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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.

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 16 to 22

Summer is approaching, and that means the resorts, attractions, restaurants and boutiques of Muskoka are getting set for high season up north! It also means that it’s time for another summer of Where Muskoka’s top things to do in the region. Check back weekly for our fresh picks!

Hit the links at Deerhurst Highlands

1. Book your first tee time of the season at one of Muskoka’s premier golf courses, Deerhurst Highlands. If you’re feeling rusty, take a few hacks on the driving range before heading to the first hole.

2. Take the family to Sudbury’s Science North, where four floors of exhibitions offer a fun and educational introduction to the Canadian Shield biosphere.

3. Stock up on all your cottaging essentials—from watersports equipment to dock and patio furniture—at Port Carling’s Indian River Trading Company.

4. If your summer home needs a bit of sprucing up, pay a visit to Muskoka Living Interiors for 35,000 square feet of design inspiration.

5. If the drive north has you feeling peckish, drop in to The Bakery in Gravenhurst
(141 Brock St., 705-687-2579) for a sweet snack of butter tarts, Nanaimo bars and more.

6. Saturday, May 21 marks opening day for Muskoka Heritage Place‘s pioneer village and steam train. Kids are sure to get a kick out of riding on the vintage locomotive!

7. One of Canada’s favourite bands, Blue Rodeo, returns to Muskoka to headline two concerts at The Kee to Bala, March 21 and 22. Let Jim Cuddy and co. start your cottaging season off right with a performance of their classic hits and recent favourites.

Top Chefs: Charles Penwell, Rebecca’s Casual Fine Dining

There are many reasons to visit Muskoka: the small town ambience; the pristine lakes; its world-renowned golf courses. These days, the region offers another excellent incentive thanks to the tremendous growth of its dining scene. We asked some of Muskoka’s most prominent kitchen captains about their restaurants, their cuisine and the area’s emergence as a foodie-friendly destination. Watch this space for a new chef every week of the summer!

CHEF CHARLES PENWELL
Rebecca’s Casual Fine Dining, Port Carling

Can you tell us a bit about your restaurant and its philosophy?
Rebecca’s Casual Fine Dining is located in a century-old home and we pride ourselves in providing consistent, quality service and food in this charming atmosphere. We use only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients to prepare our dishes daily.

Can you tell us about one of your signature dishes?
We are known for our Key Largo crab cake and large selection of fresh fish. I receive our fish fresh daily and hand fillet it. We also age and trim all our beef.

Our wild mushroom chaumont is also a very popular item that customers return for year after year. It’s a classic French recipe that I have carried with me for over 30 years. Made from a medley of nine varieties of wild mushrooms infused with fresh herbs and brandy, served au gratin, accompanied by garlic crostini.

Describe the quintessential Muskoka meal.
Other than a great meal at Rebecca’s, you can’t beat a barbecue on the dock with your friends and family, complete with cold cocktails and the beautiful Muskoka scenery.

Aside from indulging in fine dining, how else would you suggest visitors to the Muskoka region make the most of their time?
Visit our lovely local shops and merchants, and enjoy the beauty of the many Muskoka trails, golf courses and waterways. Visit the Muskoka Lakes Museum, too, and take a cruise on one of the historic steamships.

Weekend Roundup, July 23 to 25

Music and art continue to make their marks this weekend in Muskoka.

Vintage goods abound at the Muskoka Antique Show

Friday, July 23
Look out for antique goodies as 40 dealers from across the country gather at the 29th annual Muskoka Antique Show in Port Carling.

Take in a memorable celebration to one of country music’s modern legends, as Leisa Way stars in Rhinestone Cowgirl: A Tribute to Dolly Parton. The performance, part of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, makes its way to the Algonquin Theatre tonight.

Saturday, July 24
Enjoy a pancake breakfast with live music or set up the kids with some face painting and a petting-zoo experience at the Baysville Walkabout Festival. After that, treasure seekers can peruse the offerings of more than 120 artisans and craftspeople who line the town’s main street.

