Colonial Bay Cottages Muskoka Canada

Ice is Nice (but be safe out there)

2012-01-31T09:00:00.006-05:00

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?

2012-01-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

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

'Tis the Week Before Christmas (A Plea to Santa)

2011-12-20T09:00:00.001-05:00

‘Tis the week before Christmas and all through Muskoka
We’re watching the skies for falling white snow ‘cause
We want to go skiing and sledding downhill
But instead of the white stuff there’s green grass here still.

We could hurtle down rocks like those guys in the Alps
But we really don’t think that it’s going to help.
We’d rather be skiing in powdery snow
With blue skies above and frozen lake down below.

So Santa, we’re begging you. Help us out here.
Just bring us some snow for Christmas this year.
Our skis, boards and blades are all ready to go
As soon as you send us some glorious snow.

Your magic can make the snow perfect to slide on.
Mother Nature? Who needs her? She can’t be relied on.
(If she’s listening, we’re sorry. Please don’t be mad.
It’s just that we want to go skiing so bad. )

You need snow too, Santa. Think of your reindeer.
If they can’t bring presents, it won’t be a great year
For kids in Muskoka with no snow and no gifts…
You know how kids are, they’re sure to be miffed.

Your very existence could well be at stake.
We’re begging you please not to make that mistake.
With Facebook and Twitter the story will spread
And kids round the world will think Santa is dead.

So please, you must do whatever it takes
To bring us some snow for our hills and our lakes.
Thanks a lot Santa. Please save the day.
Merry Christmas to you from Colonial Bay!

Skiing in Muskoka

2011-12-06T09:54:00.009-05:00

Muskoka’s landscape – hilly, rocky and treed – isn’t just beautiful. It also offers amazing terrain for skiing. Whether you prefer the thrill and speed of alpine-style skiing or the tranquil tracks of cross-country skiing, Muskoka is the perfect location for both.

Arrowhead Provincial Park has 29 km of groomed, track-set, cross-country ski trails and 12km of skate skiing trails for beginner to expert skiers. Both classic and skate skis can be rented from the Park Pro Shop. Glide silently through the trees and then warm up next to the bonfire before exploring another trail.

Our local alpine ski area, Hidden Valley Highlands, has surprisingly varied terrain given its size. With twelve runs ranked from easy (green) to most difficult (black diamond) and a terrain park, there’s something for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. For first-timers and those who want to improve their skills, the Snow School offers both beginner group lessons or one-on-one private instruction.

Weather permitting, both Hidden Valley and Arrowhead will have terrain open through the holidays.

If you’re planning to be in Muskoka for the holidays, Hidden Valley has two celebrations: the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade and New Year’s Eve family-friendly fireworks. Check out their events page for info.

Other local holiday events include:

December 17 – A Portage Flyer Christmas at Muskoka Heritage Place - Ride the Portage Flyer to visit Santa from 5-8pm
December 17, 28, 29 – SantaFest at Santa’s Village - Admission includes horse-drawn sleigh rides by Twin Maples Farm, Ice Skating (weather permitting), sliding, guided ATV rides by Bear Claw Tours, winter Olympic biathlon, gingerbread cookie decorating, craft making, colouring & letter writing, petting farm, marshmallow roasting, story time and visits with Santa
December 20 – Michelle Wright Christmas at Algonquin Theatre

We hope to see you this holiday season!

Warm wishes,
The Howell Family

Bring on the snow!

2011-11-22T09:39:00.006-05:00

While many people think of Muskoka as a summer destination with water sports, hiking or just basking in the sun, it’s just as fun to be here in the winter. Here are some of the ways you can play in the snow in Muskoka:

Downhill Skiing
Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is just a short drive from Colonial Bay. 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 until March 30 2012 during scheduled times (a fee applies) plus they offer a Free Family Skate on Sunday afternoons from January 22 to February 12 on Cann Lake near Muskoka Heritage Place.
Arrowhead Park 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.

Tubing
Rock Ridge Tubing Park in Huntsville has thrilling runs with lifts to haul you back up to the top. And when you need a break, warm up by the fire pit or in the snack bar. A fee applies to access the runs.

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.

Now we just need Mother Nature to bring us some snow…

The Howell Family

Do Moose Hibernate?

2011-11-07T20:04:00.011-05:00

Ever wonder where Muskoka’s most iconic animals go in the winter? We do get a lot of snow, making it a fabulous place for winter play if you’re human. But what about all of our furry and feathered friends?

The Loon, perhaps the smartest of the bunch, heads south. Sort of. There are reports that Muskoka’s loons head…east. To the Atlantic Ocean. Or sometimes south to the Great Lakes. No Florida sun for these beauties. Maybe they're not so smart after all. Regardless, they head back to Muskoka in April, sometimes flying back and forth between here and their winter homes several times before finding open water to call home for the summer.

Moose, on the other hand, are perfectly adapted to living in our wintry northern wonderland. Their long legs make trekking through deep snow a breeze, although they often prefer to hang out in or near a forest where the snow isn’t as deep and there are lots of tasty twigs to munch on. The forest also provides cover from the heat of winter. That’s right, the heat. A moose in winter coat starts to pant if the temperature rises above -5C and they really don’t begin to feel the cold until the thermometer drops down to -30C.

Black Bears are the laziest of our local critters, spending 5-6 months of the year hibernating. They head for winter dens sometime in November and don’t emerge until April when the snow is well on its way to becoming part of the lake.

Raccoons are also on the lazy side, hibernating for a good part of the winter, often in family groups. If we have a warm spell, however, they will emerge from their dens to see what kind of havoc they can wreak.

Beavers, the most industrious of our local animals, build lodges that help to keep the colony warm in winter. They stash piles of wood in deep water near the lodge to sustain them through the winter. Underwater exits from the lodge allow them to swim under the ice to get to their food while keeping away from predators at the surface. They even store fat in their tails for winter energy.

Humans over-winter quite nicely in Muskoka, not by storing extra fat (although that sometimes happens), but by adding multiple layers of clothing and participating in a variety of both indoor and outdoor pastimes to stay warm. At Colonial Bay, you can relax in front of a cozy fire after a day spent playing in the snow. Muskoka has abundant opportunities for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, skating and snowmobiling. If you’ve never experienced Muskoka in the winter, why not try it this year?

See you soon!
The Howell Family

Haunted Muskoka

2011-10-24T20:32:00.004-04:00

There are a number of ghostly spirits said to haunt locations across Muskoka. With Hallowe’en just around the corner, we thought we’d introduce you to some of them.

Strange things happen at Muskoka Heritage Place, Huntsville’s Pioneer Village. In the Hill House, ghostly footsteps echo upstairs, the bed looks as though someone had been sitting in it (despite being blocked from public access) and there are reports of people feeling that they were being watched. It’s thought that Reverend and Mrs. Hill still preside over their home despite both being long dead. Reverend Hill’s original homestead was on the shores of Peninsula Lake in Hillside which is, ahem, where Colonial Bay is. (No ghosts here, we promise.)

The Inn at the Falls in Bracebridge boasts several spirits, including Judge William C. Mahaffy and a trio of ghosts affectionately known as Charlie (who haunts the kitchen), Sarah (who occasionally inhabits the Carriage Room), and Bob (who frequents the upstairs corridors).

The RMS Segwun, a steamship on Lake Muskoka, is purported to have at least one ghost aboard.

The Bala Bay Inn’s original owner, E.B. Sutton, has been haunting the building for almost 95 years. Some people have reported seeing him staring out from the upper windows of the Inn.

You can learn more about Muskoka’s ghosts in the book Cottage Country Ghosts by local authors Maria da Silva and Andrew Hind.

We’re gearing up for the winter season. Are you planning to join us for some snowy fun? We hope so! You can view our availability here. Stay tuned for information on winter adventures in Muskoka.

The Howell Family

Muskoka Brews

2011-10-17T10:33:00.007-04:00

A good brew is part of the Muskoka experience. In your world that may bring to mind a cold beer on a sunny dock or a steaming coffee in the morning mist. Either way, there are home-grown Muskoka options that offer some of the best brews around.

Two coffee roasters call Muskoka home: the Muskoka Roastery Coffee Company in Huntsville and Diesel House Coffee Roasters in Bracebridge. Both are staunch supporters of our community and have delicious soul-warming flavours to boot. From Diesel House, you can enjoy 11 varieties including fair-trade organic blends with names like Crazy Goat, Restless Monk Espresso and Viva Libre Decaf. The Muskoka Roastery offers eight 100% Rainforest Alliance certified coffee blends including Howling Wolf, Muskoka Maple, and Loon Call Breakfast Blend, plus a variety of flavoured coffees including a cranberry-vanilla combo. Sounds like a great way to start the day, doesn’t it?

And while the weather is getting cooler, two local craft breweries offer seasonal autumn- and winter-inspired beers. Muskoka Brewery in Bracebridge has a Harvest Ale which is “dry hopped and brewed using a selection of premium local ingredients and has a rich malt backbone and a subtle grassy character reminiscent of the freshly cut harvest. It’s our way of celebrating another prosperous growing season.” Lake of Bays Brewing Company in Baysville offers a new Mocha Porter just for the winter. “A brewer, a coffee roaster and a craft beer snob walk into a bar in Muskoka. The result: a rich winter beer, full of coffee, chocolate and roasted barley. Perfect with a hearty meal on a cold winter's night.”

