Muskoka2017 discovermuskoka.ca 1 AD{TS5100204} The Perfect Playground here simply is no end of choice when it comes to you’re bringing your own vessel. finding fun things to do or wonderful places to stay when visiting Muskoka. Boasting more than 80 Exploring Mother Nature’s rich abundance on foot is an- T other wonderful way to discover Muskoka. From the many resorts - everything from luxury all-inclusive hotels, family- run lodges, quaint inns, historic B&Bs and rustic cottage hiking trails crisscrossing vast Algonquin Park to pleasant resorts - Muskoka’s got something for everyone. strolls along picturesque streets and boardwalks, Muskoka is one endless outdoor adventure. Wilderness hikes will Those looking for a back to nature experience are well lead to encounters with vast stretches of trees and water, catered to, with many parks and facilities available. Eleven all of it home to a tremendous array of wildlife. provincial parks, and one national park - along with some 173,000 hectares of crown land - keep the region’s flora In town, you’ll be rewarded with unique dining, shopping and fauna safe, while at the same time allowing visitors and cultural experiences. There are, of course, many other to enjoy pursuits such as camping, rock climbing, moun- great reasons to visit Muskoka: fantastic golf, relaxing spas, skiing, festivals and art shows... the list is endless. tain biking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and bird watching. Add to the mix 76 municipal parks and 15 Winter, spring, summer or fall, there’s no question that conservation areas and you’re spoiled for places to have an Muskoka has something for everyone and has truly earned old-fashioned picnic. its reputation as Ontario’s Most Popular Playground. The list of things to do once you arrive in magnificent Here’s what others are saying about Muskoka: Muskoka is equally long. Boaters will want to explore the mile-after mile of shorelines along the region’s mag- National Geographic recognized Muskoka as: nificent, pristine lakes, big and small. Take your pick on #1 Summer Destination One of the world’s top 20 Must See Places how best to do it: area marinas and resorts offer rentals of everything from powerboats to canoes and kayaks, For more information about Muskoka call as well as winter equipment such as snowmobiles and 1-800-267-9700 or visit www.discovermuskoka.ca snowshoes. Boat ramps and beaches are plentiful if AD{TS5098618} discovermuskoka.ca 3 Features 8 Countless lakes Explore our thousands of breathtaking lakes 26 Weddings Lakeside nuptials entice couples from around the world 12 Amazing wildlife From the cute to the majestic, Muskoka boasts impressive diversity 30 Exciting entertainment Festivals, live venues, pubs and markets provide the perfect backdrop to take in your 16 Airport favorite artists With an eye on the future, our historic airport welcomes guests from around the world 34 Beautiful beaches No matter where you are in Muskoka, a 19 Driving tours pristine, safe and fun beach is close by On two wheels or four, our roadways carve their way through granite and forests and circle our lakes and waterways 36 Accommodations for everyone Intimate cabins to world-class resorts, there’s a perfect place for everyone 22 Dining for all The finest dishes paired with beautiful backdrops, a treat for all senses 4 discovermuskoka.ca Our Communities 44 Muskoka’s watershed 60 Bracebridge Our diverse ecosystems are anchored around our watershed; a complex and beautiful set of 64 Gravenhurst waterways, rivers, lakes, and marshes that work 70 Georgian Bay together to keep our waters pristine 74 Lake of Bays 80 Muskoka Lakes 52 The wonders of winter The hidden gem of our seasons, offering 84 Huntsville uniquely Canadian experiences 90 Village of Rosseau 56 Looking back Muskoka has been a destination for vacationers for over 100 years Directory 94 Parks of Muskoka The parks in and around Muskoka are historic, 46 Events in Muskoka unique and offer a range of experiences for all 92 visitors Local Businesses discovermuskoka.ca 5 Muskoka Visitor Guide 2017 Curtis Armstrong John Hammill Publisher Megan Sampson Project Lead / Senior Graphic Designer Allan Cook Bev McMullen Brea Lajambe Bryan Dearsley Dianne Park Thatch Discovery Centre Doug Smith Eleanor Kee Wellman Explorers’ Edge Town of Gravenhurst Matt Driscoll Patti Vipond Larry Carroll Contact us for these FREE services Scott Turnbull Comparative Market Analysis for your Muskoka property Kelly Holinshead Custom Cottage Search for your new Muskoka property Comprehensive Ye arly News letter. mailed or emailed to you Kyla Taylor Monthly Email Newsletter Muskoka Steamships COTTAGESINMUSKOKA.COM Over 50 years combined experience. Ontario Travel AD{TS5100071} Contributors Shannon Donnelly Media Sales Represenatives Muskoka Visitor Guide is published by Copyright© 2017, Postmedia All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material published within the Muskoka Visitor