Combine art and nature at Bracebridge’s Artful Garden. Here, more than 40 artists showcase their original garden-inspired visuals in the open air at the studio and home of area residents Jon and Suzann Partridge.

Sunday, July 25
Pay homage to true divas at Classic Primadonna, a Festival of the Sound production starring soprano Mary Lou Fallis. Dessert and coffee are served while you enjoy a classy evening with music by Mozart and Schubert.

Rock on with jukebox hits performed live on the water by Freddy Vette and the Flames as part of the Music on the Barge Festival concert series in Gravenhurst.

Weekend Roundup, June 25 to 27

You’re in for a good laugh this weekend with hours of comedic skits ahead of you. Another exciting note: Muskoka hosts this year’s G8 Summit, a gathering of the world’s economic leaders.

Music on the Barge offers a Sunday evening showcase in Gravenhurst

Friday, June 25
Be on the lookout for famous politicians as economic leaders from as far as Russia fly in to attend the 2010 G8 Summit today and tomorrow at Huntsville’s Deerhurst Resort.

Discover the makings of Muskoka’s heritage by exploring historic buildings in Bala and Port Carling as part of the weekend-long Doors Open Muskoka event. Tomorrow, Bracebridge welcomes you into its most intriguing sites, while Gravenhurst opens its doors on Sunday.

Start your weekend off right with some belly laughs courtesy of Yuk Yuk’s and comedians Rob Ross and Ian Sirota. See their stand-up stylings tonight with with a reservation at the Muskoka Bay Club, 9 p.m. Tickets $30; call 705-687-7900, ext. 301.

Saturday, June 26
The Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre in Bracebridge also offers its share of chuckles this weekend. In the afternoon, CBC Radio’s The Debaters records Canadian comedians as they tackle hot topics and compete for the biggest guffaws. Later in the evening, the Cottage Country Comedy Festival‘s performers will have you in stitches.

Shake your hips to the many hits of beloved Canadian blues-rocker David Wilcox, as he performs live in concert at the Kee to Bala.

Sunday, June 27
Enjoy such madcap performances as “Moose Bloop” and “Summer Fun by Jam Sandwich” as part of the family-friendly Kaleidoscope Children’s Festival.

Stay tuned this evening for the Bi-focals concert band as Gravenhurst’s Music on the Barge continues its summer-long concert series.

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.

Weekend Roundup, August 21 to 23

Your Muskoka weekend itinerary is here with lots to see and do. Saturday, in particular, looks like a doozy!

Explore the geology of the Canadian Shield at Killbear Provincial Park (photo by John Vetterli).

Explore the geology of Killbear Provincial Park (photo by John Vetterli).

Friday, August 21
Discover patches of exposed bedrock at Killbear Provincial Park, a boreal oasis located on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield.

Purchase authentic antique Canadiana at the 26th annual Bracebridge Antique Show & Sale from a selection of furniture, jewellery, coins, china, pressed glass, paper, dolls, quilts and more.

Saturday, August 22
Lace up your running shoes, unfold your map and pocket your compass for Muskoka’s First Annual Amazing Race! Over the course of the day, follow clues and test your skills to take you on a challenging trail from Gravenhurst leading to Huntsville.

Hike to the Haliburton Highlands for The Forest Festival in—where else?—the forest. As the sun dips below Bone Lake, listen as former Canadian Brass trumpeter Stuart Laughton lead the Forest Festival Brass in an outdoors-themed concert.

Sunday, August 23
Sip Earl Grey and nibble scones spread with jam and Devonshire cream at Blue Willow Tea Shop’s traditional high tea. What better a way to enjoy the view of the Muskoka Wharf?

At the Muskoka Lakes Museum in Port Carling, take in the region’s wildlife and people through the lens of local photographer Andy Zeltkalns.

Weekend Roundup, May 15 to 18

The Victoria Day long weekend marks Canada’s unofficial start of summer, and where better to celebrate than in the Muskoka region?

