Catharine Inniss

Realtor, J&D Muskoka

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Fall Weather in Muskoka, Ontario

In Muskoka, Ontario, fall offers a captivating display of nature’s transition. As the summer warmth gradually fades, visitors can expect a breathtaking mosaic of crimson, gold, and amber foliage painting the landscape. Crisp, invigorating air sweeps through the region, carrying with it the earthy scent of fallen leaves. This is by far my favourite season for hiking in Muskoka – two fall favourites are Lions Lookout in Huntsville or Huckleberry Rock Trail in Muskoka Lakes. You can check those out along with lots of other fall activities here.

The daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-tens to low twenties in degrees Celsius, offering a comfortable climate for outdoor adventures like hiking, canoeing, and enjoying the region’s many lakes. However, as the season progresses, the nights grow cooler, often dipping into single digits or below zero overnight, so cozy sweaters and bonfires become inviting companions. 

If you’re coming to Muskoka to check out the fall colours, they usually peak during the first weekend in October. Muskoka Tourism does a fall colour report that you can check out for more exact timing.

By the end of October the weather is quite chilly – it’s often snowing for Halloween, so make sure to pack appropriately!

Winter Weather in Muskoka, Ontario

Winter weather in Muskoka, Ontario transforms this picturesque region into a winter wonderland. You might not think of visiting Muskoka in the wintertime, but it’s well worth it if you’re an outdoor enthusiast! 

Expect cold and snowy weather – it gets to -30c here sometimes! Muskoka weather often includes heavy snow due to our proximity to the Great Lakes. Make sure you pack your warmest clothing! You’ll need it to enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, skating, and fireside gatherings!

Spring Weather in Muskoka, Ontario

Spring weather in Muskoka ushers in a season of rejuvenation and transformation – though that transformation includes a bit of an ugly duckling period. In no way is Muskoka ever truly “ugly” in the slightest, but I would say this is the least picturesque time to visit this region. The trees are bare, and everything is a little muddier. However, watching the trees slowly start to bud is always enjoyable, as is the hunt for spring wildflowers which start appearing everywhere. The lake views are still gorgeous. This is a good time to hike before the bugs start to appear – pack a rain coat and some good boots or hiking shoes. 

Expect temperatures to gradually rise from the freezing cold of winter to the milder and more comfortable teens in degrees Celsius. However, spring in Muskoka also signifies the onset of the flood season, particularly during the period of rapid snowmelt and heavy rains. The combination of thawing and precipitation can lead to swollen rivers and lakes, sometimes causing flooding in low-lying areas. Please keep in mind that if it’s a bad year for flooding you may not be allowed out on the water because of dangerous deadheads (floating wood and debris) and the potential to damage the shoreline with boat wake. 

My favourite spring activity is stargazing on the dock at night before the bugs come out. Pleasantly cool temps, no bites, and the lakes aren’t lit up with summer cottage activity yet!

Summer Weather in Muskoka, Ontario

Here it is – the most popular season to visit Muskoka. Summer! The weather in Muskoka unfolds into a sun-soaked paradise of warm and sunny days, with temperatures often in the mid to high twenties or low thirties in degrees celsius. This is the perfect time to enjoy Muskoka’s plethora of lakeside activities – swimming, boating, paddling, sunbathing on the dock, swimming. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Our forests certainly aren’t lacking either – this is a great time for camping and hiking enthusiasts to enjoy the outdoors. There’s nothing like a good dip in the lake after a long and sweaty hike to a spectacular view – and we have no shortage of spectacular views here. 

There are occasional rain showers that provide relief from the summer heat, but sometimes we have long periods without – so please keep an eye on the fire rating and double check it before enjoying a bonfire. 

In conclusion, Muskoka’s weather offers a delightful tapestry of seasons, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re captivated by the colors of fall, enthralled by the winter wonderland, invigorated by the freshness of spring, or eager to bask in the sunny delights of summer, Muskoka has something for every outdoor enthusiast. Pack your bags (hopefully using the info above), and we’ll see you in Muskoka!

