Snowshoeing is for everyone!

One of the best activities to get out and enjoy our winter wonderland is snowshoeing. It's easy (if you can walk, you can snowshoe) and it's a great family activity--everyone from young children to seniors can do it.

If you're picturing something like this:

times have changed! Today's snowshoes are lightweight, aluminum-framed and much smaller than the classic wooden snowshoes. 

Here's what you need to know to get started:

Gear and clothing

• You can rent snowshoes at many outdoor outfitters. They'll help you select the size that is right for you and the terrain you plan to hike.
• Poles can be helpful on uneven terrain and for when you fall down. (We all do at some point!)
• Wear warm, comfortable footwear and wool socks. Nothing will ruin your day faster than cold, wet feet.
• Dress in layers. You may work up a sweat once you get going. Wool and polyester fleece can help you stay warm even when wet. A waterproof, breathable outer shell is essential to help regulate body heat.
• Don't forget your sunglasses! Sun reflecting off of snow can be blindingly bright.

Technique

• Snowshoeing really is as easy as putting one foot in front of the other. You may need to widen your stance slightly, but that's all.
• If you do fall down, the easiest way to get up is to roll over on your front and then push up until you are kneeling. From there, you can lift one leg and then the other so that you're crouching and then use your knees to brace your hands and push the rest of the way up.
• To turn around, walk in a big circle if there's room. If the trail is too narrow, you'll have to turn in place. Make a T with one foot in front of the other and then bring your other snowshoe parallel with it so that you've done a 90-degree turn. Then repeat so that you're facing back in the direction you've come.
• For moderate hills, you'll need to use a slightly different technique. You'll notice that there are claws on the bottom of your snowshoes. If you step into an incline with your toe (heel raised), the claws will help you gain traction uphill. To go downhill, if it's not too steep you can walk normally. For steeper downhills, you may need to side step with your snowshoes perpendicular to the trail. Remember to step wide enough that you don't step on one shoe with the other. It helps to keep your weight on the uphill edge of your snowshoes.

And, most importantly, have fun! Bring a thermos of hot chocolate or soup along, find a sunny spot to sit, and revel in being out in the snow!

There are two fabulous places near Colonial Bay for snowshoeing:

• Arrowhead Park, located just north of Huntsville, has trails for everyone from beginners to experts. With 29 km of track-set, cross-country ski trails, 12km of skate skiing trails and 6 km of marked snowshoe trails, you’ll be able to spend the whole day exploring. Classic ski, skate skis and snowshoes are all available to rent. A day use fee applies to access the park.
• Limberlost Forest Reserve is just 10 km north of Colonial Bay. Access is free to the public and they have 70 km of trails for backwoods skiing or snowshoeing.

If you want to visit us this winter, you can view our availability here.

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you and yours a happy New Year!

Have fun in the snow!
The Howell Family

Christmas in Muskoka

Christmas, and winter in general, is a great time to spend with family, friends and community both indoors and out. There are three local events that will help you do just that and get in the Muskoka holiday spirit.

On December 21 from 5-8pm, the Portage Flyer takes the young and young-at-heart on an open-air train ride through snow-covered trees to visit Santa. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies are served while you wait to board. Tickets are just $5 per person. It's an annual Muskoka tradition that shouldn't be missed.

On December 21-23 from 11am-4pm, visit Santa at his other home before he heads out to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve. SantaFest at Santa's Village has a bunch of activities included with the price of admission ($8/person, 2 and under free):

❄ Horse drawn sleigh rides (from 12-4)
❄ Seasonal Kids Activities
❄ Face Painting
❄ Gingerbread Cookie Decorating for kids
❄ Craft Making
❄ Colouring
❄ Petting Farm
❄ Marshmallow Roasting
❄ Letter Writing
❄ And of course visits with Santa!

You can even head back to Santa's Village on December 28 for Thank Santa Day!

