Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Winter has arrived in Muskoka! Okay, maybe it's not officially winter, but Muskoka has snow and winter temperatures so we're calling it a done deal! Since there isn't enough snow yet to do many of our favourite outdoor activities (except downhill skiing!), we thought we'd enlighten you with some interesting snow facts.

Snow did you know:

• While it's not true that our Inuit neighbours to the north have 100 words for snow, there are a lot of different types of snow out there. Check them out here.
• There are also different names for snow formations. You can learn about those here.
• Our local ski hill can make snow at -2.5C (that's why they were able to open last weekend when there was only a skiff of real snow on the ground).
• Snow appears white because it reflects light
• If the temperature rises above 0C during a snowstorm, the falling snow will melt mid-air and turn to rain.

While we wait for Mother Nature to catch up with her snowmaking, here are some winter activities to get you thinking about playing in the snow:

Downhill Skiing
Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is just a short drive from Colonial Bay and they are open now for weekend skiing. (Daily operations start Dec 20.) 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 during scheduled times (a fee applies) plus they offer a Free Family Skating during the holidays during scheduled times. 
Arrowhead Park will continue the Ice Trail, a 1.5km skating loop through the forest, again in 2014. The park also 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.

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.

Come and play in the snow with us this winter!
The Howell Family

Nature in Disguise

Tamaracks (photo courtesy of Ontario Parks)

Fall in Muskoka is synonymous with the colourful show put on by the sugar maples, birch, aspen and red oaks. But amongst those deciduous beauties is a pretender whose colours are peaking now: the Tamarack.

Also known as the Larch, the Tamarack is a deciduous conifer – a tree with needles that are shed in the fall. The Tamarack is a brilliant yellow this time of year, in stark contrast to the surrounding evergreens and barren deciduous trees that have already lost their leaves. Their unexpected colour prompts some to ask why they’re dying—they’re not. Their soft, bluish-green needles will return in the spring.

Ruffed Grouse at Limberlost Forest Reserve

The Tamarack’s autumn “disguise” as a deciduous tree is right out in the open, but other animals in Muskoka blend right in to their surroundings this time of year. A stellar example is the Ruffed Grouse, which can be difficult to spot any time of year as it makes its way through the undergrowth. Often, the only time you see one is when you almost step on it—it flies off in a ruckus, leaving you startled and it safely hidden before you realize what’s happened.

And then, of course, are the animals who

Snowshoe Hare (photo courtesy of the
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources)

adapt with the seasons like the Snowshoe Hare. A rusty brown in the summer, it turns white in the winter so that it mostly blends in with the snow. (The better to hide from its abundant predators: lynx, bobcats, fishers, owls, coyotes and wolves.)

Finally, there’s the creature most adept at disguising itself: the human child at Halloween. In search of its main prey—candy—they go to great lengths to alter their appearance to capture their treats. In Muskoka, a great place to see them in their natural habitat is at Muskoka Heritage Place Great Pumpkin Trail on October 31:

This 25th Annual Community Event is a great alternative to having your children go door to door through busy streets in traffic, in the dark. Held in the Pioneer Village within the gates of Muskoka Heritage Place, this traffic free and youngster driven Hallowe'en event proves as much of a social event for the parents as it is for the kids. From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with last admission 7:30 p.m. Cost: $3.00 per head (head must be attached to a body) or $10.00 per family.

With the leaves mostly gone and the first sprinklings of snow arriving this week, our thoughts have turned to winter activities. Don’t forget all that winter in Muskoka has to offer: alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, snowmobiles, snow forts, snowmen and more! (Or cozy up next to a warm fire with a good book...you don’t have to go outside!)

We hope you’ll visit our winter wonderland this year,

The Howell Family

Enjoying Fiery Fall Colours

Autumn is a great time to hit the open road: sunny blue skies, crisp air, gorgeous colours and less

traffic. If you’re planning to visit Muskoka this fall, here are some classic drives, tours and hikes you should try out.

