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MAP: Our Guide to 16 of Muskoka’s Best Nature Trails and Hiking Destinations

By CHRIS RYALL

Nature takes centre stage in Muskoka with daily performances by 250 species of birds, 50 types of mammals and 25 species of amphibians. Turn off the iPod and open your ears to Muskoka’s natural sounds by hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking through the region National Geographic Traveler selected selected as one of the top 20 “Best Trips of the World” for 2012. No gas required and no stress allowed.

Here, we’ve mapped some of our favourite trails for you to explore (zoom in close to see all the smaller trails).

Red Bull Divide and Conquer Race

Photo by Christian Pondella courtesy Red Bull Content Pool

Get ready to run, bike and paddle your way to glory in the Red Bull Divide and Conquer, a new multi-disciplinary endurance race taking place Jun. 16 on the North Shore. Teams of three cover 70+ km (43+ mi) by mountain running and mountain biking on Grouse Mountain and whitewater kayaking on the Capilano River. Don’t delay: registration is only open until May 15 (or whenever all 100 team spots are full), and this scenic race is sure to be popular with adrenaline junkies and weekend warriors alike.—Sheri Radford

The Great Outdoors

Grab a paddle, lace those hiking boots and ready that fishing pole: Where‘s headed to the North Shore

By Jennifer Patterson

Meghan and Mat glide through the water in brightly coloured rentals from Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak. Photo by KK Law

Get Wet

Water babies feel right at home in picturesque Deep Cove, a short drive from downtown Vancouver and a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Rent a kayak at Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak and glide through the water, up picturesque Indian Arm, to Granite Falls. This photogenic park offers camping spots for multi-day trips. A growing trend with both celebs and weekend warriors: paddle boarding. Stand upright on a long, flat, surf-style board and use a long paddle to manoeuvre through the calm waterways.

Grab a fishing pole and head into the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve for some peaceful trout fishing around Rice Lake. The main dock is usually busy but the three-km- (1.8-mi-) long path around the lake is filled with hidden benches and quiet corners.

Learn about the culture and history of the Coast Salish First Nations on a guided canoe trip through Indian Arm with Takaya Tours. The traditional wood canoes are 7.6 m (25 ft) in length and tours can be customized to include drumming, songs and stories. End your day on the water with a grilled salmon feast, available by request.

Stay Dry

Landlubbers seeking an outdoor escape head north of downtown to kick up dirt on the tree-covered mountains. The 48-km- (30-mi-) long Baden-Powell Trail, a winding stretch through the North Shore Mountains, starts in Horseshoe Bay and ends in Deep Cove. Don’t feel pressured to complete the entire route in one go—an ambitious venture, indeed—as the trail has multiple entry points and smaller trails branching off along the way. A couple of route highlights: the famous Grouse Grind, also known as Mother Nature’s StairMaster; the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge; and Quarry Rock lookout in Deep Cove.

Those with a need for speed grab a mountain bike and burn rubber on backwoods trails. Mt. Seymour, Mt. Fromme and

Meghan and Mat make their way back from Quarry Rock viewpoint on a well-established trail. Photo by KK Law

Cypress Mountain offer paved, gravel and plank-covered paths ranging from relaxed cross-country to extreme downhill. If you’re a first timer looking for a little guidance, companies such as Endless Biking (page 64) can set you up with an instructor and guide.

If a city bike is more your style, 10 km (6 mi) of paved trails await on the car-free Seymour Valley Trailway. Do you have some energy to spare? Peddle the paved roads all the way to the top of both Cypress and Seymour.

Head a little further north, to the Stawamus Chief Park, for hard-core rock-climbing on the second largest granite monolith in the world (think sheer rock face with nowhere to go but up). If you prefer pounding the dirt to dangling from ropes, make your way up and through the mountains via trails, ladders and stairs to either the first, second or third peak. The climb is a bit challenging but the 360-degree views from the top make it well worth the sweat. Before heading back into Vancouver, visit neighbouring Shannon Falls, the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia.

Up in the Air

Challenge your fear of heights on the 137-m- (450-ft-) long Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 70 m (230 ft) above the rushing river. This popular attraction with both visitors and locals added a jaw-dropping new feature this year: the Cliffwalk, a cantilevered and suspended walkway that juts out of a granite cliff face. The faint of heart may balk at the glass-bottomed sections, which offer crystal-clear views of the canyon far below.

Feel the wind beneath your wings as you set flight from the top of Grouse Mountain on a tandem paragliding ride with an elevation drop of 1,000 m (3,300 ft). No experience is required but a sense of adventure is a must.

Gear for Here
Stock up on clothing and equipment, for outdoor adventures both big and small, at Mountain Equipment Co-op and the Arc’teryx Factory Store.