On Christmas Eve, head out to Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area for the Torchlight Parade. An annual family-friendly favourite, the parade features skiers and boarders descending the Flying Dutchman carrying brightly lit torches. There are complimentary cookies and hot chocolate in the chalet and live music from 5:30-6:30pm.

Whether you're spending Christmas in Muskoka or somewhere else, we wish you and yours a very merry, relaxing holiday season.

All the best,
The Howell Family

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Winter has arrived in Muskoka! Okay, maybe it's not officially winter, but Muskoka has snow and winter temperatures so we're calling it a done deal! Since there isn't enough snow yet to do many of our favourite outdoor activities (except downhill skiing!), we thought we'd enlighten you with some interesting snow facts.

Snow did you know:

• While it's not true that our Inuit neighbours to the north have 100 words for snow, there are a lot of different types of snow out there. Check them out here.
• There are also different names for snow formations. You can learn about those here.
• Our local ski hill can make snow at -2.5C (that's why they were able to open last weekend when there was only a skiff of real snow on the ground).
• Snow appears white because it reflects light
• If the temperature rises above 0C during a snowstorm, the falling snow will melt mid-air and turn to rain.

While we wait for Mother Nature to catch up with her snowmaking, here are some winter activities to get you thinking about playing in the snow:

Downhill Skiing
Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is just a short drive from Colonial Bay and they are open now for weekend skiing. (Daily operations start Dec 20.) With a variety of groomed runs suitable for skiers of all abilities, Hidden Valley is a great place to spend a day with family. They also offer ski and snowboard rentals, a terrain park, night skiing and lessons. Lift ticket required.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
There are lots of trails in Muskoka that are suitable for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The closest to Colonial Bay are at Arrowhead Provincial Park and Limberlost Forest Reserve.
Arrowhead Park, located just north of Huntsville, has trails for everyone from beginners to experts. With 29 km of track-set, cross-country ski trails, 12km of skate skiing trails and 6 km of marked snowshoe trails, you’ll be able to spend the whole day exploring. Classic ski, skate skis and snowshoes are all available to rent. A day use fee applies to access the park.
Limberlost Forest Reserve is just 10 km north of Colonial Bay. Access is free to the public and they have 70 km of trails for backwoods skiing or snowshoeing.

Skating
The Town of Huntsville offers two venues for skating. The Summit Centre has indoor skating available during scheduled times (a fee applies) plus they offer a Free Family Skating during the holidays during scheduled times. 
Arrowhead Park will continue the Ice Trail, a 1.5km skating loop through the forest, again in 2014. The park also has an outdoor skating rink overlooking Mayflower Lake. A gazebo at rinkside offers a place to change skates or take a break. The park has two heated warm-up shelters and an open fire when you need to warm up. Skates are available to rent. A day use fee applies to access the park.

Snowmobiling
If snowmobiling is your thing, check out the local trails here or if you’ve always wanted to try it out, you can find tours and guides here.

Dog Sledding
A variety of local operators offer dog sledding tours in Huntsville or nearby Algonquin Park. Try Snow Forest Adventures or Huntsville Dog Sled or check Google for more.

Relaxing Fireside
At the end of a day spent playing outside, there’s nothing quite like relaxing in front of a crackling fire. Or you could just spend the day that way too! All of our winter accommodations have fireplaces. If you’d like to experience Muskoka in the winter (and we think you should!) you can see our availability here.

Come and play in the snow with us this winter!
The Howell Family

Enjoy Muskoka on the quiet side

What's there to do in Muskoka in November? After the summer crowds have dispersed and the trees' fall colours have turned to their winter garb, Muskoka is still an amazing place to visit. Here are some options for local activities that you might find enjoyable.

Arrowhead Provincial Park

Stubbs Falls

Did you know that you can still hike and bike in Arrowhead Park after they've closed in the Fall? The trails are blissfully quiet and with less leaf cover you have greater opportunity to see wildlife. You can park at the gate and walk the 1.5 km to the park office (which is also closed, so be sure to bring snacks and water along). From there, you can access all of the trails. Stubbs Falls is particularly beautiful, especially if night-time temperatures have been cool -- look for icicle-covered branches at waters' edge. The park re-opens in the winter for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skating. (The skating trail is one of our family's favorite winter activities!)