Classic fall drives

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

• From Colonial Bay, take Highway 60 east through Dwight to Highway 35.
• Turn right onto Highway 35 to Dorset. (If you have time, the hike up to the Dorset Fire Tower provides a beautiful vantage point over Lake of Bays.)
• Right onto Highway 117 to Baysville. (If you detour along Old Highway 117 to Norway Point, you can arrange for a water taxi to Bigwin Island.)
• Right onto Brunel Road in Baysville.
• Right onto South Portage Road (Muskoka Road 9).
• Left onto Highway 60 and back to Colonial Bay.

Huntsville Chain of Lakes tour: approx. 100 km (2+ hours, depending on the number of stops)

• From Colonial Bay, take Highway 60 East to South Portage Road (Muskoka Road 9).
• Right on South Portage (Muskoka Road 9) to Muskoka Road 23
• Right on Muskoka Road 23 back to Highway 60 (You have just circled Peninsula Lake)
• Left on Highway 60 to Highway 11 (Passing Fairy Lake)
• Left onto Highway 11
• Right on Ravenscliffe Road
• Left on E Fox Lake Road
• Left on Hoodstown Road (Muskoka Road 45)
• Right on South Drive (still Muskoka Road 45)
• Left on Etwell Road
• Left on Aspdin Road (You have just circled Lake Vernon)
• Right on Highway 11 to Port Sydney
• Right on Muskoka Road 10 through Port Sydney (Passing Mary Lake). Consider stopping for a picnic lunch at the public beach in Port Sydney.
• Left on Brunel Road to Huntsville (If you have time, stop at the Brunel Locks and watch the boats or at Lions Lookout above the Canada Summit Centre for a sweeping view of Fairy Lake and the Town of Huntsville)
• Right on Main Street
• Right on Highway 60 and back to Colonial Bay

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

• From Colonial Bay, take Highway 60 East to Algonquin Park (a visitor’s pass is required for the park - you can purchase one at the West Gate) 
• The drive through the park is beautiful and offers abundant opportunities for short hikes or viewpoints.

Hiking

The viewing deck at the Algonquin Visitor’s Centre (at km 43) will give you the most accessible panoramic view in the park or check out these trails: Hardwood Lookout (13.8km); Track and Tower (25km); Centennial Ridges 37.6km); Lookout Trail (39.7km) and Booth's Rock Trail (40.3km). For other hiking trails in the area, check here.

Guided Tour

Don’t like to drive but still want to take in the scenery? Check out this tour offered by the Town of Huntsville during Thanksgiving:

Guided Tour of the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, Saturday October 12^th – Thanksgiving Weekend!!

Photo courtesy of the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery

Take a guided bus tour of the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery in Huntsville and outlying communities.  This tour will feature a collection of world-class re-production murals celebrating the unique artwork of Canada's Tom Thomson and The Group of Seven.   The tour travels through Huntsville, Dwight, Port Cunnington, Dorset, Baysville and back to the Town of Huntsville.  Includes lunch at Port Cunnington Lodge and a stop for brewery samplings.  All of this with the spectacular backdrop of nature's fall colours.  Meet at Algonquin Theatre, Tom Thomson statue at 8:45am. Tour Guide and transportation included.  Bring visiting family and friends on this fabulous Thanksgiving weekend event.  Tour Guide: Gerry Lantaigne, Artistic Director.  Seats are limited, so register early!

8:45am-5:30pm

$95.00 per person

LINK for more information: http://huntsville.ca/en/living/LeisurePrograms.asp

LINK to Register online:

https://onlineca.activecommunities.com/huntsville/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp and click on Adult Programs. Online registration number: 12682.

Classic Cars

Photo via the Downtown Huntsville BIA

If you’re not up for the drive but want to see some classic cars, check out the Shades of Autumn Antique, Classic and Custom Car Show this weekend on Huntsville’s Main Street:

If four wheels are your passion, this one day car show is an adventure that will accelerate your heart rate. 300 exhibits up and down the main drag, trophies and door prizes – this is one automotive competition that you can take in on two feet.

