2015 Muskoka Guide by Muskoka Tourism

MUSKOKA ONCE DISCOVERED, NEVER FORGOT TEN

National Geographic’s Best of the World

Muskoka is one of the “Top 20 Great Places to Experience”

2015 MUSKOKA MAGAZINE INDEX Paying a visit to Muskoka is like being transported to a different place and time. Not only does it look different – after all, its ancient Canadian Shield is over 1½ billion years old – it feels different due to its fresh pine-scented breezes, cool, deep lakes and dense forests. Leticia McCabe co-proprietor of Mickey McCabe’s Tavern in Gravenhurst was truly the first travel councilor in Muskoka. Back in 1860 when James Bain Jr. and John Campbell came here from Toronto on a pleasure trip and looking for adventure, Mother McCabe told them how stunning Lake Muskoka was and lent them the tavern’s scow. Off they went for a couple of days and thus became the first tourists in Muskoka. These two returned for a number of years and always brought friends. In fact, they became the founding members of the Muskoka Club. In 1865 a gentleman and businessman by the name of Alexander Peter Cockburn visited McCabe’s Tavern and again Mother MaCabe convinced him to travel out on Lake Muskoka. AP was so impressed with the grandeur of the lake that it inspired him to come back and start what came to be known as the Muskoka Lakes Navigation and Hotel Company. The Navigation Company did a tremendous amount to promote Muskoka and what the area offered. Out of the efforts of the navigation company and other interests, the resort industry started to flourish by the early 1870’s with the development of places like Clevelands House, Windermere House and many more. The tourist industry grew and flourished but the Great Depression hit and business slowed down so the Mayor of Bracebridge, Wilbert Richards, and tourism operators banded together and formed the MTDA (Muskoka Tourism Development Association). As one of Canada’s most visited destinations, Muskoka also boasts one of the country’s oldest regional tourism agencies. Established in 1935 to better serve the increasing need for information regarding the region and its many resorts and attractions, Muskoka Tourism today continues to support the needs of individuals who visit each year. If you are looking for a place to stay, where to eat, exciting things to see and do, plus can’t miss events in the region, Muskoka Tourism has a number of different ways for you to get connected. You can give our travel counsellors an e-mail or call, or stop in at one of our two visitor information centres. If you want to plan the whole itinerary for your trip online, our website and mobile app will provide you with everything you need to know to make your vacation memorable. Our mobile app will even let you store an itinerary and use your phone’s GPS to help you find everything you are looking for while vacationing in Muskoka.

“Muskoka is one of the purest expressions of natural

wonder, combined with the potential of childhood wonder.” Author Keith Bellows

A Place for All Seasons.................................... That’s Entertainment....................................... Norman Bethune............................................. Best Brews and BBQs..................................... WeddingBells&Honeymoons.......................... Check-in Time Muskoka.................................. Muskoka’sNorthernGateway........................... Muskoka for Kids............................................ Santa’s Summer Home.................................... Muskoka’sTop 10 Experiences........................ Cruise Muskoka.............................................. Off the Beaten Path......................................... Paddle Power.................................................. Muskoka Chautauqua...................................... CentennialYear for Dispros.............................. Bygone Muskoka............................................. Muskoka’s Rich History.................................... Staying Fit in Muskoka..................................... Muskoka Attractions........................................ Muskoka Events .............................................

1 5 7 8 10 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 22 24 25 26 27 28 30 32

Visit www.discovermuskoka.ca or download our ‘Discover Muskoka’ mobile app from the iTunes or Google Play Store Phone: 1-800-267-9700 or e-mail: info@muskokatourism.ca

Muskoka Visitor Centres: Hwy 11 North Visitor Centre 1342 Hwy 11 North – 2 km north of Severn Bridge • 1-800-267-9700 Bressette House 45LonePineRoad,Hwy400,PortSevern,Exit#156•1-705-538-0817 @discovermuskoka Muskoka Tourism Muskoka Tourism

In Case of Emergency Dial 911 for police, fire and medical emergencies. Huntsville District Memorial Hospital 354 Muskoka Rd # 3 North, Huntsville (705) 789-2311 Bracebridge South Muskoka Memorial Hospital 75 Ann Street, Bracebridge, (705) 645-4404 Published by: Muskoka Tourism Marketing Agency 1342 Highway 11, North, Kilworthy Ontario, P0E 1G0 Canada • www.discovermuskoka.ca To advertise in this Guide: 1-800-267-9700 or larry@muskokatourism.ca

The Muskoka Magazine Production Team Creative/GraphicDesign/Artwork:DaveDunford-dave_art_guy@mac.com Editor: Larry Wright Printing: Millenium Printing Inc. Writing: Bryan Dearsley / Mary Storey / Larry Wright And thanks to our many photo contributors. Printed in Canada

Please Recycle

A Place for

All Seasons

Year-round Fun Makes Muskoka Well Worth Visiting, Whatever the Weather Few destinations can match the year-round potential for fun to be had in beautiful Muskoka. Whether you’re looking for the perfect

family day-trip, a romantic weekend or an outdoor adventure, Muskoka delivers. This list of just a few of the many fun things to do in Muskoka will help you plan your perfect getaway – whatever the season.

Winter Wonderland Come winter, Muskoka’s transformed into a picture-perfect wonderland of snow-blanketed pines and ice-covered lakes – the kind of pretty scenes normally seen only on Christmas cards. Whether your idea of the perfect winter activity involves snuggling up in front of a roaring fire or venturing into the great outdoors, Muskoka offers numerous winter recreation opportunities, including: • Downhill skiing and snowboarding at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Resort • Cross-country (Nordic) skiing in Algonquin Park, Arrowhead Provincial Park, Gravenhurst KOA and Bracebridge Resource Management Centre • Snowmobiling on over 1,600km of trails • Ice skating along the magical trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park • Snowshoeing… almost anywhere! • Mushing through Muskoka’s wilderness on a dogsled • Winter camping in a heated “yurt” • Taking in a Winter Festival Add to this list pond hockey, ice fishing, sleigh rides, and curling and you’ll never tire of winter in Muskoka!

Spectacular Spring The arrival of spring in Muskoka – marked by the melting of snow and the appearance of the first tree buds is one that’s celebrated throughout the region. Here are a few fun ideas to help you make the most of a Muskoka spring: • Visit a maple syrup bush to see how maple trees are tapped • When the sap flows, fresh maple syrup hits the menus of Muskoka’s leading resorts and restaurants • Visit Bracebridge to watch the spring melt thunder over the town’s magnificent waterfalls • Beat the crowds and get in some early golf at area courses such as Muskoka Highlands, which open as soon as the snow’s gone

Sizzling Summers

Summer brings with it great weather, as well as countless

outdoor activities, many of them unique to Muskoka. Here are a handful of the very best:

• Canoe, kayak or paddleboard on any one of Muskoka’s pristine lakes or rivers • Howl with the wolves in Algonquin Park • Forage in the forest with the region’s top chefs and afterwards try some al fresco dining • Explore endless miles of hiking and biking trails, from steep rock cuts to old railway lines • Take a cruise! Muskoka boasts numerous fun lake excursions, which include boarding RMS Segwun, Lady Muskoka, Island Queen, Miss Midland, SS Bigwin or the vessels of the Sunset Cruises Company • Visit a farmer’s market, an outdoor arts and craft show or take in a waterside concert • Take the kids to Santa’s Village or to a fun museum such as Muskoka Heritage Place or the Muskoka Lakes Museum

Fabulous Fall Come Fall, Muskoka becomes a rich canvas of colour as its

dense maple, oak and beech forests vie for attention with the eternal greens of its pine, fir and spruce. Here are a few suggestions for fun fall excursions:

• Join the Fall Studio Tour circuit and take in the creations of Muskoka’s leading artists in their studios and galleries • Climb the Dorset Lookout Tower for the best view of the region’s rugged beauty • Take a driving tour around the magnificent Muskoka lakes, or enjoy the Fall colours from aboard a cruise ship • The Bala Cranberry Festival marks the end of Fall and the arrival of winter with festivities celebrating the harvest of this most delicious of foods

Note: Check out www.discovermuskoka.ca for great fall driving tours.

That’s

Entertainment A Long Tradition in Muskoka Muskoka has long been an important part of Canada’s

vibrant music scene, from offering superb venues capable of hosting big name rockers to being the place where stars like Hawksley Workman (bottom) and Shania Twain (top left) cut their teeth in the music industry. Muskoka has also earned a reputation amongst popular musicians as a wonderful place to simply hang their hat while enjoying that other kind of R ‘n’ R: Rest and Relaxation. Muskoka has been attracting the attention of the world’s top musicians for decades. As far back as the 1920s and 30s, stars such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Guy Lombardo stopped at venues including Bigwin Island to entertain tourists with their big band sounds. In the 1940s, the Kee to Bala began to lure stars like Glenn Miller and Louis Armstrong, a tradition that continues to this day with regular performances by acts including Burton Cummings, Blue Rodeo and April Wine.