If being outdoors isn't your thing, there are lots of other options. Why not visit some of Muskoka's award-winning breweries? Most offer tours (and tastings!) year round. The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is beautiful at any time of year and much of it can be viewed from the comfort of your vehicle or with short walks through downtown Huntsville. Local artisans are featured at galleries and shops throughout Muskoka. If you've never made the trip to the Oxtongue Craft Cabin, just a short drive from Colonial Bay near the neighbouring town of Dwight, it's a hidden gem.

Snow making at Hidden Valley Highlands

Of course, this time of year many of us are already thinking about winter and the fun that comes with it. Our local ski hill has been testing their snow-making equipment, turning their small corner of Muskoka into a winter wonderland. 

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Muskoka has lots to offer. We hope you'll visit soon!

The Howell Family

Nature in Disguise

Tamaracks (photo courtesy of Ontario Parks)

Fall in Muskoka is synonymous with the colourful show put on by the sugar maples, birch, aspen and red oaks. But amongst those deciduous beauties is a pretender whose colours are peaking now: the Tamarack.

Also known as the Larch, the Tamarack is a deciduous conifer – a tree with needles that are shed in the fall. The Tamarack is a brilliant yellow this time of year, in stark contrast to the surrounding evergreens and barren deciduous trees that have already lost their leaves. Their unexpected colour prompts some to ask why they’re dying—they’re not. Their soft, bluish-green needles will return in the spring.

Ruffed Grouse at Limberlost Forest Reserve

The Tamarack’s autumn “disguise” as a deciduous tree is right out in the open, but other animals in Muskoka blend right in to their surroundings this time of year. A stellar example is the Ruffed Grouse, which can be difficult to spot any time of year as it makes its way through the undergrowth. Often, the only time you see one is when you almost step on it—it flies off in a ruckus, leaving you startled and it safely hidden before you realize what’s happened.

And then, of course, are the animals who

Snowshoe Hare (photo courtesy of the
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources)

adapt with the seasons like the Snowshoe Hare. A rusty brown in the summer, it turns white in the winter so that it mostly blends in with the snow. (The better to hide from its abundant predators: lynx, bobcats, fishers, owls, coyotes and wolves.)

Finally, there’s the creature most adept at disguising itself: the human child at Halloween. In search of its main prey—candy—they go to great lengths to alter their appearance to capture their treats. In Muskoka, a great place to see them in their natural habitat is at Muskoka Heritage Place Great Pumpkin Trail on October 31:

This 25th Annual Community Event is a great alternative to having your children go door to door through busy streets in traffic, in the dark. Held in the Pioneer Village within the gates of Muskoka Heritage Place, this traffic free and youngster driven Hallowe'en event proves as much of a social event for the parents as it is for the kids. From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with last admission 7:30 p.m. Cost: $3.00 per head (head must be attached to a body) or $10.00 per family.

With the leaves mostly gone and the first sprinklings of snow arriving this week, our thoughts have turned to winter activities. Don’t forget all that winter in Muskoka has to offer: alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, snowmobiles, snow forts, snowmen and more! (Or cozy up next to a warm fire with a good book...you don’t have to go outside!)

We hope you’ll visit our winter wonderland this year,

The Howell Family

Giving Thanks in Muskoka

Living and operating a small resort in Muskoka gives us much to be thankful for: beautiful lakeside views, a friendly community and great guests. We’re grateful that you choose to spend your vacation time with us (or that you’re maybe considering it!).

