Muskoka/Parry Sound

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Canada > Central Canada > Ontario > Muskoka/Parry Sound

STAY, DINE, DO: Find a hotel, restaurant or attraction.

Listings to get the most out of the city: where to dine, what to see, where to shop, and more.

The Muskoka Seven: Things To Do from August 15 to 21, 2011

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. (more…)

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from August 8 to 14, 2011

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! (more…)

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from August 1 to 7, 2011

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. (more…)

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from July 25 to 31, 2011

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). (more…)

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from July 18 to 24, 2011

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. (more…)

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, 2011 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.

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from July 11 to 17, 2011

Steven Page plays the Huntsville Festival of the Arts this week

1. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts has a big week. Former Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page is sure to bring the house down when he plays the Algonquin Theatre on July 15. On July 17, the ever-popular Rod Beattie brings his curmudgeonly character Walt Wingfield to town in Wingfield’s Folly.

2. Parry Sound’s biggest annual event kicks off on July 15 as the Festival of the Sound hosts a “piano gala” featuring music by Debussy, Gershwin, Beethoven and more. Four additional concerts and two lectures round out the weekend’s programming. (more…)

Hot Date: Huntsville’s Star-Studded Summer

George Canyon appears at the Huntsville Festival of the Arts on July 14

JULY 2 TO 23, 2011 Popular music gets its due once again as the Huntsville Festival of the Arts returns for its 18th edition. One of Muskoka’s most star-studded events, this year’s festival boasts exciting shows including a kick-off concert by Native American violin and flute master Arvel Bird on July 2, followed by country star George Canyon on July 14, former Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page on July 15, and jazz piano legend Oliver Jones on July 22. Algonquin Theatre, $20 to $48; call 705-789-4975 or click here for a complete schedule and to purchase tickets.

Hot Date: Foodie Favourite

Chef David Friesen is among the Flavours of Muskoka participants (photo by Neill Sturgess)

JUNE 29, 2011 Enjoy an evening of delicacies prepared by top chefs at Flavours of Muskoka. This popular fundraising event has sold out for the past decade—no surprise, as it offers fine fare from more than 40 of the region’s standout restaurants and Ontario wineries. Sample indulgent dishes from such expected participants as chef David Friesen of Bracebridge’s Riverwalk. The evening is fulfilling in more ways than one: proceeds help support Kaleidoscope Arts in Education Programs. The Rosseau, a JW Marriot Resort and Spa, 6 p.m., $75; call 705-765-1048 or click here to purchase tickets.

The Muskoka Seven: Things to do from June 27 to July 3, 2011 (Canada Day Edition)

photo by Meddygarnet

The Canada Day long weekend brings much excitement to the Muskoka region!

1. Friday, July 1 offers sure cause for celebration in Huntsville, which hosts a bevy of Canada Day activities from morning to night. Among the attractions, Muskoka Heritage Place hosts a strawberry social beginning at 10 a.m. And don’t miss the fireworks display over Hunters Bay, starting at dusk.

2. Also on July 1 (and running to July 3) is the annual Bala Antique and Nostalgia Show, which takes place at Bala Arena. More than 40 vendors set up shop at this event, with everything from vintage country furniture to estate jewellery and collectibles. (more…)