We hope to see you soon, or if you’re just driving past give us a honk on your way by. There are still some waterfront cottages available for the Thanksgiving long weekend. If you’ve never visited Muskoka in the fall, why not now?

The Howell Family

Muskoka: An Artist’s Paradise

Mark Kulas painting (photo via Artists of the Limberlost)

The Muskoka landscape with its natural beauty, abundance of wildlife and peaceful atmosphere Open Studio Tour is on August 17 & 18 from 10-6.
have been attracting artists for years. This coming weekend, you can see the works of our local artists just up the road from Colonial Bay. The Artists of the Limberlost

Each studio is open to the public so that you can see the art, techniques and working environment of the artists. The studios also invite guest artists to exhibit their work. Here’s who you’ll see if you take the tour this weekend:

Studio 1
Jerry Friedman - driftwood sculpture
Guests:
Brad Wookie - wildlife watercolour
Barb Ten Eyke - painter

Studio 2
Susan Higgins - fused & stained glass
Guest: Vicki Sharp - jewellery

Studio 3
Brian Markham - woodturning
Guests:
Carol-Ann Michaelson – pottery
Bob McLean - painting

Studio 4
Mark Kulas – painting (pictured above)
Guest: Dan Hill - pottery

Studio 5
Catherine O’Mara - egg tempera painting
Guests:
Cirvan Hamilton - contemporary furniture
Rudi Stade - rustic furniture

Studio 6
Brenda Wainman Goulet - bronze sculpture
Guest: Elizabeth Siegfried - photography

Studio 7
Jeff Miller - oil & acrylic painting

To see more of Muskoka’s talented artists, consider taking in these other art experiences:

• The Art Space by the Huntsville Art Society (across from River Mill Park in Huntsville, open Tues – Sun). In addition to art, from Aug 15-21 you can enjoy The Art Space Sessions—intimate concerts featuring local musicians.
• Have you found all of the murals in the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery? Celebrating the unique art of Tom Thomson and The Group of Seven, these large outdoor murals are scattered throughout Huntsville with satellite installations in Algonquin Park, Dorset, Dwight, and Baysville. Take a tour of the downtown Huntsville collection using this map.
• To the west of Colonial Bay in the heart of Algonquin Park is the Algonquin Art Centre. Their current exhibit celebrates The Canadian Sheild. The Algonquin Art Centre is open daily (10-5) until October 21.

Summer isn’t over yet. If you’re looking to make one last getaway before the kids go back to school or your Fall schedule starts in earnest, check the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

We hope to see you soon!
The Howell Family

Muskoka is Wheelie Fun!

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

Old Railway Bike Trail in Algonquin Park

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

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

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

• From Colonial Bay, take Highway 60 east through Dwight to Highway 35.
• Turn right onto Highway 35 to Dorset. (If you have time, the hike up to the Dorset Fire Tower provides a beautiful vantage point over Lake of Bays.)
• Right onto Highway 117 to Baysville. (If you detour along Old Highway 117 to Norway Point, you can arrange for a water taxi to Bigwin Island.)
• Right onto Brunel Road in Baysville.
• Right onto South Portage Road (Muskoka Road 9).
• Left onto Highway 60 and back to Colonial Bay.

