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Recipes Wakeboarding Online Muskoka Shopping Cheap Flights Cottage Reading Docks Marina's and boat rentals
Cycling in Muskoka
Last year every Saturday people would meet at 9am infront of Dempsey's in Port Carling to do some cycling. it was great fun, call 705-765-1497 for more info.
Muskoka weddings:
Experience
a wedding like no other than holding your services throughout beautiful
Muskoka, including Bala, Baysville, Bracebridge, Dorset, Dwight, Georgian
Bay, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Lake of Bays, Milford Bay, Muskoka Lakes,
Orillia, Parry Sound, Port Carling, Torrance, or anywhere in the Muskoka
area. I will be adding to this page shortly info on churches, ministers,
halls, locations, photographers, florists, cake and caters. Come back shortly..
Photographers:click to check out there work and give them a call
The
Canada Club An extremely private and very exclusive compound on the
North Shore of Big Rideau Lake (Rideau Canal System) includes:
+ Main Lodge with all amenities;
+ Additional free-standing guest house;
+ Campsite & Bunkie with firepit;
+ Secure docking, launch ramp and decks;
+ Canoe, paddleboat, inflatable zodiak with electric motor safe & great
for kids+ Lifejackets, water skis, tube;
+ 42ft luxury houseboat available on request; Ideal for family re-unions
or multi-family vacations. An incredible location for an "all
in one" wedding (up to 100 day guests). only 2 weeks left in summer
July 8-15 and Aug 26-Sept 4
The
RMS Segwun & Wanda 3 & Wenonah 2 offer a Muskoka Wedding you
will love!
When I leave Toronto for Port Carling each weekend and head up highway 400 I think of all of the alternatives as I sit in another traffic jam, in the stifling heat. So to you lucky readers may I suggest a few alternatives. If you must take the car, then I will share a route that I have been enjoying in relative obscurity. Get on Keele St, north of Major Mackenize and you will enjoy a scenic country side, with no traffic and no police cruisers. If you get off at Highway 9 (careful about the left turn) then you are seconds to the 400 north on ramp and minutes from exit 88. Another alternative is highway 27 on the west side of the 400 but that is used by more people.
If you can afford the luxury of flight
then head over to Cloud
Air Service and enjoy a 35 minute flight on their commuter flight out
of Toronto Islands airport.Another company that will also offers fly in
to Muskoka from Toronto Island Airport is Cameron
Air. 416-233-7663. They offer all weather planes with air conditioning.
Otherwise it is time to find a friend with a float plane. I want to say
that I have been sitting on the dock on Lake Rosseau and come Sunday at
4pm the float plane procession begins. So while I find the concept neat,
I sure wish I could take it every weekend. For float plane booking and fishing
Fly in's as well as float plane sight seeing you can also try Stanton
Air. For the latest Weather at muskoka
airport;
If you prefer to travel to Muskoka by helicopter then contact The Helicopter Co, at the Island Airport at 416-203-3280.
I have been watching the Tandem Hang Glider soaring over the Cleveland House Resort on Lake Rosseau. This is still a magnificent site to see. It looks like a lot fun. Check out FlyHigh if you are interested in Tandem Hang Gliding Flights. As the season ends so do the water ski shows put on at the Lake Joseph Club, by Summer Water Sports. . They also offer water skiing and wakeboarding camps and clinics. If you are looking for some excellent used watersports gear then check out there website. Tel 705-765-7224. They also put on Water Show's at Bayview Wildwood, Clevelands House, Delawana Inn, Fern Resort, Grandview Inn, Muskoka Sands, Rocky Crest and Wigamog Inn.
Another eco-friendly Muskoka sport is sailing and there is a great organization on Lake Joseph, run on the grounds of the CNIB camp called the Lake Joseph Sailing Club. A great activity for the whole family.
Make sure while you are in Muskoka to make a run over to Algonquin Park and take in a night camping and star gazing. It is truly a Ontario Jewel that needs to be visited. Check out there website before going to find out all about reserving your spot.
I
really enjoy the wooden boats but nothing beats the beauty of canoeing and
I hope you will take a look at our Muskoka canoe
page.
