Muskoka is Wheelie Fun!

Now that Spring appears to have finally arrived, it’s an ideal time to get out on two wheels to explore the roads and trails around Muskoka.

Old Railway Bike Trail in Algonquin Park

For cyclists, there are plenty of both moderate and challenging routes for both road and mountain biking. Check the Bike Muskoka website for routes and maps. Among the favourite local routes for road cyclists are Limberlost Road, directly across from Colonial Bay, and the Spin the Lakes routes through Lake of Bays. If off-road is more your style, check out the Buckwallow Cycling Centre between Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. They have more than 30 kilometres of both single and double track trails. For more family-friendly cycling, head to Huntsville’s Fairy Vista Trail, a paved 3.4-kilometre path or try the 10-kilometre Old Railway Bike Trail in Algonquin Park.

Motorcycles and other vehicles can enjoy the same road routes as cyclists, with the advantage of being able to go longer distances. We’ve mentioned these local driving tours before, but they’re worth mentioning again. Spring, with its lack of foliage, is an ideal time to travel these routes looking for wildlife that might otherwise be hidden amongst the trees.

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. The viewing deck at the Visitor’s Centre (at km 43) will give you the most accessible panoramic view in the park. 

The big news in Muskoka right now is all of the recent flooding. Our thoughts are with the homeowners and businesses who have been displaced or sustained damage from the high waters. Fortunately, the water level has begun to recede in northern Muskoka and clean-up and restoration efforts have started. If you’re inclined to help those who have been affected, donations can be made to the Salvation Army in Huntsville at 4 Mary Street E.

From our Muskoka chair to yours,

The Howell Family

Thinking of Spring

We’re thinking of spring here in Muskoka! We had a great winter with some of the best conditions for outdoor activities in years. Even though spring has arrived on the calendar, it’s taking its time making an appearance. There are signs that spring is on its way, though. Some spring birds have arrived, the snow has disappeared in sunny spots and is receding in others.

Here are some of the other things that generally happen this time of year in Muskoka, as the natural world awakes from winter.

In April:

• Bears, reptiles and amphibians start to emerge. (There are reports that bears have emerged in Algonquin Park. We’ll have to wait until May to hear those spring peepers, though!)
• Ice on the lakes breaks up. (There are some patches of open water on some lakes, but still lots of ice out there this year. For a fun contest to predict the ice out date in Algonquin Park, check out the Canoe Lake Ice-Out site.)
• Wolf pups are born.

In May:

• Moose calves are born.
• Monarch butterflies return.
• Trilliums bloom.

Some of these events may be delayed this year, but Spring has definitely begun. For what happens year-round in the natural world in Muskoka and Algonquin Park, check out this Calendar of Natural Events created by Algonquin Eco-Watch.

This is a beautiful part of the world in which to watch nature in all its glory. If you plan to come and visit, we have waterfront cottages ready for you arrival! You can see our availability here. And if you book a 2-night stay for spring, you could be eligible for $100 in gas and travel vouchers from the Explorers’ Edge Spring Fuel and Fun program. You have to book before April 19, though!

We look forward to seeing you soon,

The Howell Family