Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Thanksgiving in Muskoka: A Feast for the Eyes and the Belly


There’s nothing quite like Thanksgiving in Muskoka. Crisp air, gorgeous foliage, and the aroma of a roasting turkey all combine to create show-stopping, mouth-watering goodness. And two of the foods most associated with a Thanksgiving feast, turkey and cranberries, thrive right here in Muskoka.

Wild turkeys are plentiful in Muskoka thanks to efforts by the MNR to re-establish them in Ontario. Although they were eradicated from the province early in the 20th century, it’s estimated that the birds now number close to 100,000. And most surprisingly, they are abundant in Muskoka and parts north, an area outside of their historical range. It’s not uncommon to see them strutting down the side of the road, but it would probably be wise for them to hide out this time of year.

Muskoka is also home to two commercial cranberry marshes (and any number of others hidden away on private properties). Both Iroquois Cranberry Growers and Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh are near Bala and every October, on the weekend after Thanksgiving, the town of Bala celebrates all things cranberry at the Bala Cranberry Festival. You can sample cranberry products and take tours of the marshes. (You can also visit the marshes at throughout October and watch the cranberries being harvested.)

If you’re planning to visit Colonial Bay in October, why not make a trip to Bala, Muskoka’s Cranberry Capital, part of your adventure? And watch out for those turkeys!

We still have some availability at our waterfront Muskoka cottages for Thanksgiving weekend and beyond. You can see our availability and make reservations on the Colonial Bay website.

Happy Thanksgiving and we hope to see you soon!
The Howell Family

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