I also saw the Muskoka Lakes Association Marine Patrol. They are doing a terrific job on Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph. They focus is to provide safety checks to keep everyone safe including the jet skiers. Patrol members also attend to Lake use complaints, speed limit enforcement concerns on the rivers and training and education at various resorts. If you have Muskoka Boating experience, a boating License, First Aid certificate, your National Life Saving Awards, then use your excellent communication skills and apply to the Muskoka Lakes Association if you are attending post secondary next year. This year there were only woman on this Squad. So let's see if we can get some guys on the Patrol next year. Unfortunately the closing date for this positon was March 1st, but then again give it a Muskoka effort.
The Muskoka Lakes Association also offers $850 to up to four students who are attending Post Secondary Education Institutions. This is a great opportunity to make the school loan a little lighter. Incidentally gentleman, they were only woman that won awards this year because no men applied. Let's see if that can change.
Another terrific organization is the Canadian
Recreation Canoe Association who have setup a tribute to the late Bill
Mason, a Canadian recognized at home and abroad as a canoeist, environmentalist,
artist, filmmaker, photographer and public speaker, by establishing the
Bill Mason Memorial Scholarship Fund with the permission and input of the
Mason Family.
To ensure that the memory and spirit that Bill represented is kept fresh
in the minds of Canadians, the scholarship fund is intended to incorporate
some of the characteristics that made Bill Mason unique. This will be done
by awarding an annual scholarship of $1,000 to a worthy outdoor recreational
or environmental studies student at a Canadian college or university.
Congratulations on the new Port Carling Community Centre and Theatre on Bailey St. A terriffic facility that will be an asset to the community.
The New Muskoka
Library 
is
an architechical gem that will be a joy for enjoy to use. Please check out
the library and their website. The Wenonah
2 is quickly taking shape and donations are still needed to complete
this boat without debt. This boat will be kept in the Port Carling area
in 2002 so check out the Marine Museum downtown. Tours to start Oct 2001.
If you are interested in cruising either Lake Rosseau or Lake Joseph the
be sure to visit the Segwun
site .
I hope you will take a few minutes to look at the Muskoka Arts and Crafts Artisan's page. Some 300 crafts people are included in this directory who produce water colours, fine wood working, calligraphy, clothing, pottery & scupltures.
I want to let you know about the 4th Annual Mayor's Golf Tournament on Monday Sept 24 at the Lake Joseph Club. An excellent opportunity to support the Bala Sports Park and hit one of the best golf courses in Muskoka. Call A Grady at 705-762-3409.
Water quality is critical to everyone and this summer was spent with a Health Warning from the Muskoka Parry Sound District Health Office. It is disturbing that Lakes Rosseau, Joseph and Bass Lake were all under a no drinking directive. As citizens we have to look at our use of this valuable resource. Lets look at our septic tanks, how golf courses are using pesticides and fertilizers, the control of phosperous entering the lakes, how we manicuring lawns instead of promoting a natural shore line, and how we are maintaining our power boat vessels.
Another issue that was raised by the CBC News was the amount of Mercury found in the fish on Lake Muskoka. Lets try and improve the water quality for the next generations. After all we are only stewards to this great resource.
Muskoka Parry Sound Health Unit 1 800 563-2808
Health Issues Hotline:1-866-709-2086
Water quality website: www.mpshu.on.ca/
For information on revitalizing your shoreline check out
Federation of Cottage Association
is an excellent site that is concerned with lake quality and cottage living
quality
Living by the Water
Website is dedicated to protecting shorelines
Maybe it is time to start comtemplating more canoe and sailing use?
I have not be able to attend the Garden Tour, but I have heard that if you are in the Port Sydeyy area then check out B's Antiques gardens on Lynx Lake Rd run by Al and Frances Botham at 1-705-789-7929. Apparently their gardens are very beautiful.
Speaking of pollution, the buring of coal for hydro is one of the largest contributors to poor air quality. I have seen one new boat house built that has a Solar Cell for power. I hope other people will take on the Solar Cell intiative. I also wonder when Bala and Baysville will undertake a feesability study of using there dams for generating hydro. Everyone wins when a solution like this is implemented.
Horse Back Riding 
is
available at Deerhurst Inn at there stables, as well as being offered at
the Equi-Dome Equestrian Centre which is located near Bracebridge 705-645-1723.