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So, what’s there to do in Cottage Country this Autumn?

Cranberry Festival & Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh

The Bala Cranberry Festival is a Muskoka tradition. This Festivals and Events Ontario Top 100 Event has been running for 35 years now, with a mission of extending Muskoka’s tourist season and providing financial assistance to organizations and individuals in need.

Cranberry Festival runs from October 15 – October 17, 2021. Tickets will be sold online only this year, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out.

Getting your photo taken in Johnston Cranberry Marsh is one of the best fall photo opportunities (must be booked ahead). Don’t worry, they’ll provide the waders. Don’t forget to book a tasting, tour, or wagon ride at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery while you’re there.

Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery bookings (including Cranberry Marsh pics).

View the Lakes Chair Tour

These nine Muskoka chairs are a self-guided tour, meant to showcase the best views in Muskoka! The locations of the chairs are: the Bala Town Dock, James Bartleman Island, Hardy Lake Provincial Park, Huckleberry Rock lookout, Moon River Lookout, the Port Carling Wall, Walker’s Point Lookout, the Windermere Dock, and the Port Sandfield Swing Bridge.

For more information or to view a map of the chairs, click here.

Muskoka Fall Fun at Sandhill Nursery

September 17- October 31st. A free event, with donations encouraged in support of Hospice Huntsville. Over $15,000 was raised last year! Activities include: “Bat”sketball Toss, Tic-Tac-Toe, Beanbag Toss, Pie Pumpkin Bowling, Sand Put, Slide, Human Hamster Wheel, Mazes, Fall Scavenger Hunts, Pumpkin Slingshot, Trick or Treating “Witches Walk,” and a Food Truck. 

Sandhill Nursery also offers a number of Fall-themed workshops – Wreath making, Pumpkin Centrepieces, Harvest Urns, succulent arrangements and more. Workshops fill up quickly – be sure to book ahead. 

Or check out their concert series, running from October 8th – October 24th. This is a free, family-friendly event featuring live local talent. Food and beverages available on site from Merci Eh! (fries & poutine) and Canvas Brewery. Donations accepted in support of Hospice Huntsville. 

Visit a Lookout Point for a Panoramic View of the Fall Colours

My favourites are Huckleberry Rock in Muskoka Lakes, and Lion’s Lookout in Huntsville.

Huckleberry Rock offers a beautiful view over Lake Muskoka, and is one of the best places in Muskoka to view a sunset! Lion’s Lookout offers an overlook of the town of Huntsville at one vantage point, and overlooks Fairy Lake at another.

Oktoberfest Muskoka

A 4 day music, culinary, and beer festival taking place from October 20-23. Local breweries will provide tours and partner with local chefs and restaurants to pair their beer with traditional Oktoberfest fare like sausages, potato pancakes, spätzle, etc. 

The breweries participating are: Canvas Brewing Co., Clear Lake Brewing Co., Katalyst Brewing Co., Lake of Bays Brewing Co., Muskoka Brewery, & Sawdust City Brewing Co. 

Click here for more info.

Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery

A collection of over 90 murals celebrating the work of renowned Canadian artist Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. Take a self-guided tour beginning in front of the Algonquin Theatre (37 Main St. E., Huntsville), and follow the walking map on their website to view the majority of the murals. Then hop in your car if you’d like to visit the rest of the murals, located in surrounding communities & Algonquin Park.

If you do make a road trip out of it, make sure to download a Tom Thomson/ Group of Seven podcast to listen to while you drive. For history buffs, I’d recommend going with one of the many available that go over the history of the group and their influence on Canada’s art scene. For true crime buffs I’d recommend Haunted Talks Ep. 13 – The Many Deaths of Tom Thomson, featuring Gregory Klages, a Tom Thomson researcher.

Experience the Fall Colours with a Cruise Around the Lakes

This is my favourite time of year to enjoy the beauty of the lakes – especially on a cruise, so you can access the areas with larger groups of deciduous trees – hot spots of bright colour around the lakes! We recommend Sunset Cruises in Port Carling – offering cruises of Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph, and Lake Rosseau. They will be running cruises until October 17th. Here is a link to their schedule.

