Muskoka/Parry Sound

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Canada > Central Canada > Ontario > Muskoka/Parry Sound

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Muskoka/Parry Sound

Welcome to the 2012 edition of Where Muskoka, available now

Throughout the process of working on 2012 issue of Where Muskoka (now available at marinas, resorts and LCBOs throughout the region), I was struck by something Samantha Pynn, interior designer and host of the HGTV Canada show Summer Home, said about how summer homes are all about reconnecting with family and friends. For me, this couldn’t be more true. As much as time at the cottage is about escaping our hectic Monday to Friday routines, turning off the BlackBerry and the email, and unwinding, soaking in the sunshine and swimming in the lake, time up north is always best spent when it’s with the most important people in our lives. (more…)

Hot Date: Bala’s Tangy Affair

OCTOBER 14 TO 16 A tart little fruit that’s native to the region has inspired nearly 30 years of celebrations at the Bala Cranberry Festival. This beloved event honours the harvest with cranberry-related crafting shows and sales, live entertainment, farm tours, and tons of treats—including cranberry cakes and muffins, cookies, conserves and other confections. Or toast the town-wide festivities with a cranberry cocktail or glass of cranberry wine. Admission $3 to $6 (free for children 6 and under); call 705-762-1564 for further details.

Hot Date: Sites to See

Reflections, by Gravenhurst painter David Dawson, an Autumn Studio Tour participant

SEPTEMBER 24 & 25 With the arrival of fall comes another longstanding tradition, as area artists open their doors for the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour. This annual event encourages art lovers to guide themselves on a scenic drive through picturesque northern Ontario with stops along the way at participating studios—a great opportunity to discover what inspires the region’s painters, sculptors, ceramicists, potters, woodworkers, weavers and more. And, of course, be sure to buy a local piece or two. Visit here for a map and more information.

Hot Date: Run for a Cure

Lace up those sneakers for the Terry Fox Run (photo by Timothy Takemoto)

SEPTEMBER 18 The legacy of a Canadian icon lives on this weekend as municipalities across Canada host their annual Terry Fox Run. The fun and inspiring community-based event carries on Fox’s mission to find a cure for cancer. In Muskoka, the village of Windermere welcomes runners, walkers and cyclists to participate in its Terry Fox Run, starting at the Windermere Village Hall, across from the United Church. In conjunction with the event are a barbecue, live music, games and even a silent auction featuring gifts from Muskoka businesses.

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from August 15 to 21

Johnston's Cranberry Marsh (photo by Michael40001 via Flickr)

1. Take one of Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh’s daily guided tours to learn about the growing and harvesting of this regionally renowned fruit. Located in Bala, the farm also produces cranberry wine—tastings are available in addition to the grounds tour.

2. See the iconic Russell deCarle—a founding member of Prairie Oyster—at the Gravenhurst Opera House. The award-winning musician offers classic hits, new tunes and a timeless sound on August 18.

3. Celebrate the music of Bob Marley at the Reggae Muskoka festival on August 20 and 21. The weekend event includes live reggae performances, local vendors and fun events for the entire family.

4. The Algonquin Theatre presents its 22nd annual Night of Harmony on August 20. The concert features the Muskoka Music Men and special guest the Ontario Youth A Capella Chorus.

5. Enjoy a full day of Scottish fun at the Bracebridge Highland Games on August 20. The games include traditional heavy lifting events and a highland dance competition followed by a spirited parade.

6. Toast the season on August 20 with Aromas & Blends—a beer, wine and cocktail event at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre, featuring vendors from different breweries and wineries, and, of course, numerous tasting opportunities.

7. Participate in a guided tour of the Tree Museum and its current exhibition “Items May Shift,” on August 21 at 2 p.m. The exhibition creates “shifts” in sight allowing viewers to better connect with their surroundings.

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from August 8 to 14

Will the wolves be howling this week at Algonquin Park? (photo by White Wolf Photography)

1. Learn about the ecology of wolves at Algonquin Park’s “Wolf Howl.” Attend a slide talk about a wolf’s life history then travel to a designated location where wild wolves may answer to imitations by the park staff. (Weather permitting.)

2. Head out to Annie Williams Park in Breacebridge for Prism Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. The classic comedy is suitable for all ages and opens on August 9.

3. Looking for a laugh? Check out the Cottage Country Comedy Festival featuring a full schedule of comedians performing on August 12 and 13. The line-up includes Mike Wilmot, Gilson Lubin, Kathleen McGee, and many more!

4. Like the Osmonds and the Partridges, the Dodingtons are a multi-generational singing family. The Power and Glory of Music: The Dodingtons in Concert takes place on August 13, with a repertoire of classical songs to current Broadway hits.

5. Juno-winning singer-songwriter Jimmy Rankin performs at the Algonquin Theatre on August 13. The East Coast musician is slated to perform his timeless hits as well as songs from his new album “Here In My Heart.”