Hot Dates: Gourmet Kayaking Weekends

Dine and paddle on gourmet kayaking tours with Edible Canada

August 12 to 14 or 26 to 28

If undercooked burgers, burnt marshmallows and stale potato chips are your idea of perfect camping food, then this weekend getaway is not for you. If, on the other hand, you like the thought of fine BC wines paired with locally sourced meals prepared by a chef, then read on. Edible Canada welcomes paddlers of all abilities on gourmet kayaking weekends throughout the summer. Participants paddle through the beautiful Gulf Islands, seeing bald eagles, blue herons and harbour seals along the way. Choose your preferred level of roughing it—either beach camping or B&B accommodations—but be sure to book early, as these popular trips sell out every year with eager gastronomes and oenophiles.—Sheri Radford

The Great Outdoors

Wondering what to do on your Whistler vacation? Where has you covered on the hunt for sunny summer fun

By Jennifer Patterson

Ziplining through the trees with WildPlay Element Parks. Photo courtesy WildPlay Element Parks

Channel your inner daredevil with a ride on mountain bike jumps and runs in Skiers’ Plaza. If you’re looking for something a little more easygoing, rent a bike to explore smoother, less vertical terrain, as mountain biking is the summer sport here.
Harness your adventurous spirit and hop on the back of a 4×4 vehicle to join expert Michael Allen on a bear watching tour, including stops at favourite feeding sites and daybeds—don’t forget your camera! Channel John Wayne on your own trusty steed with a horseback ride through the wild countryside. Prefer horsepower to horses? Kick up some dust in the backcountry on a quad or dirt bike.
Feed your adrenaline rush with a free-falling plunge off a bungee jump. Slightly more sane individuals go ziplining through the trees. For the even saner, glass-bottomed cabins on two of the Peak 2 Peak Gondolas offer enough of a thrill—and don’t require harnesses.
Find your inner Zen master with a day of peace and tranquillity on the stunning golf courses and fish-filled rivers. For a quiet getaway, rent a canoe or kayak, don some life jackets and explore the pristine lakes. Nature enthusiasts breathe the crisp mountain air while hiking the meadows and trails surrounding Whistler.
Have your camera at the ready, as aerial sightseeing tours and helicopter rides provide snap-happy shutterbugs and sightseers the perfect opportunity to capture the sweeping panorama.
If you haven’t tired of the snow, strap on your skis and snowboards and head to the Horstman Glacier, open through July for sun-filled summer skiing.
For activities listings, click here.

You Are Here: Denman Street

This popular hub of activity along English Bay offers tasty food, sweet treats and great summer activities

By Kendra Wong

Beetroot salad at Raincity Grill

DOWN BY THE BAY
Satisfy seafood cravings at some of the city’s favourite bayside eateries. Enjoy gourmet Alaskan king crab, sablefish and lobster ravioli at seafood destination 1 The Boathouse. During the hot summer days, chill out on the patio at 2 Milestones Grill and Bar with one of the famous bellinis. 3 Raincity Grill (pictured, right) offers a great view of English Bay and serves classic seafood dishes including seared BC albacore tuna and goat cheese cannelloni.

SWEET TASTE OF SUMMER
After a walk along the beach, cool down with some delicious treats. Indulge in customized ice cream orders at 4 Marble Slab Creamery. Step into 5 Cupcakes for an assortment of flavours ranging from chocolate to coconut. Head to 6 Qoola Frozen Yogurt and try the refreshing green tea
flavour.

GET YOUR SPORT ON
Enjoy kayaks or paddle boats—complete with rentals and lessons—or take a guided tour of Vancouver’s shoreline with 7 Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre.

Inukshuk at English Bay. Photo by Andy Mons courtesy Tourism Vancouver

SOMETHING FOR NOTHING
Seeking an activity that doesn’t cost a penny? Take a dip in the Pacific Ocean, go suntanning with friends—don’t forget your sunscreen—or enjoy a breathtaking sunset. A short walk along the beach takes you to the 6-m- (20-ft-) tall Inukshuk stone monument (pictured, left).

The south end of Denman Street is just a short walk from downtown. Or hop on the #5 bus heading west on Robson Street.

Go Play Outside

Bring a sense of adventure on these outdoor escapes

By Jennifer Patterson

No matter what type of activity you’re after, Where has you covered.
Daredevil cyclists barrel down the jumps and runs in Skiers’ Plaza. Looking for something not as reckless? Rent a bike to explore smoother, less vertical terrain, as mountain biking is the summer sport here.

