities for outdoor activities like sailing, hiking, and swimming on days off.

Cons

The resort tends to bring seasonal staff in quite early in the season, which can result in minimal hours in the first month of employment. (15hrs a week)

Staffing shortages were common in high season, leading to long work weeks (often around 12-hour days, 6 days per week during peak times).

Management turnover during the season created a lack of consistent leadership and organization.

Training was minimal, and new staff were often expected to learn quickly without much guidance.

Staff housing conditions were in need of maintenance and rooms were shared by up to four people.

Groceries are expensive in such a remote location, and the staff discount on lodge food was limited (around 20%), which can make it costly to eat regularly.

Staff culture can involve a lot of drinking and partying, which may not suit everyone.

Team reliability and comradery varied, which sometimes meant additional pressure on staff who were trying to keep things running smoothly.

Many staff experienced burnout and we're unable to complete the entire season.


During my time working in hospitality, I had the pleasure of being surrounded by an amazing team of co-workers and supportive management. The workplace atmosphere was always positive, with everyone working together to create an unforgettable experience for our guests. The management team was always approachable, offering guidance and encouragement when needed, while also respecting our independence.

On my off time, there were countless outdoor activities to enjoy, from hiking to water sports, and the scenic surroundings made every break feel like a mini vacation. The company also organized fun employee functions, such as team-building events and seasonal parties, which brought us all closer together and made work feel like a second home. Overall, it was an incredibly rewarding experience!

Working in Killarney was a great experience, getting to spend the summer in nature, being outside all day and living in a relaxed environment. These were about the only benefits. The management is very poorly run and unorganized. We did not receive any formal training which created a confusing environment once guests started to arrive. And living in such a small town involved a lot of high-school level drama. I think everyone that is interested should experience a summer working in Killarney and get to enjoy it for themselves, but be aware that it may not be what you expect. 

A great place if you're looking for seasonal work and you can relocate and also are okay with shared accommodations while you're there. The management is a little tough around the edges, and it seems like they have trouble holding onto a manager long term. However, given the location and atmosphere, that's more than understandable. Team mindset often struggles in the Early months of the season, but as the summer goes on, the stronger and better staff are the ones that stick around.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The staff was good... Management, not so much. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Management and lack of support. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The staff are great but there is limited support.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Stressful and chaotic, there was never a clear picture of what was going on. There were times management was simply missing causing staff to take on roles that they are not trained for.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The area is so beautiful.  If you look at the sky at the end of the day, you can actually see the dividing line between light and darkness. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
A lot of the staff are super young.  Drinking is heavy in the staff quarters, including the problems that sometimes come with it. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Work hard, play hard, drink harder.

Always busy but as a server you want that. Very friendly guest for the most part. Kitchen staff was fabulous to work with! Management is quite disorganized but once you get used to it, it’s alright. However, you do work so close that you may find time you are going a month or more without a day off as they are short staffed. It is very hard to say no to taking shifts or calling in sick even if you are extremely unwell. I do recommend working here though.

Great summer seasonal experience. Family like team environment. Busy high end resort. High standards without the corporate rules. Housing for staff needs work. Management is a tad over worked but I enjoyed being backed up when I made decisions. Guests are many returning so the rustic experience is expected. Staff are allowed to use facilities in off times like kayaks and pool.

Unsanitary staff accomodations, no staff meals, no affordable food options in town, unorganized management, constant firing and staff being pushed to leave, understaffing especially during busy season, overworking staff with overnight shifts, split shifts, 14 hour days and rare days off. 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Line cook 4 salaries reported	$20.12 per hour
Housekeeping manager 10 salaries reported	$53,375 per year
Sous chef 1 salary reported	$880 per week
Head chef 2 salaries reported	$68,500 per year
Event manager 1 salary reported	$50,000 per year

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