Muskoka Still Has Amazing Winter Conditions

It's been quite the winter so far! Despite unseasonable spring-like temperatures earlier this year, we still have an abundance of snow and amazing conditions heading into March break (March 9-17). Here are just some of the things you can do while you're here:

Alpine Skiing - Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is open every day during March break for skiing and snowboarding. Check out their annual Pancake Breakfast, Dress-Up Day and Puddle Jump on Saturday, March 16. If you go, take some photos and enter the Capture Hidden Valley Highlands contest  - you could win a GoPro camera!

Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing- Both Arrowhead Provincial Park and Algonquin Park have excellent conditions listed for March break.

Skating - Arrowhead's skating trail is longer this year. Have you tried it yet?

Snowmobiling - There are lots of trails still open. Check the interactive trail guide for current trail conditions.

Dog sledding - Flying along behind a pack of exuberant dogs is an amazing experience. If you've never tried dog sledding, check out these local businesses: Call of the Wild Adventures. Snow Forest Adventures, Voyageur Quest, Wilderness Adventures, Chocpaw Expeditions.

Play in the snow - No matter what you do. Winter in Muskoka is fun!

We hope to see you before the season ends. You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

Enjoy the snow!
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

Going To The Dogs In Muskoka

There’s no end to the fun you can have in the snow in Muskoka. We often talk about skiing and snowshoeing and snowmobiling, but this weekend you can experience winter with some four-legged friends. 

Photo by Stacie Morris

It’s the 19^th annual Kearney Dog Sled Races, just a short drive north of Huntsville. In addition to sledding and skijoring races, there’s a whole bunch of family fun happening: kid and mutt races, face painting, an antique snowmobile display and parade, chainsaw carving, musicians, and tons of food!  

To get you in the spirit, here’s some history and info on dog sledding and skijoring:

•  “Sled dogs have coexisted and cooperated in partnership with humans for many thousands of years in the northern regions of North America and Siberia. Archeological evidence puts the earliest date at over 4,000 years ago. Some anthropologists suggest that human habitation and survival in the Arctic would not have been possible without sled dogs.” (International Federation of Sled Dog Sports)
• “The first written account of a race was an informal challenge between travelers on the route from Winnipeg to St. Paul in the 1850s. In 1886, the first Saint Paul Winter Carnival featured sled dog races and ski competitions as part of the festival to glorify the attractions of winter in Minnesota.”
• The most common dog-sledding commands are: Hike (start pulling), gee (veer right), haw (veer left), easy (slow down), whoa (stop) and on by (pass another team or other distraction).
• Skijoring is Norwegian for ski driving. In this sport, a dog (or dogs) pulls a cross-country skier using harnesses and a rope.
• You don’t need to have a Husky to skijor! Any enthusiastic breed that can follow commands will do, including Pointers, Setters, Golden Retrievers, Labs, American Bull Terriers, and Mastiffs.

If you aren’t coming to Muskoka this weekend or want to try dog sledding and skijoring for yourself, check out these local businesses:

• Call of the Wild Adventures
• Snow Forest Adventures
• Voyageur Quest
• Wilderness Adventures
• Chocpaw Expeditions
• The Bike Shop in Gravenhurst

There’s still lots of winter left in Muskoka! Enjoy it while it lasts (and don't forget about one last fling during March break!). If dog sledding and skijoring aren’t your speed, join us at Colonial Bay for other winter activities. You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

Have fun in the snow!
The Howell Family

Family Day Weekend Fun in Muskoka

Family Day Weekend is February 16-18. Here are 10 ways to get outside and celebrate with family and friends in Muskoka:

1. Alpine Skiing – Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is a truly family-friendly ski hill with slopes for all ages and abilities. The Algonquin Outfitters Winter Carnival is back on Sunday, February 17 with fun outdoor activities and demos. Plus, there’s face painting in the chalet by Painted Kids.
2. Cross Country Skiing – Arrowhead Provincial Park has 29 km of track-set, cross-country ski trails and 12km of skate skiing trails. Each trail is rated for difficulty and ranges from beginner to expert. You can rent both classic and skate skis at the fully stocked Park Pro Shop.
3. Skating – Arrowhead Provincial Park’s skating trail is open late Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17. Skate under the stars until 9:00 p.m. (with some added light from tiki torches along the path). A campfire will be roaring to warm fingers and toes or roast some hotdogs and marshmallows. The Cann Lake skating rink, at the corner of Brunel Road and Forbes Hill Drive in Huntsville, will also be open, weather permitting, all weekend for outdoor skating.If you prefer your fun indoors, the Canada Summit Centre has indoor public skating – check the link for the schedule.
4. Family Gold Rush Challenge at the Canada Summit Centre – “This Family friendly outdoor game will have you searching for gold all around the Canada Summit Centre. Be careful though, we've heard that gold bandits have been seen in the area!” Fee of $3.00 per person and minimum requirement of one adult per group.
5. Shopping – When you get tired of playing in the snow, check out some of our local businesses, cafes, and restaurants. Historic Downtown Huntsville has something for everyone: sporting goods, clothing, home décor, candy, toys, art and more!
6. Snowshoeing – Arrowhead Provincial Park has There are over 6km of marked snowshoe trails . Travel along Mayflower Lake or stomp your way to Stubb's Falls. Snowshoe rentals are available at the Park Pro Shop.
7. Biking – Biking in the winter? Yep! You can rent a snowbike from Algonquin Outfitters and tackle snowy trails on two wheels.
8. Art – The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery never closes! That’s because most of the installations are hung outside in public spaces. Wander the streets of Huntsville on foot, or hop in your car to find more art in Algonquin Park, Dorset, Dwight, and Baysville.
9. Winter in the Wild Festival in Algonquin Park - A full day of indoor and outdoor events on Saturday, February 16, 2013. All activities are free with the purchase of a daily vehicle permit (except for food). There’s a guided winter bird walk; a snowshoe winter wildlife excursion; skating with a campfire, and barbecue; winter camping demonstrations; and a night hike wolf howl. Check the link for locations and schedule.
10. Play in the snow! Build a snow family. Build a snow fort and have a snowball fight. Make snow angels. Or make yourself a snow Muskoka chair to sit and enjoy the view.

We hope you have a fantastic long weekend no matter how you choose to enjoy it. And if you need a place to stay, there’s always the waterfront cottages at Colonial Bay! You can view our availability here.

Here’s to winter fun!

The Howell Family

Winter Carnival Fun in Muskoka

Canadians have long embraced winter. We don’t have much choice, really. Mother Nature brings us a hefty dose of snow and cold (some years more than others) and we break trails, build forts, slide down hills and then warm our hands by a roaring outdoor fire. It’s hard to keep us inside.

Kids' fun at the Dwight Winter Carnival

So every new year we look forward to the slate of winter carnivals in January and February to celebrate the best of winter in our communities. These are family-friendly events with activities for everyone to enjoy. The fun kicks off next week in Port Sydney and carries through until the end of February in Gravenhurst.

January 23-27, 56^th Annual Port Sydney Winter Carnival: New this year is Rabbie Burns Night on January 23, complete with a roast beef dinner, haggis and bag pipes. The popular Grand Marche, a showcase of Muskoka restaurants, is back on Friday night. On the weekend, there’s skating, bonfires, face-painting, human curling, music, entertainment, and food, food and more food. (And more! Check out their website for details.)

February 1-3, 46^th Annual Port Carling Winterfest: The weekend is chock full of entertainment including dancing, skating, wagon rides, kids’ activities, competitions and even a Polar Bear Dip.

February 15-16, 23^rd Annual Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival: With tons of outdoor activities, snow sculpting, food, and demonstrations, this carnival is worth the drive to Dorset. Events are still being planned, so check back to their website for more information.

February 21-23, 43^rd Annual Dwight Winter Carnival: Just up the highway from Colonial Bay, the Dwight Winter Carnival is a small but mighty local favorite. They’re still planning events for this year, but in the past we’ve been treated to a dance, demonstrations, dog sledding, mini-snowmobiles, balloon rides and one of the best pie competitions around (and you can even buy one to take home). Check their website soon for more information on this year’s events.

February 22-24, Gravenhurst Winter Carnival: With a demolition derby, polar bear dip, glow in the dark skating, and bed races, the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival has some of the most interesting and entertaining winter carnival events around. Go to their website for a full list of activities and events.

Besides these fun events, winter is a fabulous time to explore the quiet beauty of Muskoka. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through Muskoka’s forests and across its lakes (be sure to check ice conditions first!) are an unparalleled experience. As always, we look forward to having you visit us at Colonial Bay, no matter what time of year. You can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

Stay warm out there!