Views abound on Whistler's biking and hiking trails. Photo by Toshi Kawano courtesy Tourism BC

Animal lovers feel at home on a dog sled as a team of huskies leads a snowy alpine ride. Hop in the back of a 4×4 vehicle and join expert Michael Allen on a bear watching tour, including stops at favourite feeding sites and daybeds—don’t forget your camera! Channel John Wayne on your own trusty steed with a horseback ride through the wild countryside. Prefer horsepower to horses? Kick up some dust in the backcountry on a quad or dirt bike.
Adrenaline junkies get their fix with a bungee jump, while slightly more sane individuals go ziplining through the trees. For the even saner, glass-bottomed cabins on two of the Peak 2 Peak Gondolas offer enough of a thrill—and don’t require harnesses.
Shutterbugs and sightseers, have your cameras at the ready: aerial sightseeing tours and helicopter rides provide the perfect opportunity to capture the sweeping panorama.
Those seeking peace and tranquillity need look no further than the stunning golf courses and fish-filled rivers. For a quiet getaway, rent a canoe or kayak, don some life jackets and explore the pristine lakes. Nature enthusiasts breath the crisp mountain air while hiking the meadows and trails surrounding Whistler.
Snow bunnies can still strap on skis and snowboards, as Horstman Glacier is open through July for sun-filled summer skiing.
For activities listings, click here.

Door to Dock

Do it all from the water this boating season—dine, shop, sightsee and more. Landlubbers need not apply. By Meaghan Lamb

The Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts

PARRY SOUND
The summer population quadruples in this town on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay. Culture-seeking boaters can cruise into the world’s deepest natural freshwater port and hop ashore to the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts, while the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame celebrates the region’s favourite hockey legend.

HUNTSVILLE
See outdoor murals inspired by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven in the town that plays host to the 2010 G8 Summit. Scout out The Finds, Wooden Penny and Nutty Chocolatier. Style the whole family at Big Bear Outfitters (64 Main St. E., 705-788-1351), The Village Shop or Muskoka Jewellery Design.

BOATING FOR BEGINNERS
Take a few paddling lessons and you’ll be skimming the lakes in no time.
>> White Squall is the place for kayak touring. Take both beginner- and advanced-level classes starting at $60 for two and a half hours, or request a private session.
>> Algonquin Outfitters boasts daily canoe and kayak programs at its Huntsville location situated on the water’s edge.

Try a White Squall paddling adventure

BRACEBRIDGE
Water has been an integral part of the area’s history with the North Falls acting as a source of hydraulic power. Tie up at Bracebridge Bay Park in the heart of downtown and get fashionable at Tiggs Clothiers, have Christmas in July at The Gingerbread House and be spoiled for choice selecting cupcakes at Sweet Aroma. For leisurely pursuits, visit Applause! Toy Store, Readers World and the Norwood Theatre (106 Manitoba St., 705-645-2333).

ROSSEAU
Sing your heart out while coming into the Rosseau wharf as holidaymakers did when arriving on the steamships a century ago. Peruse The Craft Room Rosseau or the Farmers’ Market (at Short Street) on Fridays.

FULL SERVICE
>> Port Sandfield Marina offers watercraft rentals, fuel, repairs, servicing and detailing on-site, as well as storage. Shop the Boathouse for clothing, footwear and boating accessories or grab a coffee or ice cream.
>> Pride Marine Group has four marinas under their umbrella here—Pride of Muskoka, Pride of Muskoka West, Pride of Lake of Bays and Pride of Rosseau—each of which provide service seven days a week, gas, as well as new and used boat sales.
>> Skeleton Lake Marina sells new and used boats as well as servicing and repairing many styles of boats. No boat? Rent one and have it delivered to your lake.

Steamships glide through Port Carling

PORT CARLING
Cruise through the locks from lakes Muskoka to Rosseau where you’ll find pleasant respite at the “Hub of the Lakes.” Dock at Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill (123 Medora St., 705-765-1753) for a lunch of burgers, salads, beer-battered fish and chips and more. Grab the necessities from Tommy Bahama before rejoining the water world.

MUSKOKA WHARF
The $170 million rebirth of this wharf in Gravenhurst meanders the length of the waterfront. Find docks, marinas, dining, boutiques, lodging, heritage facilities and the homeport of the Muskoka steamships. Berth your own vessel and promenade along the boardwalk.

Hot Shopping: Gear Up

High-performing, high-quality gear is available at Mountain Equipment Co-Op

With Canada’s rugged landscape, it’s little wonder one of our largest sporting equipment stores started in Vancouver. Find apparel and gear for every conceivable adventure, including watersports, cycling, skiing, climbing and hiking, at Mountain Equipment Co-Op, a local institution since 1971. The store stocks kayaks, luggage and backpacks (pictured), too.—Kristina Urquhart