Ice is Nice (but be safe out there)

Muskoka’s landscape is dramatically different in the winter. Snow-covered branches replace the fiery foliage of fall and the lakes become a frozen expanse of ice. One of the highlights of visiting a lake community in the winter is heading out on the ice for a variety of activities. Rinks get cleared for skating and impromptu games of shinny. Ice fishing huts create mini-villages where there were once rafts and boats. Tracks from snowmobiles and cross-country skis crisscross the lake.

But all that fun on the ice does have risks and it’s important to know how to stay safe. Clear, hard new ice (usually blue-coloured) is safest. White or opaque ice is weaker and should be treated with caution. Ice that has a honeycombed look (common in the spring or if there is a thaw) should be avoided completely.

When possible, measure the thickness of the ice before venturing out. Ice less than 3 inches thick is unsafe and should not be travelled on. At 4 inches, the ice is safe for ice fishing, walking and cross-country skiing. At more than 5 inches, one-way snowmobile and ATV traffic is okay. But remember that ice doesn’t freeze uniformly. Even 10 feet away from a safe area, the ice could be thinner.

Regardless of the ice thickness, you should always stay away from permanent structures on the ice like docks and boathouses. The ice around these can be weak and should be considered unsafe. Also avoid slushy ice, ice that has thawed and then refrozen, pressure ridges or cracks, and layered or ‘rotten’ ice due to sudden temperature changes. Also avoid areas with lots of snow - heavy snowfall insulates and may even melt existing ice.

This winter, we have seen fluctuations in temperature from above 0C to below -20C. That means that ice in some areas should be treated with extreme caution. Always check the conditions before heading out and “if you don’t know, don’t go”. Choose another location for your activity instead.

Being out on the ice can be an amazing experience. Just remember to stay safe out there.

Do you have fond memories of being on the ice in Muskoka? Leave us a comment to tell us about it!

The Howell Family

Remember Summer?

Winter is cold. Sometimes it’s really cold. Like in January, the coldest month of the year in these parts. So despite the balmy weather we've had this winter, we shouldn't be surprised when the thermometer dips down to -25C (that's -13F for our American friends). Even though we love winter at Colonial Bay, those temperatures make us wish for some summer fun and sun.

In case you’ve forgotten, here’s what summer in Muskoka looks like:

And this:

And this too:

Tubing, water skiing and surfing. Canoeing and kayaking. Relaxing in a Muskoka chair with warm sand between your toes. Roasting marshmallows over a campfire. Falling asleep to the call of the loons. However you choose to spend it, summer in Muskoka can't be beat. (If you don't believe us, just ask National Geographic or the Toronto Star. But really, you should just take our word for it.)

We’ve already started taking summer reservations for our waterfront Muskoka cottages. Will we see you at Colonial Bay this year?

Thinking warm thoughts,

The Howell Family

10 Things To Do In Muskoka This Year

Happy New Year from Colonial Bay!

There’s something about a new year that brings out the list maker in us all. Resolutions are made (and broken) and “Best of ” and “Top 10” lists start cropping up as we look back at the past twelve months.

In that tradition, we offer a list of ten things you must do in Muskoka in 2012. Well, you don’t have to, but just think what you’ll be missing out on if you don’t.

1. Try bungee surfing

2. Taste the corn roast at Colonial Bay

3. Try skijoring or dog sledding

4. Check out a festival – Film, Literary, Cranberry, and more!
5. Ride the Portage Flyer
6. Get to know the Group of Seven
7. Visit a local farmers’ market or farm and sample Muskoka’s finest produce
8. Pick wild blueberries
9. See the fall colors
10. Watch a sunrise and sunset from the dock (at Colonial Bay of course!)

Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!
The Howell Family