6 Another important hot Muskoka music spot is Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Players in Gravenhurst. Since opening in 2008, this fun venue â&#x20AC;&#x201C; started by a music fan in his garage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; has hosted international music icons such as Johnny Winter and John Mayall. Also in Gravenhurst is the ever-popular Music on the Barge, a 56-year-old event that sees performers literally play over water on a large stage a few yards from the lakeshore. Huntsville, too, boasts a variety of venues hosting a diverse range of musical talent. Deerhurst Resort offers Decades, a Vegas-style show highlighting the changing tastes and styles of music form the 1950s to the present day. Also worth checking out is the year-round Huntsville Festival of the Arts with its entertaining mix of music genres including jazz, pop, choral, Celtic, country, orchestral, and classical music. Presenting audience favourites like John McDermott, Jesse Cook, Bruce Cockburn and the aforementioned Hawksley Workman, the Festival also acts as a launch pad for up and coming local artists through its free Music at Noon concert series.

NormanBethune Canada Celebrates National Hero’s 125th Birthday

Born in Gravenhurst, Muskoka, Dr. Henry Norman Bethune is

internationally renowned as a Canadian physician and social activist, especially for his front-line contributions in Spain and China in the 1930s. His first encounter with the battlefront, however, came in service to his country during WWI.

Bethune was born March 4, 1890, in the Presbyterian Church manse in Gravenhurst, Ontario. The son of a Minister, Bethune and his family relocated frequently to different communities throughout his childhood. From a young age, Bethune developed an independent spirit and even postponed his studies at the University of Toronto to teach in a northern Ontario lumber camp. At the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, Bethune was reportedly the eighth person in Toronto to volunteer for service. By war’s end in 1918, Bethune had served in all three divisions of the armed forces. He first enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, and served as a stretcher-bearer until being injured at Ypres, in Belgium. This confrontation with the bloody reality of war deeply affected him and he returned to Canada to complete a medical degree. His experience in war, however, did not dissuade him from further military service, and in 1917 he enlisted with the Royal Navy and later became the first medical officer of the newly created Canadian Air Force, established in 1918. Dr. Bethune’s dedication to the medical profession would lead him to many more battlefronts. In the mid-1930s, he led a Canadian team which pioneered the use of front-line blood transfusions during the Spanish Civil War (19361939). Then, in 1938-39, he worked tirelessly to save lives in China during the Second Sino-Japan War (1937-1945), a conflict which would eventually result in the Pacific becoming a major theatre of war during WWII, after the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. It was in China where he succumbed to an infection contracted at the front line while performing surgery which resulted in his passing away on November 12, 1939. His life and accomplishments are commemorated in Gravenhurst at Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site, Bethune’s birthplace and a memorial to his career. Visit the site and learn more about Dr. Bethune, a hero on three continents.

Best Brews &

BBQs

Pairing Drinks and Food a Muskoka Tradition Boasting three breweries and a winery, there’s little doubt

Muskoka’s on the radar when it comes to libations. Such is the reputation of Muskoka’s master brewers and vintners that their award-winning products are found in beer and liquor stores across the country. To help you choose the best brews for your Muskoka getaway, here are a few suggestions for barbecue season: Muskoka Brewery: The oldest of the three, Muskoka Brewery was founded in Bracebridge in 1996 and produces a number of excellent high-quality ales. With 14 different brews available (some seasonal), the brewery has something to suit every palate, especially when it comes to food pairings: • Muskoka Cream Ale – This refreshing British-style hopped beer with its malt tones goes exceptionally well with BBQ ribs • Muskoka Mad Tom IPA – With its heady aroma and citrusy undercurrent, this strong IPA is perfect when paired with burgers, especially if topped with strong cheddar or bacon (better still, add a drop to homemade burgers!) Lake of Bays Brewing Company: Located in Baysville on the lake after which it’s named, the Lake of Bays Brewing Company was opened in 2010 and has garnered a great reputation for its many fine offerings. With some eight beers now under its belt, Lake of Bays Brewing Company has a number of brews perfect for a barbecue: • Rock Cut Baysville Lager – This easy-on-the-palate lager is of appeal for its subtle hint of caramel, a slight sweetness that makes it the perfect accompaniment to delicately flavoured fare such as barbecued chicken and roasted barbecued corn on the cob

• 10 Point India Pale Ale – This Lake of Bays dark amber ale, notable for its hints of citrus and pine, nicely compliments barbecued steak and blackened salmon

Sawdust City Brewing Company: Located in downtown Gravenhurst, Sawdust City Brewing Company – the new kid on the brewing block in Muskoka – takes its name from this former lumber town’s old nickname (its wharf was, quite literally, built on sawdust). Despite having only opened to the public in 2014, the company has been perfecting its award winning brews for years at various locations, and has a number of contenders when it comes to food pairings and barbecues: • Lone Pine IPA – Noted for its pine-like flavour, this popular IPA goes down great with a heavily grilled steak or bison burger with aged cheddar • Gateway Kölsch – With a nod to the ales of Germany, this crisp beer with its hint of hops and malt notes is perfect with fresh-caught lake fish Muskoka Lakes Winery: Located in the town of Bala and a product of the community’s famous cranberry marshes, the Muskoka Lakes Winery was established in 2000 and in only a few short years has established itself as one of Ontario’s most successful wineries. Amongst its award winning wines are a number of unique offerings made of locally sourced cranberries and blueberries, as well as vintages made using Muskoka produced maple syrup. Here’s our top pick for barbecue season: • Muskoka Lakes White Cranberry Wine – Slightly fruity with a palate-cleansing acidity, this pale-salmon coloured vintage goes great with barbecued chicken, or turkey legs, as well as fresh-caught lake fish & veal

Wedding Bells and Honeymoons Muskoka’s Wedding Facilities are World-class

hen it comes to tying the knot, few experiences can match that of a Muskoka wedding. Whether you’re the bride or groom, family or friend – or even honeymooners – there are few settings quite as spectacular for such an important occasion as Muskoka. One of Canada’s most popular wedding destinations, Muskoka not only offers couples a stunning setting for their nuptials, it also offers everything needed to ensure the “big day” is a success. Thanks to its high caliber photographers and videographers, awardwinning chefs, floral designers, entertainers, bridal consultants and party supply outlets, Muskoka’s service providers can also take care of all the details, big and small. Add to this mix Muskoka’s world-class resorts and banquet facilities – not to mention some of the most dramatic wedding backdrops to be found anywhere – and cottage country is the ideal place to take your wedding vows. When planning your perfect Muskoka wedding, bear in mind the following: • Book Early – Muskoka’s a busy place in the summer, so begin making arrangements as early as possible as our world-class resorts and inns book up quickly. • Consider an Outdoor Wedding – Summer months are warm and marquee rentals plentiful for that perfect lakeside venue. • Book a Boat – Why not break the mold and book a romantic cruise ship for a truly memorable reception? • Seasons Greetings – If it’s an option, consider the non summer months. Muskoka’s simply breathtaking in the fall, and in winter you’re guaranteed a cozy affair blanketed in fresh snow.

Honeymooner’s Heaven Regardless of where you hold the wedding ceremony and recep-

tion, few places in Canada offer as romantic a setting for a honeymoon as Muskoka. With its numerous luxury lakeside resorts and cozy inns, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. For something truly laidback and romantic, consider a spa package at either Deerhurst in Huntsville or the JW Marriott on Lake Rosseau, both of which have excellent on-site facilities. Other leading Muskoka resorts to consider include historic Windermere House, Sherwood Inn and Rocky Crest Golf Resort.

For something a little more intimate, the Couples Resort in Algonquin Park might be just the ticket. Strictly adults only, the resort offers stand-alone cabins and, thanks to all-inclusive packages that can include in-room catering if required, you needn’t venture further than your own personal hot tub. Other excellent Algonquin Park settings to consider are Arowhon Pines, Bartlett Lodge and Killarney Lodge, both in the heart of the wilderness yet offering luxurious accommodations and superb cuisine. Muskoka also boasts numerous fine cottage and family-run resorts, including Shamrock Lodge, Bayview Wildwood Resort, Blue Water Acres and many more.

