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