Muskoka Discovery Centre

Over 20,000 sq. ft. of exhibits highlighting the glory of the Muskoka experience, exploring the rich history of steamships, wooden boats, and luxury hotels that helped define our region. Make sure to check out their Watershed Wonders exhibit – an interactive exhibit that teaches you all about Muskoka’s watershed. Build your own watershed, explore and learn how they operate, and meet the creatures that call Muskoka’s shorelines home. Book tickets here.

Take a Flight to See the Fall Colours

See Fall in Muskoka from the most impressive vantage point – way up in the sky on board a sightseeing airplane or helicopter!

Cottage Air Inc. offers a “Fall Leaves Tour.” Or, if you’d prefer to explore by helicopter, check out Blade Aviation. They offer a scenic tour of Lake Muskoka, or go on their “Muskoka Resorts – Lake Rosseau” tour, where you will be flown to one of the many resorts located around Lake Rosseau to enjoy an extravagant dining experience and a spa treatment.

Visit One of Muskoka’s Many Hiking Trails

Muskoka has a network of trails covering more than 4000 square kilometres of terrain. After thanksgiving is one of the best times to hit the trails – the colours are gorgeous, the crowds are gone, and the wildlife comes out of hiding. Make sure to bring your camera. 

Here’s a list of favourites from Discover Muskoka.

Or, visit Muskoka Trails Council’s website for a full list of Muskoka Trails with info and maps.

Visit Little Free Library Steve

Located less than 10 minutes from downtown Huntsville, Steve is a former bus shelter converted to a free community library. I’ve visited Steve a few times now and the selection is fantastic – and always changing. Bring along some books to donate if it suits your fancy.

Steve can be found at 2835 Muskoka District Road 10, or found on instagram @littlefreelibrary_steve 

Told you there was lots to do in Muskoka this Autumn! Looking for more? Feel free to email me at len@cottageinmuskoka.ca.

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Should we just give up and disconnect? No way! Enter SpaceX, with their new Starlink Satellite Internet service. This satellite service will operate via a satellite constellation of at least 12,000 satellites, with more pending approval. According to SpaceX, Starlink will offer speeds up to a gigabit per second – a far cry from rural cottages which often max out at a speed of up to 5Mpbs (a 995Mbps difference!). During the beta testing phase, customers are expected to experience speed variations from 50 – 150Mbps. Even places that currently have no internet availability at all will finally be brought into the 21st century. 

This is not traditional satellite service – Starlink’s satellites are in low earth orbit, which will not only make the service more reliable, but will also help keep down space debris. Each satellite is fitted with an onboard propulsion system to deorbit at the end of its life, and in the unlikely event that system becomes inoperable the satellite will burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere within 1-5 years. At the higher altitudes used by traditional satellite services, this could take hundreds or even thousands of years. Satellite service also means that unlike fibre, you won’t have to have anything wired to your home to receive the fastest speeds available.

Though it is not fully ready for consumers yet, it is operational! Check out this tweet from Elon Musk, sent in October 2019 via Starlink internet!

He followed up with a second Starlink tweet – “Whoa, it worked!!” According to SpaceX, “Starlink is now delivering initial beta service both domestically and internationally, and will continue expansion to near global coverage of the populated world in 2021.”

While we truly do look forward to being able to work online at less molasses-like speeds, I, for one, will be celebrating laser-fast internet with a good ol’ Netflix marathon in my PJs!

The post Is Slow Cottage Internet About to Become a Thing of the Past? appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

While it may be impossible to experience the atmosphere right now with the pandemic, Crossroads has been a leader in Muskoka in terms of COVID-safe takeout. Not only do they offer online ordering (a rarity around here), they also have contactless pickup brought right out to your car!

