Water, Water, Everywhere

Muskoka is renowned for its abundance of lakes. Roads meander all over the map avoiding water here and water there so that sometimes it seems the most direct route anywhere is not “as the crow flies” but as the canoe glides.

If you do want to get out on the water, there are many options for canoeing and kayaking in Muskoka, whether you launch from our own beach or travel further afield to explore some of the region’s other waterways. You can find a detailed map of local canoe routes here. (The map covers Algonquin Park, Lake of Bays and north Muskoka as far west as Huntsville.)

Prefer something with a little more speed? Larger watercraft can be rented from local marinas. (But remember that you’ll need a BOATsmart license to operate any type of powered watercraft.)

However you choose to experience Muskoka’s waterways, here are some safety tips to help ensure your trip is pleasantly memorable:

• Wear a life jacket. The law requires you to have one per person in the boat, but remember that a personal floatation device is only helpful if you’re actually wearing it.


• Watch the weather and plan accordingly. Wind and rain can be more than just an uncomfortable inconvenience. High winds can topple a small craft. Heavy rain can quickly fill a hull. And if there’s any sign of lightning, get off the water. In hot weather, hats & sunscreen will help to prevent sunburns and heatstroke.


• Stay within your limits. Keep both your boating skills and the swimming ability of everyone onboard when you plan your route.


• Keep additional safety equipment onboard: a spare paddle, a bailer or water pump, a whistle, navigation lights if you plan to travel after sunset, a throw-line, and a water-tight first aid kit. Duct-tape can be useful for repairs.

As always, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about local activities. Just ask!

The May long weekend is fast approaching and we still have a few cottages available. Call us at 1-800-916-2008 or you can book online here.

We look forward to seeing you this Spring!
Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben & Addie

Easter long weekend

It’s Spring (…really, it is!) and what better way to celebrate both Easter and Earth Day than communing with nature in Muskoka? We’re happy to see signs that Spring has arrived despite a recent dusting of snow. In fact, just in time for Easter, the landscape is looking very much like a Spring bunny: white with patches of brown poking through. Mother Nature has a great sense of humour.

Crocuses and tulips have started popping up in sunny spots, the first tentative buds have begun appearing on the trees, and there’s open water at the shoreline. There’s something magical about the day the ice disappears from the lake and with the forecast calling for a return to double digit temperatures and mainly sunny skies, it won’t be long before the ice is gone.

So other than watching the ice melt, what’s there to do on a spring weekend in Muskoka? The lack of leaf cover on trees makes it a great time to spot wildlife – there are lots of deer sightings right now and the bears are making their first tentative forays from winter dens. Cooler evenings and mornings are great for curling up in front of a fire with a good book or a board game. And there are a few local events happening this weekend if you want to venture further than your Colonial Bay cottage:

• For art enthusiasts and lovers of Algonquin Park, there’s a painting exhibition at the Algonquin Visitor Centre from Friday April 22 to Monday April 25. In the spirit of the Group of Seven, Philip Sworden explores the iconic landscapes of Algonquin Park.


• For hockey fans, the Huntsville Otters host the Dudley Hewitt Cup from April 19-23.


• And for the kids, the Muskoka Heritage Place Annual Easter Egg Hunt is Sunday, April 24 from 12-1. Goodies are provided by The Nutty Chocolatier. And it’s free!

This is one of the few 4-day long weekends of the year (if you’re fortunate enough to have both Good Friday and Easter Monday off) and we have some cottages available. As always, you can book online here.

We look forward to seeing you soon!
Bruce, Nicolle, Luke, Ben and Addie

Twiiter has come to Colonial Bay

Blogging, Twitter and good old fashion face to face conversations - we do it all at Colonial Bay. Today has been a little overcast and some rain but we managed to work on the docks and Andy has his new Legend Boat tied to it. In between showers he has been out exploring Pen Lake and tomorrow will probably boat into Hunstville.
www.twitter.com/colonialbay