The Howell Family

2012 at Colonial Bay

It's been a great year here at Colonial Bay. We had wonderful guests, some here for the first time and some familiar faces back to see us again. In every season, Mother Nature delivered gorgeous views and amazing weather to help make everyone's holiday memorable.

Winter Sunset at Colonial Bay

Spring Sunset at Colonial Bay

Summer Waterskiing at Colonial Bay

Fall Colours at Colonial Bay

And we updated our entrance sign with help from Gus at Hilltop Signs (looks good, doesn't it?).

Colonial Bay Cottages new sign

This summer, our guests enjoyed swimming, water skiing, playing in the sand, fishing, kayaking or just relaxing in a Muskoka chair by the beach. Our new Saturn inflatable water toy was a big hit!

Kids flip for Saturn!

Weather conditions were perfect for spectacular Fall colours this year and winter arrived right on time to give us a great start to the ski season (still waiting on a bit more though...come on, Mother Nature!)

Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area

You can view more photos from the past year on our Facebook page (Don't forget to LIKE us if you haven't already!).

We hope your year has been fabulous, too, and we look forward to seeing some of you at Colonial Bay in 2013. As always, you can view the availability of our waterfront cottages here.

Best wishes for a healthy, happy and fun-filled new year!
The Howell Family

Flavours of a Muskoka Christmas

Many holiday traditions center around food: big meals with family and friends, aprés-ski get togethers, potluck parties, or gifts of tasty treats. If you've been looking for some new recipes  to make for your family and friends this year, here are a few from Muskoka to get you started (and you can follow the links for more):

Hot Cranberry Dip (courtesy of Johnston's Cranberry Marsh - you'll find 32 more cranberry recipes here) 2 cups cranberry sauce 3 tbsp horseradish 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper This is one of the many delicious recipes found in June Johnson's "The Cranberry Cookbook – Recipes from 40 years of cooking with cranberries"· She serves this tasty, spicy dip with meatballs, vienna sausage, cut-up wieners or pieces of fruit.· Keep it hot in a chafing dish or an electric warmer. In a medium saucepan, mix all the ingredients together. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 5 minutes to blend flavours. · MICROWAVE: Blend mixture in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Stir and microwave on high for 1 or 2 minutes more stirring after each minute until sufficiently hot. Makes 2 cups The Essential Guide to Making the Perfect Turkey Dinner (from The Muskoka Mirror) This one's too long to include here - follow the link to get the scoop! Decadent Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies (recipe by Cottage Cravings and published in Taste of Muskoka "Favourite Christmas desserts to savour and share" - there are three more dessert recipes at the bottom of the article) Brownie Base 1/2 cup Skor bits 1 cup sugar 1 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup walnuts 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder 1/2 cup melted butter 1/2 cup cream 2 eggs 1 tbsp vanilla Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly grease a 9”x13” baking pan (or line with parchment paper). Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl and mix well. Add wet ingredients to dry mixture and stir until batter is well mixed. Spread batter evenly in baking pan.  Bake for 25 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack. Mint Butter Cream Filling 1/2 cup butter (softened: like the consistency of ice cream) 2 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar 1/2 tsp mint flavour 2 tbsp cream 1/2 tsp green food colour Mix together and beat well. Spread over cooled brownie base. Chocolate Ganache Topping 12 oz. of semi sweet chocolate 1 cup heavy cream 1 candy cane Heat heavy cream until it is just about to boil; remove from heat and pour over chocolate. Stir until completely mixed and glossy. Allow to cool and pour over mint butter cream. Crush candy cane and sprinkle on top. And here are some other tasty and hearty dishes to enjoy from around Muskoka: Winter appetites warmed by hearty comfort foods (published in Taste of Muskoka) Warmth, Soup, Life (published in Muskoka Life) Maple syrup moves beyond the breakfast table (published in Taste of Muskoka) Muskoka Maple Granola from Seasons and Suppers Annie's Meat Sauce and Gnocci (courtesy of That Little Place by the Lights) The holidays are just a few weeks away. We hope to see you at Colonial Bay this winter (click here to view the availability of our waterfront cottages) but wherever you spend your holiday season, we hope it's filled with laughter, love and cheer. Happy Holidays! The Howell Family