They are open for takeout Wednesday – Saturday from 3:00pm – 8:30pm. They also currently offer a curated “chef’s box” for $100 per person that includes hors d’oeuvres, an appetizer, entree & dessert, fresh flowers, and a bottle of red or white wine. Sounds perfect for a date night or Valentine’s Day, doesn’t it? In fact I may just send Steve the link to this blog post…

Give them a chance – you won’t be disappointed. The passion that chefs Julie and Richard Lalonde have for the business is apparent from the very first bite. 

We hope to run into you there once it’s safe to gather again!

(705) 732-4833

https://www.crossroadsrosseau.com

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Courtesy of the Muskoka Lakes Association

Welcome to January 2015 NewsBites

The MLA reminds everyone to check their cottages and homes regularly during the winter season. The Muskoka area has received well over four feet of snow in the last few weeks and we encourage you to ensure your roofs are shovelled. It’s always good to routinely check your property. If you are unable to make the trip to Muskoka, there are many service companies in the area that would be pleased to attend to your property.

DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA

Infrastructure Funding – It was announced at the December 15^th Council meeting that the Muskoka region will be receiving about $1.6 million over the next 3 years through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund.  These funds help municipalities maintain critical infrastructure needs by providing long-term support for rehabilitation and repairs. The funds are to be used only for roads, bridges, water, sewer or storm water projects. District staff will be putting forth spending recommendations in the 2015 budget for Council’s consideration. The MLA is pleased to hear of this important funding being made available to maintain and update the area’s services. The MLA is aware of the District budget coming up soon and will be reporting further on this once our team reviews it.

Long-Term Development Plan for the Muskoka Airport – At the December 18^th Planning and Economic Development meeting, committee passed a motion to recommend to District Council that a long-term plan for the Muskoka Airport be developed. The airport is an important economic driver for the region and has the potential to substantially increase tourism through the addition of a second runway. This motion will come before District Council at the January 19^th meeting. The MLA will be interested to see what the District’s future plans are for the airport and what impact it will have on our area.

Bala Falls Update – Last month Swift River Energy Limited was again before District Public Works Committee. Swift had not fulfilled all the conditions requested by the District prior to acquiring the entrance permits needed to begin construction in Bala. District Public Works Commissioner Fred Jahn stressed the need for a performance bond from Swift River as it relates to the Hwy 169 bridge. The bridge is part of the main transportation corridor through Bala and is a critical District asset. Committee agreed all conditions must be met prior to the issuance of any entrance permits. Staff will report back to Committee later this month with their specific concerns and recommendations. The MLA is pleased that the District is taking extra care to ensure District assets are protected. The MLA has always been concerned that sufficient performance bonds are secured when private companies, such as Swift River Energy, are undertaking major development projects.

Recreation ‒ The Muskoka Snowmobile Region and local snowmobile clubs are starting to groom the trails in Muskoka. While access is limited at this point, it is expected that groomers will be working around-the-clock in order to have the trails open for the upcoming weekend. Click here for up-to-date Muskoka snowmobile trail conditions.

Several cross country ski trails are now open as well. For a complete list and maps click here

TOWN OF GRAVENHURST

Taboo Resort Temporarily Closed – Taboo Resort closed in early December after the main building sustained more than $350,000 in damages from an October fire. According to Anne White, Director of Marketing for the resort, the resort is shutting down for an undetermined length of time with no plans to reopen in 2015. However the Taboo and Sands golf courses will be operating in the spring. Taboo will continue to operate the shared facilities for the condominium owners. The MLA is concerned that yet another resort will not be operating in 2015. This is not good news for the resort industry in Muskoka.

Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society Receives FED-NOR Funding ‒ Parry Sound/Muskoka member of Parliament Tony Clement announced that FED-NOR funding in the amount of $78,750 will be forthcoming for the Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society. The funding will go towards developing a strategy for a major expansion of the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst. The Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre is an important cultural and heritage site that draws many tourists. The MLA is pleased that this site has received this funding. Former MLA Board Directors were instrumental in ensuring that this funding was obtained, and several current Board members support this organization.