Huntsville Chain of Lakes tour: approx. 100 km (2+ hours, depending on the number of stops)

• From Colonial Bay, take Highway 60 East to South Portage Road (Muskoka Road 9).
• Right on South Portage (Muskoka Road 9) to Muskoka Road 23
• Right on Muskoka Road 23 back to Highway 60 (You have just circled Peninsula Lake)
• Left on Highway 60 to Highway 11 (Passing Fairy Lake)
• Left onto Highway 11
• Right on Ravenscliffe Road
• Left on E Fox Lake Road
• Left on Hoodstown Road (Muskoka Road 45)
• Right on South Drive (still Muskoka Road 45)
• Left on Etwell Road
• Left on Aspdin Road (You have just circled Lake Vernon)
• Right on Highway 11 to Port Sydney
• Right on Muskoka Road 10 through Port Sydney (Passing Mary Lake). Consider stopping for a picnic lunch at the public beach in Port Sydney.
• Left on Brunel Road to Huntsville (If you have time, stop at the Brunel Locks and watch the boats or at Lions Lookout above the Canada Summit Centre for a sweeping view of Fairy Lake and the Town of Huntsville)
• Right on Main Street
• Right on Highway 60 and back to Colonial Bay

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

• From Colonial Bay, take Highway 60 East to Algonquin Park (a visitor’s pass is required for the park - you can purchase one at the West Gate) 
• The drive through the park is beautiful and offers abundant opportunities for short hikes or viewpoints. The viewing deck at the Visitor’s Centre (at km 43) will give you the most accessible panoramic view in the park. 

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

From our Muskoka chair to yours,

The Howell Family

Thinking of Spring

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

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

In April:

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

In May:

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

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

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

We look forward to seeing you soon,

The Howell Family

Going To The Dogs In Muskoka

There’s no end to the fun you can have in the snow in Muskoka. We often talk about skiing and snowshoeing and snowmobiling, but this weekend you can experience winter with some four-legged friends. 

Photo by Stacie Morris

It’s the 19^th annual Kearney Dog Sled Races, just a short drive north of Huntsville. In addition to sledding and skijoring races, there’s a whole bunch of family fun happening: kid and mutt races, face painting, an antique snowmobile display and parade, chainsaw carving, musicians, and tons of food!  

To get you in the spirit, here’s some history and info on dog sledding and skijoring:

•  “Sled dogs have coexisted and cooperated in partnership with humans for many thousands of years in the northern regions of North America and Siberia. Archeological evidence puts the earliest date at over 4,000 years ago. Some anthropologists suggest that human habitation and survival in the Arctic would not have been possible without sled dogs.” (International Federation of Sled Dog Sports)
• “The first written account of a race was an informal challenge between travelers on the route from Winnipeg to St. Paul in the 1850s. In 1886, the first Saint Paul Winter Carnival featured sled dog races and ski competitions as part of the festival to glorify the attractions of winter in Minnesota.”
• The most common dog-sledding commands are: Hike (start pulling), gee (veer right), haw (veer left), easy (slow down), whoa (stop) and on by (pass another team or other distraction).
• Skijoring is Norwegian for ski driving. In this sport, a dog (or dogs) pulls a cross-country skier using harnesses and a rope.
• You don’t need to have a Husky to skijor! Any enthusiastic breed that can follow commands will do, including Pointers, Setters, Golden Retrievers, Labs, American Bull Terriers, and Mastiffs.

If you aren’t coming to Muskoka this weekend or want to try dog sledding and skijoring for yourself, check out these local businesses:

• Call of the Wild Adventures
• Snow Forest Adventures
• Voyageur Quest
• Wilderness Adventures
• Chocpaw Expeditions
• The Bike Shop in Gravenhurst

There’s still lots of winter left in Muskoka! Enjoy it while it lasts (and don't forget about one last fling during March break!). If dog sledding and skijoring aren’t your speed, join us at Colonial Bay for other winter activities. You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

Have fun in the snow!
The Howell Family

Family Day Weekend Fun in Muskoka

Family Day Weekend is February 16-18. Here are 10 ways to get outside and celebrate with family and friends in Muskoka:

