Ragged Falls Provincial Park, Muskoka Hike,Ontario Canada, Algonquin Park

Winter is officially a couple days away but you could say we are already in it. Last night was - 21 again and Peninsula Lake is frozen over in many places. When the sun comes up today I think we will see ice cover in front of Colonial Bay Cottages. I thought a reminder of summer would be nice so found this video of Ragged Falls located a few mnutes west of Algonquin Park. Many of our summer guests stop by the Falls for a hike and just a nice plave to relax.

Winter In Huntsville

The past weekend Muskoka made the news daily with record amounts of snowfall. It was great to get the snow early and have lots for the holidays. I think we are guaranteed a white Christmas at Colonial Bay Cottages this year. Bracebridge, Port Carling and Bala received more snow than we did in the Huntsville and Dwight area. Click on the link above to see a You Tube video taken last weekend around Huntsville.

Hidden Valley Huntsville Muskoka Canada December 12 2009

Opening day at Hidden Valley Ski Area in Huntsville Ontario Muskoka. Saturday was a fine sunny day and skiers and snowboarders had a chance to experience fresh Muskoka powder and expertly groomed runs. Ben is one of the first guys down through the fresh snow. Throughout the winter many families stay at Colonial Bay Cottages and enjoy time at Hidden Valley. During the winter I manage the Snow School at Hidden Valley and we offer a great learn to ski/snowboard package. Alonf with our resort, Colonial Bay Cottages, many of our snowschool customers stay at local resorts like Beauview Cottages, Walker Lake Cottages, Deerhurst Resort and Hidden Valley Resort.

Winter Arrives - It's Great

What an amazing week at Colonial Bay Cottages. Our kids have been off school for three days due to pending storms and actual snow fall. Muskoka has been under a weather watch or storm watch for the last 24 hours but it really isn't as bad as they are making it out to be in Huntsville. Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and west to Parry Sound are getting more snow than us in North Muskoka. This morning at 8:00 AM I was snow plowing around the motel and cottages and Highway 60 was plowed. The pictures show how it looks around our property.

A fine morning on Penninsula Lake

Colour Update # 3

Algonquin Park is simply amazing!! Some of the best colours in years according to many reports. The morning dew and daily moisture on the leaves makes for some stunning pictures. Here is Algonquin Park's report.

Fall Colour Update - #2

Here is the Algonquin Park update today. Approaching peak in the park which means we are a week or so behind in our area.

Fall Colours

We're well into September now and Fall Colours are starting to show. Here is the report from Algonquin Park this week.

First Time Wakeboarding

Evan and Cameron hit the wakeboard for the first time ever. Both were up and riding in one or two tries and by the end of the week there was some big air happening. Thanks for all the fun you guys.

Even the Big Kids Want To Have Fun

Does it get any better...

Two days into August and things look very promising weather wise. So far lots of SUN and even a great sunset to end the day.

Another Fine Day at Colonial Bay

Sunshine and water make for the best holiday in Muskoka.

The Acres Driving Range and Gift Shop

The Acres Driving Range and Artisan Gallery is located 5 minutes away by foot. Why not stroll over, hit a bucket of balls and browse the Gallery. Say hi to Sara or Dylan while you're there because their business is a great addition to our neighbourhood.

Any rainy day on vaction beats a day at the office!!

While the weather man called for overcast and drizzle most of last week, we enjoyed a pretty good week with lots of SUN and the odd shower in between. Believe it or not there was even a bit of SUN BURN going around last week. I think Brock and Erica either skied or tubed everyday this week.

With the mid point of July passing by it seems like a good time to remind everyone of all the great things to do and places to visit in Huntsville, Algonquin Park and the surrounding area.

Algonquin Park, Dorset Fire Tower, Villages of Dorset, Baysville, Port Carling Rosseau, Santa's Village, Muskoka Heritage Place, Muskoka Wildlife Centre, Eaglecrest Aerial Park, Lady Muskoka Boat Cruise, Golf, Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre, RMS Segwun and the Wenonah II and even more!

I've included a link to the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce Coupon Book for those that that like to save.

Happy Canada Day

Happy Canada Day to all our friends and guests. We hope the fireworks display in Huntsville will rival this picture! The fireworks are scheduled to take place this evening and there will be many excellent places to view them from. Check out Hunter's Bay Drive, Avery Beach or almost anywhere along Main Street South.

Boating on Pen Lake

Andy takes his new boat for a spin on Pen Lake with Scotty and Nikki. Andy, Scotty and their Mom and Dad have been visiting Colonial Bay since the early 70's.
Over the years Andy and Scotty have spent countless hours entertaining Luke and Ben with remote control cars, boats and even a helicopter during their visits. In recent years Addie has become quite attached to Emille and Theresa as they do more artsy things.
The highlight of the Victoria Day weekend is the fireworks display set off by Andy and Scotty. It rivals any display on the lake and each year gets better. This year there was an intermission as everyone needed to rest their necks from looking skyward.

Twiiter has come to Colonial Bay

Blogging, Twitter and good old fashion face to face conversations - we do it all at Colonial Bay. Today has been a little overcast and some rain but we managed to work on the docks and Andy has his new Legend Boat tied to it. In between showers he has been out exploring Pen Lake and tomorrow will probably boat into Hunstville.
www.twitter.com/colonialbay

Algonquin Park Wildlife and Habitat (click here)

Here is a neat link to Wildlife Research in Algonquin Park. It seems timely as spring is arriving and birds, moose and most wildlife begin the next cycle of life. Ice is still covering Pen Lake so the Loons are not back yet but I suspect within the next couple weeks the ice will be gone and they will return. Moose will be moving around now and you will be able to see them in the bogs along the side of the road in Algonquin Park.

April 2008

It is hard to imagine that a whole season has gon by since my last entry. It has been a busy winter in Muskoka with lots of snow and seasonal winter conditions.

Hidden Valley Ski Area opened in late November and the ski season continued until March 28th. One of the longest ski season in Ontario this year.