Check-in Time Muskoka

Waterside Resorts for all tastes and budgets W

herever in Muskoka you decide to spend your vacation – whether at a luxurious allinclusive resort, a rustic family-run lodge or a campsite deep in the woods – there’s one thing that becomes very apparent once you’ve checked in: water is everywhere around you! Whether you choose to go big budget or economy, you’d be hard pressed to find a resort in Muskoka that doesn’t overlook the water. From riverside rooms to lakeside cabins, the water that so defines this beautiful corner of the world is everywhere around you, lapping gently at the shore or roaring over rapids and waterfalls. Clean and easy to swim in, Muskoka’s pristine lakes and rivers invite you to linger, fish and frolic until your heart’s content. And when the day draws to a close, there’s nothing better than sitting around a beachside bonfire sharing a S’mores sweet treat while recounting the day’s fun… except, perhaps, hanging out on a lakeside patio and dining al fresco as the sun slowly descends on your little piece of paradise. In addition to being simply wonderful to look at, this abundance of wet stuff provides endless excellent excuses to get outside and have fun. From canoes to kayaks, powerboats to pleasant pontoon boats, beautiful beaches and an abundance of bouncy water toys, Muskoka’s resorts provide everything needed to ensure you and yours are kept as busy as you want to be, even in the cooler seasons. From catching a reflection of the region’s famous Fall colours while paddling a canoe to zipping across a frozen lake on a snowmobile or taking in a spot of ice fishing, Muskoka’s lakes offer excitement and relaxation whatever the weather. All you need to do is check-in.

Muskoka’s Northern Gateway Port Severn’s Lock 45 Celebrates 100 Years

idely regarded as one of Canada’s most remarkable engineering feats, the Trent-Severn Waterway stretches 386 kilometers from the town of Trenton on the shores of Lake Ontario all the way to Port Severn on Georgian Bay. Taking 87 years to complete and enabling boat traffic to reach elevations of close to 600 feet, this spectacular route connects countless lakes and rivers and remains an important link for tourism traffic through Muskoka. Crowning this remarkable feat is the waterway’s last lock, the appropriately named Lock 45, located in Port Severn. Also referred to as the “northern gateway”, this Muskoka landmark was completed in 1915 and, despite being the system’s smallest lock, is one of the busiest due to its proximity to popular Muskoka boating destinations such as Sparrow Lake and Georgian Bay Islands National Park. In addition to the many boaters passing through, Lock 45 is also a popular destination for daytrippers to Muskoka, especially when combined with the waterway’s most famous lock, the massive Big Chute. This engineering marvel just a short drive away (Lock 44), transports boats along rails in a giant carriage over a 19-metre rise between Gloucester Pool and the Upper Severn River (It’s also an effective means of stopping the upstream migration of lamprey eels, thereby ensuring the safety of freshwater fish. Landlubbers are also welcome to make use of the picnic facilities adjacent to Lock 45, a pleasant experience as you watch boats of all sizes and vintages pass through. Also fun for 2015 is Parks Canada’s “Red Chairs on the TrentSevern” program involving the installation of 10 pairs of Muskoka chairs at various locations along the waterway and offering the perfect excuse to rest awhile as you enjoy some of the best views in Canada. Further fun can also be had in and around the Town of Port Severn throughout 2015 to mark the occasion of its famous lock’s big birthday (be sure to visit our online Events section – www.discovermuskoka.ca/events-calendar – for details).

1915 2015

Muskoka FOR KIDS Keeping Children of All Ages Busy is Easy in Kid-friendly Muskoka It’s certainly not difficult keeping kids busy in Muskoka. From

wilderness camps to exciting adventures on the water, there’s no shortage of year-round fun for kids of all ages – and their families – in magical Muskoka.

Topping the list of kid-themed activities is a visit to Santa’s Village Family Entertainment Park in Bracebridge, an attraction that, in addition to its many rides and Santa-themed fun includes the pay-as-you-play Sportsland Park with its go-carts, mini-golf, batting cages, laser tag and river cruises. Kids aged nine and up will also want to try the Santa’s Village Muskoka Zip Lines and Aerial Park with its thrilling treetop trekking adventures, including a 340 ft. long zip line, wobbly bridges and monkey lines, as well as balance beams and Tarzan ropes. Another fun above ground attraction is Treetop Trekking Huntsville, which offers a variety of fun treetop adventures including night treks and zip-line aerial games and courses. Also guaranteed to keep the wee un’s busy are the excellent Pirate Cruises aboard the replica steamship, Wenonah II, or a fun-filled

voyage aboard world famous RMS Segwun, North America’s oldest still operating steamship. Afterwards, explore beautiful Muskoka Wharf, home of the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre with its fascinating collection of antique boats and steamship memorabilia. Another great place to take younger kids is the Bala Museum, located in the former summer cottage of Anne of Green Gables creator Lucy Maud Montgomery. In addition to its fun displays, the museum encourages visitors to dress up in period costume and even hosts an Anne look-alike contest. Another fun outing is a steam train ride at Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville. Muskoka boasts a number of thrilling adventure-themed attractions worth checking out. For teenagers with an interest in watersports, companies like Summer Water Sports offer fun waterski and wakeboard experiences, from learner classes to contests and activities suitable for those with experience. This award winning company also puts on spectacular water ski shows throughout Muskoka. Muskoka’s many kids’ summer camps also offer excellent watersport activities, in addition to options focusing on theatre, the arts and outdoor adventure. Other area adventures worth considering include floatplane instruction and excursions with Georgian Bay Airways, as well as trail rides and day camps for horseback riders at the Barn Boots, Maple Valley Ranch or Winding Fence Farms.

Santa’s Summer Ho-ho-home for 60 Years!

ver wondered where Santa spends his summers? Well, smart guy that he is, Father Christmas naturally chose Bracebridge. Located on the 45th Parallel, it’s close enough to the North Pole to keep an eye on his workshop yet far enough south to guarantee great weather. Add to the mix its numerous quiet lakes and peaceful forests, and there’s little wonder Santa chose Muskoka for his second home. You may be surprised to learn that Santa has been coming to Muskoka for 60 years now, during which time his humble cottage has grown into a bustling community of helpers and kids eager to catch a glimpse of the great man himself. Santa’s Village was launched in 1955 as a theme park for kids (and grown ups) unable to wait for Mr Claus’ next appearance, and since then has welcomed countless thousands through its gates. Since it opened, those first kids have now become the parents and grandparents who turn up year-after-year to enjoy the fun kiddie-coasters, merry-go-rounds and miniature train, as well as the many newer activities added over the decades that appeal equally to all ages. Indeed, there’s now so much for older kids and the young-atheart to do at Santa’s Village that guests can arrive early and stay late without ever getting bored. Highlights include the pay-asyou-play Sportsland Park with its thrilling go-carts, mini-golf, batting cages, laser tag and videogames. Those looking for even greater adventure should visit the Muskoka Zip Lines and Aerial Park for its tree-top trek through majestic pines at heights of up to 50 ft. overlooking the Muskoka River. Also included are a 340 ft. long zip line, as well as fun wobbly bridges, monkey lines, balance beams and Tarzan ropes, most of which can also be enjoyed at night.

And for those heading to Muskoka in winter, Santa spends a few select days before Christmas at Santa’s Village to celebrate SantaFest, giving kids a chance to make a few last minute requests. He also puts in an appearance just after Christmas so kids can say “Thank You, Santa!”.

Come See, Come Do... Muskoka’s Top 10 Vacation Experiences For almost 150 years, millions of visitors have been drawn to

Muskoka by the endless swathes of pine and maple, the refreshing cool waters of our lakes, that dramatic Canadian Shield, and the unending opportunities for fun and relaxation offered by our resorts and attractions.

Whether you’re here for a day, a week or the whole summer, there’s no end of fun to be had in Muskoka. To help get you started, we’ve put together this list of the Top 10 Things to See and Do in Muskoka – enjoy! On the Water: Muskoka’s endless wilderness is best experienced on the water. From short paddling excursions across serene lakes to luxurious steamboat cruises, Muskoka’s vast stretches of easily accessible lakes and rivers are waiting to be explored. On the Rocks: In addition to its plentiful water, Muskoka is known for the exposed Canadian Shield that so defines the region. One of the best places to appreciate this natural beauty is the Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail off Hwy 118 between Port Carling and Bracebridge, famous for its billion-year-old pink granite and breathtaking views over Lake Muskoka.

On the Beach: Muskoka has many splendid public waterside parks and beaches perfect for family fun. From Dwight Beach to Windermere, just pack your swimsuits and a picnic. Take A Hike: Crisscrossed by mile after mile of well-groomed trails, Muskoka is a beautiful place for a hike. From the countless trails of Algonquin Park, including casual nature walks to longer journeys better suited to hard-core hikers, to family-friendly nature walks like picture-perfect Hardy Lake Trail, Muskoka is fun to explore on foot.

