Our Muskoka Om

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Howell Family

Summer, Straight Ahead!

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

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

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

With warm summer thoughts,

The Howell Family

Let Summer Begin!

After a few false starts, it looks like summer temperatures are here to stay! Check out these temperatures for the coming long weekend:

Victoria Day weekend, a.k.a. May 2-4, is the unofficial kick-off to summer. It’s been eagerly anticipated this year. So what to do with this sunny weather?

• Canoeing and kayaking – We have canoes, kayaks and paddleboats available for use by our guests. Take a quiet paddle around our bay and look for the loons (you’ll probably hear them before you see them!)
• Swimming – For some, a dip in the lake on the May long weekend is an annual tradition, no matter how cold the water is. Why not join them?
• Fishing – Pen Lake is home to a variety of fish species, making for some great fishing. (But remember that a fishing license is required before you head out!)
• Hiking – There’s a fabulous selection of hiking trails all just a short drive from Colonial Bay. Don’t forget to take your camera—you never know what you might encounter!
• Art-walking – Take a walking tour of the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, large-scale reproductions of some of the Group of Seven’s famous works. Stop for ice cream while you’re at it.
• Stargazing – Yes, we know this isn’t a sunny weather activity, given that it’s at night. But the starry skies in Muskoka are truly spectacular. If you have a smartphone or tablet, download Google Sky (for Android) or Star Walk (for Apple devices) to find out exactly what you’re looking at.
• Visiting the past – Muskoka Heritage Place offers a glimpse into Huntsville’s history with its pioneer village, train and museum.
• Relaxing – You come to Muskoka to relax, of course. And for that, there’s a Muskoka chair waiting just for you.

We still have a few waterfront cottages available for the long weekend. You can see our availability here and we hope to see you soon!

With warm summer thoughts,

The Howell Family

Life from a Muskoka Chair

The Muskoka chair is our iconic image of summer and it’s the perfect spot to kick back and relax. You wouldn’t think a wooden chair could be so comfortable. On the beach, on the dock, by the fire, or in the woods, they are an inviting place to take a break wherever you find them.

Here are a few suggestions for what you can do from a Muskoka chair:

• Listen to the loons early in the morning.
• Do some yoga (yes, really)
• Read a book. To keep with the theme you could check out these ones written about or in Muskoka, but really any book will do.
• Pretend to read a book while secretly napping.
• Not-so-secret napping (but remember, more than one kid out there has pranked a snoozing parent).
• Think about going for a swim.
• Decide to enjoy one of Muskoka’s famous beverages instead.
• Dry off in the sun after a swim.
• Dig your toes in the sand.
• Have another nap.
• Warm up in front of the fire pit.
• Eat corn roasted over the fire.
• Have your picture taken to remember your trip to Muskoka.

There’s a Muskoka chair waiting for you at Colonial Bay this July long weekend. (If you haven't booked your spot yet, you can see our availability here.) And if you get tired of that, you could head out to one of the Canada Day celebrations in Huntsville or the rest of Muskoka.

We hope to see you soon!

The Howell Family

Remember Summer?

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