We’re also grateful for the abundance of local producers who provide delicious produce, meats, preserves and honey. At this time of year, when turkey and cranberries are on almost everyone’s mind, we thought we’d remind you that Muskoka is home to two commercial cranberry marshes. Both—Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh and Iroquois Cranberry Growers—are in Bala. Every October on the weekend following Thanksgiving, you can join the entire town of Bala in celebrating all things cranberry at the Bala Cranberry Festival. The highlight of the festival is the marsh tours but if you can’t make it that weekend, you can also visit the marshes throughout October to see how the cranberries are harvested. Check their websites for details, or watch this video from the Rick Mercer Report a few years ago to get a quick lesson in cranberries.

Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without cranberry sauce (and that doesn’t mean the gelatinous goop that comes in a can). Here’s one of the best cranberry sauce recipes around—tart with a rich cranberry flavour—and super easy to make. If you try it (and we think you should!) you can adjust the sugar to your taste.

Killer Cranberry Sauce (source unknown)

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ c sugar
• 1 navel orange
• ½ tsp. grated ginger
• 4 c. fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ c toasted pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grate the orange peel and add to a pot with the sugar and ginger. Add the juice from the orange and simmer over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add cranberries and cook until most of them have popped (about 5 minutes).
3. Add pecans (optional).
4. Cool and serve.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

The Howell Family

The Peak of Fall Colours

Algonquin Park Fall Colour Report

Muskoka’s fall colours are fleeting. Within a few short weeks the landscape will turn from lush green to brilliant reds, orange and gold and then they’ll be gone. Peak colours, when viewing is at its best, will occur over the next few weeks.

You can follow the fall colour report yourself here.

We’ve talked before about the best places to view Muskoka’s beautiful fall colours by car, foot or bike, but we also recommend getting up close and personal with the trees to learn more about them (respectfully, of course). Most people associate the changing colours with sugar maples for their stunning red leaves, but many tree species change leaf colour in the fall. You can learn more about the tree species in our region in the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Tree Atlas (pictured in the image below).

Do you remember learning in a school science class why trees change colour? If you’ve forgotten, here’s an infographic that covers the basics. [source]

We are enjoying perfect fall temperatures right now—warm, sunny days with bright blue skies and cool, clear, cloudless nights that are perfect for viewing the stars. (Did you know that it’s dark enough here to see the milky way in the night sky?) We’d love for you to visit us this fall to enjoy the colours—some say it’s the best season to be here. (We say, any season is a great season in Muskoka!) You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here if you’re planning a fall trip. And don’t forget that Canadian Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

The Howell Family

Enjoying Fiery Fall Colours

Autumn is a great time to hit the open road: sunny blue skies, crisp air, gorgeous colours and less

traffic. If you’re planning to visit Muskoka this fall, here are some classic drives, tours and hikes you should try out.

Classic fall drives

Lake of Bays tour:  approx. 90 km (1.5 hours or more, depending on the number of times you stop)

• From Colonial Bay, take Highway 60 east through Dwight to Highway 35.
• Turn right onto Highway 35 to Dorset. (If you have time, the hike up to the Dorset Fire Tower provides a beautiful vantage point over Lake of Bays.)
• Right onto Highway 117 to Baysville. (If you detour along Old Highway 117 to Norway Point, you can arrange for a water taxi to Bigwin Island.)
• Right onto Brunel Road in Baysville.
• Right onto South Portage Road (Muskoka Road 9).
• Left onto Highway 60 and back to Colonial Bay.

Huntsville Chain of Lakes tour: approx. 100 km (2+ hours, depending on the number of stops)

• From Colonial Bay, take Highway 60 East to South Portage Road (Muskoka Road 9).
• Right on South Portage (Muskoka Road 9) to Muskoka Road 23
• Right on Muskoka Road 23 back to Highway 60 (You have just circled Peninsula Lake)
• Left on Highway 60 to Highway 11 (Passing Fairy Lake)
• Left onto Highway 11
• Right on Ravenscliffe Road
• Left on E Fox Lake Road
• Left on Hoodstown Road (Muskoka Road 45)
• Right on South Drive (still Muskoka Road 45)
• Left on Etwell Road
• Left on Aspdin Road (You have just circled Lake Vernon)
• Right on Highway 11 to Port Sydney
• Right on Muskoka Road 10 through Port Sydney (Passing Mary Lake). Consider stopping for a picnic lunch at the public beach in Port Sydney.
• Left on Brunel Road to Huntsville (If you have time, stop at the Brunel Locks and watch the boats or at Lions Lookout above the Canada Summit Centre for a sweeping view of Fairy Lake and the Town of Huntsville)
• Right on Main Street
• Right on Highway 60 and back to Colonial Bay