Take a Bike: Whether you’re into competitive road biking or mountain biking – or even if you prefer gentler journeys along abandoned railway lines – Muskoka’s pretty roads and wooded trails are just waiting to be explored by bike. Take a Town Stroll: From Baysville’s dam site parks to the Muskoka Wharf Boardwalk in Gravenhurst, Muskoka’s many towns and villages offer numerous good reasons to get out for a gentle stroll, whether for a spot of shopping or a little sightseeing. Flora and Fauna: Whether it’s moose spotting off Highway 60, wolf howling in Algonquin, birdwatching in one of the region’s many parks, or taking a roadtrip when the Fall Colours are at their peak, you’re never too far from Mother Nature in Muskoka. Arts and Culture: From literary events to music festivals, art and craft shows to professional theatrical performances, Muskoka has long been a hotbed for the arts. It’s also home to many fascinating museums covering everything from the region’s pioneer heritage to classic motorboats. Winter Wonderland: When the snow flies, Muskoka’s transformed into a playground for winter enthusiasts drawn here for the endless snowmobile trails, downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, family-friendly Winter Carnivals… or simply to enjoy spectacular scenery straight out of a Christmas card. Wine and Dine: Whether dining al fresco with a view of a lake or cozying up in front of a crackling log fire as you sample local brews and treats, Muskoka’s long culinary tradition continues in the region’s many fine resorts, inns, restaurants and cafés.

CruiseMuskoka One of the paramount ways to enjoy the magnificence of the Muskoka

scenery is from the deck of an excursion boat. Cruise operators provide tours and private charters on the large Muskoka lakes and Georgian Bay, where you will get to see glorious scenery, outstanding boathouses and spectacular summer homes. The cruises range from sightseeing tours along the legendary Millionaires’ Row, lunch and dinner cruises, and overnight adventures which include lodgings at a renowned resort. A cruise in Muskoka is an unforgettable memory to be cherished forever. The most renowned and oldest of the cruise ships is the historic R.M.S. Segwun, built in 1887. This 99 passenger ship departs from Gravenhurst’s Muskoka Wharf along with its sister ship the Wenonah II on a regular schedule throughout the sailing season. If you are in the Bracebridge area, the 300 passenger Lady Muskoka offers an excursion down the Muskoka River and out into Lake Muskoka. While holidaying in Port Carling take the opportunity to board Sunset Cruises Peerless II which offers a variety of cruises including luncheon cruises (must be pre-booked) or regular scheduled scenic cruises on this 45 passenger resurrected B/A supply boat that delivered heating fuel and gas for the summer watercraft. For a more intimate cruise, board their 12 passenger yacht, the Idyllwood, which operates out of different ports of call depending on the day. In the village of Dorset there is the historic Bigwin moored at the dock by the Lake of Bays Museum, offering scheduled cruises If you are visiting the west side of Muskoka and have the desire to see the ruggedness of the Georgian Bay coast, you will find two excellent tour boats operating in different areas. The Island Queen, a 550 passenger vessel, operates twice daily tours from the town dock at Parry Sound, viewing Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands Biosphere Reserve. The Miss Midland sets sail with different departure times out of Midland and tours along the southeastern side of Georgian Bay cruising towards the captivating Beausoleil Island. Many smaller vessels are also available across Muskoka for intimate family cruises, including pontoon boats, classic wooden launches and vintage yachts.

Off the Beaten Path

Whether on foot or by bike, Muskoka’s extensive network of trails provide

the perfect excuse to get out and explore. Muskoka is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring Canada’s rich natural diversity.

Boasting a network of more than 300 kilometers of recreational trails and traversed by the Trans-Canada Trail, the world’s longest multi-use trail system, Muskoka has long been a popular destination for hikers and cyclists. Many Muskoka resorts offer well-maintained trails on their properties which join up with the larger district-wide network. One of the best trails is in Bracebridge and takes in its famous waterfalls and historic town centre, looping through forests and along rivers. A little to the south, Gravenhurst maintains nine trails suitable for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and bicycling, including lovely lakeside jaunts along the shores of beautiful Lake Muskoka. Muskoka’s many smaller communities, including Baysville, Dwight and Dorset on Lake of Bays, also offer numerous lakeside trails as well as pleasant historical village walking tours. The Township of Muskoka Lakes also boasts numerous fine trails, including the lunar-like scenery of the Torrance Barrens – famous as Canada’s first dark sky reserve and the perfect place for some stargazing – as well as its popular Hardy Lake and Huckleberry Rock trails. For those seeking remoter trails, stunning Algonquin Park delivers. Home to countless trails suitable for experienced hikers, including three overnight backpacking trails, Ontario’s largest provincial park also offers a dozen shorter trails suitable for day trips. Cyclists are also well catered to with the Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail and the Old Railway Bike Trail, while skiers are served by trail networks specifically designed and reserved for cross-country skiers. Huntsville, too, boasts a number of easily accessible trails well suited to hiking and biking, as well as for winter activities like snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. For further details regarding Muskoka’s extensive trail network, visit the Muskoka Trails Council’s website at www.muskokatrailscouncil.com. In addition to providing details of the many trails crisscrossing Muskoka, it also includes detailed maps as well as tips and tactics (a useful map clip can be purchased from Muskoka Tourism’s visitor centres for $5).

“Just two hours by car – but a world away from power-house Toronto beats the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, Muskoka. Families have gathered here for generations to revel in true wilderness. This is a place that massages the senses: the smell of pine with soft sand and needles underfoot, early mornings watch the sun burn the mist off a glassy lake, hearing the loons as they float by.” National Geographic Traveler

Paddle Power

Canoes and Kayaks are the Best Way to Explore Muskoka There are few things more Canadian than paddling a canoe or

kayak across a placid lake or river in search of adventure. Better still if that body of water youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re crossing is in Muskoka, a vast area north of Toronto thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home to countless lovely lakes just waiting to be explored by those with a yearning to experience the great outdoors, whether for a few hours or a few days. The options for would-be paddlers are endless. Most resorts and inns across Muskoka are situated overlooking water and provide the basics for those wanting to try their hand at this rapidly growing pastime, whether it be a canoe or a kayak. Some vacation properties are even stocking the increasingly popular paddleboards, a form of surfboard thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powered and steered by oar while standing. Although not intended for traveling the kind of distances undertaken with other paddle sports, paddleboards are a favourite with those looking for short bursts of water-based fun while providing a good workout at the same time.

Paddles & Portages For those wanting to venture further afield, a number

of Muskoka-based companies offer everything needed for longer excursions, whether it be a day-trip into easily accessible areas of Algonquin Park, or lengthier excursions lasting up to a week that delve deep into the heart of the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2,400 lakes and 1,200 kilometers of streams and rivers. While a number of businesses in Muskoka offer affordable rentals of personal watercraft such as canoes and kayaks, the best option for those wanting to spend a night or more camping and portaging is to visit a professional outfitters who make it their business to ensure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got everything needed for a fun and safe trip, from lifejackets right down to your favourite food (freeze-dried if need be). In addition to providing the basics, as well as water taxi services, fishing tackle and camping supplies, companies such as Algonquin Outfitters, The Portage Store and Swift Canoe & Kayak can assist with securing the services of a professional guide, a good option for first-timers.

Chautauqua M U S K O K A

One of Muskoka’s longest-running and most iconic cultural institutions,

Muskoka Chautauqua, continues a tradition that started almost 100 years ago when the region attracted many of North America’s leading writers to its tranquil retreats, making a name for itself as Canada’s literary summer capital in the process. Muskoka Chautauqua has in fact been a focal point for artists and writers (as well as readers) since 1922 when its Reading Circle was established to introduce and advance the works of Canadian authors in particular. This vibrant arts community continues to attract visitors and participants, most of them drawn for the opportunity to experience personal growth, enrichment and renewal, as well as the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas. These days, Muskoka Chautauqua serves as one of the region’s most important cultural hubs, encompassing the arts, education and reflection while providing a place where practitioners and leading thinkers alike can share innovative and creative ideas, all while enjoying Muskoka’s splendid natural backdrop. Part of a larger North American movement set up to share education and the arts, Muskoka Chautauqua also continues to host numerous fun cultural events throughout the year. Highlights include the always-popular Flavours of Muskoka event (June 28th) showcasing the region’s gourmet foods, wines and beers, and the group’s key event, ChautauquaFest, a 10-day celebration of art, music and literature taking place in and around Lake Muskoka (August 13th – 23rd). Other Muskoka Chautauqua events worth checking out include the always popular Walking in My Mother’s Shoes, a celebration of moms and motherhood that takes place each year at the JW Marriott near Mother’s Day (May 9th) and which tells family stories through music, painting, prose and poetry. Also of note are the group’s Canada Celebrations (July 1st), a family-friendly affair with fireworks, cake and special events for the kids throughout the day. For further information regarding Muskoka Chautauqua’s 2015 calendar of events, call (705) 765-1048 or 1-888-311-ARTS, or visit the group’s website at www.muskokachautauqua.ca

Centennial Year for Dispros

The greatest little motor boat afloat

It happened in Muskoka. They are unique and were invented 100 years ago. What are they?

