Teeing it Up in Muskoka

Muskoka’s landscape – with its abundance of rocky outcroppings, trees and water - makes for some stunning (and sometimes challenging) golfing. Whether you’re looking to just hit a few buckets of practice balls at the driving range or want to play 18 on a world-class golf course, you’ll find just what you’re looking for within a short distance of Colonial Bay.

Right across the road from Colonial Bay is The Acres Driving Range. It’s a well-marked range with both natural grass or mats on the elevated tee deck. They have natural target greens and bunkers to aim at (or avoid!). Clubs are available to rent and lessons are available by appointment.

A short drive to the west down Highway 60 are the two courses at Deerhurst resort. The Highlands is a majestic, world-renowned course that offers challenging lies and gorgeous views. Deerhurst’s Lakeside course is a good choice for beginners and families or anyone who wants to play a quick game.

Further west along Highway 60 are ClubLink’s Grandview courses: the 18-hole Mark O’Meara and a 9-hole Academy course. The Mark O’Meara offers spectacular views of Fairy Lake from a course that winds through granite outcroppings and towering trees. The Academy course is ideal for a quick round or a game with kids.

The historic Huntsville Downs course opened in 1925 and was originally designed by the legendary Stanley Thompson. Huntsville Downs is playable by inexperienced golfers but still challenging for more experienced players. They offer the option to play 9 or 18 holes and, in truly family-friendly fashion, let’s kids under 12 play free when playing with an adult (starting July 9 – contact the course for full details).

Bigwin Island Golf Course (pictured above) provides a unique experience for golfers: the course is on an island in Lake of Bays and is accessible only by water or air. Public play is available in the spring and fall: Monday to Friday after 10 am or Saturday and Sunday after 1 pm in May, June, September and October. Check their website for information on tee times and access to the island.

There are more courses further afield in Port Sydney, Bracebridge, Port Carling, Windermere and Gravenhurst. You’ll find a comprehensive list at Explorers’ Edge. Why not head out for a round the next time you stay at Colonial Bay? And when you return to your waterfront cottage, a Muskoka chair on the beach will be waiting for you.

Happy golfing!

The Howell Family

It’s Spring in Muskoka!

Mother Nature was sure in a hurry to be done with winter this year. Spring arrived with a week of summer-like temperatures that melted the snow so fast it seemed to vaporize. We’ve since returned to more seasonable temperatures but there’s hardly a patch of snow to be found anywhere and the ice is gone from most of the lakes already.

In this in-between season, after the winter sports are done and before the lakes are warm enough for watersports, you might wonder what there is to do in Muskoka in the Spring. (Hint: there's lots!) Check out some of the activities below for some ideas to get you started.

Golf – With the early arrival of spring, some area golf courses are already open. You can find a list of local courses here. Contact them for their Spring hours of operation.

Cycling - Get out your bike and take advantage of cooler temperatures and lighter traffic! Check out the Bike Muskoka website for routes and maps

Hiking – Spring is a fabulous time to go hiking! Less foliage means more wildlife viewing opportunities. Click here for our list of suggested trails.

Art – The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

Downtown Huntsville – After you’ve explored all of the murals in the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, why not check out some of historic downtown Huntsville’s shops and cafes?

Local History – Head just south of downtown and learn about Muskoka history at The Muskoka Museum at Muskoka Heritage Place. It’s open Monday to Friday from 10-4 (The Pioneer Village and train open for the season on May 19).

The Easter long weekend is just around the corner. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore Muskoka in the Spring. If you decide to visit, make sure you take advantage of this special offer from Explorers’ Edge:

Explorers’ Edge Fuel & Fun package - Book a 2-night minimum consecutive stay before March 31, 2012 for a getaway in Explorers’ Edge between April 3, 2012 and May 17, 2012 at participating Accommodation Providers and YOU COULD BE 1 OF 500 TRAVELERS TO RECEIVE A $50 GAS CARD AND $50 IN TRAVEL VOUCHERS!

We are one of the participating accommodations! You can see the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

We hope you’ll visit us this Spring!

The Howell Family