Both offer instruction and trail rides in the countryside. Kerrydale Stables
has a summer riding camp in Bracebridge with Heidi Mueller at 705-645-400.They
also offer Leasing, Boarding and Sales.
is a the online source for Great Cottage ReadingA new book that is out is Houseboat Chronicles: Notes from a Life in Shiled Country by Jake MacDonald is a narrative on the insite of packing it all in to move to Northern Ontario to live on a houseboat and share and enjoy the northern society. Great reading for the soul and gleam a new insight into your world.
A great book for Reading is by Michael Moore the creater of the movie which
is great to watch,"Roger and Me" who has written, Stupid White
Men- an irreverent look at American leaders and their policies. A funny
book.
Check out Kitchen Confidential, Bloomsbury, by Antony Bourdain. A great
paper back which will make you think about your next restaurant meal. Antony
also has a new tv program out highlighting restaurants and experiences from
around the world.
Napalm and Silly Putty by George Carlin. Great Laughs who has inspired more than one classroom character
In the Sweet Kitchen, by Regan Daley, Random House. An excellent baking book for the novice to the pro. Won best cook book at the International Association of Professional Culinary Professionals.
Five Finger Discount: A Crooked Family History, Random House, by H Stapinski is a tale about things falling off the back of a truck in New Jersey.
For the Sailor Buffs Coffee table, then the perfect gift would be
Under Sail: Aboard The Worldest Finest Boats, by D Glenn, Artisan. One beautiful
book on yachts.
For the Canoeing Fiend get one of the following books;
Gone Canoeing:Weekend Wilderness Adventures in Southern Ontario, Boston Mills, by K. Callan.
The Canoe: An Illustrated History, Key Porter, by Jim Poling Sr.
By the way, Boston Mills Publishing makes some excellent books on the Muskoka Region, Antique Boats, Boat Houses and historical anticdotes about the resorts. Be sure to check them out.
Air Canada check this site every Wednesday for the best deals. Always get a paper ticket.
WestJet is one of
the most profitable no frills airline- sometimes a milk run but can be cheaper
than the bus.
One of the best sites for discount travel packages departing from Canada
is Expedia.ca
American Sites
Orbitz is an American site so you have
to design your trip starting from a USA destination
Travelocity is
a great American site that is also worth looking at
Site59.com is another
Travel Package discount seller.
Cranberries and Muskoka go hand in hand. I would recommend visiting two
locations the Iroquois
Cranberry Growers
near Bala, Ontario (705)756-2376 who sell organic berries. Johnstons"s
Cranberry Marsh is also a wonderful place for berries and they are the
only Muskoka Lakes Winery.
For hot cajun style cooking, check out The Fiery Grill on Main Street by the bridge in Dorset, Ontario has great food in an execellent location Tel: (705) 766-2344
I love Maple Syrup, it is a great natural sweeter that we add for flavoring for BBQ sauce, for Pork, and even in a little night cap. A great place to visit is the Maple Orchard Farms located between Gravenhurst and Huntsville on District Rd 37 off of Hwy 11.
A variety of foods to accompany your refreshments helps moderate ones consumption.
Have some punch, coffee, tea and pop available as alternative.
The night before make a couple of ice cube trays using differents juices like raspberry,cranberry, organge instead of water. Looks and tastes great.
Cut up a number of different fruits such as strawberries, blueberries,lemons, limes, and put them in serving water, addes colour to the water and imparts a nice taste.
Be a good host and pour the drinks yourself. That way you get to mingle
with everyone and at the same time
ensure that people drink reasonably otherwise see they get alternative transportation
should it be necessary.
Better a few overnight guests than a injured or deceased friend(s).
Stopping serving alcohol one hour before the end of the party and then watch for signs that maybe someone needs a ride home or should be a cottage guest.
For Oysters call the Oyster boy restaurant in toronto at 416-534-3432 for some of the finest oysters around.
Not to be forgotten in the caterin Department is the Silver Stream Market at the Lift Bridge in Port Sandfield or the IGA Grocery Store in Port Carling. I have never been disappointed by either of these local stores.
The Port Carling Liquor store has all this seasons Vintages and it is on the water at the docks in Port Carling. If you can't find it there check out the Liquor Stores in Huntsville, Bracebridge and Hunstsville. There are smaller outlets in Bala, Dorset, Dwight, Mactier, and the village of Rosseau. 1-800-668-5226
Check out The Compleat Angler for Lunch and Dinner who offer Live Jazz on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Located accross from Steamboat Bay.