All of these Muskoka brews are available from retailers across Ontario, or remember to pick some up the next time you visit Colonial Bay. Ski and snowmobile season is right around the corner. (We know, we know…it’s too early to be thinking about that, right? But we like winter.) If you’ve never experienced Colonial Bay in the winter, what are you waiting for? You can view our availability here.

We look forward to seeing you soon!
The Howell Family

All Aboard!

2011-10-10T22:01:00.004-04:00

If you’ve ever visited Muskoka Heritage Place, you’ve probably taken a ride on the Portage Flyer but you may not know that this little train originally carried passengers from our very own Pen Lake over to Lake of Bays.

Completed in 1904, the track traveled a mere 1 1/8 mile but what a trip it was. Passengers from the steamship Algonquin got off at the northeastern edge of Pen Lake and boarded the Portage Flyer for a hair-raising ride.

Lake of Bays stands 170 feet higher than Peninsula Lake and the area between is a mix of steep bluffs and rolling hills. From Pen Lake, the little train had to first traverse a steep switchback, followed by a 120 foot climb to the summit in only ¾ mile. The trip down the other side was no better: after following a narrow pass through the hills, the Portage Flyer had to navigate around steep bluffs and a hairpin bend along the shore of Osborne Lake.

When the Flyer arrived at Lake of Bays, passengers then boarded another steamship, the Iroquois, headed for the grand resorts of the lake: the Britannia Inn, the Wa Wa Hotel and Bigwin Inn.

The Portage Flyer transported more than just people. In addition to its two passenger coaches, which were converted, open-side streetcars, the train also had two box cars and three flat cars to carry freight, mail, lumber and tanbark.

With increased use of cars and trucks, the Portage Flyer ceased operations in 1959. But thanks to the efforts of local volunteers and train enthusiasts, you can still experience the Portage Flyer on a scenic ¾ mile route along the Muskoka River to where it empties into Fairy Lake. The train runs from mid-May through mid-October (contact Muskoka Heritage Place for rates and schedule). The Portage Flyer also does a special night-time run in December, carrying children to the end of the line to meet Santa.

Fall is a fantastic time to stay in our waterfront Muskoka cottages . You can see our availability and make reservations on the Colonial Bay website. Imagine if you had to travel by steamship and train to visit us. We still think it would be worth the trip, don’t you?

We hope to see you soon!
The Howell Family

Thanksgiving in Muskoka: A Feast for the Eyes and the Belly

2011-10-04T09:07:00.006-04:00

There’s nothing quite like Thanksgiving in Muskoka. Crisp air, gorgeous foliage, and the aroma of a roasting turkey all combine to create show-stopping, mouth-watering goodness. And two of the foods most associated with a Thanksgiving feast, turkey and cranberries, thrive right here in Muskoka.

Wild turkeys are plentiful in Muskoka thanks to efforts by the MNR to re-establish them in Ontario. Although they were eradicated from the province early in the 20th century, it’s estimated that the birds now number close to 100,000. And most surprisingly, they are abundant in Muskoka and parts north, an area outside of their historical range. It’s not uncommon to see them strutting down the side of the road, but it would probably be wise for them to hide out this time of year.

Muskoka is also home to two commercial cranberry marshes (and any number of others hidden away on private properties). Both Iroquois Cranberry Growers and Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh are near Bala and every October, on the weekend after Thanksgiving, the town of Bala celebrates all things cranberry at the Bala Cranberry Festival. You can sample cranberry products and take tours of the marshes. (You can also visit the marshes at throughout October and watch the cranberries being harvested.)

If you’re planning to visit Colonial Bay in October, why not make a trip to Bala, Muskoka’s Cranberry Capital, part of your adventure? And watch out for those turkeys!

We still have some availability at our waterfront Muskoka cottages for Thanksgiving weekend and beyond. You can see our availability and make reservations on the Colonial Bay website.

Happy Thanksgiving and we hope to see you soon!
The Howell Family

What's Happening in October in Muskoka

2011-09-27T10:28:00.005-04:00

It’s almost October and that means both Thanksgiving and the peak of fall colors are right around the corner.

Muskoka is truly a year-round destination and there are plenty of events to take in this month once you’ve finished oohing and aahing over one of Mother Nature’s finest shows. To catch the peak of fall colors, the first week of October is the best time to visit us at Colonial Bay, but the colors will remain beyond Thanksgiving. Our Muskoka cottages are calling you (can you hear them?).

Here’s just some of what’s happening around Muskoka in October:

September 30-October 2 - North Words Muskoka Literary Festival
Saturday, October 1 from 3:30-7:30 pm - Port Sydney Turkey Dinner & Fireworks at the Port Sydney Community Hall. Tickets available at the door. Fireworks at the Port Sydney Beach starting at dusk.
Saturday, October 1 - WSE Waterski Show - Say goodbye to summer with WSE's final waterski show of the 2011 Summer Season at the waterfront at Deerhurst Resort.
Saturday, October 8 - 1st Annual Great Muskoka Paddling Experience - Muskoka's first annual paddling race on the Muskoka River in Bracebridge. Features 12km and 20 km events. The event will be hosted out of Bracebridge Bay (by the waterfalls) and will have put-ins at Annie Williams Memorial Park (just down the river a tad). Kayak and Canoe events are scheduled. Proceeds support the Muskoka Watershed Council.
October 14-16 - The 27th Annual Bala Cranberry Festival - For all things cranberry! Cranberry marsh tours, bazaar, petting zoo, midway and more.
Tuesday, October 25 Stuart McLean and The Vinyl Cafe at the Algonquin Theatre. Tickets available at the box office or online.
Monday, October 31 from 5-8 pm "Umpteenth Annual" (23rd) Great Pumpkin Trail at Muskoka Heritage Place. Trick or treating in the pioneer village, especially for the very young. $3.00 per head or $10.00 per family. Head must be attached to a body.

If you’re planning to visit our Muskoka cottages this month, why not take in one of these local events? And, of course, you can just hang out at Colonial Bay’s waterfront or relax in front of the fire. Life doesn’t get much better.

You can view the availability of our waterfront Muskoka cottages and book online here.

We hope you’ll visit us again at Colonial Bay soon!
The Howell Family

Film in Muskoka

2011-09-19T13:30:00.004-04:00

Are you a film buff? Then it’s time to make your way to Muskoka for two film festivals happening in Huntsville in the next few weeks.

The second annual Film North is a collection of works by emerging Canadian and International filmmakers. 36 short and feature-length films will screen at Algonquin Theatre this year including two with local connections: West Wind: A Vision of Tom Thomson and The Natural Brook Trout - Lakes of Algonquin Park. Film categories include drama, documentary, comedy, horror, thriller, musical and sci-fi fantasy. There are also Q & A sessions with attending filmmakers, receptions, an awards ceremony and a closing night after-party. For ticket info, visit the Film North website.

On October 7, the Radical Reels Tour, part of the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, makes a stop in Huntsville. The program includes short, action-packed adrenaline sport films about climbing, paddling, mountain biking, BASE jumping, skiing, and snowboarding.

Did you know that there are several movies, both for TV and the big screen, that have been filmed in Muskoka?

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) was partially filmed at Windermere House in Gravenhurst. (The historic building burned to the ground during the filming.)
Sunshine Sketches of a Small Town, based on the book by Stephen Leacock, was filmed by CBC in Gravenhurst just this year.
Purrfect Predators, a documentary on the Discovery Channel, was filmed at the Muskoka Wildlife Centre. It starred Kokanee the cougar, Yeti the lynx, Rufus the bobcat, Hyde the wolverine, Kootenay the black bear, Oreo the skunk and Peter the cotton-tail plus a supporting cast of deer, wild turkeys, pheasants, snowshoe hare, caribou, and grizzly bear. Animals from the Centre have also appeared in other TV and big screen productions.

We haven’t had Hollywood come knocking at Colonial Bay’s doors yet but with the gorgeous scenery here, it’s only a matter of time! And the next time you come to stay in one of our Muskoka cottages, why not break out your video camera for a production starring you?

Fall is almost upon us. The leaves are just starting to change colour and while the nights are cooler but our days are still warm and sunny. Perfect weather to head out for a hike and then come back to the warmth of a glowing fire.

You can view our availability and make reservations for our Muskoka cottages on Colonial Bay’s new website.

We hope to see you soon,
The Howell family

Fall fairs and food

2011-09-13T09:00:00.011-04:00

Fall is harvest time and towns across Muskoka, as in the rest of Ontario, celebrate autumn with an annual Fall Fair. A more subdued version of big city fairs, Muskoka’s fall fairs, like those in small towns all over Ontario, offer visitors the opportunity to meet diverse local growers; peruse exhibits by local vendors, artists and students; and watch a variety of live shows. Check out these two fall fairs coming up in September:

144th Annual Bracebridge Fall Fair & Horse Show

September 16-18 at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds, 331 Fraserburg Rd.
• Midway
• Live music
• Tractor pull
• Horse and livestock shows
• Exhibits
• Chainsaw carving

Huntsville Fall Fair
September 23-25 at the Huntsville Fairgrounds, Ravenscliffe Rd.
• Midway
• Live music
• Horse and livestock shows
• Exhibits
• Contests

While you’re here, don’t forget to visit some of Muskoka’s farmers’ markets to pick up the best of the harvest. And then you can try these delicious fall recipes courtesy of Savour Muskoka and Ontario Farm Fresh.

Curried Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup
Pickerel with Maple, Butternut Squash and Apple Cider Glaze
Ontario Apple, Aged Cheddar and Smoked Turkey Panini
Pumpkin Maple Crème Brulée

Our mouths are watering already. How about you?