Algonquin Park Tour: approx. 180 km to the East Gate of Algonquin Park and back (3+ hours depending on how often you stop)

• From Colonial Bay, take Highway 60 East to Algonquin Park (a visitor’s pass is required for the park - you can purchase one at the West Gate) 
• The drive through the park is beautiful and offers abundant opportunities for short hikes or viewpoints.

Hiking

The viewing deck at the Algonquin Visitor’s Centre (at km 43) will give you the most accessible panoramic view in the park or check out these trails: Hardwood Lookout (13.8km); Track and Tower (25km); Centennial Ridges 37.6km); Lookout Trail (39.7km) and Booth's Rock Trail (40.3km). For other hiking trails in the area, check here.

Guided Tour

Don’t like to drive but still want to take in the scenery? Check out this tour offered by the Town of Huntsville during Thanksgiving:

Guided Tour of the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, Saturday October 12^th – Thanksgiving Weekend!!

Photo courtesy of the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery

Take a guided bus tour of the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery in Huntsville and outlying communities.  This tour will feature a collection of world-class re-production murals celebrating the unique artwork of Canada's Tom Thomson and The Group of Seven.   The tour travels through Huntsville, Dwight, Port Cunnington, Dorset, Baysville and back to the Town of Huntsville.  Includes lunch at Port Cunnington Lodge and a stop for brewery samplings.  All of this with the spectacular backdrop of nature's fall colours.  Meet at Algonquin Theatre, Tom Thomson statue at 8:45am. Tour Guide and transportation included.  Bring visiting family and friends on this fabulous Thanksgiving weekend event.  Tour Guide: Gerry Lantaigne, Artistic Director.  Seats are limited, so register early!

8:45am-5:30pm

$95.00 per person

LINK for more information: http://huntsville.ca/en/living/LeisurePrograms.asp

LINK to Register online:

https://onlineca.activecommunities.com/huntsville/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp and click on Adult Programs. Online registration number: 12682.

Classic Cars

Photo via the Downtown Huntsville BIA

If you’re not up for the drive but want to see some classic cars, check out the Shades of Autumn Antique, Classic and Custom Car Show this weekend on Huntsville’s Main Street:

If four wheels are your passion, this one day car show is an adventure that will accelerate your heart rate. 300 exhibits up and down the main drag, trophies and door prizes – this is one automotive competition that you can take in on two feet.

We hope to see you soon, or if you’re just driving past give us a honk on your way by. There are still some waterfront cottages available for the Thanksgiving long weekend. If you’ve never visited Muskoka in the fall, why not now?

The Howell Family

Our Muskoka Om

Is there a better way to relax than yoga? Okay, we’ll admit that sitting dockside in a Muskoka chair is pretty good, too. But when you combine the two—yoga and water (not the Muskoka chair)—it becomes a magical experience. Yoga on the beach, on the dock or on the water is a wonderful way to practice.

This summer we had yoga on the dock with Andrea Johnston from Karma Connection Yoga. Doesn't it look like fun?

Whether you choose to join a group class like this one, get some private instruction, or practice on your own, you might find that you feel a deeper connection with nature during a waterfront session. You can even do yoga on the water! SUP or Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga is gaining popularity and is offered by several studios around Muskoka. Or you could just rent a SUP from a local outfitter and try it yourself. It’s easier than it sounds! This video from Active Turtle in Bala will give you a tiny taste of what it's like to balance on the water.