New Treasurer for the Town of Gravenhurst – On November 28^th Mr. Ken Watson retired as the Town of Gravenhurst’s Treasurer after 27 years of service. The new Treasurer and Director of Corporate Services is Mr. Val Sequeira. The MLA wishes Mr. Watson all the best in his retirement and welcomes Mr. Sequeira. 

SEGUIN TOWNSHIP

Seguin Councillor, Jack Hepworth’s Monthly Report – Many thanks to Councillor Hepworth for allowing the MLA to distribute his monthly newsletter to our members. His latest report can be found here. Of note is the 2015 Budget Binder. Council and the Finance Committee began discussions of the 2015 Preliminary Budget, Strategic Plan and Community Development Plans Monday January 12^th. The MLA recommends that you take some time to read this preliminary budget document. It’s a thorough, easy-to-read report detailing Seguin’s 2015 Strategic Plan, 2014 Successes, Community Development Plans and the 2014 Financial Update. Seguin provides an excellent roadmap that could benefit all municipalities in Muskoka.

TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES

TML Comprehensive Zoning By-Law – TML has received several submissions outlining various concerns with this new by-law. Three individuals delegated at the December 15^th planning meeting; MLA’s Anne McCauley being one of those people. Lengthy and detailed discussions took place with the resulting modifications to be made to the zoning by-law: (1) the restriction concerning the reconstruction of legal non-complying/non-conforming structures stating that the structure must be deemed damaged or unsafe before allowing it to be rebuilt will be removed from the by-law, as will the previous completion date limitations; (2) limited development (via a percentage to be determined) will be allowed in Minett subject to the existing holding zone; (3) gazebos will be required to be set back at least 1 metre (3 feet) from the shoreline; (4) saunas will be allowed in the lower level of a boathouse but within the cumulative limit of 100 square feet allowed for a sauna, washroom and utility room; and (5) a definition of a pump house will be added into the by-law in order to restrict its use. The by-law is scheduled to return to Planning Committee on January 19th. The MLA will continue to follow the progress of this important by-law.

Delegations Regarding Swift River Energy’s Power Plant Project at Bala Falls – December 16^th saw several delegates in TML council chambers expressing their concerns over the proposed Bala Falls hydro plant. Swift River Energy’s VP, Mr. Frank Belerique, and Swift’s project architect, Mr. Karl Stevens of Stevens Burgess Architects Ltd., were also present to give council an update on their progress and to provide sample architectural sketches and elevations of the power plant. Mr. Belerique stated he hoped that Swift River would be able to begin fresh discussions with this new council. Presenters were asked to provide committee members with a list of their specific ‘asks’ from the Township. TML Interim CAO Clayton Harris was instructed by committee to prepare a staff report which will be presented to committee in January. The MLA will be present at the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting on January 20^th.

Bala Heritage Conservation District (HCD) – The previous TML Council passed a by-law which established an HCD in Bala. TML has received appeals from CP Rail, Swift River and from 7 property owners along Bala Falls Road. TML staff is currently putting together a package to be submitted to the OMB. It is expected an OMB pre-hearing will be set for late 2015. Representatives of the MLA have sat on TML’s Heritage Committee and we are following this latest development of an OMB appeal with interest.

Ontario Community Infrastructure Funding – TML will be receiving close to $130,000 from the Ontario government for infrastructure projects. TML will receive $43,016 in 2015 and again in each of the following two years. The purpose of the fund is to provide annual funding to build and repair critical infrastructure in municipalities with 100,000 or fewer residents. Eligible infrastructure projects include roads, bridges, and water and wastewater projects. The MLA is pleased that TML will be awarded this funding to maintain TML’s necessary infrastructure. We will be looking to see what projects this funding will be applied to in the TML budget. 