Join us this month at Colonial Bay for some gorgeous Fall colors and weather (the long-range forecast looks great!). You can view the availability of our Muskoka cottages here.

We hope to see you soon!
The Howell Family
Colonial Bay Cottage Resort

Mother Nature's Paintbrush

2011-09-06T11:02:00.006-04:00

Muskoka is beautiful at any time of year but in the Fall, she is adorned with brilliant colors. There’s nothing quite like sitting dockside on an Autumn morning with splendid reds, oranges and yellows reflected in the lake while loons provide the soundtrack.

It’s also an ideal time to tour around Muskoka, either by car, by bike or on foot. For some gorgeous hikes, revisit our list of Muskoka hiking trails. And if two or four wheels are more your style these driving tours, which are also suitable as long bike tours, will have you ooohing and aaahing in no time.

Lake of Bays tour

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.

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

Huntsville Chain of Lakes tour

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

Distance: Approx. 100 km (2+ hours, depending on the number of stops)

Algonquin Park Tour

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

And, as always, the view from Colonial Bay's dock is stunning and is only a few short steps from your door.

Some leaves have already started to turn, but the peak of autumn color is still a few weeks away. It varies from year-to-year, typically falling somewhere in the last week of September or the first week of October.

Come and join us for Mother Nature’s brilliant show.
The Howell Family

September in Muskoka

2011-08-30T08:53:00.002-04:00

September is almost upon us with its return to school and work routines, but it’s still technically summer and it’s also one of the best times to visit Muskoka. The weather (and the lake!) is still warm enough for swimming, summer crowds are starting to dwindle, and the trees are starting to show their brilliant colors. And if you get bored of sitting by the water (we’re not sure how that’s possible, but just in case…), there are still plenty of events around to entertain you. Here’s what’s happening in Muskoka in September:

Sunday, September 11, Pen Lake & Lake of Bays, Subaru IRONMAN 70.3 - Swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles…or just come out and cheer on the athletes in this gruelling competition.

Saturday, September 17, 9:00am – 5:00pm, Shades of Autumn Antique, Classic and Custom Car Show, Downtown Huntsville - If four wheels are your passion, the 9th annual car show is an adventure that will accelerate your heart rate with 300 auto exhibits up and down the main drag.

September 22-24 Film North Huntsville International Film Festival, Algonquin Theatre - Three days, 25+ movies, world premieres, old classics, and multiple chances to rub shoulders with film industry professionals - what more could a movie buff want!? Tickets available at Algonquin Theatre

September 23-25, Huntsville Fall Fair, Huntsville Fair Grounds off Ravenscliffe Road - midway, great food, contests and more!

September 24-25, 10am-6pm, 33rd Annual Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour – Visit 25 studios across Muskoka and see the beautiful context in which the artists work at this spectacular time of year.

September 30-October 2, North Words Muskoka Literary Festival - Join the likes of Margaret Atwood to learn the “Stories Behind the Books”. Tickets available at Algonquin Theatre.

Will we see you at Colonial Bay this fall? Check out our new website for the availability of our Muskoka cottages and online reservations.

We look forward to seeing you!
The Howell Family

Good Reads

2011-08-23T08:00:00.003-04:00

August is a time for relaxation. The days are long and warm and the busyness of September is far enough away to be ignored for a little bit. And what better way to relax than to settle into a Muskoka chair with a beverage in one hand and a book in the other?

Muskoka is home to many authors, both seasonal and year-round residents, and some have set their works in our beautiful region. Here are a selection of nonfiction and fiction Muskoka-based tomes from local authors. Check them out online or at one of our local bookstores. And if you have a favourite that we haven’t mentioned, make a note in the comments to tell us about it.

Trails and Tribulations: Confessions of a Wilderness Pathfinder - Canoeist and naturalist Hap Wilson shares stories of his adventures in the Canadian Shield.

PenLake: Reflections on Peninsula Lake - The Peninsula Lake Historical Committee presents a look back at pioneering and cottaging on our very own Pen Lake!

The Law of Three: A Sarah Martin Mystery - Caroline Rennie-Pattison’s second novel in the Sarah Marin Mystery series.

Getting Rid of Rosie - Lynda Simmons’ fun tale of a ghost that won’t go away. Partially set in Muskoka.

The Drowned Violin - An Alan Nearing Mystery by Mel Malton for kids 9-12.

Murder in Muskoka series - 4 books by 88-year-old author Liam Dwyer featuring Inspector Murdoch: Murder in Muskoka, Gold & Greed, Muskoka Cross & Double Cross, Muskoka Death & Diamonds.

The Muskoka Novels (The Summer Before the Storm and Elusive Dawn) - Historical novels set in Muskoka by Gabriele Wills.

If you’ve always wondered what inspires authors to write, consider attending the 2nd annual North Words Muskoka Literary Festival in Huntsville from Sept 30-Oct 2.

The theme is “Stories Behind the Books” and features authors Margaret Atwood, Vincent Lam, Charles Foran, Cathy Buchanan, Gill Deacon, Tish Cohen, Claudia Dey, Richard B. Wright, Camilla Gibb, Terry Fallis, Ed Lawrence and Cynthia Lord. And if you come, you just might catch the first wave of fall colors while you’re at it. Yet another great reason to visit Colonial Bay!

You can see the availability of our Muskoka cottages here.

We hope to see you soon!

The Howell Family
Colonial Bay Cottage Resort

Heeere fishy fishy...

2011-08-16T11:50:00.008-04:00

Did you know that Muskoka has more than 1600 lakes, rivers and streams? And in those waterways are an abundance of aquatic animals, from tiny water insects to turtles, birds that love the water and, of course, fish. It’s the fish we’re going to talk about today.

In our own Peninsula Lake, fish species include both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Lake Trout and Yellow Perch. Here’s what they look like plus some tips for catching them if you’re so inclined:

Largemouth Bass

Usually weighing 2-6 pounds, these guys have a bone-jarring strike! They prefer warm water with abundant aquatic vegetation and are often found in thick weeds, near sunken wood, below overhanging trees or near docks. They take shelter during the day, so early morning and evening are the best time to catch them.

Smallmouth Bass

Ontario has some of the best smallmouth fishing in the world. They often hang out in schools and, despite their average 2-3 pound size, they’re strong so expect a fight. They like lakes and rivers that are clear and rocky and are typically found around shoreline rocks and points or in deep-water offshore shoals. Like their largemouth cousins, fishing is best in the early morning and late evening.

Northern Pike

These are the big guys in Pen Lake. Pike average 3-6 pounds but fish as big as 15 pounds can be caught. They like bays and shoals with lots of vegetation where they can ambush smaller fish. The eat aggressively and can usually be caught any time of day, but morning and evening are still best.

Rock Bass

These cute little guys are a good choice when fishing with kids. They like to eat and will bite all day long. They are often found hanging out near docks and sunken wood, so they’re easy to fish from dock or shore.

Yellow Perch

A yummy panfish, perch weigh just a few pounds and average 6-8 inches long. They like open water and are usually found near the bottom.

Lake Trout

Lake Trout like deep water and as the water warms up they go deep and special deep-water tackle is often required. In the summer, it’s best to fish in the morning when surface waters are calm. 3-6 pound trout are common, but fish 20 pounds or more can be had.

If you're interested in fishing the next time you're at Colonial Bay, let us know! And don't forget that anyone over 18 needs a license to fish.

The September long weekend is approaching. We still have a few units left...why not join us?

The Howell Family

An Artist’s Life

2011-08-08T09:31:00.002-04:00

Muskoka’s pristine beauty has long been a haven for artists, retreating here to fuel their creative souls. The most well-known of these were Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven who extensively painted scenes from both Algonquin Park and the surrounding region. For the past 14 years, reproductions of their works have been displayed in The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery throughout Huntsville and Lake of Bays so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of their art. There are 33 murals displayed throughout downtown Huntsville, with others at the Canada Summit Centre, Muskoka Heritage Place and Huntsville High School. The gallery has expanded with satellite displays in Dwight, Dorset, Baysville and Algonquin Park. You can find a map of all locations here http://www.thegroupofsevenoutdoorgallery.ca. Why not check it out the next time you visit?

To see the work of some of Muskoka’s contemporary artists, there are open studio tours throughout the summer that showcase the variety of art forms practiced in Muskoka. The next one is this coming weekend, August 13 & 14. The Artists of the Limberlost Open Studio Tour (http://www.artistsofthelimberlost.ca/open-studio-weekend.html) runs from 10am-6pm both days and starts just across the street from Colonial Bay (how convenient!). If you’re planning to be here, visit with these artists to find out what inspires them.

We still have some availability for the rest of the summer and into the fall. We look forward to visiting with you!

The Howell Family

Lazy Days of August

2011-08-02T00:27:00.009-04:00

We had another fantastic long weekend here at Colonial Bay. Our guests took full advantage of the amazing weather to spend some time on the water.

If you missed it, there’s still the whole month of August, some would argue the best month of the summer, to enjoy. And if fabulous weather and the chance to relax lakeside (or in the lake like this…

)

aren’t enough to entice you, there’s a whole raft of events happening this month in Muskoka. Here are just a few of them:

Concerts in the Park, Huntsville Town Dock, Wednesday nights until Aug 24 from 7-9 pm
Bring a lawn chair and a toonie for some tunes!
• August 10 – Cameron of Lochiel Pipes & Drums
• August 17 – Mahon Family
• August 24 – Northern Lights Steele Orchestra

Artists of the Limberlost Open Studio Tour, Aug 13 & 14, 10am-6pm
The Artists of the Limberlost open their doors for visitors to explore their work, techniques and working environments. Enjoy an extensive variety of art and craft by a total of 20 talented creators, all within a compact and pleasurable 20 km route. There is no charge for the tour and it starts right from Colonial Bay’s doorstep!