1. Alpine Skiing – Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is a truly family-friendly ski hill with slopes for all ages and abilities. The Algonquin Outfitters Winter Carnival is back on Sunday, February 17 with fun outdoor activities and demos. Plus, there’s face painting in the chalet by Painted Kids.
2. Cross Country Skiing – Arrowhead Provincial Park has 29 km of track-set, cross-country ski trails and 12km of skate skiing trails. Each trail is rated for difficulty and ranges from beginner to expert. You can rent both classic and skate skis at the fully stocked Park Pro Shop.
3. Skating – Arrowhead Provincial Park’s skating trail is open late Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17. Skate under the stars until 9:00 p.m. (with some added light from tiki torches along the path). A campfire will be roaring to warm fingers and toes or roast some hotdogs and marshmallows. The Cann Lake skating rink, at the corner of Brunel Road and Forbes Hill Drive in Huntsville, will also be open, weather permitting, all weekend for outdoor skating.If you prefer your fun indoors, the Canada Summit Centre has indoor public skating – check the link for the schedule.
4. Family Gold Rush Challenge at the Canada Summit Centre – “This Family friendly outdoor game will have you searching for gold all around the Canada Summit Centre. Be careful though, we've heard that gold bandits have been seen in the area!” Fee of $3.00 per person and minimum requirement of one adult per group.
5. Shopping – When you get tired of playing in the snow, check out some of our local businesses, cafes, and restaurants. Historic Downtown Huntsville has something for everyone: sporting goods, clothing, home décor, candy, toys, art and more!
6. Snowshoeing – Arrowhead Provincial Park has There are over 6km of marked snowshoe trails . Travel along Mayflower Lake or stomp your way to Stubb's Falls. Snowshoe rentals are available at the Park Pro Shop.
7. Biking – Biking in the winter? Yep! You can rent a snowbike from Algonquin Outfitters and tackle snowy trails on two wheels.
8. Art – The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery never closes! That’s because most of the installations are hung outside in public spaces. Wander the streets of Huntsville on foot, or hop in your car to find more art in Algonquin Park, Dorset, Dwight, and Baysville.
9. Winter in the Wild Festival in Algonquin Park - A full day of indoor and outdoor events on Saturday, February 16, 2013. All activities are free with the purchase of a daily vehicle permit (except for food). There’s a guided winter bird walk; a snowshoe winter wildlife excursion; skating with a campfire, and barbecue; winter camping demonstrations; and a night hike wolf howl. Check the link for locations and schedule.
10. Play in the snow! Build a snow family. Build a snow fort and have a snowball fight. Make snow angels. Or make yourself a snow Muskoka chair to sit and enjoy the view.

We hope you have a fantastic long weekend no matter how you choose to enjoy it. And if you need a place to stay, there’s always the waterfront cottages at Colonial Bay! You can view our availability here.

Here’s to winter fun!

The Howell Family

Winter Carnival Fun in Muskoka

Canadians have long embraced winter. We don’t have much choice, really. Mother Nature brings us a hefty dose of snow and cold (some years more than others) and we break trails, build forts, slide down hills and then warm our hands by a roaring outdoor fire. It’s hard to keep us inside.

Kids' fun at the Dwight Winter Carnival

So every new year we look forward to the slate of winter carnivals in January and February to celebrate the best of winter in our communities. These are family-friendly events with activities for everyone to enjoy. The fun kicks off next week in Port Sydney and carries through until the end of February in Gravenhurst.

January 23-27, 56^th Annual Port Sydney Winter Carnival: New this year is Rabbie Burns Night on January 23, complete with a roast beef dinner, haggis and bag pipes. The popular Grand Marche, a showcase of Muskoka restaurants, is back on Friday night. On the weekend, there’s skating, bonfires, face-painting, human curling, music, entertainment, and food, food and more food. (And more! Check out their website for details.)

February 1-3, 46^th Annual Port Carling Winterfest: The weekend is chock full of entertainment including dancing, skating, wagon rides, kids’ activities, competitions and even a Polar Bear Dip.

February 15-16, 23^rd Annual Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival: With tons of outdoor activities, snow sculpting, food, and demonstrations, this carnival is worth the drive to Dorset. Events are still being planned, so check back to their website for more information.