Friday, May 15
Take home a piece of Canadian country charm at the Muskoka Lifestyle Show in picturesque Port Carling.

Support local art at the Silver Bridge Gallery as it presents Metal Petals, featuring one-of-a-kind hand-sculpted garden art.

Enjoy French Cuisine and lakeside scenery in the charming Twigs dining room at the Inn at Christie’s Mill.

Saturday, May 16
Enjoy a tuneful day with the family at the annual spring concert presented by the Muskoka Children’s Choir and Inspiring Sounds Music Studio.

Relive the vivacious performances of Elton John circa 1970 at a tribute concert, the Goodbye Yellow Brick Roadshow, by Ronnie and the Jets.

Celebrate the season at Deerhurst Resort’s Eclipse restaurant with local gourmet flavours including Milford Bay smoked trout, spring lamb and fiddleheads.

Sunday, May 17
Revel in the spectacular vistas as you swing for the fairways at pristine Taboo Resort. Its challenging golf course is the home course of 2003 masters champion Mike Weir.

Sip cocktails and breath in the crisp cottage-country air aboard a Lady Muskoka Cruise.

Take a stroll through downtown Hunstville and marvel at the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, featuring replicated murals created by Canadian artists.

Monday, May 18
Venture back to the turn of the century at Muskoka Heritage Place, where costumed interpreters teach everything from pioneer baking to candle dipping.

Treat yourself like Queen Victoria and pursue handcrafted natural soap bars from Huntsville boutique Soapstones. Fragrances like Algonquin Morning and Muskoka Blueberry stimulate the senses.

10 Must-Play Golf Courses in Muskoka

10 MUST-PLAY GOLF COURSES

Hit the links at one of Canada’s hottest destinations.

Prototype Course In 1990, Muskoka’s golf boom began with the launch of Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course, a superb Tom McBroom–Robert Cupp co-design at Huntsville’s Deerhurst Resort.

Par Three to Remember From the wildly elevated eighth tee at Lake Joseph Club near Port Carling, golfers hit to a valley green dwarfed by a giant striated wall of pink granite.

Celebrity Endorsed The official home course of 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir, Gravenhurst’s Taboo Golf Course offers a roller-coaster ride through wetlands, rock shelves and a forest of birch, pine and balsam.

Blindingly Beautiful The Mark O’Meara Course at Huntsville’s Grandview Golf Club frequently forces golfers to blast blind shots over menacing rock faces. Daunting at first, the gorgeous forest layout grows friendlier with each playing.

Memories of Scotland Muskoka Highlands Golf Course, an appealing Scottish links-style layout in Bracebridge, meanders over 150 rolling acres on a routing that forces golfers to whack tee shots into the wind.

Fantasy Island Elevated tees—notably at the sixth and 18th holes—present glorious vistas of the surrounding Lake of Bays at Bigwin Island Golf Club, a design by Doug Carrick that numbers among Canada’s most picturesque courses.

Bogey Hole Perhaps Muskoka’s most feared hole is the 16th at Bracebridge’s recently restored South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club. The par four features a long approach over a ball-hungry gully to an undulating green.

Most Anticipated Re-Launch Closed last season for the refinement of several holes, The Rock Golf Club, an award-winning Nick Faldo design in Minett, is a tight and twisting layout that demands precision.

Golden Oldie An older, classically designed course not to be missed is Huntsville Downs Golf and Country Club. A local favourite since 1925, the tract was carved through dense forest and Canadian Shield granite.

Best Bargain North Granite Ridge, midway between Huntsville and Bracebridge, offers many of the thrills, challenges and rugged scenery of Muskoka’s best-known courses at about half the cost.

Tip! In Muskoka, green fees have climbed as steeply as the popularity of its golf courses. Many clubs offer twilight fees that allow you to play at a discount late in the day.

Brian Kendall is the author of Northern Links: Canada From Tee to Tee.

—Brian Kendall