It is the Disappearing Propeller Boats (Dispro or Dippy) whose patent was granted on March 16, 1915. Three thousand of these double ended wooden lap strake 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122; boats were built between 1916 and 1956 in Port Carling, Lindsay and Gravenhurst Ontario, as well as in Tonawada NY. Their special feature is a housing for a propeller and a flexible shaft using a universal joint so the propeller can be pulled completely out of the water. Because of this feature they can be pulled up on a sandy beach, cruise in very shallow water, avoid logs, rocks and other obstacles in the water and allow one to clean the weeds from the propeller. They were very popular when first invented and today, are enjoyed by many people. The Dispro Owners Association have great plans for this Centennial Year. Dispros will be the feature boat at the Antique and Classic Boat Society- Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Show on Sat. July 11th at the Gravenhurst Wharf. There will be a display of all four different manufactured boats for the complete summer season at Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst. Port Carling, where these boats were invented, will be the location of the biggest celebration. Saturday, August 8th will see approximately 100 of these boats at the docks in this town. During the festivities, Ontario Heritage Trust will unveil a provincial plaque in their honour. Again, many of these boats will be seen at Clevelands House on Lake Rosseau when the club holds their annual regatta on the weekend of September 11-13, 2015.

Bygone Muskoka Billy Bishop at Shamrock Lodge

Waterfront in Bala

Medora in Port Carling

Bigwin Inn

Muskoka’s Rich History

Museums Offer A Glimpse Into Region’s Colourful Past Many visitors to Muskoka are often surprised to learn

there’s far more to see and do here than simply soak up its stunning natural beauty. A popular destination for visitors for well over 150 years, Muskoka’s well-preserved past can be easily explored in its numerous fine museums and historic sites, all of them worth a visit, whether you’re wanting to learn more about Canada’s rich heritage or are simply looking for a fun outing with the family.

All told, Muskoka boasts some nine museums and historic sites, each dedicated to a particular aspect of the region’s rich and colourful past. In fact, scattered across Muskoka are museums dealing with everything from transportation – including trains, planes, antique boats and steamships – to the lifestyles of the earliest settlers. Also of interest are sites dedicated to such famous Canadian’s as doctor Norman Bethune, a hero to the Chinese for his humanitarian work there in the 1930s, and Lucy Maud Montgomery, creator of the famous Anne of Green Gables series of adventures. Often established by local history buffs, Muskoka’s many splendid museums now boast state-of-the-art facilities and well-informed staff who perfectly portray the region’s rich cultural and social history. It’s a history that’s notable for

encompassing people from around the globe, including the early European and British settlers who started the resort industry in the 19th Century, to their American guests, to the Norwegians who used Muskoka Airport as a training base in World War II. A few highlights include Gravenhurst’s splendid Muskoka Wharf project, home to the excellent Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre museum with its superb collection of historic wooden boats. The Muskoka Wharf is also the homeport of the historic RMS Segwun, North America’s oldest still operating steamship. Gravenhurst also features a number of important museum and heritage sites, including the birthplace of Norman Bethune and the old Gravenhurst train station with its display of railroading in Muskoka. In Bracebridge, the town’s past as a major logging and transportation hub is celebrated in historic walks and heritage sites. Also, be sure to visit Port Carling’s splendid Muskoka Lakes Museum with its many exhibits and displays relating to the history of the Muskoka Lakes, including the first nations people who called the area home, and its first European settlers.

Staying Fit in Muskoka

Outdoor yoga programs all about having fun

If you’re looking for a fun way to stay fit while experiencing Muskoka’s great

outdoors, stand up paddleboard yoga – or SUP for short – may be just the thing. Combining the ancient discipline of yoga and modern day paddleboards (they’re not unlike a surfboard but are easier to handle and come with an oar), this fitness technique has gained numerous fans across Muskoka, none keener than instructor Tara Kinden, owner of Gravenhurst-based Muskoka Yoga Studio. Available at select public and resort locations across the region, Kinden’s unique fitness programs also include sunset and candlelit beach yoga, fun private sessions for groups, as well as bachelorette parties and corporate getaways. As Kinden emphasizes, the benefit of outdoor yoga sessions are many, including the chance to build lasting memories as you exercise and enjoy Muskoka’s stunning scenery. Muskoka Yoga Studio offers a variety of SUP programs suitable for all ages and abilities (everything needed is provided, including paddleboards and lifejackets, outdoor classes are available May to October), as well as unique stress-releasing weekend retreats. “These weekends help visitors become better aligned with their purpose and what makes you truly happy,” says Kinden. “They’ll leave with a fresh new view of how you want to show up in your life, at work and in your business.”

Featuring an amazing selection of candles & gifts.Famous for Elle Lunch bags, Hatley clothing and accessories, Gourmet Du Village, Peak Time DĂŠcor, Trio Cylinders, & Waboba Balls. Great Family entertainmentincludesmakingyourownwaxsouvenirandwatching their chandlers work. Well worth the drive! Bracebridge â&#x20AC;˘ 705-645-8600 www.richhillcandles.com

Muskoka Attractions Georgian Bay

Big Chute Marine Railway

Miss Midland 30,000 Islands Boat Cruises

North America’s only in-water, indoor exhibit of working antique boats. Enjoy the museum’s heritage of the Muskoka Lakes. • (705) 687-2115 • www.realmuskoka.com Muskoka Rails Museum

and writings of author, Lucy Maud Montgomery. Since opening in July 1992, it has become known as one of the best LMM museums in all Canada. • 1-888-579-7739 • www.bala.net/museum

Enjoy memorable cruises aboard the IDYLLWOOD, a restored 1920’s vintage yacht, offering elegance and grace for up to 12 guests. • 705 645-2462 • www.sunsetcruises.ca

Big Chute Marine Railway is the only one of its kind in North America. In operation since 1917. • (705) 750-4900 • www.pc.gc.ca/trent Take a Sightseeing Cruise aboard the 300-passenger Miss Midland and Gravenhurst experience the sparkling water, the windswept pines of Muskoka-Georgian Bay’s 30,000 islands - the finest cruising Torrance Barren’s Dark Sky Reserve area in the northern hemisphere. • www.midlandtours.ca Island Queen Cruises

Explore the beautiful Thirty Thousand Island region of Georgian Bay aboard the 550-passenger Island Queen and discover the unbelievable beauty of this remote region of Canada. It would be a pleasure to welcome you aboard. • www.islandqueencruise.com

Farmers Markets Since the late 1800’s trains have played The Locks & The Wall in Port Carling an important role in the communities of Muskoka. Located at 150-1 Second Street Gravenhurst. • (705) 646-9711 • www.muskokarailsmuseum.com Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site

See the stars as you have never seen them before. The first of its kind in Canada, the Torrance Barrens is now officially recognized as a Dark Sky Reserve. • www.muskokaheritage.org/ natural/torrancebarrens.asp Gull Lake Park - Music on the Barge

Sunset Cruises

“The Wall” is the world’s largest historic photo-mosaic,thatadornsanentiresideofa building at the locks in Port Carling. • www.portcarling.com

The birthplace of a hero! Bethune Memorial House commemorates the life and achievements of Dr. Henry Norman Bethune. • (705) 687-4261 • www.pc.gc.ca/bethune

Spend some leisurely time at one of the many farmers markets in Muskoka. The days and times vary. • Bala’s Summer Market - Mondays • Parry Sound - Tuesdays • Gravenhurst - Wednesdays • Huntsville – Thursdays, • Rosseau - Fridays • Bracebridge - Saturdays For further info contact 1-800-267-9700 or www.discovermuskoka.ca

Bracebridge

Huckleberry Rock Santa’s Village Huckleberry Rock has been a well known and most scenic lookout in Muskoka for over 100 years. Located just off Hwy. 118 at Milford Bay Road. Follow the signs. Johnson’s Cranberry Marsh

The Gravenhurst Opera House

Georgian Bay Biosphere

A magical experience under the Muskoka pines. Children spend the day as an elf on over 50 acres of family fun • 705-645-2512 • www.santasvillage.ca

Many well-known musical acts have been presented here since the 1940’s. • www.gravenhurstchamber.com

Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve is one of only 13 in Canada and is recognized by Unesco. It covers 347,000 hectares of shoreline ecosystem stretching from the Severn River to the French River. It contains over 100 species of animals and plants that are at risk in Canada and Ontario, including unique reptiles and amphibians. • www.gbbr.ca

Muskoka Wharf The Muskoka steam era comes alive here with heritage facilities, shops and restaurants. • www.muskokawharf.ca Road to Ryde Barn Quilt Trail The quilts are painted and mounted on historically significant properties throughout the community. • www.facebook.com/RydeQuiltTrail

