Ice is Nice (but be safe out there)

Muskoka’s landscape is dramatically different in the winter. Snow-covered branches replace the fiery foliage of fall and the lakes become a frozen expanse of ice. One of the highlights of visiting a lake community in the winter is heading out on the ice for a variety of activities. Rinks get cleared for skating and impromptu games of shinny. Ice fishing huts create mini-villages where there were once rafts and boats. Tracks from snowmobiles and cross-country skis crisscross the lake.

But all that fun on the ice does have risks and it’s important to know how to stay safe. Clear, hard new ice (usually blue-coloured) is safest. White or opaque ice is weaker and should be treated with caution. Ice that has a honeycombed look (common in the spring or if there is a thaw) should be avoided completely.

When possible, measure the thickness of the ice before venturing out. Ice less than 3 inches thick is unsafe and should not be travelled on. At 4 inches, the ice is safe for ice fishing, walking and cross-country skiing. At more than 5 inches, one-way snowmobile and ATV traffic is okay. But remember that ice doesn’t freeze uniformly. Even 10 feet away from a safe area, the ice could be thinner.

Regardless of the ice thickness, you should always stay away from permanent structures on the ice like docks and boathouses. The ice around these can be weak and should be considered unsafe. Also avoid slushy ice, ice that has thawed and then refrozen, pressure ridges or cracks, and layered or ‘rotten’ ice due to sudden temperature changes. Also avoid areas with lots of snow - heavy snowfall insulates and may even melt existing ice.

This winter, we have seen fluctuations in temperature from above 0C to below -20C. That means that ice in some areas should be treated with extreme caution. Always check the conditions before heading out and “if you don’t know, don’t go”. Choose another location for your activity instead.

Being out on the ice can be an amazing experience. Just remember to stay safe out there.

Do you have fond memories of being on the ice in Muskoka? Leave us a comment to tell us about it!

The Howell Family

Remember Summer?

Winter is cold. Sometimes it’s really cold. Like in January, the coldest month of the year in these parts. So despite the balmy weather we've had this winter, we shouldn't be surprised when the thermometer dips down to -25C (that's -13F for our American friends). Even though we love winter at Colonial Bay, those temperatures make us wish for some summer fun and sun.

In case you’ve forgotten, here’s what summer in Muskoka looks like:

And this:

And this too:

Tubing, water skiing and surfing. Canoeing and kayaking. Relaxing in a Muskoka chair with warm sand between your toes. Roasting marshmallows over a campfire. Falling asleep to the call of the loons. However you choose to spend it, summer in Muskoka can't be beat. (If you don't believe us, just ask National Geographic or the Toronto Star. But really, you should just take our word for it.)

We’ve already started taking summer reservations for our waterfront Muskoka cottages. Will we see you at Colonial Bay this year?

Thinking warm thoughts,

The Howell Family

10 Things To Do In Muskoka This Year

Happy New Year from Colonial Bay!

There’s something about a new year that brings out the list maker in us all. Resolutions are made (and broken) and “Best of ” and “Top 10” lists start cropping up as we look back at the past twelve months.

In that tradition, we offer a list of ten things you must do in Muskoka in 2012. Well, you don’t have to, but just think what you’ll be missing out on if you don’t.

1. Try bungee surfing

2. Taste the corn roast at Colonial Bay

3. Try skijoring or dog sledding

4. Check out a festival – Film, Literary, Cranberry, and more!
5. Ride the Portage Flyer
6. Get to know the Group of Seven
7. Visit a local farmers’ market or farm and sample Muskoka’s finest produce
8. Pick wild blueberries
9. See the fall colors
10. Watch a sunrise and sunset from the dock (at Colonial Bay of course!)

Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!
The Howell Family

'Tis the Week Before Christmas (A Plea to Santa)

‘Tis the week before Christmas and all through Muskoka
We’re watching the skies for falling white snow ‘cause
We want to go skiing and sledding downhill
But instead of the white stuff there’s green grass here still.