Huntsville Water Fest, River Mill Park, Aug 13, 1-5pm
A celebration of water and its life-giving qualities with a full day of fun, family-friendly, water-themed events and performances.

Field to Fork Tasting, Brooklands Farm, Milford Bay, Aug 14, 1-4pm (tickets are $65)
Sample a variety of tantalizing locally-inspired food dishes and beverages from Muskoka’s premiere Chefs and Restaurants, while learning about the vast amount of culinary and agricultural resources that Muskoka has to offer.

Summer Sidewalk Adventure, Downtown Huntsville, August 20. 9:30am-5pm
The kids will love the activities. Everyone will love the live music. The downtown shops will be bursting out onto the street with bargains during this day-long event.

We hope you’ll join us this month!
The Howell family

Blueberry Fields Forever

2011-07-26T22:22:00.003-04:00

One of the most delicious treats of Muskoka summers is the wild blueberry. Bursting with flavour, these tiny berries are best eaten right off the bush but are equally yummy sprinkled over vanilla ice cream or folded into a batch of pancakes. And while you can find them at roadside stands and local farmers’ markets, there’s nothing quite like foraging for them yourself. Popping just as many into your mouth as you gather to take away is part of the fun.

Lowbush blueberries are native to Ontario and are perfectly suited to Muskoka’s conditions. The plants are small but mighty: they grow only 6 to 18 inches tall, but an acre will produce up to 4000 pounds of blueberries. That’s a lot of pancakes.

A favourite place to pick blueberries is along the Old Railway Bike Trail in Algonquin Park. The trail is an easy ride for all ages and passes through an abandoned airfield that’s full of blueberries. It’s a fun day trip from Colonial Bay and if you don’t have a bike with you, they can be rented in the park. Just remember to keep an eye out for bears. They love those berries even more than we do.

The long weekend is fast-approaching. We hope you’re coming to visit us, but if not, there’s still lots of summer left. It’s been a beautiful, hot summer (perfect lake weather!) and we’d like nothing more than to share it with you.

The Howell Family

Corn Roasts and Marshmallows and ‘Smores, Oh My!

2011-07-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

A campfire makes everything taste better. Maybe it’s the fresh air, maybe it’s that little bit of smoky taste or maybe it’s the good times that go along with it. Whatever the reason, a visit to Colonial Bay isn’t complete without a night spent hanging out by the campfire, making new friends and eating some of the delicious goodies that come out of the fire.

First, there’s the classic roasted marshmallow, speared on a stick and slowly browned to perfection or flaming, blown-out, crispy-on-the-outside-and-soft-on-the-inside goodness.

Then there’s the marshmallow’s more elaborate cousin, the ‘smore. There are lot of variations (strawberry-banana ‘smores anyone?), but we prefer the basic but oh-so-good, Graham Cracker, Marshmallow and Milk Chocolate variety.

For something different, try a Banana Boat: a whole banana, sliced down the middle to make a pocket, stuffed with mini-marshmallows and chocolate chips, wrapped in foil, and nestled among the coals until it’s ooey-gooey good.

And then, of course, there’s our world-famous (okay, Muskoka-famous? Colonial Bay famous?) corn roast. Fire-roasted, butter-slathered, fresh cobs of corn. Yum.

What’s your favourite campfire treat? Let us know and if it’s one we haven’t tasted, we can try it the next time you’re here.

Until we see you again!

The Howell Family

Treasure Hunting in Muskoka

2011-07-12T11:09:00.009-04:00

Ever wanted to be a pirate searching for buried treasure? While the high seas are a long way from Muskoka, you can still hunt for treasure here. And it’s a bit more high tech than X-marks-the-spot on a faded map.

Geo-caching uses GPS to help you find the location of a hidden treasure. When you find the treasure, or cache, you can take an item from it (making sure to replace it with something else) and then tell other geo-cachers about your experience. It’s a fun activity that can be shared by the whole family. There are more than a million caches world-wide and some of them are right here in Muskoka.

So, what do you need to get started? First, you’ll need to register online at http://www.geocaching.com/ (it’s free!). Then enter a postal code to find geocaches nearby (our postal code at Colonial Bay is P1H 2J6) and use a GPS device or smartphone to guide you to the coordinates of the cache. Once there, you’ll have to search a bit to find it – the caches can be well hidden. Open it up to see what’s inside, sign the logbook and take/leave an item if you choose. Then hide it again exactly where you found it so someone else can find the treasure. Check out the video for more information.

If you decide to try it, let us know! We’d love to hear what you found.

The Howell Family

Summer Fun = July in Muskoka!

2011-07-05T21:58:00.006-04:00

Another long weekend has come and gone but the amazing summer weather continues! If you didn’t have a chance to visit Muskoka, we hope you had a fabulous long weekend wherever you were. And remember, only 24 days until the next one!

In the meantime, there’s lots happening around Muskoka this month:

Concerts in the Park - Wednesdays throughout July, 7pm, Town Docks, Huntsville – Every Wednesday evening, bring a lawn chair and a toonie for some tunes!

Celebrate the Street – July 9, 9am-2pm, Huntsville – Buskers, children’s games, artists’ demonstrations and performances from the Edge of the Woods theatre company

Nuit Blanche North - July 9, 9pm-2am, Huntsville – The streets will come alive with an exciting program of free contemporary artistic activities, events and exhibits taking place in unconventional places in and around Huntsville’s downtown core.

31st Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show - July 9, 8am-5pm, Gravenhurst Wharf – Features over 100 traditional antique and classic boats plus a display of approximately 100 antique and classic cars organized by the Pink Slips Car Club.

Firefly Festival - July 15, 6pm-midnight, Downtown Huntsville – Huntsville’s quaint Main Street closes to cars, and opens to a Friday evening of family fun, live music, great food and shopkeeper specials.

Muskoka Arts & Crafts 49th Annual Summer Show - July 15-17, Annie Williams Park, Bracebridge - Two hundred sensational artists and craftspeople from Muskoka and across Canada show and sell their original and handmade works. Hours: Friday, 10am-7pm, Saturday & Sunday, 10am-5pm. Admission by Donation. Free Parking. The park is located at the corner of Santa's Village Road and Wellington Street.

Cushion Concerts - Saturdays from July 16 to August 6, 10am-11am, River Mill Park, Huntsville – A fun-filled program presented by local performers that will introduce children to the wonders of a variety of different musical styles. Sit on our cushion, or bring your own. Best of all, it's free for everyone!

Firefest - July 30, 5pm, Dwight – Don't miss Muskoka's biggest beach party at Dwight beach! Activities include a BBQ & beach activities begin at 5pm: Northern Lights Steel Band, Lake of Bays Water & Rescue Boat and a Gigantic Fireworks display at dusk. Help support our volunteer firefighters & have a good time. $5.00/person or $20.00/family.

And, of course, there's always beach fun, watersports and campfires at Colonial Bay!

Have a fantastic July and we hope to see you soon!
The Howell Family

Canada Day celebrations

2011-06-28T13:11:00.006-04:00

The long weekend is only 3 days away and there’s lots happening around Muskoka! It’s Canada’s birthday and where better to celebrate than in Muskoka?

Did you know:

Canada Day was officially made a holiday in October 1982. (The first “Canada Day” was in 1983. Prior to that it was called Dominion Day.)

"O Canada" became the official national anthem of Canada on Canada Day in 1980.

Color television was first introduced to Canada on Canada Day in 1967.

July 1 is the 182nd day of the year, making it almost exactly the halfway point through the calendar year.

Fireworks were invented in China in the seventh century to scare away evil spirits.

The largest firework display consisted of 66,326 fireworks in Portugal on 31 December 2006.

The colors in fireworks are made with bright burning metallic salts. The noise, or salutes, are made with titanium.

And here’s how you can celebrate Canada Day, fireworks and all, in Huntsville and area on Canada Day:

O Canada & Canada Day Cake at 10 am at River Mill Park - enjoy music from Muskoka Concert Band 9:30-11am.

Brunel Locks Canada Day Celebration - free hot dogs and soft drinks from 11am to 3pm.

Muskoka Heritage Place Strawberry Social from 10am – 4pm – Museum Admission Free but Pioneer Village and Train admission applies. Free Strawberry Scones while supplies last.

Trillium Jazz Band from 11am-1pm on the Town Hall steps.

Port Sydney Canada Day Celebration from 10:30am – 3pm at the Port Sydney Beach.

Heritage Huntsville Train Station Tours from 10am-4pm at 26 Station Rd., Huntsville.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 starting at 11 am - family activities, BBQ lunch, roast beef dinner at 5pm, entertainment from 7-10pm.

Girl 8 Festival at River Mill Park at 7pm - a concert featuring local female led performing artists. Admission by Donation – Supporting The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation.

FIREWORKS! at dusk (10 pm) over Hunters Bay - best viewed from Avery Beach.

Hang out on the beach at Colonial Bay all day, all weekend, all week...you don’t have to go back to work do you? Really?