If you’re relatively new to yoga and are looking for a simple practice to start your day on solid ground, check out this video from Wendy Martin of Sacred Breath Yoga / Ahimsa Yoga in Huntsville.

No matter when, where, or how you choose to do it, yoga can be a great addition to your vacation. And when you're done, that Muskoka chair on the dock awaits.

The last long weekend of the summer is here already! You wouldn't know that fall is almost upon us...look at those temperatures! 

We still have a few waterfront cottages available for this weekend. Why not join us for one last blast of summer?

The Howell Family

Muskoka: An Artist’s Paradise

Mark Kulas painting (photo via Artists of the Limberlost)

The Muskoka landscape with its natural beauty, abundance of wildlife and peaceful atmosphere Open Studio Tour is on August 17 & 18 from 10-6.
have been attracting artists for years. This coming weekend, you can see the works of our local artists just up the road from Colonial Bay. The Artists of the Limberlost

Each studio is open to the public so that you can see the art, techniques and working environment of the artists. The studios also invite guest artists to exhibit their work. Here’s who you’ll see if you take the tour this weekend:

Studio 1
Jerry Friedman - driftwood sculpture
Guests:
Brad Wookie - wildlife watercolour
Barb Ten Eyke - painter

Studio 2
Susan Higgins - fused & stained glass
Guest: Vicki Sharp - jewellery

Studio 3
Brian Markham - woodturning
Guests:
Carol-Ann Michaelson – pottery
Bob McLean - painting

Studio 4
Mark Kulas – painting (pictured above)
Guest: Dan Hill - pottery

Studio 5
Catherine O’Mara - egg tempera painting
Guests:
Cirvan Hamilton - contemporary furniture
Rudi Stade - rustic furniture

Studio 6
Brenda Wainman Goulet - bronze sculpture
Guest: Elizabeth Siegfried - photography

Studio 7
Jeff Miller - oil & acrylic painting

To see more of Muskoka’s talented artists, consider taking in these other art experiences:

• The Art Space by the Huntsville Art Society (across from River Mill Park in Huntsville, open Tues – Sun). In addition to art, from Aug 15-21 you can enjoy The Art Space Sessions—intimate concerts featuring local musicians.
• Have you found all of the murals in the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery? Celebrating the unique art of Tom Thomson and The Group of Seven, these large outdoor murals are scattered throughout Huntsville with satellite installations in Algonquin Park, Dorset, Dwight, and Baysville. Take a tour of the downtown Huntsville collection using this map.
• To the west of Colonial Bay in the heart of Algonquin Park is the Algonquin Art Centre. Their current exhibit celebrates The Canadian Sheild. The Algonquin Art Centre is open daily (10-5) until October 21.

Summer isn’t over yet. If you’re looking to make one last getaway before the kids go back to school or your Fall schedule starts in earnest, check the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

We hope to see you soon!
The Howell Family

Fire & Fun

Here comes the long weekend! And with it, comes Firefest, THE big fireworks event for our neighbouring town of Dwight. It is always held on the Saturday of the long weekend in August, starting at 5:00 pm on Dwight Beach and wraps up about 10:00 pm with a fireworks show from a barge in the bay. It’s also a fundraiser for the local volunteer fire department. If you’re in Muskoka for the long weekend, it’s a great event with live music, fun activities, great food and, of course, fireworks!

Closer to home (as in our own backyard) you can enjoy fire of a different sort. Throughout the summer we have a campfire for our guests to enjoy. We regularly host corn roasts— there’s nothing quite like corn on the cob roasted over an open fire—and ‘smores nights. Or if a plain, ole marshmallow is your thing, you can roast those, too! Join us and relax fireside for a great end to a summer day. 

Young guests enjoying Friday night 'smores.