TML Committee Positions Available – TML is  advertising for community members to volunteer their time to sit on the following committees: Budget Committee, Community Centre Hall Boards, Grants Advisory Committtee, Heritage Advisory Committee and the Parks and Trails Committee. To view the bulletin regarding how to appy please click here. The MLA encourages you to think about donating some of your time and expertise to give back to your local community. The MLA usually has a number of members who volunteer to serve on one or more TML committees. This is one of the ways the MLA can continue being relevant and provide up-to-date information to our members. 

Turtle Jack’s Tribunal – The Residents of Port Carling Association (RAPC) have recently received the news that the Alcohol and Gaming Association of Ontario has denied Turtle Jack restaurant’s request for extended hours of outdoor patio music. As previously reported, the MLA took a position that outdoor noise, as per Turtle Jack’s request, was excessive. RAPC, along with support from the Township of Muskoka Lakes council, the MLA and the MRA, was able to persuade the tribunal that Turtle Jack’s request would ruin nearby people’s enjoyment of their properties. The RAPC sent a note of appreciation to the MLA for our help in this matter. MLA congratulates RAPC on their win. This is a perfect example of what can be achieved if we all work together to preserve the Muskoka we love.

———– The MLA wishes you all a very Happy and Healthy 2015 ————-

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Kai Chan from the University of British Columbia presents the 3rd lecture from the 2014 Muskoka Summit on the Environment. On June 8th and 9th I recorded the presentations over the two day summit. Broadcast, in part, by CBC Radio’s Ideas with Paul Kennedy, (here’s the 2014 Muskoka Summit CBC broadcast), these were world-class lectures, presented here in Muskoka. I am delighted to be able to ensure these are available to the world.

Kai’s engaging presentation: Towards a Future Both Better and Wilder: Harmony Through Small-Planet Ethics.

It is time for small-planet ethics, wherein we treat our planet as we do our house and home.

The question, of course, is how to enable such behavior. The answer—to be elaborated—lies in unlocking the immense potential of human ingenuity and compassion, and the filtering the current cacophony of competing noise. Enable people and organizations to contribute simply and enjoyably—but meaningfully—to a future both better and wilder, and they will.

Copyright © 2014 cottageinmuskoka.ca, All rights reserved.

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Elena Bennett from McGill University presents the 2nd lecture from the 2014 Muskoka Summit on the Environment. On June 8th and 9th I recorded the presentations over the two day summit. Broadcast, in part, by CBC Radio’s Ideas with Paul Kennedy, (here’s the 2014 Muskoka Summit CBC broadcast), these were world-class lectures, presented here in Muskoka. I am delighted to be able to ensure these are available to the world.

Understanding the relationship and implications of planning future multiple land use – bundling cottage use with agriculture for example – can help municipalities and land owners. This lecture is now available at the following link on Muskoka Watershed Council’s YouTube channel: Using Ecosystem Services to Design Multifunctional Landscapes. With a project still underway in La Vallée-du-Richelieu, Elena discusses how communities and scientists can get together to plan land use (bundling certain ecosystem services) while minimizing some negative environmental impacts.

The Question & Answer video is also available here.

Copyright © 2014 cottageinmuskoka.ca, All rights reserved.

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The 121st Muskoka Lakes Association Annual General Meeting will be held on July 25^th at the Port Carling Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy some refreshments and snacks and have to opportunity to meet other members.  You’ll hear about new MLA programs and updates on activities we’ve undertaken on your behalf.  You’ll also meet incoming President Michael Hart and hear about his ideas for the coming years.

We hope you’ll come out and enjoy an evening with your fellow MLA members.

Please reserve your space by emailing info@mla.on.ca or calling 705-765-5723.

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Here’s the message from the MLA and the linked .pdf below it.

To: steve@cottageinmuskoka.ca:

As promised, the MLA continues to monitor water levels throughout our catchment area.
The attached freshet update, issued yesterday afternoon, details current watershed conditions throughout Muskoka/Parry Sound.
We encourage you to review the attached document, which provides significant detail, and to take action to protect property if your residence is located in one of the affected areas.

Muskoka Lakes Association

2546_MNR_Update_-_Parry_Sound_Muskoka_-_April_25_2014

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