Wherever you plan to celebrate Canada Day, we hope it's festive, fun and friendly! Just like here.
The Howell Family

Fun in and on the water in Muskoka

2011-06-21T08:15:00.004-04:00

It’s officially summer in Muskoka (and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere too, but what better place to experience summer than here?).

Some of the best activities of summer are watersports, and you can do most of them right here at Colonial Bay! We’re excited to have the Muskoka Surfboard available for our guests this year. These Alaia wooden surfboards are handcrafted in Muskoka specifically for our lakes (www.muskokasurfboard.com). It’s easy to learn how to ride one and they can be towed by any speed of boat or propelled with a bungee. Check out the video below of bungee surfing from our dock:

You can also head out waterskiing or tubing, boating and fishing, canoeing and kayaking right from our dock. We've expanded our fleet of kayaks to eight with two new adult kayaks and two new children's kayaks this year. The tubing and waterskiing boat is summer ready and has already been out on the water this week.

And when you're ready for a break, pull up a Muskoka chair, dig your toes into the sand and relax. Ahhh…summer in Muskoka.

The July long weekend is fast-approaching. We have just a few cottages and one studio still available. If you haven’t booked already, come and join us for a fun weekend, fireworks and Canada Day celebrations around Muskoka.

See you soon!
The Howell Family

Summer is Market Time!

2011-06-14T11:49:00.004-04:00

You would think the lush greenery in Muskoka would indicate fertile soil perfect for gardening. In reality, if you dig beneath the surface into the rocky, sandy landscape you’ll wonder how it’s possible that anything manages to grow here at all (and you’ll appreciate those who have produced abundant crops all the more!). Fortunately, it’s possible to find summer Farmers’ Markets almost every day of the week in Muskoka. Check out the offerings of local growers and artisans at these markets:

Bala Summer Market – Mondays from June to Labour Day from 9-2 in Muskoka Lakes Sports Park
Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market – Wednesdays from May to October from 9-2 at Gravenhurst Wharf
NEW Port Carling Farmers’ Market – Thursdays from June 20 to September 1 from 9-1 in Hanna Park
Huntsville Farmers’ Market – Thursdays from May to October from 9-2 in the Canadian Tire Parking Lot
Rosseau Farmers’ Market – Fridays from July 1 to September 2 from 9-2 at the waterfront
Baysville Farmers’ Market – Fridays from July 1 to September 2 from 2-6 in the arena parking lot
NEW Huntsville Downtown Farmers’ Market – Saturdays from July 2 to October from 9-1 in River Mill Park
Bracebridge Farmers’ Market – Saturdays from May to October from 8:30-1 in Memorial Park on Manitoba Street

If you’ve missed out on the market for the day, try one of these independent stores that offer some local (and some not-so-local) goods:

Dwight Market – a selection of essentials and one of the best butcher shops around
Hillside Market - a small selection of essentials and yummy baked goods just across the highway from Colonial Bay
Butcher’s Daughter on Hwy 60 in Huntsville – deli & takeout
Farmer’s Daughter on Hwy 60 in Huntsville - deli, takeout and some fresh produce
Kawartha Dairy on Hwy 60 in Huntsville - Ice Cream!! Plus some local baked goods, preserves and maple syrup.
Robinson’s in Dorset – food, hardware, clothing, and gifts all in one. It’s worth the drive!

Remember that our Cottages are equipped with full kitchens so that you can prepare everything from leisurely, 4-course nirvana to a box of Kraft Dinner. Our Deluxe Studio rooms have a mini-fridge, 2-burner stove top and dishes, pots and cutlery. Studio rooms have only a mini-fridge.

Then next time you visit us (the July long weekend, perhaps?), we hope you’ll take in some of the bounty offered at these summer markets and support our local farmers. Ask us for directions!

From our family to yours,
Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben and Addie

Picturesque Muskoka

2011-06-06T18:01:00.005-04:00

Muskoka is a photographer’s paradise. There are opportunities for gorgeous shots at every turn, in every season and in any type of weather. The attached photos were taken by our very own (and talented!) Ben Howell.

View Full Album

Here are some tips for capturing your own amazing photos in Muskoka:

Listen with your eyes. Some shots will leap up and shout “look here” while others are more subtle. Look beyond the obvious and you’ll find some stellar shots in unexpected places.
Love the light. Early morning and dusk are the golden hours of photography. The light is soft and casts gentle highlights on your subject making your pics look like they were taken by a pro. And there’s the added bonus of a gorgeous sunrise or sunset.
Remember the rule of thirds. Your subject doesn’t have to be centered in your lens but it should be balanced. By imagining that your photo is divided in threes (both vertically and horizontally) and aligning your subject either with one of the lines or where they intersect, your photo will automatically look more balanced.
Find a new angle. Getting closer to ground level or finding other unusual angles can add interest to your shots.
Remember your memory (card). The beauty of digital cameras is that you can take lots of photos and trash the ones you don't like. The more photos you take, the more likely you are to come away with one you like.

Check out these spots near Colonial Bay for some fun photo ops:

Our beach and dock, naturally (it doesn’t get much closer than that!)
Oxtongue Rapids, just up highway 60 past Dwight
Ragged Falls, just outside the West gate to Algonquin Park
Lions Lookout, in the heart of Huntsville behind the Canada Summit Centre
Algonquin Park, along the Highway 60 corridor – wildlife can often be spotted from the highway and there are many short trails and scenic viewpoints that offer instant gratification if you’re in a hurry (but you’re on vacation so you’re not in a hurry, right?)

If you have some favorite photos taken while you stayed at Colonial Bay, share them with us on our Facebook page. We’d love to see them!

Just a reminder that Father’s Day and the July long weekend are fast approaching. You can book rooms online here.

See you soon!
Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben and Addie

Summer’s Here! (Shhhh…don’t tell anyone)

2011-05-31T07:02:00.007-04:00

It’s seems that summer has arrived in Muskoka. After some wet and gloomy days, we’re enjoying summer temperatures (30C yesterday!). The lake is warming up, the dock is out and the boats are in the water. The only thing missing is you! (Insert you in one of the chairs at right.) Here’s what you can look forward to at Colonial Bay and the surrounding area in June.

• All month long: swimming, boating, and relaxing by the water!
• June 1 Reel Paddling at Algonquin Theatre
• June 18-19 Model Railway Exposition at the Canada Summit Centre (hosted by the Huntsville Train Station Society)
• June 19 Father’s Day – take Dad fishing, golfing, canoeing, or hiking in Muskoka!
• June 21 National Aboriginal Day at Muskoka Heritage Place
• June 25-26 Muskoka Triathlon & Duathlon - There’s still time to register for both the sprint and long course races! Or come out and cheer on the competitors.
• July 1 Canada Day Celebrations & Fireworks

Did you know we're on Facebook and Twitter too? Follow us to see new pictures and get updates on what’s happening at Colonial Bay.

From our family to yours,
Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben & Addie

Victoria Day Long Weekend at Colonial Bay

2011-05-26T18:15:00.002-04:00

The long weekend is behind us and our guests tell us they had a fantastic time. Some golfed at Grandview, others visited Algonquin Park or sampled the yummy treats at Henrietta's Bakery, but most spent the weekend hanging out at Colonial Bay. On Saturday, a flotilla of canoes and a rowboat ventured out onto Pen Lake. Some brave souls tested the water with some swimming. They said the water was great! (The warm afternoon sun helped to keep the chill off). And lots of people were fishing from the canoes and the dock. Saturday night ended with the annual Wight family fireworks display.

Missed out on the fireworks? The July long weekend is just over a month away. There are celebrations across Muskoka including fireworks in both Huntsville and Dwight and an old-fashioned Strawberry Social at Muskoka Heritage Place. Come and celebrate Canada Day in Muskoka!

Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben and Addie

Take a Hike! (in Muskoka)

2011-05-24T18:12:00.005-04:00

While Muskoka is known for its abundant waterways, opportunities abound to get out on the trails and enjoy nature from dry land. From trails at the water’s edge to those deep in the forest, hiking offers the chance to get up close and personal with Muskoka’s beauty. There are several trails just a short distance from Colonial Bay:

Oxtongue Rapids Hiking Trail – 15 km east of Colonial Bay, just off Highway 60. This gem is just a short drive away and is a beautiful spot for a picnic. (The photo above was taken there in the Fall.)

Ronville Hiking Trail – 15 km southeast of Colonial Bay off Highway 35. This 1.2 km cliffside hike offers views of Lake of Bays.

Fairy Vista Trail – 7 km west of Colonial Bay alongside Highway 60. This 3.4 km paved trail is suitable for both walking and cycling. It offers varied scenery including forest, farmland and views of Fairy Lake.

Huntsville Mural Walk – 12 km west of Colonial Bay in the heart of Huntsville. For a more urban experience, this walk takes you through Downtown Huntsville to view the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery.

Limberlost Forest Reserve Trails – 10 km north of Colonial Bay on Limberlost Road. This network of 70 km of trails is open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 8pm (check in at the office before heading to the trails).

For maps and directions to these trails and more, visit these links:
Lake of Bays trails
Huntsville trails
Limberlost Reserve trails

There are also an abundance of trails in both Arrowhead Provincial Park and Algonquin Provincial Park (park fees apply). You can find information about the trails here:
Arrowhead Park trails
Algonquin Park trials

Whether you prefer an easy stroll or a challenging hike, Muskoka offers it all. The next time you stay with us, why not check out a few of them and then head back to Colonial Bay for a refreshing swim.

We had a fantastic long weekend and will post some photos soon.