Summer is also the time for a classic summer sight: fireflies. They sometimes make an appearance at Colonial Bay, much to the delight of our guests. They may be small, but they elicit almost as many smiles as seeing a moose or a bear. And you can catch & release them (unlike moose and bears). Apparently this year has produced a bumper crop in Ontario, but this weekend may be your last chance to see them. They’re usually gone by early August.

The fireflies may be gone, but we won’t be! You can see the availability of our waterfront cottages here. There’s still more than a month left of summer and then we’re into the beautiful colours of fall. We hope you’ll visit us soon!

The Howell Family

What’s SUP? Surfing the lakes in Muskoka

Nicolle Stand Up Paddleboarding on Pen Lake

Stand Up Paddleboarding (or SUP) is rapidly gaining popularity for its accessibility and its unique vantage point on the water. Nicolle is a huge fan of SUP (that’s her in the photo), so we thought we’d share a little bit about this emerging sport.

SUP has its roots in surfing but because you propel yourself with a paddle rather than relying on the waves, it can be done on any body of water and is ideal for exploring Muskoka’s lakes and rivers.

It’s easier than it looks. Stand Up Paddleboards are wide and surprisingly stable. You can start out kneeling until you get a feel for the balance and then gently stand up when you’re ready. Your feet should be hip-width apart and parallel (not one in front of the other). Keep your knees slightly bent, your toes pointed forward and your back straight. That’s it. Once you begin to paddle, it’s even easier to remain stable.

Paddling is a bit different than in a canoe or kayak. Here are some more tips and a video from REI:

• The elbow (angle) of the paddle faces away from you.
• Keep your arms straight and twist from your torso as you paddle. Think of using your torso to paddle rather than your arms. You have more strength in those abdominal muscles than in your arms.
• Push down on the paddle grip with your top hand.
• Plant the paddle by pushing the blade all the way under the surface, pull it back to your ankle, then out of the water.
• When you're beginning, keep your strokes fairly short and close alongside the board. No need to overpower it.
• A small draw stroke at the beginning of the paddle stroke will keep you going forward.
• To go in a reasonably straight line, paddle about 4 or 5 strokes on one side, then switch to the other.
• When you switch sides, you'll reverse hand positions.

On a Stand Up Paddleboard, you get a unique perspective that you can’t get from a boat or a canoe. (Have you ever tried standing up in a canoe? We don’t recommend it!) You can see farther over the water and deeper into the water than from a canoe or kayak. Paddleboarding is also a great core workout and you can even do yoga on one!

If you want the feel of surfing on the lakes, you can also surf behind a boat or with a bungee using The Muskoka Surfboard. Here’s a picture of Luke giving a demonstration at the recent Rotary Dockfest in Huntsville.

Luke on a Muskoka Surfboard at Rotary Dockfest in Huntsville

Both SUP and surfing are fun, family-friendly activities and we hope you’ll try them the next time you’re at Colonial Bay. (And we hope that's soon!) You can see the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

From the waterfront,

The Howell Family

Happy Canada Day long weekend!

Psst…it’s someone’s birthday soon. You know who we mean, don’t you? Canada, of course! The first long weekend of summer has finally arrived and with it an abundance of activities to celebrate Canada Day. You can find a full list of all of Huntsville’s Canada Day celebrations here, but these are some of the highlights:

• O Canada in River Mill Park, 10 a.m. – dignitaries, cake, the Muskoka Concert Band and eco-crafts (if you’re hungry, arrive early for the Lions Club Peameal on a Bun breakfast at 9:00)
• Strawberry Social and Steam Up Day, Muskoka Heritage Place, 10–4 – entertainment, strawberry scones, and demonstrations (village/train admission fee required)
• Huntsville Train Station open house, 10–4
• Brunel Locks celebration, 11–4 – free hot dogs and drinks!
• Trillium Jazz Band on the Town Hall steps, 11–1
• Royal Canadian Legion, starting at noon – pipe band, wildlife exhibits, and dunk tank, plus a free roast beef dinner at 5 p.m.
• Fireworks, Avery Beach in Huntsville – at dusk (10:00)