When constructing a dock it is important to keep the environment in mind. Therefore to preserve the shoreline, the water bed, the spawning area for the fish and the plant material one should consider a floating dock.
Let us first say that a pressure treated dock is an absolute NO NO> splinters are damagerous, then there is the leaching of the pressure treatment chemicals into the lake-chromated copper arsenate — the small amounts of arsenic that leach from CCA-are now said to pose a some risk to humans and fish.
In the Port Carling Area check out Jet Docks web site for your local dealer who sells floating docks . Regarding their product, JetDock ultimate docking systems are easy and convenient. No more placing harnesses and cranking. No more scrubbing hulls or fouled engines. All docks are maintenance free. Our easy drive-on lifts replace traditional lifts, davits & trailers and provide a convenient dry-dock for PWC's, outboards, stern drive, jet boats, inboard competition ski boats, pontoon boats, high performance and power catamarans and even drive-on docking for float planes. The JetDock docking system can accommodate almost any watercraft of any shape and size up to 51 feet. JetDock is the only dry docking system that is completely modular, so you can add on for more crafts, move it with ease or reconfigure it as your needs change, and all docks are safe in the ice. The JetDock docking system will always be useable with the type of watercraft the customer has today or purchases in the future. With these features and a limited lifetime warranty, we feel JetDock is the finest docking system available today. Tel (416) 253-9329
Problems with Wildlife, then contact Jan McDonnell at the Ministry of Natural Resources, 705-646-5517.
Pat's Boating in Canada is one of the oldest and largest websites for Canadian Power Boaters.
Power Boating Canada Magazine provides articles and teasers for their magazine.
Freshwater Sea's
is a site dedicated to the Great Lakes. Events, articles, information and
live webcam's.
Safe Boating Guide provides info on safe family boating, how to protect the marine environment,and boat maintenance.
Canadian Power & Sail Squadron provides courses and training material for using personal Watercraft and completing the Proof of Operator Compentency Test for Port Carling and Lakes Rosseau, Lake Joseph and Lake Muskoka. Tel 1-888-277-2628
Waterways is a site dedicated to sailors but also has extensive links to other boating directories and resources. Extensive water adventure trips are also listed.
Canadian Canoe Routes is the meeting place for canoers. Online discussion, routes, gear grading, techniques and an online store.
Canadian Yachting Association
is a site devoted to sailing training, news, events, and an online store.
Muskoka.com is a terrific website should you not find what you are looking for here. The Muskokan is a local paper concerned with the big three lakes, Lakes Joseph, Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka and I cannot wait to get my next issue on Thursdays.
For info on Muskoka
Arts and Crafts or call 705-645-5501
Dotti Potts Pottery 705-385-4053
Is a site devoted to Bigwin Island and its historical preservation.
The Muskoka bed and breakfast is an extensive listing of all Bed and Breakfast facilities in Muskoka.
Recognizing the Efforts of Community People
Camp Oochigeas, 
is
Camp Oochigeas is also proud to be the only camping facility in Ontario
that offers chemotherapy treatment onsite. 1-888-go4ooch, 60 St.Clair Ave
East, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 1N5. It currently costs $150 a day for a child
to attend camp or $2100 for a two week period. Donations are tax deductable.
Artist Ron Eady who has been painting limited edition prints of Muskoka scenary to raise money for Camp Oochigeas, a privately run summer camp for children with cancer which is run out of Rosseau Lake College. The camp has a resident nurses and many volunteers.
Joy Greene has been swiming for many years in Muskoka to raise money for some very worthy causes such as Breast Cancer and this year was no exception. She swam 14 miles and in the process raised $1,500+ for Camp Oochigeas. My we toast Joy and the good work she has done for her community and may it inspire others as well.
I would like to also thank all the volunteer fire fighters in area's like Port Carling, Lake of Bays, Village Rosseau,Township of Muskoka Lakes, Milford Bay, Dorset and Baysville. These people are to be commended for their work and dedication! This is to let you know we appreciate your EFFORTS!
Portage Flyer and the Muskoka Heritage Centre offer an opportunity to step back in time and see how Muskoka was in the Pioneer era. This is a great adventure for the kids run by local volunteers.
Lake Rosseau Beach Resort
Baysville Marina on Lake of Bays has some of the nicest wooden boats around as well as offer full marina services.