Georgian Bay Islands National Park From Honey Harbour to Twelve Mile Bay, Muskoka Steamships you’ll discover the spectacular rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield. • (705) 526-9804 • www.pc.gc.ca/gbi Trent-Severn Waterway This unique waterway and National Historic Site links Lake Ontario with Georgian Bay. The system stretches 386 km twisting andturning, linking a number of rivers and lakes by 42 locks, 2 hydraulic lifts and one marine railway. • (705) 750-4900 • www.pc.gc.ca/trent Georgian Bay Airways Georgian Bay Airways provides many services with our legendary seaplanes, including daily Sightseeing Tours over the 30,000 Islands. Parry Sound 705-774-9884 • 1-800-786-1704 Day Tripper Water Taxi Service Regular water taxi service to Georgian Bay islands (705) 526-8907

Tree Trekking and Ziplines

This historic opera house continues to be one of Gravenhurst’s most important attractions and the home of many great musical and theatrical performances of the past 100 years. • 1-888-495-8888 • www.gravenhurst.ca The Tree Museum Established to foster and promote contemporary sculpture, this facility is committed to providing the community with direct access to innovative art in a fully integrated outdoor environment. • www.thetreemuseum.ca

Bala Cranberry growers for over 50 years. and Muskoka Lakes Winery, opened in 2001 producing awardwinning wine. Drop in, tour the farm, taste our wines and shop in our amazing Cranberry Store. • 705-762-3213 • www.cranberry.ca Muskoka Lakes Museum The ultimate tree-top adventure. • 705-645-2512 • www.treetoptrekking.com

Rich Hill Candles and Gifts Representing the history of the Muskoka Lakes Township, the museum is an important cultural, historical and educational resource, serving the community and its many visitors. • 705-765-5367 • www.mlmuseum.com

Handcraft your own wax souvenir in our candle factory while you watch chandlers in action. • 705-645-8600 • www.richhillcandles.com

Kee to Bala Board the amazing Segwun, North America’s oldest operating steamship. Go sight seeing on Wenonah II, combining turn-of-the-century charm with modern conveniences. • (705) 687-6667 • www.realmuskoka.com Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre

Little Norway Museum The Little Norway Memorial Building invites you to come and appreciate the history that took place at the Muskoka Airport during the Second World War. • www.muskokaairport.com/memorial

Muskoka Lakes Bala’s Museum & Memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery Bala’s Museum celebrates the life

Formerly Dunn’s Pavilion - which for nearly 30 years has been called The Kee To Bala - continues to draw thousands of people to be entertained with music and dancing . • (705) 762-3134 • www.thekee.com

Download the Muskoka App FREE just search for “Discover Muskoka” or check out discovermuskoka.ca/app

Muskoka Attractions Bracebridge Rene Caisse Memorial Theatre

The theatre features 300 seats, including a balcony and two boxes and features the most up-to-date sound and lighting equipment. • 705-645-8400 • www.renemcaissetheatre.ca Lady Muskoka Cruises

The 300 Passenger Lady Muskoka offers an incredible sightseeing opportunity you’re sure to remember. • 1-800-263-5239 • www.ladymuskoka.com Maple Orchard Farms

Huntsville Muskoka Heritage Place – Museum, Village, Train

• 1-800-398-9555 • www.skihiddenvalley.on.ca Brunel Lock Huntsville

Bigwin Tour Boat Dorset The SS Bigwin has regularly scheduled cruises, funded by your generous donations on the dock. The restoration is beautifully crafted with extraordinary attention to historical detail. • 416-624-8710 • www.ssbigwin.com

Agreatplacetoseesmallcraftlockthrough. Historical Late 1800s genuine settlement dwellings from the Huntsville area with costumed narrators demonstrating pioneer life. Ride the beautifully restored Portage Flyer train along the Muskoka River to Fairy Lake. • 705-789-7576 • www.muskokaheritageplace.org

Back Country Tours Ontario’s Largest, Most Experienced Outdoor Adventure Company - X-Treme Hummer Rentals, ATV and Snowmobile Tours - Open Year Round! • 1-888-955-9076 • www.backcountrytours.ca Treetop Trekking

Algonquin Algonquin Provincial Park

Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm Come visit us and we will show you how we make delicious tasting maple syrup. Tour our sugarhouse. • 705-787-9787 • www.sugarbushhill.com Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery This outdoor mural gallery celebrates the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson’s contribution to the heritage of the Algonquin and the Huntsville areas. • www.groupofsevenoutdoorgallery.ca Lion’s Lookout

One of the highest adventure parks in Ontario – zip lines, monkey cables, Tarzan ropes etc. 1-855-788-9009 • www.treetoptrekking.com

Lake of Bays Oxtongue Rapids

Ontario’s oldest and most revered park. Offering a wonderful outdoor experience including fabulous hiking trails, some of the finest canoeing anywhere, lots of wildlife, great camping, and if camping is not your cup of tea there are a number of lodges and resorts in the park. • www.algonquinpark.on.ca

Algonquin Logging Museum

Take a guided tour of our maple syrup kitchen. A 10 to 15 minutes tour of our site is given with an explanation of how maple syrup, maple butter, and maple sugar are made. Factory Outlet and gift shop. • 1-800-461-5445 • www.mapleorchardfarms.com

Take in the spectacular vista at Lion’s Lookout - off Brunel Rd on Park Drive by Huntsville Centennial Centre Algonquin Theatre

Covered Bridge

One of only two covered bridges in Ontario. This bridge spans Beaver Creek on Ball’s Dr. in Bracebridge.

A 408 seat performing arts theatre which hosts a variety of performances ranging from elementary school productions to concerts by seasoned professionals. • www.algonquintheatre.ca

Take a unique drive along Oxtongue Rapids Road and view the endless rolling rapids that cascade down the Oxtongue River. Take Hwy 60 east from Huntsville to Oxtongue Rapids Road. Heritage Museum Dorset Showcasing the Dorset area’s past with displays, photographs, stories, and fascinating artefacts. OPEN 10am-4pm: July 1 to Thanksgiving (Wed. to Sat.) • www.dorsetheritagemuseum.ca

Algonquin Art Centre

Baysville Dam and Park Agreatplacetorelaxandhaveapicniclunch and watch life float by. Great Country Stores

The Dyer Memorial Nature Reserve Maple Valley Ranch A 155 acre nature reserve that is open Come and explore our many trails, to the public from dawn to dusk. Visitors whether you are on horseback or foot, there is always a relaxing trail to wander are asked to take only photos and leave only footprints down. • 705-646-3759 • www.muskokahorseback.com

Logging Museum brings the story of logging to life – from the early square timber days to the last of the great river drives. • www.algonquinpark.on.ca

Here, artists share with you some of the many spectacular vistas of Algonquin. • www.algonquinartcentre.com

Muskoka Trails

Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area

Northern Escapades Mini Golf 18 hole miniature golf course and a picturesque spot on the Muskoka River. WaterFallsandPonds,andnewlyupgraded with dinosaur exhibits . Great for all ages and the whole family will have fun. A great way to spend time in the outdoors and appreciate nature. • 705-645-7025 • www.minigolfmuskoka.com A long-favoured destination for generations of skiers and snowboarders, Hidden Valley has something for everyone.

Muskoka is dotted with some of the neatest and unique country stores offering some of the finest shopping experiences in all of Ontario. Offering local cottage country crafts and antiques, one-of-a-kind items from the rustic to the sublime. Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view from the platform of the old fire-tower 142 meters (465 feet) above Lake of Bays.