6. Don’t miss the last Music on the Barge show of the summer, featuring music from the The Good Brothers, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary in the music business.

7. There’s still lots of summer left to enjoy on the golf course. May we suggest a round at The Ridge at Manitou?

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from August 1 to 7

Take a trip on the Island Queen

1. Pick a pleasant-looking day (blue-skied and sunny, perhaps with a calm little breeze) to enjoy touring the Georgian Bay biosphere on an Island Queen Cruise. Don’t forget your camera—the rugged landscape is definitely worth framing.

2. Take a trip to the English countryside from within the Gravenhurst Opera House, which presents its annual dinner theatre production from August 2 to 13. This year’s show is a hilarious British farce entitled Beyond a Joke.

3. The creativity of local Muskokans is on display August 6 and 7 at the Baysville Riverfront Arts and Crafts Festival, which features the works and wares of more than 80 artists and artisans.

4. Clap your hands and kick up your heels at the Algonquin Theatre—Irish ensemble Caladh Nua entertains Huntsville with traditional Celtic songs on August 4.

5. Bracebridge Triathlon Weekend is August 6 and 7. Cheer on all the racers in six events, including the Olympic-distance triathlon on Sunday.

6. Country music fans can enjoy a tribute to two of the all-time greats in Gravenhurst. This week’s edition of Music on the Barge features a tribute to Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette

7. Wind down from all the week’s activities by booking a massage or beauty appointment at one of the region’s many spas. Wherever you find yourself in Muskoka, it’s likely that one of four Amba Health and Beauty Spas will be nearby.

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from July 25 to 31

See Georgian Bay from the water on a White Squall kayak tour

1. Beat the summer heat and book a kayak tour with White Squall Paddling Centre to glide through the smooth blue waters of the Georgian Bay.

2. The summer harvest is in full swing! Find the freshest Ontario fruits and vegetables for your cottage meals at the Gravenhurst Farmers Market (on Wednesday) and Rosseau Farmers Market (on Friday).

3. Check out the Huntsville Jazz Festival, featuring Phil Nimmons and David Braid. The duo performs July 30 at the Algonquin Theatre—a most promising evening of entertaining jazz music!

4. The Kee to Bala presents three events not to miss this weekend. The line up includes: Cypress Hill on July 29, 54-40 on July 30, and Balapalooza on July 31.

5. Take the whole family for a day at the Muskoka Wildlife Centre, where you can meet and learn about the region’s indigenous fauna—moose, owls, wolves and more.

6. Take part in the 3rd annual MacTier Big Weekend Festival happening from July 31 to August 1. Entertainment, volleyball, fishing and fireworks are some of the many events that the festival boasts on their jam-packed itinerary.

7. Join The Fabulous Knockouts as they rock the Music on the Barge concert series. This fun 60′s band continues the Sunday night concert tradition and is sure to bring great energy and entertainment to the stage.

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from July 18 to 24

Ron Sexsmith

1. Major Canadian talent makes the trip to Muskoka this week, as acclaimed singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith takes the stage for two shows at Peter’s Place Live on July 23 and 24.

2. Check out the latest pleasure crafts and cottage accessories from July 22 to 24, as Gravenhurst’s Muskoka Wharf hosts the annual In-Water Boat and Cottage Show. If all that salivating (at boats) makes you actually hungry, you’re in luck, the Muskoka Cottage Brewery lounge, also on-site, offers a filling Ribfest, too.

3. If you prefer watercrafts with a more classic look, why not considering helming a wooden boat for a few days? Muskoka Launch Livery, based in Port Carling, offers short-term rentals of these vintage-style cruisers.

4. The ever popular Festival of the Sound continues this week, with a variety of fine performances and lectures on classical music taking place at the Charles W. Stockey Centre.

5. Stroll the streets of Bracebridge and get a view of some local visuals—Art in the Heart places artists and artisans in the public spaces of Bracebridge’s historic town all weekend long.

6. Celebrate a Canadian literary icon at Bala’s Museum with Memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery. On July 23, its annual Everything Anne event commemorates Anne of Green Gables with quaint activities, cake and more.

7. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts closes the book on yet another successful year with much-anticipated performances by jazz pianist Oliver Jones on July 22 and Crash Test Dummies on July 23.

Hot Date: Artistic Excellence in Parry Sound

The Charles W. Stockey Centre is one of the region's top performing arts venues

JULY 15 TO AUGUST 7 Sensational sonics are heralded each summer at the Festival of the Sound. In a concert hall that overlooks the lapping waters and pine-dotted islands of Georgian Bay, this year’s concerts are sure to delight both visitors and locals alike. Get set to be serenaded by the complete cycle of Beethoven’s string quartets, or hear the compositions of Liszt and Paganini. Big band jazz and grand choral masterworks are also part of this season’s impressive lineup. Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts, tickets up to $42, some shows free; call 705-746-2410 or click here for showtimes and to buy.