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

Muskoka: Fun For Everyone

We love Muskoka and we know that you do, too! Part of its attraction, beyond natural beauty and friendly people, is that there’s something for everyone to do here. Families and singles, young and young-at-heart, two-legged and four-legged friends… there’s an attraction, event or activity to please everyone.

We’re not surprised that National Geographic Magazine included Muskoka in its newly-released book, “100 Places That Can Change Your Child’s Life,” adding to Muskoka’s earlier National Geographic designations as one of the 10 Best Summer Trips in 2011 and one of the Best of the World in 2012. It’s an amazing place for kids to explore, play or just hang out.

Muskoka is also an attractive destination for active seniors and two upcoming events will showcase their skills as athletes: 

• Huntsville welcomes the Ontario 55+ Winter Games from February 26-28. More than 1000 athletes will compete in outdoor and indoor events including Alpine Skiing, Badminton, Curling, Duplicate Bridge, Ice Hockey, Nordic Skiing, Prediction Skating, Table Tennis, Ten Pin Bowling and Volleyball.
• From March 4-10, the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club hosts the 2013 Canadian Masters National Championship at Arrowhead Provincial Park. Skiers aged 30 to 85+ will compete in races from 5km to 20 km in length. Check both websites for the event schedules and come cheer on the athletes!

Family Day weekend just ended – sunny, blue skies and crisp winter air made perfect conditions for outdoor activities – and March Break is just 3 weeks away. If the long-range forecast is to be believed, we’ll still have plenty of snow and balmy winter temperatures for you to ski, snowshoe, and play outside. So get out of the city and come visit for one last winter adventure, why don’t you?

Whether you decide to visit now or when summer makes its glorious return, we’d love to see you at Colonial Bay! You can see the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

The Howell Family