February 21-23, 43^rd Annual Dwight Winter Carnival: Just up the highway from Colonial Bay, the Dwight Winter Carnival is a small but mighty local favorite. They’re still planning events for this year, but in the past we’ve been treated to a dance, demonstrations, dog sledding, mini-snowmobiles, balloon rides and one of the best pie competitions around (and you can even buy one to take home). Check their website soon for more information on this year’s events.

February 22-24, Gravenhurst Winter Carnival: With a demolition derby, polar bear dip, glow in the dark skating, and bed races, the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival has some of the most interesting and entertaining winter carnival events around. Go to their website for a full list of activities and events.

Besides these fun events, winter is a fabulous time to explore the quiet beauty of Muskoka. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through Muskoka’s forests and across its lakes (be sure to check ice conditions first!) are an unparalleled experience. As always, we look forward to having you visit us at Colonial Bay, no matter what time of year. You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

Stay warm out there!

The Howell Family

2012 at Colonial Bay

It's been a great year here at Colonial Bay. We had wonderful guests, some here for the first time and some familiar faces back to see us again. In every season, Mother Nature delivered gorgeous views and amazing weather to help make everyone's holiday memorable.

Winter Sunset at Colonial Bay

Spring Sunset at Colonial Bay

Summer Waterskiing at Colonial Bay

Fall Colours at Colonial Bay

And we updated our entrance sign with help from Gus at Hilltop Signs (looks good, doesn't it?).

Colonial Bay Cottages new sign

This summer, our guests enjoyed swimming, water skiing, playing in the sand, fishing, kayaking or just relaxing in a Muskoka chair by the beach. Our new Saturn inflatable water toy was a big hit!

Kids flip for Saturn!

Weather conditions were perfect for spectacular Fall colours this year and winter arrived right on time to give us a great start to the ski season (still waiting on a bit more though...come on, Mother Nature!)

Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area

You can view more photos from the past year on our Facebook page (Don't forget to LIKE us if you haven't already!).

We hope your year has been fabulous, too, and we look forward to seeing some of you at Colonial Bay in 2013. As always, you can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

Best wishes for a healthy, happy and fun-filled new year!
The Howell Family

Flavours of a Muskoka Christmas

Many holiday traditions center around food: big meals with family and friends, aprés-ski get togethers, potluck parties, or gifts of tasty treats. If you've been looking for some new recipes  to make for your family and friends this year, here are a few from Muskoka to get you started (and you can follow the links for more):

Hot Cranberry Dip (courtesy of Johnston's Cranberry Marsh - you'll find 32 more cranberry recipes here) 2 cups cranberry sauce 3 tbsp horseradish 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper This is one of the many delicious recipes found in June Johnson's "The Cranberry Cookbook – Recipes from 40 years of cooking with cranberries"· She serves this tasty, spicy dip with meatballs, vienna sausage, cut-up wieners or pieces of fruit.· Keep it hot in a chafing dish or an electric warmer. In a medium saucepan, mix all the ingredients together. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 5 minutes to blend flavours. · MICROWAVE: Blend mixture in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Stir and microwave on high for 1 or 2 minutes more stirring after each minute until sufficiently hot. Makes 2 cups The Essential Guide to Making the Perfect Turkey Dinner (from The Muskoka Mirror) This one's too long to include here - follow the link to get the scoop! Decadent Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies (recipe by Cottage Cravings and published in Taste of Muskoka "Favourite Christmas desserts to savour and share" - there are three more dessert recipes at the bottom of the article) Brownie Base 1/2 cup Skor bits 1 cup sugar 1 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup walnuts 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder 1/2 cup melted butter 1/2 cup cream 2 eggs 1 tbsp vanilla Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly grease a 9”x13” baking pan (or line with parchment paper). Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl and mix well. Add wet ingredients to dry mixture and stir until batter is well mixed. Spread batter evenly in baking pan.  Bake for 25 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack. Mint Butter Cream Filling 1/2 cup butter (softened: like the consistency of ice cream) 2 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar 1/2 tsp mint flavour 2 tbsp cream 1/2 tsp green food colour Mix together and beat well. Spread over cooled brownie base. Chocolate Ganache Topping 12 oz. of semi sweet chocolate 1 cup heavy cream 1 candy cane Heat heavy cream until it is just about to boil; remove from heat and pour over chocolate. Stir until completely mixed and glossy. Allow to cool and pour over mint butter cream. Crush candy cane and sprinkle on top. And here are some other tasty and hearty dishes to enjoy from around Muskoka: Winter appetites warmed by hearty comfort foods (published in Taste of Muskoka) Warmth, Soup, Life (published in Muskoka Life) Maple syrup moves beyond the breakfast table (published in Taste of Muskoka) Muskoka Maple Granola from Seasons and Suppers Annie's Meat Sauce and Gnocci (courtesy of That Little Place by the Lights) The holidays are just a few weeks away. We hope to see you at Colonial Bay this winter (click here to view the availability of our waterfront cottages) but wherever you spend your holiday season, we hope it's filled with laughter, love and cheer. Happy Holidays! The Howell Family