From our family to yours,
Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben & Addie

The Call of the Wild

2011-05-17T16:32:00.007-04:00

The mournful call of the loon is one of Muskoka’s most recognizable sounds. In late April or early May (almost as soon as the ice is out), the return of the loons is a sure sign that Spring has arrived even if Mother Nature is trying to convince us otherwise.

We’ve been fortunate to have a pair of mating loons visit us at Colonial Bay and thought we’d share some interesting loon facts with you.

Loons mate for life and build their nests close to the water’s edge, affording both adults and newly hatched young a quick escape. Chicks can swim and dive within hours of hatching but will sometimes ride on a parents’ back when they are tired or cold.

While a loon’s streamlined body and strong webbed feet make it an excellent swimmer and diver, on land they are capable of only a slow waddle using their wings as crutches. Their flying talents aren’t much better: with dense bones and short wings built more for swimming, a loon must run and flap at the surface for a long distance, between 20 and 400 meters, to get enough speed for lift off. Their manoeuverability in the air is equally limited. They do, however, have enough stamina to fly to the Atlantic coast where they overwinter.

Loons are exceptional divers and can remain underwater for up to 3 minutes, often resurfacing a long distance from where they submerged. They dive 2-5 meters below the surface to catch perch and minnows. The attached video (from Minnesota, not Muskoka, unfortunately) shows rare footage of a loon swimming underwater with scuba divers.

They have four distinct calls which can be heard 2-3 kilometers away.

The loon is Ontario’s official bird.

5,000-year-old loon pictographs have been found on cliffs scattered around the Great Lakes region.

The next time you visit us, listen carefully for the distinctive calls of these beautiful creatures.

Up next: May long weekend, the ‘official’ beginning of cottage season, starts Friday. We still have a few cottages available – why not join us?

Let the fun begin!
Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben and Addie

Water, Water, Everywhere

2011-05-10T14:24:00.005-04:00

Muskoka is renowned for its abundance of lakes. Roads meander all over the map avoiding water here and water there so that sometimes it seems the most direct route anywhere is not “as the crow flies” but as the canoe glides.

If you do want to get out on the water, there are many options for canoeing and kayaking in Muskoka, whether you launch from our own beach or travel further afield to explore some of the region’s other waterways. You can find a detailed map of local canoe routes here. (The map covers Algonquin Park, Lake of Bays and north Muskoka as far west as Huntsville.)

Prefer something with a little more speed? Larger watercraft can be rented from local marinas. (But remember that you’ll need a BOATsmart license to operate any type of powered watercraft.)

However you choose to experience Muskoka’s waterways, here are some safety tips to help ensure your trip is pleasantly memorable:

Wear a life jacket. The law requires you to have one per person in the boat, but remember that a personal floatation device is only helpful if you’re actually wearing it.

Watch the weather and plan accordingly. Wind and rain can be more than just an uncomfortable inconvenience. High winds can topple a small craft. Heavy rain can quickly fill a hull. And if there’s any sign of lightning, get off the water. In hot weather, hats & sunscreen will help to prevent sunburns and heatstroke.

Stay within your limits. Keep both your boating skills and the swimming ability of everyone onboard when you plan your route.

Keep additional safety equipment onboard: a spare paddle, a bailer or water pump, a whistle, navigation lights if you plan to travel after sunset, a throw-line, and a water-tight first aid kit. Duct-tape can be useful for repairs.

As always, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about local activities. Just ask!

The May long weekend is fast approaching and we still have a few cottages available. Call us at 1-800-916-2008 or you can book online here.

We look forward to seeing you this Spring!
Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben & Addie

Beavers and badgers and bears...oh my!

2011-05-03T18:24:00.005-04:00

Spring is an ideal time to view wildlife in Muskoka. Some of our local critters are just coming out of hibernation, the ones that endured the winter conditions can now move more freely with the snow and ice gone, and others are moving back into the area after heading south for the winter. And with leaf cover just starting to come in, it’s easier to spot them as they go about their daily lives.

Here are some tips for viewing wildlife in Muskoka (and anywhere else, really):

Get up early. While it’s possible to see animals at any time of day, many are most active in early morning or late evening (dusk).

Be patient and observant. Walking slowly or sitting quietly for a few minutes can make smaller animals in particular easier to spot.

Go where the animals are. You can sometimes see wildlife from the highway, but for the best views you’ll need to get out of your car. Visit local trails or get out in a canoe.

Look for specific wildlife habitat and signs. Moose are forest animals but can often be found in marshy areas in the spring and where there’s a beaver lodge there’s bound to be a beaver.

Keep your distance. They are wild animals, after all, and cute doesn’t necessarily mean cuddly. Bring binoculars for a close-up view.

Don’t forget your camera. You never know where an animal might pop up. Be prepared and you’ll have a picture to show off to everyone at home instead of just having a story to tell.

The Algonquin Visitor Centre is a good source of information about local plants and animals. You can also see orphaned or injured animals that have been rescued and rehabilitated at the Muskoka Wildlife Center and Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Be sure to call ahead for hours of operation.

Here at Colonial Bay, the loons are back on the lake, deer are pruning the shrubs for us, and we eagerly await visits of the human kind (that means you!). We still have some cottages available for the May long weekend and beyond.

From our family to yours,
Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben and Addie

Signs of Spring

2011-04-26T10:18:00.006-04:00

Spring has finally chased back winter for another year and now the clean-up begins. We’re busy painting cottages, repairing the winter damage to the playground and cleaning up the branches that seem to materialize from nowhere. (Yes, we know they come from the trees.)

The most tell-tale sign of spring is that the ice is out and the loons have returned to Pen Lake. It’s magical to hear their calls across the mist in the early morning (We haven’t captured them on film yet this year - this picture is from last fall).

With the ice gone from the lake, people sometimes ask ‘Can we swim yet?’. And the answer is…only if you’re really brave. The temperature is suitable for polar bears and penguins (not that we have any around these parts) but it’s a little chilly for humans. Still, it won’t be long before the sun starts warming the shallows and we can dip more than our toes in.

May is fast approaching and, with it, these holidays and local events:

May 1 - Algonquin Park Visitor Centre is open daily throughout May, but ice is not out on all lakes in the park yet

May 8 – Mother’s Day - You didn’t forget, right? Why not surprise her with a trip to Muskoka and a stay at Colonial Bay?

May 19-23 – Victoria Day Weekend (affectionately known as May 2-4) and the ‘official’ start of the summer season. Join us!!

May 21 - Muskoka Heritage Place opens for the season - get a dose of local history, ride the Portage Flyer and enjoy some old-time sweets

May 26 - Huntsville Farmers’ Market starts Thursdays after the long weekend from 9 am to 2 pm. Check out what grows around here and support local vendors too.

And at Algonquin Theatre: The Music Man, a locally produced show, runs May 1 and 5-7; the Take a Ride Tour with blues tunes from the Jimmy Bowskill Band is on May 11; and For the Love o’ Nat, a tribute to Nat King Cole, appears May 19.

We hope you had a wonderful Easter and look forward to seeing you and your family soon!
Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben and Addie

Easter long weekend

2011-04-18T19:00:00.006-04:00

It’s Spring (…really, it is!) and what better way to celebrate both Easter and Earth Day than communing with nature in Muskoka? We’re happy to see signs that Spring has arrived despite a recent dusting of snow. In fact, just in time for Easter, the landscape is looking very much like a Spring bunny: white with patches of brown poking through. Mother Nature has a great sense of humour.

Crocuses and tulips have started popping up in sunny spots, the first tentative buds have begun appearing on the trees, and there’s open water at the shoreline. There’s something magical about the day the ice disappears from the lake and with the forecast calling for a return to double digit temperatures and mainly sunny skies, it won’t be long before the ice is gone.

So other than watching the ice melt, what’s there to do on a spring weekend in Muskoka? The lack of leaf cover on trees makes it a great time to spot wildlife – there are lots of deer sightings right now and the bears are making their first tentative forays from winter dens. Cooler evenings and mornings are great for curling up in front of a fire with a good book or a board game. And there are a few local events happening this weekend if you want to venture further than your Colonial Bay cottage:

For art enthusiasts and lovers of Algonquin Park, there’s a painting exhibition at the Algonquin Visitor Centre from Friday April 22 to Monday April 25. In the spirit of the Group of Seven, Philip Sworden explores the iconic landscapes of Algonquin Park.

For hockey fans, the Huntsville Otters host the Dudley Hewitt Cup from April 19-23.

And for the kids, the Muskoka Heritage Place Annual Easter Egg Hunt is Sunday, April 24 from 12-1. Goodies are provided by The Nutty Chocolatier. And it’s free!

This is one of the few 4-day long weekends of the year (if you’re fortunate enough to have both Good Friday and Easter Monday off) and we have some cottages available. As always, you can book online here.

We look forward to seeing you soon!
Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben and Addie

Summer Fun Continues...

2010-08-25T12:47:00.006-04:00

There is still time for a summer holiday. During the last two weeks of summer we are booking 3 and 4 days stays as well as weekly. To see what is available just go to our home page and click on "availability".

Lots of fun stuff is happening. Yesterday one of our families from Italy was trying windsurfing and on Friday the kids (and adults) enjoyed some fresh Ontario Corn cooked in a cast iron pot over the campfire. Just two of the great outdoor experiences you can have while at Colonial Bay.

