Muskoka Events  -click here for info

November is here

"On a gorgeous fall day, nothing beats hiking through the woods and stopping to admire the majestic deer and their cute little fawns, and then pumping them full of lead." John Heinzl. The Globe and Mail, Saturday November 3, 2007.

Take caution if you are planning on going for some long fall walks over the next few weeks as it is deer hunting season. This means that if you plan on walking through the woods or in areas that back on to forests where hunting may be occuring, wear an orange jacket and carry a noise maker. See the clip from VR News's Roger Klein warning people not to be mistaken for a deer this season.

Plan to see the Electric Light Parade in Orillia's downtown on Friday November 16th. Watch the downtown come alive with lights as the stores, trees and buildings light up. The Orillia Opera House's community Christmas tree is a sight to be seen when over 10,000 blue LED lights brighten the sky.

 for all your power boat/jet ski wakeboard rental needs in Muskoka. They also offer parasailing and wakeboard clinc's. You can rent an exotic car and stay on site. Great for team building and corporate events. call 705-687-1400

We are supporting breast cancer research for women, please see the link to The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Fund raiser in Muskoka .

We have a now exchanged links with a Muskoka Tradition for 100 years, the Gravenhurst Opera House who offer exceptional entertainment year round .

The Gravenhurst Opera House was officially opened on March 12, 1901.
This is where Canadian Professional Summer Theatre all began and has continued for over a century!
Recently celebrating its 101 season, THE Op is nestled in the small town of Gravenhurst, Ontario - the gateway to Muskoka.
Offering professional theatre all year, the summer season is highlighted by the annual Straw Hat Festival, plus local and professional acts dot the remainder of the year to make a complete and entertaining schedule. A celebration of the good ole' days - a Muskoka tradition - we'll see you at THE Op!

In Gravenhurst the Wharf project is coming along. This facility will have a revolving display of 20 wooden boats from May to August and then a new set starting in August.

Stay tuned for further information and pictures.

A great coupe for the Muskoka Wooden Boat enthusiast.

June

Four Seasons of Algonquin Park

Paintings by G. Sorensoen, Ursula Reese, Herschel Payne and David Kay. On display at the Algonquin Room at the Algonquin Visitors Centre.

Animal Art in the Park at the Algonquin Gallery located at km 20 in Algonquin Park. Open 10 a.m. to 6p.m. daily, $7.00 adults, $6.00 for seniors and students and children under 12 are free.

July

Antique and Classic Boat Show in Gravenhurst Ontario was held on Sat July 13 . Great Show

Muskoka Paddle Festival in Bracebridge Bay Park was Fri to Sun July14

August

Aug 3 was Running Free Series at Arrowhead Prov. Park, Info 705-687-8048
August 3 to 17th Art Show at Windermere House
August 3 was Bala Regetta at the Town Docks, Info 705-762-3795
August 3 was Muskoka Lakes Regatta at the Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club. Sat @ 9am is Junior Regatta. Senior Regatta starts at 1:30pm on Sun Aug 4th.

The Muskoka Wood Working Shop took place Friday August 16 to Sunday August 18 at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $7.00, if you get a coupon out of the Muskokan Newspaper you will save $2.00 off admin. Brad Bowes, tel: 705-646-2394

The Baysville Waterfront held a Wooden Boat Show on Sunday August 18th, showing 36 boats as well as a display of Harley Davidson Motorcycles and Classic Automobiles.

On Sat Aug 17th from 9am to 5pm in downtown Peterborough at the Little Lake Marina was another wooden boat show with 40 boats. Contact Cindy 1-877-750-2189 for next year's date.

Muskoka Teak, on the main Road into Port Carling - 1005 Henshaw Lake Rd, has an extensive collection of Teak Furniture from Indonesia. Great Tables, Chairs, side tables and patio furniture. Tel 705-765-0964

Farmers Markets

Bala every Monday
Bracebridge every Saturday
Gravenhurst every Wednesday
Huntsville market held at the Canadian Tire every Thursday

I enjoy the High Falls in Bracebridge minus the Power house but it has made Bracebridge energy sufficient for the past 20 years. Now council wants to expand it. So the region is growing and so are it's power requirements, but restricting the water flow will definitely those down stream as well as the ecosystem. The complexities of growth and balance. See more at the Muskoka Times.

Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve is a must see for Star Gazing. This area is protected against light pollution and is just a short drive from Port Carling. Set against the granite, telescopes work very well for watching stars or perhaps the catching the Aura Borealis with your children. It is a very memorable experience.

You may also want to visit the Echo Valley Observatory outside of Huntsville.

Any experience in Muskoka must include a trip on a wooden boat so lets go on the Segwun, or the Wenonah 2 , and lets hear the steam whistles scream.

The Wenonah 2 is a great wedding scene for you Muskoka Brides looking for a unique setting.

This year you can also take overnight trips to local resorts while aboard the Segwun. Cruise by some of the finest resorts in Muskoka or take in the elaborate cottages on Millionaires Row. This summer take an experience that will last a lifetime, visit the Muskoka Lakes on a classic Yacht. Make sure you take in the Muskoka Marine Museum and see all the fine boats that are on display or for sale.

One of my favorite events is the Antique Boat Show in Gravenhurst on July 14th. Walking in the field of Dreams is great, going to the boat auction would be better if my wife would let me bid on items and I had more storage. I hope you will enjoy a Muskoka Ginger Ale (I love their old pickup truck) and wander around looking at all the fine Antique Mahogany Boats. This is a great event, don't forget to bring your hat and sunscreen.

Another great event was on the July 19th to 21 weekend - the Muskoka Antique Show in Bala. Not that it was not at the Port Carling Arena but it will be there next year.This is a teriffic show with over 40 dealers in attendance. This extensive event has been on for over 20 years. Great Fun!

Another great place to see the boats is at the Lift Bridge in Port Sanfield, get an ice cream cone at the Silver Stream Farms General store and watch the boat traffic go by. To Email Silver Stream Farms

I also enjoy baked goods at the Silver Stream Farms or if I am in Bala I head over to Don's Bakery for some of the Best Chelsea buns in the country. If dad is in tow, maybe head over to the Muskoka Brewery. A great beer or ginger ale and a bit of nostalgia.

I would also recommend visiting Robinsons General Store in Dorest, get some Ice Cream and wander around the village. The Dorest Fire Dept puts on a Community Dinner that you don't want to miss.

I will not forget the climb up the stairs to the Dorest Fire tower. The view from this vantage point is incredible especially in the fall.

The drive up to Cottage Country can sometimes be a bit long so drop into Webers for some song, and a trip in an old railway car. If you are a rail buff then check out the Portage Flyer Steam Train in Huntsville.

If you work in Toronto and you have family up at the cottage while you are in the city then try and take the Ontario Northland train to Gravenhurst. No hassles, just get on at Union Station and you can watch the scenery go by or get some work done on the way up there so you spend quality time with family.

Santa is working all year round and you can visit Santa's Village in Bracebridge, try the paddle boats or the Candy Cane Express Train.

If you would like to get back to nature then go visit the Muskoka Wildlife Center in the Port Severn Area. They have great walking trails, and the opportunity to see wild life. You have to go to Algonquin Park and take a paddle or a hike. If you would like to experience camping, make sure that you book months in advance or you could be disappointed.