Muskoka: the best place in the world

Muskoka is among the world’s best vacation destinations according to National Geographic Traveler magazine. Our beautiful region was awarded top spot as a summer destination for 2011 and was named one of 20 Best of the World destinations for 2012. (We would argue it’s THE best, but we’re biased.)

Here’s what the magazine had to say:

“Just two hours by car—but a world away—from powerhouse Toronto beats the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, Muskoka. Families have gathered here for generations to revel in true wilderness. The 2,500-square-mile area includes 8,699 miles of shoreline, 17 historic towns and villages, and innumerable waterfalls and lakes framed by the peaks of Algonquin Provincial Park to the east and the isles of Georgian Bay Islands National Park to the west.

There’s plenty to do here but nothing you’d put on an agenda. Lounge with friends, barbecue everything, watch the night sky from the dock in the pitch black, play board games while listening to the rain. And run around barefoot all day.”

All of which you can do at Colonial Bay, by the way!

While it ranks 9^th on the 2012 list, Muskoka is forever #1 in our hearts. We hope you agree.

We are busy preparing for winter and what may be one of the best ski seasons in recent years (if snow forecasts are correct). If you’ve never visited Muskoka in the winter, this might just be the perfect year to do it. You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here. (Don’t forget to check out our winter special from December 21-January 7!)

Until we see you again,

The Howell Family

Winter in Muskoka

Pen Lake from Colonial Bay (photo by Ben Howell)

We know, we know. There are still some leaves hanging on the trees and daytime temperatures are in the teens this week, so why are we already talking about winter? 

Well, we like winter. The Muskoka landscape is stunning when it’s blanketed in a soft cushion of white (and particularly so when it’s lit up with a gorgeous sunset like in this photo of Pen Lake from Colonial Bay). Plus, there are lots of ways to play in the snow in Muskoka: downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, skating, and snowshoeing (see our previous post about winter activities here or you can find more information on our website here). 

When you get tired of being outside (or if it’s not your thing in the first place), you can visit the shops in historic downtown Huntsville, relax in front of a crackling fire, share a hearty meal with friends and family or attend some local events.

Here are a few upcoming events to kick off winter in Muskoka:

Warren Miller’s Flow State, Algonquin Theatre, November 16

Santa Claus Parade, Main Street Huntsville, November 30

A Portage Flyer Christmas, Muskoka Heritage Place, December 22

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade, Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area, December 24

New Year’s Eve Family Skate, Canada Summit Centre, December 31

If you’ve never experienced Muskoka in the winter, why not make the trip this year? You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here. (Don’t forget to check out our winter special from December 21-January 7!)

The Howell Family