Guide is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. The publish- er assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. This is a Partner-Driven Publication among the following organizations: AD{TS5100455} 6 discovermuskoka.ca MUSKOKA COMMUNITY HEALTH HUBS The right care, at the right time, in the right place. Health care services are available at Health Hubs in Wahta, Dorset, and Port Carling. Part time services available in Port Sydney, Severn Bridge, and Vankoughnet. Visit muskoka.on.ca/communityhealthhubs for Health Hub hours and contact info. Who can use Muskoka Community Health Hubs? IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A FAMILY DOCTOR/NURSE IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY DOCTOR/NURSE PRACTITIONER PRACTITIONER, YOU CAN ACCESS: OR ARE A SEASONAL VISITOR, YOU CAN ACCESS: •Care of minor illnesses or injuries •Care of minor illnesses (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, •Regular physicals, immunizations and cancer bladder infection, diarrhea) screenings •Care of minor injuries (e.g. minor cuts, scrapes, insect •Chronic disease care (e.g. diabetes, high blood bites, falls, strains, sprains) pressure, high cholesterol, COPD, asthma, heart * disease) •Preventative health teaching Visit muskoka.on.ca/communityhealthhubs for Health Hub hours and contact info. The Nest is a gathering place for families in Muskoka, providing access to community resources and family supports, as well as low-cost baby supplies and a wide range of gently-used clothing, toys and equipment for toddlers and children of all ages. Bracebridge 10 Armstrong St. | (705) 640-NEST family supports Gravenhurst 405 Muskoka Rd. S | (705) 640-0224 Huntsville 108 Main St. E | Opening April 2017 affordable baby supplies used clothing For info, hours and to learn how to donate visit facebook.com/ thenestmuskoka or email [email protected] The Nest relies on donations of gently used clothing, toys and equipment to support local families. Cash donations are also welcome. AD{TS5119266} 8 discovermuskoka.ca Countless lakes ith more then 1,600 freshwater lakes scattered delivered fuel on the lakes, leaves Port Carling daily from like gems throughout acres of verdant forests, June to October. For stylish private cruises and weddings, Wgorgeous granite outcroppings and towering the Idyllwood, a restored 1920s private yacht, is avail- cliffs, Muskoka is the perfect destination for anyone who able for small groups from June to October. In Brace- wants to float, boat, paddle, ski, sail or otherwise get on bridge, the venerable Lady Muskoka takes passengers the water. And if you just want to get in the lakes and down the Muskoka River to explore the luxurious summer have a refreshing swim, jump in! homes of Millionaire’s Row on Lake Muskoka. The easiest way to hit the lakes and get acquainted with For those who crave independent exploration of the lakes, Muskoka’s fabled beauty is to take a cruise on one of the a wide variety of powerboats and personal watercraft are many sightseeing tour boats on the ‘big three’ lakes – available for rent at marinas across Muskoka. Pontoon Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph. In Gravenhurst, Mus- boats for larger groups and fishing boats for anglers can koka’s iconic restored steamboat Segwun and her sister also be rented for short or long terms. As well, you can replica ship, the Wenonah II, offer a variety of cruises enjoy an iconic Muskoka experience by renting a classic, leaving Muskoka Wharf from June to October. The Peer- wooden 18-foot Duke Playmate from Muskoka Launch less II, a handsome restored vintage workboat that once Livery. discovermuskoka.ca 9 10 discovermuskoka.ca If you would rather float behind a boat than drive one, most marinas rent water toys such as tubes, wakeboards and water skis. Adrenaline fanatics can sample flyboarding, the new sport that sends riders up to 50 feet over the lake, by renting a flyboard at Ride Muskoka in Bala. For tranquil times on the water, nothing compares to paddling a ca- YOUR 4-SEASON RENTAL STOPSTO noe or kayak over a glassy lake at dawn or along a reed-fringed river at dusk. Canoe and kayak rentals are available through local outfitters and paddling shops. The same places often rent stand up paddleboards. These paddled cousins of surfboards are a great way to do close-to-shore sightseeing, on-the-water yoga or to have fun while getting from point A to B. HEIDI’S Muskoka’s magnificent lakes also provide the perfect backdrop for delicious, informal BOATHOUSE dining experiences that can be reached by car or boat. At the end of a day of outdoor SUMMER FUN RETAIL fun and serious relaxing, round up your family and friends and head into town for a EMPORIUM waterfront meal on a patio, deck or lakeside dining room. See why food tastes bet- ter outside on the deck at Boston Pizza in Gravenhurst or Huntsville, On the Docks in BOAT SALES, BOAT SERVICE Huntsville, or Turtle Jack’s in Port Carling.