Get your five-day weather

model trains

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from June 13 to 19

The candy cane fountains at Santa's Village

1. There’s only six months until Christmas! See how Saint Nick’s preparing for his 2011 toy delivery—or perhaps he’s still relaxing in the Muskoka sun—by visiting Santa’s Village, where kids can ride the Christmas ball ferris wheel, cool off under candy cane showers, get crafty in the elves’ workshop and more.

2. Witness the Kee to Bala be transformed into the “dogg pound” as legendary rapper Snoop Dogg enlivens cottage country with his distinctly brand of West Coast hip hop on June 17.

3. If you can handle the black flies and mosquitoes—and really, if you’re in Muskoka, that should be a given—then consider planning a camping trip to really experience the Canadian Shield. Well-known retailers like Algonquin Outfitters and Muskoka Outfitters can equip you with all the latest outdoorsy gear.

4. All aboard! Locomotive enthusiasts are sure to get a kick out of the Huntsville Train Station Society’s first annual model train exposition, June 18 and 19. Numerous demonstrations and working layouts allow guests to explore the history and artistry of creating model trains and tracks.

5. The golf course is sure to be calling dads—and perhaps moms, too—as Fathers Day approaches on June 19. Why not give him the gift of a round at the Muskoka Bay Club?

6. Enjoy some quality time June 19 at Butson’s Boat Shop, which hosts a build-a-boat challenge and race (plus barbecue lunch) for dads and their children. While you’re at it, check out the shop’s own finely honed wooden boats on a tour of the facilities.

7. The time-honoured concert tradition, Music on the Barge, starts up for another season. The Gravenhurst music series features bands that perform on a floating platform on Gull Lake. The Muskoka Concert Band and Muskoka Big Band kick things off on the evening of June 19.

Weekend Roundup, August 6 to 8

Weekends in Muskoka are always packed with music, art and outdoors activities. This one’s no different. Get out there and enjoy it!

Climb aboard the M.V. Chippewa

Friday, August 6
What better way to start the weekend than with a Baroque on the Boat morning cruise? Allow the Festival Winds to serenade you aboard the M.V. Chippewa, departing from Parry Sound.

Spend a rockin’ night in Gravenhurst with the Holmes Brothers. The acclaimed roots-R&B-gospel-blues band stages a barn-burning show at Peter’s Place.

Saturday, August 7
Enjoy a true Woodland Art Experience in the scenic gardens, courtyards and rooms of Wood’s End Studios, where 25 artists display and discuss their excellent work. A garden luncheon is catered by North Restaurant.

Explore the world of locomotives at the Muskoka Model Train Show. At the Bracebridge Fairgrounds, peruse the collections of train enthusiasts, vendors and manufacturers, earn souvenirs and door prizes, and nibble on barbecue fare.

Sunday, August 8
Assemble at Annie Williams Park to cheer on the competitors in the Bracebridge Triathalon. You’ll be amazed by these athletes as they swim, cycle and run for glory.

Finish the day right with Endless Summer Live, a California-inspired show, part of Gravenhurst’s Music on the Barge festival.