Muskoka has a vast, scenic network of trails that runs through the entire District of Muskoka. • www. muskokatrailscouncil.com

Arrowhead Provincial Park The 1.3 km Ice Skating trail winds through the thick Muskoka forest and is a winter experience like no other. • www.ontarioparks.com

Muskoka Events MARCH 2015 March 27-29 Spring Members Show Muskoka Arts & Crafts Bracebridge www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com March 19-22 6th Annual Muskoka Carving Event Gravenhurst www.backyardstuff.net

APRIL 2015 April 24-26 Muskoka Home and Cottage Show Bracebridge Memorial Arena www.muskokabuilders.com

MAY 2015 May 6 Spring Fashion Show Gravenhurst BIA www.gravenhurstbia.com May 9 Walking in My Mothers Shoes JW Marriott, Minett – 7pm-10pm www.muskokachautauqua.ca May 16 Muskoka Heritage Place Opening Day Huntsville www.muskokaheritageplace.org

JUNE 2015

June 27-28 TORC Boat Races Rotary Gull Lake Park Gravenhurst www.torc.ca

June 6 Port Sydney Wide Garage Sale www.portsydneycofc.com

June 27 Honey Harbour Canada Day Festival 9am to 2pm

June 13 Huntsville Half: Band on the Run www.bandontherun.ca

June 26 & 27 Spring into Summer Art Crawl Key locations around Gravenhurst www.gravenhurstbia.com

TBA Baysvilles’ Giant Garage Sale www.baysvilleontario.com/baysville-events

June 19-21 All Our Relations Glen Orchard Public School www.muskokachautauqua.com

June 27-28 Bala Craft and Gift Fair www.balacraftandgiftfair.com

June 20 Live It Getaway Huntsville www.huntsvilleadventures.com

June 27-28 Bala Antique and Nostalgia Show

June 20 22nd Annual Gravenhurst Car Show www.gravenhurstchamber.com

July, Thursdays Walking Tours of Port Carling – 7pm www.mlmuseum.com/special-events

June 20 Santa’s Village Season Opening Day Bracebridge www.santasvillage.ca

July-Wednesdays Lecture Series – 7pm Muskoka Lakes Museum www.mlmuseum.com/special-events

June 21 Father’s Day Car Show Bracebridge 9am-3pm www.downtownbracebridge.com

July 2015 Kaleidoscope Summer Arts Camp www.muskokachautauqua.com

May 16 Muskoka Lakes Museum Opening Day 10am - 4pm, Port Carling www.mlmuseum.com/special-events

June 21 Father’s Day Cruise Lady Muskoka Bracebridge www.ladymuskoka.com

May 23 10th Annual Spin the Lakes Tour Huntsville www.bikemuskoka.ca

June 21 Father’s Day Cruise Muskoka Steamships Gravenhurst www.realmuskoka.com

May Huntsville Festival’s May Marche www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca

June 28 Flavours of Muskoka Chautauqua JW Marriott, Minett, 6pm-9pm www.muskokachautauqua.com

JULY 2015

Mid July Under the Canopy – Animals of the Rainforest Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre 285 Steamship Bay Rd Gravenhurst www.realmuskoka.com July Noah’s Ark-Fridays Starting July 19 – 10:30am to 11:30am Pirate Cruise – Sundays Starting July 19 – 9:30am -11:30 am www.realmuskoka.com

Muskoka Events SUMMER 2015 Huntsville Festival’s 23rd Season www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca July Fridays with Kenny Munshaw Starting July 17 6pm-9:30pm Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst www.realmuskoka.com July 1 Celebrate Canada! Strawberry Social and Steam-up Day – Huntsville www.muskokaheritageplace.org Canada Day Celebrations Starting at 4pm – Bracebridge Along Manitoba St. www.downtownbracebridge.com Canada Day Fireworks – Bracebridge Bay www.bracebridgefireworks.com Canada Day Celebrations JW Marriott/Clevelands House – Minett 5pm-7pm & 10pm-11pm www.muskokachautauqua.com Canada Day Celebrations Town of Huntsville www.huntsville.ca Canada Day Quiz Muskoka Lakes Museum Port Carling www.mlmuseum.com Canada Day Cruise Lady Muskoka, Bracebridge www.ladymuskoka.com July 3 Butter Tart Festival Muskoka Lakes Museum – Port Carling www.mlmuseum.com July 4 Fireworks at Walkers Point Marina Rain date July 5th Gravenhurst www.walkerspointmarina.com

July 4 Canada Day Fireworks Cruise Rain date July 5th – Sunset Cruises Port Carling www.sunsetcruises.ca July 4 Children’s Art Splash Huntsville, Noon-3pm www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca July 4 Rotary Dockfest Huntsville www.huntsvilleadventures.com July 5 IRONMAN 70.3 Muskoka Huntsville www.ironmanmuskoka.com July 11 Baysville Surf n’ Turf – Baysville www.baysvilleriverfront.ca/surfandturf.html July 11 Antique and Classic Boat Show Gravenhurst www.acbs.ca July 11 Make a Splash – Gravenhurst www.gravenhurstbia.com July 10-12 Muskoka Pioneer Power Show – Bracebridge www.bracebridgechamber.com/mppa July 11 Nuit Blanche North – Huntsville www.edgeofthewoodstheatre.com July 17 Midnight Madness – Downtown Huntsville www.huntsvilleadventures.com/cultural-events July 17-19 Muskoka Arts & Crafts 53rd Summer Show Annie Williams Memorial Park, Bracebridge www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com

July 18-August 9 The Artful Garden Open Daily 10am to 5pm www.theartfulgarden.ca July 18 Peerless II Birthday Cruise – Port Carling Sunset Cruises www.sunsetcruises.ca July 19 Lake Rosseau Cruise – Sunset Cruises Port Carling Locks www.sunsetcruises.ca July 19 Jazz in the Garden – Huntsville, 1pm - 3pm www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca July 25 Baysville Walkabout Fest Over 120 Arts & Crafts vendors. www.baysvillewalkabout.com July 25 “Frozen Cruise” with the Ice Queen & Snow Princess – 11am -12:30pm Muskoka Wharf Gravenhurst www.realmuskoka.com July 30 En Plein Air – Huntsville www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca July 25 Loggers Day at Logging Museum km 55 Algonquin Park www.algonquinpark.on.ca July 24 Everything Anne Day Bala’s Museum @ 1:30pm www.bala.net/museum July 24-26 Muskoka Ribfest Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst www.muskokashows.com July 24-26 Muskoka In-Water Boat and Cottage Show Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst www.muskokashows.com

Muskoka Events July 25-26 Muskoka Escapades of Town Crying Bracebridge www.towncrier.on.ca/blog July 25-26 SantaFest Parade and Activities www.downtownbracebridge.com July 26 The Wakami Wailers Concert 7 pm Outdoor Theatre at 35.4 km Algonquin Park www.algonquinpark.on.ca

August Noah’s Ark – Fridays until August 14 10:30am – 11:30am Gravenhurst www.realmuskoka.com August Pirate Cruise –Sundays Until August 16 9:30am-11:30am Gravenhurst www.realmuskoka.com

July 30 Meet the Researchers Day Algonquin Park at East Beach km 34 www.algonquinpark.on.ca

August Fridays with Kenny Munshaw Until August 21, 6pm-9:30pm Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst www.realmuskoka.com

July 30 Huntsville Jazz Festival www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca

August 2015 Kaleidoscope Summer Arts Camp www.muskokachautauqua.com

July 31 Midnight Madness Bracebridge – 6pm to Midnight www.downtownbracebridge.com

August 1 Rosseau Classic Cars and Boat Show Rosseau Park

AUGUST 2015 Mid August Under the Canopy – Animals of the Rainforest Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre 285 Steamship Bay Rd Gravenhurst www.realmuskoka.com August - Thursdays Potential Public Wolf Howls Algonquin Park www.algonquinpark.on.ca August - Thursdays Walking Tours of Port Carling – 7pm www.mlmuseum.com/special-events August - Wednesdays Lecture Series – 7pm Muskoka Lakes Museum Port Carling www.mlmuseum.com/special-events

August 1 Boat Cruises during Rosseau Classic Cars & Boats www.sunsetcruises.ca July 31 - August 2 MacTier Big Weekend www.bigweekendfestival.com August 1 Muskoka Beer Festival Bracebridge www.muskokabeerfestival.ca August Long Weekend Stephenson Lions Duck Race – Port Sydney www.portsydneycofc.com August 2 4th Annual 100 Mile Challenge BBQ Algonquin Park www.arowhonpines.ca August 8-9 Baysville Arts and Crafts Festival www.baysvilleriverfront.ca/artscraft.html

August 15 Honey Harbour Jazz Festival Concert in the Park 12pm-3pm August 8-9 Muskoka Model Railway Show J.D. Lang Activity Park, Bracebridge www.muskokamodelrailwayclub.org August 11 Artifact or Fiction Muskoka Lakes Museum – Port Carling www.mlmuseum.com/special-events August 14-16 23rd Dockside Festival of the Arts Gravenhurst www.gravenhurstchamber.com August 14-22 ChautauquaFest New Nine Day Feature Festival www.muskokachautauqua.com August 13 Family Fun Day Muskoka Lakes Public Library – 1pm to 3pm www.muskokachautauqua.com August 17 Grand Muskoka Cottage Tour 10am-7pm – Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst www.realmuskoka.ca August 21-22 Reading Circle & Chautauqua on the Edge www.muskokachautauqua.com August 21-23 32nd Annual Bracebridge Antique Sale Bracebridge Fairgrounds August 15-16 Artists of the Limberlost Studio Weekend Huntsville www.artistsofthelimberlost.ca August 15 Summer Sidewalk Sale – Huntsville www.huntsvilleadventures.com/cultural-events August 16 The Good Brothers – Music on the Barge Gravenhurst – 7pm-9pm

Muskoka Events August 17-21 Kaleidoscope Summer Arts Camp Finale Clevelands House, Minett www.muskokachautauqua.com