Algonquin Park Day Trips

2010-07-10T07:47:00.009-04:00

The West entrance of Algonquin Park is 30 KM from Colonial Bay Cottage Resort- about 20 minutes to drive. Many of our guests enjoy a day or two exploring Algonquin and some of our cottage guests spend countless hours birding or searching for signs of various wildlife on many of the trails. There is a rich history to Algonquin Park which is interesting to both Adults and Children.

A Muskoka Boat Cruise

2010-07-04T08:52:00.004-04:00

A great day trip from Colonial Bay is to Gravenhurst and the Muskoka Wharf. There, you will find the restored steamship RMS Segwun and Wenonah II. Both offer cruises on beautiful Lake Muskoka.

The Wharf is also home to Muskoka Heritage Centre - Grace and Speed. The centre is packed with interactive displays that kids will love. They can toot the whistles of various steamships, build their own wooden boat or start a working steam engine. Grace and Speed boathouse contains one of finest collections of antique wooden boats on the continent.

Golf a-round in Huntsvillle

2010-07-02T08:45:00.006-04:00

We've known for quite awhile that Huntsville has lots of Golf Courses and they range from 9 and 18 hole local courses like Whispering Pines, Huntsville Downs and Granite Ridge to Championship Courses like Club Links Mark O'Meara, Deerhurst's Highland Course and Bigwin Islands spectacular 18 holes.

Last week as President Obama arrived in Huntsville for the Muskoka G8 aboard his helicopter Marine One, it's reported that he even noticed the abundance of golf courses.

When U.S. President Barack Obama stepped off his helicopter in Huntsville on Friday, the first thing he said was, “You’ve got a lot of golf courses here, don’t you?” Industry Minister Tony Clement told the National Post in an exclusive interview.

Why not come up to Huntsville and Golf on the courses that President Obama had a chance to fly over. We'll even put together a custom two or three day golf package that includes one of our Muskoka Cottages, as many rounds of golf as you like and a great place to relax with family and friends at the end of the day.

Muskoka G8 is over!

2010-06-29T06:45:00.009-04:00

It has been an exciting year surrounding the Muskoka G8 in our little Ontario town of Huntsville. Much has been said about the money spent on infrastructure and security costs for the G8 in Huntsville and I'm sure the discussion will continue for sometime.

For our little part, at Colonial Bay Cottage Resort we hosted a contingent of RCMP marine operators and rescue dive personal. These men (yes all men) represented the RCMP in an exemplary way. We shared our property with a group of respectful, engaging, humorous and dedicated officers for 7 days. Like most of our guests, we were sad to see them leave but knew it was time for them to return to their families. This group of guys came from all parts of Canada and many had worked at the Vancouver Olympics last winter. I think our hospitality and the good food provided to them from Pow Wow Point Lodge trumped the cruise ship experience of the Olympics!!

Huntsville, Deerhurst Resort and the surrounding area is quickly being transformed back to "Muskoka Style". Fences are coming down, hundreds of porta potties, temporary lights, trailers, tents and the like are being removed or picked up as I write. Our summer guests began arriving yesterday and we look forward seeing many of our summer friends in the coming months.

The Real Lake - Peninsula Lake Muskoka

2010-06-13T08:16:00.004-04:00

The Huntsville Muskoka G8 is only weeks away and the buzz is building. We see what looks like a fair number of security people in Huntsville every day now. Restaurants and coffee shops are busy and it is nice to see all the activity. There has been much said about the security fence that is being constructed but aside from it looking like an Indy Car Race is about to happen on Hwy 60 it hasn't caused any trouble or inconvenience.

Like many Canadians we are enjoying a chuckle over the "Fake Lake" in Toronto at the media centre. It would be better if journalists from around the world could have the opportunity to come to Huntsville and experience the warm hospitality, boundless nature, spectacular Algonquin Park and the "Real Lake" - Peninsula Lake - home of the Huntsville Muskoka G8.

Maybe a few could stay in our cottages at Colonial Bay and have a chance to experience everything Peninsula Lake, Huntsville and Muskoka has to offer.

Muskoka Chair For You!

2010-05-25T07:26:00.004-04:00

There is something magical about sitting by the water and gazing across the Lake. This Muskoka Chair is ready for you!

Victoria Day Weekend

2010-05-25T07:05:00.002-04:00

This past weekend was one of the best ever according to guests staying at Colonial Bay Cottages. Mondays high temperature of 29 degrees capped off a perfect waterfront weekend. Although the water temperature is still cool the air made up for it. The canoes, kayaks and peddle boat were used all weekend and the campfire was roaring on Sunday night. The highlights of the weekend were boating and relaxing.

Memorial Day Weekend is this weekend. If you work for a U.S. based company maybe you can squeeze in another long weekend!! Call us for Memorial Day weekend specials.

Ragged Falls Provincial Park, Muskoka Hike,Ontario Canada, Algonquin Park

2009-12-18T06:16:00.001-05:00

Winter is officially a couple days away but you could say we are already in it. Last night was - 21 again and Peninsula Lake is frozen over in many places. When the sun comes up today I think we will see ice cover in front of Colonial Bay Cottages. I thought a reminder of summer would be nice so found this video of Ragged Falls located a few mnutes west of Algonquin Park. Many of our summer guests stop by the Falls for a hike and just a nice plave to relax.

Winter In Huntsville

2009-12-15T06:36:00.003-05:00

The past weekend Muskoka made the news daily with record amounts of snowfall. It was great to get the snow early and have lots for the holidays. I think we are guaranteed a white Christmas at Colonial Bay Cottages this year. Bracebridge, Port Carling and Bala received more snow than we did in the Huntsville and Dwight area. Click on the link above to see a You Tube video taken last weekend around Huntsville.

Hidden Valley Huntsville Muskoka Canada December 12 2009

2009-12-14T07:15:00.001-05:00

Opening day at Hidden Valley Ski Area in Huntsville Ontario Muskoka. Saturday was a fine sunny day and skiers and snowboarders had a chance to experience fresh Muskoka powder and expertly groomed runs. Ben is one of the first guys down through the fresh snow. Throughout the winter many families stay at Colonial Bay Cottages and enjoy time at Hidden Valley. During the winter I manage the Snow School at Hidden Valley and we offer a great learn to ski/snowboard package. Alonf with our resort, Colonial Bay Cottages, many of our snowschool customers stay at local resorts like Beauview Cottages, Walker Lake Cottages, Deerhurst Resort and Hidden Valley Resort.

Winter Arrives - It's Great

2009-12-11T18:48:00.006-05:00

What an amazing week at Colonial Bay Cottages. Our kids have been off school for three days due to pending storms and actual snow fall. Muskoka has been under a weather watch or storm watch for the last 24 hours but it really isn't as bad as they are making it out to be in Huntsville. Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and west to Parry Sound are getting more snow than us in North Muskoka. This morning at 8:00 AM I was snow plowing around the motel and cottages and Highway 60 was plowed. The pictures show how it looks around our property.

A fine morning on Penninsula Lake

2009-10-08T09:04:00.003-04:00

Colour Update # 3

2009-10-06T08:17:00.002-04:00

Algonquin Park is simply amazing!! Some of the best colours in years according to many reports. The morning dew and daily moisture on the leaves makes for some stunning pictures. Here is Algonquin Park's report.

Fall Colour Update - #2

2009-09-21T15:05:00.002-04:00

Here is the Algonquin Park update today. Approaching peak in the park which means we are a week or so behind in our area.

Fall Colours

2009-09-17T10:59:00.003-04:00

We're well into September now and Fall Colours are starting to show. Here is the report from Algonquin Park this week.

First Time Wakeboarding

2009-08-18T07:30:00.004-04:00

Evan and Cameron hit the wakeboard for the first time ever. Both were up and riding in one or two tries and by the end of the week there was some big air happening. Thanks for all the fun you guys.

Even the Big Kids Want To Have Fun

2009-08-16T17:52:00.002-04:00

Does it get any better...

2009-08-02T15:35:00.002-04:00

Two days into August and things look very promising weather wise. So far lots of SUN and even a great sunset to end the day.

Another Fine Day at Colonial Bay

2009-07-21T12:14:00.004-04:00

Sunshine and water make for the best holiday in Muskoka.

The Acres Driving Range and Gift Shop

2009-07-20T13:44:00.004-04:00

The Acres Driving Range and Artisan Gallery is located 5 minutes away by foot. Why not stroll over, hit a bucket of balls and browse the Gallery. Say hi to Sara or Dylan while you're there because their business is a great addition to our neighbourhood.

Any rainy day on vaction beats a day at the office!!

2009-07-18T12:04:00.008-04:00

While the weather man called for overcast and drizzle most of last week, we enjoyed a pretty good week with lots of SUN and the odd shower in between. Believe it or not there was even a bit of SUN BURN going around last week. I think Brock and Erica either skied or tubed everyday this week.

With the mid point of July passing by it seems like a good time to remind everyone of all the great things to do and places to visit in Huntsville, Algonquin Park and the surrounding area.

Algonquin Park, Dorset Fire Tower, Villages of Dorset, Baysville, Port Carling Rosseau, Santa's Village, Muskoka Heritage Place, Muskoka Wildlife Centre, Eaglecrest Aerial Park, Lady Muskoka Boat Cruise, Golf, Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre, RMS Segwun and the Wenonah II and even more!

I've included a link to the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce Coupon Book for those that that like to save.

Happy Canada Day

2009-07-01T07:39:00.002-04:00

Happy Canada Day to all our friends and guests. We hope the fireworks display in Huntsville will rival this picture! The fireworks are scheduled to take place this evening and there will be many excellent places to view them from. Check out Hunter's Bay Drive, Avery Beach or almost anywhere along Main Street South.

