Parry Sound

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

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.

3. The creativity of local Muskokans is on display August 6 and 7 at the Baysville Riverfront Arts and Crafts Festival, which features the works and wares of more than 80 artists and artisans.

4. Clap your hands and kick up your heels at the Algonquin Theatre—Irish ensemble Caladh Nua entertains Huntsville with traditional Celtic songs on August 4.

5. Bracebridge Triathlon Weekend is August 6 and 7. Cheer on all the racers in six events, including the Olympic-distance triathlon on Sunday.

6. Country music fans can enjoy a tribute to two of the all-time greats in Gravenhurst. This week’s edition of Music on the Barge features a tribute to Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette

7. Wind down from all the week’s activities by booking a massage or beauty appointment at one of the region’s many spas. Wherever you find yourself in Muskoka, it’s likely that one of four Amba Health and Beauty Spas will be nearby.

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

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.

3. If you prefer watercrafts with a more classic look, why not considering helming a wooden boat for a few days? Muskoka Launch Livery, based in Port Carling, offers short-term rentals of these vintage-style cruisers.

4. The ever popular Festival of the Sound continues this week, with a variety of fine performances and lectures on classical music taking place at the Charles W. Stockey Centre.

5. Stroll the streets of Bracebridge and get a view of some local visuals—Art in the Heart places artists and artisans in the public spaces of Bracebridge’s historic town all weekend long.

6. Celebrate a Canadian literary icon at Bala’s Museum with Memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery. On July 23, its annual Everything Anne event commemorates Anne of Green Gables with quaint activities, cake and more.

7. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts closes the book on yet another successful year with much-anticipated performances by jazz pianist Oliver Jones on July 22 and Crash Test Dummies on July 23.

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 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

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.

3. No more excuses—summer’s sun ought to have warmed up the Muskoka lakes by now! Get out and enjoy some on-water fun. If you’re in need of new gear for waterskiing or wakeboarding, Bush’s Sports Centre in Bala has you covered.

4. Has all that activity made you a bit sore? Why not book a relaxing massage at one of the region’s lauded resort spas, like Indulgence, the Spa at Taboo or Touch Spa at Touchstone on Lake Muskoka.

5. No one need be afraid of the dark on July 15, as downtown Huntsville closes its main strip to traffic and lights up the evening with its annual Firefly Festival, which features live music, food and more beneath the stars.

6. The region’s oldest and largest outdoor art exhibition opens this week in Bracebridge, as the 49th edition of the Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show brings together more than 200 artists and craftspeople—not to mention many more art lovers—from July 15 to 17.

7. Gravenhurst’s ongoing Music on the Barge concert series offers what’s sure to be a popular act on July 17—tribute band Hotel California lovingly recreates the laid-back pop-rock sound of The Eagles.

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 June 6 to 12

Laugh along with Robin Duke and the rest of the "Women Fully Clothed"

1. The delightful dames of Women Fully Clothed—Robin Duke, Jayne Eastwood, Kathryn Greenwood and Teresa Pavlinek—bring their humorous yet affecting stories to cottage country. See their latest show, Older and Hotter, on June 10 at the Gravenhurst Opera House.

2. View and purchase the works of 20 fine artists and craftspeople while partaking in the annual Muskoka Lakes Spring Art Tour on June 11 and 12. This self-directed jaunt takes art lovers to the studios and galleries of creators in Bracebridge, Bala, Port Carling and more. Click here for a map.

3. Don’t miss a chance to check out hundreds of vintage vehicles at the annual Antique and Classic Car Show, taking place June 11 at Gravenhurst’s Gull Lake Park.

4. The lake gets more exciting when you’re zipping around on water skis or a wakeboard. Stock up on all the top-brand equipment at such retailers as the Rosseau Board Shops at Muskoka Lakes Marine, then jump in and make some waves!

5. After all that merrymaking, you’ll want to refuel. Why not grab some gourmet casual fare from Crossroads Pub and Grill, where chefs Richard and Julie Lalonde serve up fine Muskoka lunches, dinners and mid-afternoon bites.

6. For once in your life, when someone tells you to “take a hike,” you can do just that: the Muskoka region offers no fewer than four provincial parks, one national park, and thousands of acres of pristine nature to explore. If you’re near Parry Sound in particular, why not spend the day at Killbear Provincial Park.

7. Though the sun stays out for a long time during the Muskoka summer, when it does go down you have an excellent opportunity to kick back, relax and contemplate the night sky. The regions best spot for stargazing? Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve, a huge swath of land that’s officially protected from light pollution.

The Muskoka Seven: Things to Do from May 30 to June 5

Cruise the lakes of Muskoka on the RMS Segwun

1. Embrace the warm weather and life on the water with a cruise aboard the historic RMS Segwun. The late-19th century steamship takes passengers on one- to four-hour sightseeing cruises around Lake Muskoka. The lunch and dinner cruise options are especially popular.

2. Should you find yourself closer to Parry Sound, scope out a seat on the patio at recently opened restaurant Kudos Kuisine. Its contemporary digs overlook the Parry Sound harbour.

3. Head to the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville on June 1. The Reel Paddling Film Festival—featuring films that showcase canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and more—offers ample inspiration to get out on the water.

4. Lovers of literature can partake in a weekend of the written word at the Muskoka Chatauqua Reading Circle‘s “Secrets and Guilt” event at The Rosseau, a J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa. Among the many notable participants are Giller Prize-winner Linden MacIntyre, Globe and Mail columnist John Ibbitson, and CBC Radio host Carol Off.

5. Pull out your best rod, reel and lures and attempt to land the big one—June is prime time to fish for pike and walleye. In need of an expert to help you find the fish? Consider booking some time with Captain Action Charters.

6. Strap that camera around your neck and climb to the top of the Dorset Lookout Tower. This 30-metre-high structure offers a panoramic view of the Lake of Bays—a memorable vista that’s sure to make for a lovely photographic souvenir.

7. There’s never a wrong time to go golfing in Muskoka. This week, why not test your skills on what is arguably the region’s most feared hole: the par-four 16th at South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club, which demands pinpoint accuracy.

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, 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.

Weekend Roundup, July 16 to 18

Muskoka’s arts and music scene is abuzz this weekend.

The Festival of the Sound kicks off Friday night at the Charles W. Stockey Centre

Friday, July 16
Browse creative and colourful pieces at the Muskoka Arts and Crafts Show. More than 200 local artists and craftspeople offer their original works at this weekend-long event in Bracebridge.

Be dazzled by classical music. The much-anticipated Festival of the Sound kicks off this weekend at Parry Sound’s Charles W. Stockey Centre with a gala opening concert featuring Oxford Six Pianos.

Saturday, July 17
Stay in Parry Sound and take the opportunity to check out the premiere of Impressions of the Massasauga Provincial Park, and meet the artists as they share their interpretations of this breathtaking Canadian landscape.

Prepare for a thunderous roar as vintage planes soar overhead at the Muskoka 2010 Air Show, which this year honours the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Norway and the Battle of Britain. This year’s event is held slightly southwest of Muskoka in the town of Midland, site of the Norwegian Air Force’s WWII training base.

Sunday, July 18
Partake in an artful afternoon at Huntsville’s River Mill Park. From noon to 3 p.m., kids can paint a masterpiece (or have their faces painted) for free as part of Art Splash. Those with an interest in more “established” talents can enjoy an arts walk with live demonstrations by local artists.

Dance to some hot new-country music as an uncanny look-alike performs the Ultimate Tribute to Shania Twain at a Music on the Barge concert in Gravenhurst.