We could hurtle down rocks like those guys in the Alps
But we really don’t think that it’s going to help.
We’d rather be skiing in powdery snow
With blue skies above and frozen lake down below.

So Santa, we’re begging you. Help us out here.
Just bring us some snow for Christmas this year.
Our skis, boards and blades are all ready to go
As soon as you send us some glorious snow.

Your magic can make the snow perfect to slide on.
Mother Nature? Who needs her? She can’t be relied on.
(If she’s listening, we’re sorry. Please don’t be mad.
It’s just that we want to go skiing so bad. )

You need snow too, Santa. Think of your reindeer.
If they can’t bring presents, it won’t be a great year
For kids in Muskoka with no snow and no gifts…
You know how kids are, they’re sure to be miffed.

Your very existence could well be at stake.
We’re begging you please not to make that mistake.
With Facebook and Twitter the story will spread
And kids round the world will think Santa is dead.

So please, you must do whatever it takes
To bring us some snow for our hills and our lakes.
Thanks a lot Santa. Please save the day.
Merry Christmas to you from Colonial Bay!

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

Bring on the snow!

While many people think of Muskoka as a summer destination with water sports, hiking or just basking in the sun, it’s just as fun to be here in the winter. Here are some of the ways you can play in the snow in Muskoka:

Downhill Skiing
Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is just a short drive from Colonial Bay. 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 until March 30 2012 during scheduled times (a fee applies) plus they offer a Free Family Skate on Sunday afternoons from January 22 to February 12 on Cann Lake near Muskoka Heritage Place.
Arrowhead Park 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.

Tubing
Rock Ridge Tubing Park in Huntsville has thrilling runs with lifts to haul you back up to the top. And when you need a break, warm up by the fire pit or in the snack bar. A fee applies to access the runs.

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.

Now we just need Mother Nature to bring us some snow…

The Howell Family

Do Moose Hibernate?

Ever wonder where Muskoka’s most iconic animals go in the winter? We do get a lot of snow, making it a fabulous place for winter play if you’re human. But what about all of our furry and feathered friends?

The Loon, perhaps the smartest of the bunch, heads south. Sort of. There are reports that Muskoka’s loons head…east. To the Atlantic Ocean. Or sometimes south to the Great Lakes. No Florida sun for these beauties. Maybe they're not so smart after all. Regardless, they head back to Muskoka in April, sometimes flying back and forth between here and their winter homes several times before finding open water to call home for the summer.

Moose, on the other hand, are perfectly adapted to living in our wintry northern wonderland. Their long legs make trekking through deep snow a breeze, although they often prefer to hang out in or near a forest where the snow isn’t as deep and there are lots of tasty twigs to munch on. The forest also provides cover from the heat of winter. That’s right, the heat. A moose in winter coat starts to pant if the temperature rises above -5C and they really don’t begin to feel the cold until the thermometer drops down to -30C.

Black Bears are the laziest of our local critters, spending 5-6 months of the year hibernating. They head for winter dens sometime in November and don’t emerge until April when the snow is well on its way to becoming part of the lake.

Raccoons are also on the lazy side, hibernating for a good part of the winter, often in family groups. If we have a warm spell, however, they will emerge from their dens to see what kind of havoc they can wreak.

Beavers, the most industrious of our local animals, build lodges that help to keep the colony warm in winter. They stash piles of wood in deep water near the lodge to sustain them through the winter. Underwater exits from the lodge allow them to swim under the ice to get to their food while keeping away from predators at the surface. They even store fat in their tails for winter energy.

Humans over-winter quite nicely in Muskoka, not by storing extra fat (although that sometimes happens), but by adding multiple layers of clothing and participating in a variety of both indoor and outdoor pastimes to stay warm. At Colonial Bay, you can relax in front of a cozy fire after a day spent playing in the snow. Muskoka has abundant opportunities for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, skating and snowmobiling. If you’ve never experienced Muskoka in the winter, why not try it this year?

See you soon!
The Howell Family