Boating on Pen Lake

2009-05-23T07:46:00.006-04:00

Andy takes his new boat for a spin on Pen Lake with Scotty and Nikki. Andy, Scotty and their Mom and Dad have been visiting Colonial Bay since the early 70's.
Over the years Andy and Scotty have spent countless hours entertaining Luke and Ben with remote control cars, boats and even a helicopter during their visits. In recent years Addie has become quite attached to Emille and Theresa as they do more artsy things.
The highlight of the Victoria Day weekend is the fireworks display set off by Andy and Scotty. It rivals any display on the lake and each year gets better. This year there was an intermission as everyone needed to rest their necks from looking skyward.

Twiiter has come to Colonial Bay

2009-05-16T18:27:00.003-04:00

Blogging, Twitter and good old fashion face to face conversations - we do it all at Colonial Bay. Today has been a little overcast and some rain but we managed to work on the docks and Andy has his new Legend Boat tied to it. In between showers he has been out exploring Pen Lake and tomorrow will probably boat into Hunstville.
www.twitter.com/colonialbay

Algonquin Park Wildlife and Habitat (click here)

2009-04-04T07:47:00.010-04:00

Here is a neat link to Wildlife Research in Algonquin Park. It seems timely as spring is arriving and birds, moose and most wildlife begin the next cycle of life. Ice is still covering Pen Lake so the Loons are not back yet but I suspect within the next couple weeks the ice will be gone and they will return. Moose will be moving around now and you will be able to see them in the bogs along the side of the road in Algonquin Park.

April 2008

2009-04-04T07:34:00.004-04:00

It is hard to imagine that a whole season has gon by since my last entry. It has been a busy winter in Muskoka with lots of snow and seasonal winter conditions.

Hidden Valley Ski Area opened in late November and the ski season continued until March 28th. One of the longest ski season in Ontario this year.

Thanksgiving Sunday Morning

2008-10-12T09:27:00.004-04:00

We've been blessed with a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Warm and sunny all weekend. Here is another short video of my favourite view from Colonial Bay.

Early Morning Mist

2008-10-07T10:16:00.005-04:00

We experienced a little frost last night as the temperatures dipped just below freezing. It made for a neat morning to take pictures at the lake as the cool air temperature and warmer water combine to make a mist over the lake. The Sun was shining from the east and mad the far shore quite spectacular to see. Some guests that were on the dock taking pictures joked that it must be a good morning if the owner is out taking pictures!!

Algonquin Park Colour Peaks This Weekend

2008-10-02T09:19:00.002-04:00

This is the Algonquin Park Report from today. The Fall colours in Muskoka will be vibrant for the next week or so as Algonquin Park Peaks before the rest of Muskoka.

Fall Colours Reaching their Peak...

2008-10-01T19:34:00.006-04:00

Guests returning from Algonquin Park yesterday and today report seeing some of the most vibrant colours in years. One of our favourite trails in Algonquin is Booth's Rock. It looks like the next few days in Algonquin will be exceptional. Other great places to stop and enjoy Fall; Dorset Fire Tower, Ragged Falls, Lions Lookout - Huntsville (where this picture was taken) and Oxtongue River Rapids.

Algonquin Park's International Appeal

2008-09-25T09:20:00.000-04:00

Another spectacular day in Algonquin Park and Muskoka. Not only have we had guests from Ontario this week, we've had visitors from Holland, Belgium, Germany and Florida. As the Fall colours continue to change Colonial Bay will be home for many guests from Europe, and Asia. Our online booking allows guests to book from around the world at their convenience. We recently received bookings from Beijing (the Canadian Olympic Team must have told some people about Muskoka) and Japan.

The Science of Colour

2008-09-23T08:59:00.000-04:00

This link is a great description of why leaves change colour. It's provided by Huntsville Adventures which is a website hosted bu the Huntsville Lake of Bays Chamber Commerce.

http://www.huntsvilleadventures.com/article-archive.html?docid=25

Spectacular Fall Colours

2008-09-23T08:30:00.000-04:00

We have seen a significant change in colour during the last few days. Guests driving East along Highway 117 and Highway 60 in Algonquin Park are reporting sections of the forest are turning red and yellow. The best time to see vibrant colour is in the morning when the rising sun is reflecting off the morning dew.

Muskoka Ironman 70.3

2008-09-16T09:23:00.000-04:00

What an exciting weekend in Huntsville! Deerhurst Resort was the site of the 2008 Muskoka Ironman 70.3. Over 1600 athletes registered in the event. The swim took place in Pen Lake so Addie and Bruce took the boat out to watch the 2 KM. swim. It was amazing to see some of the pro athletes swim the course in less than 30 minutes. At the end of the swim athletes run from the lake to the Deerhurst main parking lot where they transition to their bike for a 90 KM cycle around Lake of Bays. They return to the parking area and transition for a 21 KM run from Deerhurst to Huntsville and back. We stood just outside the transition area for an hour and watched athlete come in from their bike ride and head back out on their run. Truly inspirational to see both pro athletes and regular people like us having so much fun!!! We finally made our way to the finish line that was located by the lake and witnessed some fantastic finishes. Lots of excitement, emotion and physical fatigue.

Being so close to Deerhurst, we were able to host a number of athletes, both pro and amateur. It was great to see athletes training over the weekend. Bike were coming and going and you could usually see someone swimming laps at the waterfront.

September is here.

2008-09-02T08:49:00.000-04:00

August has slipped by and what a month it was. We've just finished one of our busiest months ever at Colonial Bay. Lots of warm weather, sunshine and the lake temperature was great. I'll post more pictures of all the family fun that was going on during last couple weeks.

Now September is here and the weather continues to be wonderful. It looks like the forecast has warm days and cool nights continuing for now. It is a great time to visit Muskoka and enjoy hiking in Algonquin Park or just relaxing and re-charging your batteries for a few days.

Around 7:00 this morning I took these pictures at the Lake - it's so quiet, calm and peaceful. Just the place to be with a fresh cup of coffee and a Muskoka Chair.

How is the weather...

2008-08-26T15:17:00.000-04:00

Today is another great day in cottage country. The temperature dipped down to around 10 degrees last night and bounced right back to 25 degrees this afternoon. I just wandered down to the dock and couldn't help but notice all the waterfront activity. It appears that bright sunny days trump cool evenings- just the way August and early September should be.

Future Badminton Star

2008-08-25T17:16:00.000-04:00

Ryan arrived at the cottage yesterday armed with his new badminton racket. He's decided to take on all comers and is ready for serious competition. We took this quick shot of him while he was warming up for a doubles match with his partner Steven.

Evening Cruise on Peninsula Lake

2008-08-24T14:21:00.000-04:00

Most weeks Nicolle takes an evening cruise around Peninsula Lake on our pontoon boat. It gives guests a chance to see many of the private cottages and some of the other resorts like Pow Wow Point Lodge, Cedar Grove Lodge and even Deerhurst Resort. (Luckily they are all located on the far side of the lake so it keeps our location nice and quiet). The cruise usually leaves the dock after dinner so there is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the sunset. Here is a short clip of the Kerr family from England with thier friends the Wood family from Ontario. Of course Nicolle is at the helm to start but she usually shares the skipper duties with everyone.

A Short Guestimonial

2008-08-02T20:46:00.000-04:00

For the last 14 years, the Goulet, Loewen and Durish family have enjoyed their family week at Colonial Bay. We missed the Goulet's and Durish's this year due to other family and soccer commitments but Randy, Jackie Rachel and Allison made it and have kept the family tradition alive. Each year Nicolle and I are entertained at some point during the week with a skit, board game or the Colonial Bay Amazing Race. This morning we met on the dock....

All the way from Madrid, Spain.

2008-07-28T21:25:00.000-04:00

Javier, Olomo and five friends from Madrid enjoyed a few days at Colonial Bay. After spending the day in Algonquin Park hiking, they came back to their cottage and enjoyed the waterfront. The canoes, kayaks and water trampoline were all part of the afternoon fun. Javier even spent some time shooting hoops this morning. Next time Nicolle and I are in Madrid we've been invited to catch a football game with the gang!!

The summer 2007 swim to the point.

2008-07-28T09:36:00.000-04:00

These pictures were taken by longtime guest Randy Loewen. This year the Loewen family celebrate their 13th. summer at Colonial Bay. Last year Rachel, Nicolle, Julia and Adrian set out for the Kilometer and a bit swim to the "rock".

Corn Roast

2008-07-27T19:25:00.000-04:00

Everyone enjoys a good campfire while on vacation. We add a different twist at our wrap up campfire on Friday and start with a corn roast. This week Nicolle was able to get an early batch of fresh Ontario corn, lots of butter and salt and pepper. Bruce set up the big corn kettle and here is a short video of us getting started.

Learning to Kayak...

2008-07-25T09:06:00.000-04:00

Carley decided to try her hand at Kayaking yesterday. The weather was sunny and warm and the wind was calm so it was a successful adventure.

Playing at the Beach

2008-07-18T11:10:00.000-04:00

The waterfront is always an active spot at Colonial Bay. The sand pile is a favourite of big and little kids!

Bears in Algonquin Park!

2008-07-15T14:27:00.000-04:00

We often hear about Bears in Algonquin Park but not many people ever see them. One of our guests was able to snap this picture of a Mom and a Cub playing off in the distance.

Many of our guests visit Algonquin Park to see moose, beaver, and various other birds and wildlife.