September 25-27 Culture Days Muskoka Lakes Museum, Port Carling www.mlmuseum.com

October 17 Bala’s Museum CRAN-ANNE Contest Registration 1:30pm / Judging 2pm www.bala.net/museum

August 17-20 Opera Muskoka www.muskokachautauqua.com

TBA Culture Days Huntsville www.huntsville.ca

August 14-15 Bracebridge Highland Games www.bracebridgehighlandgames.com

September 26-27 Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour www.muskokastudiotour.com

October 31 Let the Spirits Rise Uptown Gravenhurst www.gravenhurstbia.com

August 14 Cottage County Comedy Festival Various Venues www.cottagecomedy.com

September 26 Colourfest Manitoba Street, Bracebridge www.downtownbracebridge.com

August 21 Toronto Allstar Big Band Opera Muskoka www.muskokachautauqua.com

September 25-27 Huntsville Fall Fair www.huntvilleadventures.com

August 22 “Frozen Cruise” with the Ice Queen & Snow Princess 11am -12:30pm Muskoka Wharf Gravenhurst www.realmuskoka.com August 30 Ironman Muskoka Huntsville www.ironman.com

SEPTEMBER 2015 September 12 Severn Bridge Fall Fair http://severnfair.org September 12 Muskoka Fall Classic Rowing Rotary Gull Lake Park, Gravenhurst www.severnriverrowingclub.com September 12 Classic Car Show Huntsville www.downtownhuntsvilleadventures.com September 18-20 Bracebridge Fall Fair

OCTOBER 2015 October 3 Local Colours Bethune House, Gravenhurst www.muskokachautauqua.com October 3-4 Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour www.muskokastudiotour.com October 3-4 Bala Craft and Gift Fair www.balacraftandgiftfair.com October 3-4 Bala Antique and Nostalgia Show Sale October 10 Thanksgiving Open House Muskoka Lakes Museum, Port Carling www.mlmuseum.com October 12 Thanksgiving Day Cruise Monday, Muskoka Wharf Gravenhurst www.realmuskoka.com October 16-18 Bala Cranberry Festival www.balacranberryfestival.on.ca

October 31 26th Annual Great Pumpkin Trail Muskoka Heritage Place – Huntsville www.muskokaheritageplace.org

NOVEMBER 2015 November 7 Muskoka Lakes Christmas Market Port Carling www.muskokalakeschamber.com November 13-15 Girlfriends’ Getaway Weekend – Huntsville www.huntsvilleadventures.com November 14 Bala Santa Claus Parade www.muskokalakeschamber.com November 19 Community Christmas Tree Lighting Port Sydney www.portsydneycofc.com November 21-22 35th Annual Christmas Show and Sale Bracebridge Sportsplex www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com November 21 Port Carling Santa Claus Parade November 27 Black Friday / Community Christmas Kick off Gravenhurst www.gravenhurstbia.com November 27 Huntsville Santa Claus Parade www.huntsvilleadventures.com

Muskoka Events November 27 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Bala Community Centre www.muskokalakeschamber.ca

December 19-22 SantaFest, Santa’s Village Bracebridge www.santasvillage.ca

November 28 Gravenhurst Santa Claus Parade www.gravenhurstchamber.com

December 27 SantaFest Santa’s Village, Bracebridge www.santasvillage.ca

DECEMBER 2015 December 4 Santa’s Moonlight Shopping Party Featuring the Festival of the Lights Bracebridge www.downtownbracebridge.com December 5 Bala’s Trek to Bethlehem December 6 Rotary Bracebridge Santa Claus Parade www.bracebridgesantaparade.com December 11 Muskoka Chautauqua Homegrown Christmas JW Marriott, Minett www.muskokachautauqua.com

December 31 New Years Eve Fireworks Huntsville www.skihiddenvalley.on.ca

FARMERS’ MARKETS May 20 to October 7 Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market Muskoka Wharf – Wednesday 9am – 2pm www.gravenhurstfarmersmarket.com May 16 to October 10 Bracebridge Farmers’ Market Memorial Park, – Saturday 8:30am – 1pm www.rosseaumarket.com

December 13 Baysville Santa Claus Parade The only parade that goes around twice

May 21 to October 19 Huntsville Farmers’ Market Canadian Tire – Thursday 9am – 2pm www.rosseaumarket.com

December 19 Portage Flyer Christmas Huntsville www.muskokaheritageplace.org

June 13 to October 10 Huntsville -100km Market Saturdays, 9am-1pm West St. S, beside Pharmasave

December 24 Christmas Eve Torch Light Parade Huntsville www.skihiddenvalley.on.ca

June 26 to August 28 The Rosseau Market At the waterfront – Friday 9am – 2pm www.rosseaumarket.com

June 22 to August 31 Bala’s Farmers’ Market Precambrian Shield Parking lot. Monday’s until Sept 1st www.balafarmersmarket.com June 23 to September 8 Dwight Farmers’ Market 1009 Dwight Beach Rd. Tuesdays 9am – 1 pm www.dwightfarmersmarket.ca June 26 to August 28 Baysville Farmers’ Market Baysville Corner Store, Friday afternoons www.baysvillefarmersmarket.com June 25 to August 27 Port Carling Farmers’ Market Hanna Park on Bailey Street Thursday’s until August 27th 9am-2pm www.portcarlingfarmersmarket.com

WATERSKI SHOWS Monday’s: Clevelands House Resort, Minett Tuesday’s: Windsor Park, Bala Wednesday’s: Boston Pizza, Gravenhurst Thursday’s: Bayview Wildwood Resort, Sparrow Lake Show times: 7:30 pm to 8:30pm www.summerwatersports.com

discovermuskoka.ca For more events and further details

We offer public sightseeing, lunch and sunset dinner cruises as well as private charters on Peerless II. Private charters also arranged for Idyllwood. Interested in seeing parts of the lakes not seen on the larger ships, we can take you there. Operating late May till mid October, 2013.

SUNSET CRUISES

Rental,Sales,Service

705-687-0006

For information & reservations: Captain R.S. Potts 705-645-2462 www.sunsetcruises.ca info@sunsetcruises.ca

Oakwood Motel Your Year Round Muskoka Destination! Comfortable guest rooms & cabins with free Wi-Fi, efficiencies, in-room coffee, fridge / microwave right in Gravenhurst. Close to Segwun steamship cruises, Bethune House, restaurants, beaches, parks & trails. Snowmobile access C101D Phone / Fax: (705) 687-4224 www.oakwoodmotel.com 1060 Muskoka Road South, Gravenhurst

Largest in-water collection of Muskoka Wooden Boats surrounded by interactive displays and exhibits. NEW 2015 – Awesome Kids Zone featuring Lego, Keva, hands on building centre, organized arts & crafts. “Under the Canopy” exhibit July 15 to August 15 is an incredible stunning exhibit that introduces the world of rainforests ecology, effects on people and animals. Exhibit features snakes, crocodilians, tarantulas, parrots and more.

IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING BY AIR, MUSKOKA AIRPORT IS WHERE YOU WANT TO LAND! Located in Gravenhurst, the larger of two runways is paved and measures 6,000’ x 150’ and supports both VFR and IFR operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Owned and operated by the District Municipality of Muskoka, the airport is an official Canada Customs Airport of Entry and the proud host of the Little Norway Memorial.

For info call: 705-687-2194 or visit us at: www.muskokaairport.com

www.realmuskoka.com / 705/687-2115

TIPI ADVENTURE NO NEED FOR CAMPING GEAR! SLEEP IN ONE OF OUR TIPIS!

(705) 706-7125 simplytipi@gmail.com www.simplyfitandfun.com

Located in the “Heart of Muskoka” since 1936, this now four season resort offers exquisite Lakeside dining, family style accommodations, romantic get-aways and perfect for Weddings 20-100 people.

1-855-645-4169 / www.pattersonkayeresort.com

Traces of Muskoka B E D

A N D

B R E A K FA ST

Nestled in the heart of the Muskoka Lakes, we offer tranquility and beauty. Every room comes with satellite tv, internet and a private bathroom. Full breakfast. No pets. 1066 Windermere Road, Utterson, Ontario - P0B 1M0 705-644-9806

Your Well-Earned Escape Awaits. Snowshoeing, dog-sledding, astronomy, boating, golf at The Rock and luxurious Spa Rosseau - your choice. Choose from a variety of unique escape packages, including Escape Dining, Spa Serenity or Family Escape Packages. For the ultimate corporate or social event, consider the stunning conference facilities at The Rosseau. Experience nature on your terms at JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa.

Book your escape at jwrosseau.com or call 1-866-240-8605

*Offers subject to availability. Pricing may fluctuate. JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. P.O. Box 31, 1050 Paignton House Road, Minett, Ontario, P0B 1Go

705-765-1900 www.jwrosseau.com