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

Enjoy Muskoka on the quiet side

What's there to do in Muskoka in November? After the summer crowds have dispersed and the trees' fall colours have turned to their winter garb, Muskoka is still an amazing place to visit. Here are some options for local activities that you might find enjoyable.

Arrowhead Provincial Park

Stubbs Falls

Did you know that you can still hike and bike in Arrowhead Park after they've closed in the Fall? The trails are blissfully quiet and with less leaf cover you have greater opportunity to see wildlife. You can park at the gate and walk the 1.5 km to the park office (which is also closed, so be sure to bring snacks and water along). From there, you can access all of the trails. Stubbs Falls is particularly beautiful, especially if night-time temperatures have been cool -- look for icicle-covered branches at waters' edge. The park re-opens in the winter for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skating. (The skating trail is one of our family's favorite winter activities!)

If being outdoors isn't your thing, there are lots of other options. Why not visit some of Muskoka's award-winning breweries? Most offer tours (and tastings!) year round. The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is beautiful at any time of year and much of it can be viewed from the comfort of your vehicle or with short walks through downtown Huntsville. Local artisans are featured at galleries and shops throughout Muskoka. If you've never made the trip to the Oxtongue Craft Cabin, just a short drive from Colonial Bay near the neighbouring town of Dwight, it's a hidden gem.

Snow making at Hidden Valley Highlands

Of course, this time of year many of us are already thinking about winter and the fun that comes with it. Our local ski hill has been testing their snow-making equipment, turning their small corner of Muskoka into a winter wonderland. 

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Muskoka has lots to offer. We hope you'll visit soon!

The Howell Family

Signs of Spring in Muskoka

The Easter Bunny at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area

Spring may have arrived on the calendar but there’s still some winter left in Muskoka. With Easter weekend falling at the end of March this year, conditions are perfect for a long weekend full of snowy activities that normally aren’t possible at Easter. Local ski slopes and Nordic ski/snowshoe trails are all reporting good spring conditions. It’s not too late to play in the snow one last time! Even the Easter Bunny likes to ski.

He’ll have to take a break for the Annual Muskoka Heritage Place and Nutty Chocolatier Easter Egg Hunt, though. Head over to Muskoka Heritage Place from noon – 1:00 pm on Sunday, March 31. Kids of all ages can embark on a chocolate treasure hunt, searching for the golden eggs to win prizes. Admission is free.

Our recent cold nights and warm days mean another sweet treat is on its way. The maples that provide such a beautiful show in the Fall begun to offer up the beginnings of yummy maple syrup. The best place to buy maple syrup is right at the farm gate of local producers. You can find a list here.

We hope you’re out enjoying the spring weather, no matter what it looks like right now. And summer will be here sooner that you think. Whether you plan to visit Muskoka for the Easter long weekend or once summer weather arrives, we hope you’ll choose to stay with us! You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

With thoughts of Spring,

The Howell Family

It's Winter in Muskoka!

Snow-making at Hidden
Valley Highlands Ski Area 

Winter arrived in Muskoka last week and you know what that means, don’t you? Ski season is right around the corner. Snow making is in full swing at our local slopes and it won’t be long before both downhill and cross-country trails are open.

The Muskoka landscape offers the perfect mix of terrain for skiing: gently rolling hills with the occasional heart-stopping drop for family-friendly and thrill-seeking alpine skiing alike; secluded forests for tranquil cross-country skiing tracks (and snowshoeing too!).

Here’s where you can get your ski on near Colonial Bay:

• 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 this year.

Torchlight Parade, Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area

If you’re planning to be in Muskoka for the holidays this year, 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:

• November 30 – Huntsville Santa Claus Parade – The parade starts at 6:00 p.m. on Main Street in Huntsville
• December 22 – A Portage Flyer Christmas at Muskoka Heritage Place - Ride the Portage Flyer to visit Santa from 5-8pm
• December 22, 23, 28, 29 – SantaFest at Santa’s Village from 11-4 each day - Admission includes horse-drawn sleigh rides, gingerbread cookie decorating, craft making, colouring & letter writing, petting farm, marshmallow roasting, story time and visits with Santa

We hope to see you this holiday season! You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here. (Don’t forget to check out our winter special from December 21-January 7!)

Warm wishes,

The Howell Family

It's Still Winter In Muskoka! (March Break Activities)

Winter hasn’t left us yet. Southern Ontario may be experiencing spring-like conditions, but here in Muskoka we still have lots of snow (and the fun that goes with it!). With March Break only two weeks away, it’s the perfect time to get your winter fix. Here are just a few of activities you can try out over March Break:

Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is open every day of March Break for downhill skiing. Tuesday, March 13 is their annual Boogie With Your Boots On, an all ages dance party and BBQ.

Arrowhead Provincial Park has 29 km of groomed track set cross-country ski trails and 12 km of skate skiing trails. Plus, they have over 6 km of snowshoeing trails, a terrific tubing hill and, new for this year, a skating trail. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available and tubes can be borrowed free of charge (a day-use park permit is required).

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.

Rockridge Tubing Park is open from 10 am to 10 pm every day of March Break. They have 7 groomed runs and a lift to pull you back to the top.

Dogsledding adventures are available at North Ridge Ranch. Advance registration is required.

There are still lots of snowmobile trails open. Check the Trail Conditions before you head out.

Come and visit us for one more winter adventure. You know you want to! Our waterfront cottages offer gorgeous views of the winter landscape and we’re just a short drive away from tons of winter fun! View our availability here.

We hope to see you soon!

The Howell Family

Skiing in Muskoka

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