By CRAIG MOY Toronto-trained chef Crymble manages the culinary operations of two restaurants, a bar, a poolside café and room service at The Rosseau, crafting continental and Italian-influenced menus for the resort’s discerning guests. LOCAL BOUNTY A rooftop herb garden supplies some subtle flavours and aromas for summer offerings—basil is particularly favoured for pizzas and [...]

By CRAIG MOY A longtime proponent of the Savour Muskoka culinary initiative, Deerhurst Resort executive chef Rory Golden is committed to filling his menu with seasonal ingredients found close to home. In summer he also highlights the power of the barbecue with lots of grilled meats and vegetables—even grilled desserts. LOCAL BOUNTY You’ve heard of [...]

By CRAIG MOY With her eponymous company, Christine Bib Catering, Chef Bib creates simply prepared, seasonal menus for all manner of clients in both Toronto and the Muskoka region. LOCAL BOUNTY Trout is a favourite ingredient; Bib often serves Milford Bay smoked trout, for example, on a potato latke with crème fraîche and dill, and [...]

If you ever wanted to own a vacation home but didn’t want the hassle of maintaining it, Horseshoe Resort & Village has an offer you can’t refuse. Check out their Copeland House community, which has whole-ownership units (one bedroom, one bedroom plus den, or two bedrooms) starting at $199,900. Best of all, Horseshoe Resort’s stellar amenities, including a golf course, ski hill, [...]

By CRAIG MOY Originally from Niagara-on-the-Lake, chef Brown has spent more than two decades cooking in wine-and cottage-country kitchens (he moved to Parry Sound in 1993). At Kudos Kuisine (one of Where’s best new restaurants of 2011), he combines the skills he developed in Niagara with culinary influences from Northern Ontario, including traditional inspirations from [...]

Colin Hunter knows Muskoka. The local contractor specializes in creating relaxing cottage spaces that have verve and durability. He can bee seen on HGTV Canada’s Summer Home, along with series host Samantha Pynn. Here, he offers his top five tips for cottage renovation. 1. LOOK TO THE FUTURE Envision the end goal for your cottage project. Avoid [...]

Improve your game with technology. Golf apps can help you master specific courses and your swing. GolfLogix (pictured on the right) allows players to zoom in on individual holes and hazards. Among the international database of courses are the Muskoka Highlands, Parry Sound Golf & Country Club, Deerhurst Lakeside course, Muskoka Bay Club and the Lake Joseph Club. Everyday Golf Coach [...]

1. Spinning around the lake in a finely honed wooden boat from Muskoka Launch Livery. 2. Chomping down on a fig and prosciutto sandwich at Huntsville’s Pie Iron Sandwicherie. 3. Gazing up at the stars at the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve.   4. Teeing off at the Rocky Crest Golf Club—its granite outcroppings are as beautiful as they are challenging. 5. Seeing [...]

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 [...]

OCTOBER 14 TO 16, 2011 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. [...]