As for the rest of the weekend, there’s still lots to do:

• Check out Huntsville’s newest farmers’ market, the 100k Farm, Fresh & Homemade Market on Saturday from 9-1 (beside Pharmasave downtown)
• Stop for ice cream
• Take a cruise on Lake of Bays in the newly refurbished SS Bigwin (Sunday at 11:00)
• Go hiking, biking, take a driving tour, go golfing, try geocaching, or do some watersports (even surfing!)
• And if you’re staying at Colonial Bay you can (taking a deep breath here): swim, canoe, kayak, read a book, boat, play badminton, tell tales at the campfire, play volleyball, go fishing, play horseshoes, sail, build sand castles, sun bathe, go water tubing, go paddle-boating, play a board game, roast marshmallows, watch wildlife, or relax in a Muskoka chair, all without ever leaving the property!

We hope you have a wonderful long weekend. If you’re still looking for somewhere to relax, we have just a few waterfront cottages still available. Details here. 

Happy Canada Day!

The Howell Family

Sweet treats in Muskoka

After a hot day spent playing in the water, on the beach or on the trails, a cool treat is the perfect end to the day. Whether you prefer ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato, Muskoka has them all!

Some delicious-looking scoops from Belly Ice Cream

• Kawartha Dairy, Highway 60 east of Huntsville – Ice cream by the cone or tub, treats and locally produced condiments, maple syrup and honey.
• The Nutty Chocolatier, Downtown Huntsville – Ice cream and lots and lots (did we say lots?) of chocolate and candy.
• Belly Ice Cream, Downtown Huntsville – Unique flavours of ice cream hand-made right here in Huntsville!
• Yogs, Downtown Huntsville – Frozen yogurt and ice cream.
• That Little Place by the Lights, Downtown Huntsville – Authentic gelato…yum. (And delicious food, too!)

If you’re heading out to Algonquin Park, check these out, too:

• Two Rivers Store, Highway 60 in Algonquin Park at km 31.4 – Soft serve and scooped ice cream, milkshakes and sundaes.
• Opeongo Store (Algonquin Outfitters), 6.2 km north of Highway 60 in Algonquin Park at km 46.3 – Scooped ice cream and sundaes (you can even build your own: Cherry Chocolate Smores, anyone?).

And if you don’t like ice cream but are still craving something sweet, check out one of Muskoka’s delicious bakeries:

• Schat Bakery and Café, Downtown Huntsville – Dutch pastries and artisan breads (plus a full café with sandwiches, soups and salads).
• Henrietta’s Pine Bakery, Highway 60 in Dwight – Pastries, breads and sandwiches to go.

The weather is getting warmer, the lake temperature is rising and summer is just a week away! We hope you’ll come for a visit – summer is the ideal time to experience the best of Muskoka. You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here. 

We hope to see you soon!

The Howell Family

Summer, Straight Ahead!

Muskoka is a beautiful place to be any time of year but she really shines in the summer. With an abundance of water sports, outdoor activities, cultural events and opportunities to just relax, summer in Muskoka is fabulous! Here are some of the things you can look forward to if you plan to visit us in the next few months:

• For anytime fun, try hiking, biking, driving tours, golf, geocaching, or a variety of watersports (even surfing!)
• Muskoka Lakes Spring Art Tour, June 8 & 9
• Farmers’ Markets in Dwight (NEW!) on Tuesdays, Gravenhurst on Wednesdays, Huntsville on Thursdays, Rosseau on Fridays and Bracebridge on Saturdays
• Canada Day Fireworks in Huntsville and a Strawberry Social at Muskoka Heritage Place, July 1
• Nuit Blanche North street festival, July 13
• Algonquin Park Wolf Howls, Thursday nights in August
• Huntsville Jazz Festival, Aug 1-3
• Artists of the Limberlost Open Studio Weekend, Aug 17-18

Come and see what else Muskoka has in store! You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

With warm summer thoughts,

The Howell Family