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Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre

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 June 27 to July 3 (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.

3. Or if you find yourself in Gravenhurst over the weekend, be sure to stop by the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre to witness the construction of an eight-foot-long replica of the RMS Segwun steamship, made entirely out of Lego!

4. Even after Canada’s 144th birthday bash, you can keep your weekend rocking with Canadian music legend Kim Mitchell, who plays The Kee to Bala on July 2.

5. Art lovers are not forgotten either—from July 1 to 4, Sean George Pressed Glass presents its 10th annual Muskoka Antique Glass Show and Sale at Port Carling Memorial Community Centre. Here you’ll find many unique examples of early functional and decorative glassware.

6. In Parry Sound, concertgoers get two energetic acts for the price of one on July 2, as the Stockey Centre presents a Jazz 2 Funk” show featuring the Skyliners Big Band and award-winning fusion group Coldjack.

7. The ever-popular Huntsville Festival of the Arts officially kicks off July 2 with a performance by renowned Native American musician Arvel Bird, whose tunes combine the influence of Appalachian, bluegrass, Celtic, blues and even classical styles.

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from May 23 to 29

Visit the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre at Muskoka Wharf

1. Spend a sunny day exploring the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. The waterfront village boasts a handful of shops and restaurants, a lovely lakeside boardwalk, and the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre.

2. If on-water activities aren’t your cup of tea, consider buying a road or mountain bike and get pedalling around the Muskoka region. Ecclestone Cycle in Bracebridge and The Bike Shop in Gravenhurst are among the area’s respected purveyors.

3. Investigate the recently renewed dining options at Windermere House. Its restaurants are now operated by leading fine-dining and event management company Oliver and Bonacini, ensuring culinary excellence at the property’s Windermere Pub, Rosseau Grill and PJ’s Lounge.

4. The concert season is getting underway at Parry Sound’s Charles W. Stockey Centre. On May 27, catch a performance by award-winning female folk/pop duo Dala.

5. Help support the Huntsville Festival of the Arts at its annual May Marché. The event, at Deerhurst Resort on May 27, offers an evening of food sampling from acclaimed area restaurants, as well as wines and spirits, and a silent auction.

6. Make a splash with the kids by taking them to Port Severn’s Just Add Water Festival, from May 27 to 29. It features musical performances, a creative artists market, educational activities and much more.

7. Catch a highly anticipated show at Peter’s Place Live—Dave Matthews Band collaborator Tim Reynolds brings his unique guitar stylings to Muskoka on May 29.

Weekend Roundup: May 28 to 30

The Muskoka region melds the glory of nature with modern convenience and amenities. Experience it all this weekend!

Saturday: Spend time at Muskoka Wharf

Friday, May 28
On your way north, stop in at Bayfield Mall to stock up on necessities. More than 70 stores—including Winners, Canadian Tire, Price Chopper and Pharma Plus—help ensure you’re prepared for any situation.

Take in stunning greens, tall trees and expansive Muskokan vistas while challenging yourself to a round of golf at North Granite Ridge.

Saturday, May 29
Head to Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst to stroll along the boardwalk, investigate the the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre or indulge in dining and shopping. Kids can frolic in the playground and water-play area.

Enjoy modern artists’ interpretations of works by the Group of Seven and Tom Thompson—more than 40 pieces are displayed at Huntsville’s Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery.

Sunday, May 30
View Ontario wildlife at indoor facilities and while venturing across 50 acres of walking trails. The Muskoka Wildlife Centre is an interactive learning park for all ages where furry woodland creatures make for a memorable trip.

Browse the shelves of The Bookcase, an independent bookstore housed in a Huntsville historic building, and pick up a new tome or an old favourite to read on a quiet cottage-country evening.

Weekend Roundup, September 4 to 7

Things to do in Muskoka don’t dwindle down even as summer does. Our special four-day itinerary offers much to do over the Labour Day long weekend.

Explore the vast expanse of Algonquin Park this weekend (photo by Craig Moy).

Explore the vast expanse of Algonquin Park this weekend (photo by Craig Moy).

Friday, September 4
Discover what happens when art and agriculture come together at Muskoka Place Gallery‘s Harvest Muskoka exhibition, featuring artwork capturing the region’s crops and food production.

Choose the perfect outfitting package at Portage Store for your long-weekend hiking trip through Algonquin Provincial Park.

Saturday, September 5
Learn about the role of women in boating in Boat Builders of Muskoka: Past and Present, a display on the elements of design, building and production of wooden boats, at Gravenhurst’s Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre.

Bite into a succulent lobster tail–topped rib-eye medallion while dining on the waterside patio at Blackburn’s Steakhouse in Huntsville.

Sunday, September 6
In Haliburton, admire the breathtaking view of the Algonquin Highlands from the vantage point of the 100-foot high Dorset Tower.

Pick up jars of creamy maple butter from Bracebridge’s Maple Orchard Farms—a perfect gft for your friends back home.

Monday, September 7
Get an early start on Christmas at Santa’s Village and Sportsland in Bracebridge, where you’ll shriek with delight while riding Rudolph’s Sleigh Ride roller coaster.

End the weekend by lounging in your Muskoka chair dockside, nose buried in a novel by Muskoka author Christina Kilbourne, available at The Gravenhurst Book Store.