Muskoka Maples

It’s almost Spring and you know what that means…warmer weather, longer days and maple syrup! Humans have been harvesting the sweet nectar from maple trees for centuries. (One of the first recorded notes was in 1606.) You’re probably familiar with its delicious, rich taste and how it gets from tree to bottle, but here are a few facts about maple trees and syrup that you may not know:

• There are 13 different maple species in North America that can be tapped for syrup. Two of them can be found in Muskoka: Sugar Maples and Red Maples.
• The Sugar Maple is the most common species tapped because it has the sweetest sap. It takes 40 litres of sap to produce one litre of syrup. Other maple species require more sap (5­0-70 litres) to produce one litre of syrup.
• Sugar Maples can live more than 200 years. They don’t reach tappable size until they are about 40 years old. Depending on its size and weather conditions, a Sugar Maple will provide 35-50 litres of sap during the sugaring season.
• The leaf of the sugar maple appears on the Canadian flag.
• Most maple syrup hobbyists use traditional metal buckets for sap collection. Large commercial operations use a plastic pipeline system that was patented in 1959. In 1997, permanent tubing was introduced allowing producers to leave their collection systems in place year-round.
• Canada produces 83% of world’s supply of maple syrup. The top three producers are Quebec (the #1 producer in the world), Ontario and New Brunswick.
• Maple syrup is good for you (at least as far as sugars go). It has no fat, no preservatives, fewer calories than honey, and, because it’s not refined like white sugar, contains a variety of vitamins and minerals.

You can find maple syrup throughout the summer at local farmers’ markets, but if you want to see how the syrup is produced you’ll need to visit in the spring. Muskoka unfortunately does not have a maple syrup festival but there are several within driving distance. The closest is the Powassan Maple Syrup Festival, held this year on April 28. (Powassan is 50 minutes north of Huntsville on Highway 11.)

It’s March break right now and the forecast for the rest of the week is gorgeous! If you’re looking for a quick get-away, why not come and visit us? And remember, Easter is just around the corner. By then, our waterfront cottages may just have a water view again (but a bit too cold for swimming still!). We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Howell Family

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

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

Film in Muskoka

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

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

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

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

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