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