Beaumaris Marina has a wide selection of boats for Sale and Service
Gordon Bay Marine . on Lake Joseph.Sales, Service,Parts and Storage.
The Boat works is located in Port Carling at the Lift Locks. Gas available. Also a location on Lake Rosseau in the Red Leaves Complex.
Hamer Bay Marine Ltd., on Lake Joseph, next to Rocky Crest Resort, 705-375-2232 Great web camera.
Barry Lee Marine Services, sells antique Minett Shields, Ditchburn and Gold Cup Racer. Port Carling 705-765-6926
Muskoka Lakes Marine, Top of Lake Rosseau, Chris Craft, Supra, Moomba Ski Boats, Boat Rentals, 705-732-4383
New Ark Marina & Cafe on Lake Muskoka between Gravenhurst and Bala provides Merc service, rentals, repairs, storage. 705-687-4411.
Port Carling Marine, Muskoka's Sales and Service Specialists. Doral Boats, MercCruiser Tel:705-765-6266
Port Sandfield Marina, a family run business for 4 generations, at the lift bridge in Port Sandfield, offers great boat service, terriffic fashion and home accessories. 705-765-3147. For there online boat brokerage . I always rent a boat here.
Pride of Muskoka Marine, is a Mariah dealer in Bracebridge.
Walkers Point Marina, large selection of used and new boats. Supporter of the Aspen Valley Animal Rescue Sancutary.
Woodland Marine & Hovercraft Inc, Rentals of Seadoos,Bowriders, Ski Boats, Pontoon Boats and Hover Craft Charters, Storage and Merc Service near Windermere 705-769-2151
There are a number of Marina's are participating in Ontario Marine Operators Association's Eco Rating Program for running a environmentally friendly operation. These Marina's are under continous quality improvement concerning environmental issues and practises. Issues such as water, power and energy conversation, reducing fuel seepage into the lakes, recycling of antifreeze and shrink wrap. Watch for the Green Anchors that fly on the Clean Marine Eco Rating Flag.
Portage Inn, a 1889 Inn on Peninsula Lake, featuring breakfast,picnic lunches, Jacuzzi, a Lounge with a fireplace that is close to Algonquin Park. Tel: 888-418-5555
Jet Ski Rentals
Feeling like you have been lying on the dock and your starting to resemble a beached whale, then go see Andrew Urban the fitness trainer for the Muskoka Stars. Andrew is noted for his incredible fitness knowledge and his tough fitness regimen. On Golden Beach Road in Bracebridge, 705-645-7611.
The Muskoka Store (Walter Page) is on Hwy 11near Gravenhurst and it has everything you forgot to bring to the cottage including sweathers, pants, t-shirts, fishing equipment, canoes, paddles, furniture, books ect. If you forgot it they have it. at tel 1-800 Muskoka(687-5652)
The X Cup Tour series had another succesful season. Check out the results. A great tour for all level of wakeboarders from begineer to outlaw. check it out
Another Wakeboard series is The Malibu Just Ride Series, sponsored by the Sun and Ski in Bala, was well attended. tel 705-762-2287. They also offer a full Wakeboard and Water Ski School just outside of Bala.
A wakeboard camp was brought to my attention; which is one kick ass camp
for sports enthuiasts. They also rent their facilities out during all four
seasons.
Another Water Ski school located in Huntsville is the Placid Water Ski School
(705) 789-8493
In the Cambridge area there McClintocks Wakeboarding school who specilize in wake and waterskiing. Check them out if you can't get up North.
If you are in Haliburton then check out Ski Barefoot Enterprises, (705) 754-2450 or (416) 480-0563
The Muskoka Store- Walter Page Store, has a selection of wakeboards as well as dry and wet suits.
Muskoka Lakes Marine,
has an extensive inventory of online wakeboard equipment like Moomba, O'Brien,
Skylon. Located on Lake Rosseau. 705-732-4383
Wake
World News has all the latest video clips from Wakestock 2001 They run
a great site with product reviews, discussion forums on tricks, used boards,
boats and accessories.
Pride of Muskoka Marine has waterskiing and wakeboarding clincs for all levels. Check out the boats,Mariah, Nautiques, FourWinns, Checkmate and gear at the Marina.
www.wakeboardcanada.com is the canadian site for wakeboarding.
For Wakeboard.com
www.wakechicks.com is a website devoted to women and wakeboarding.
DH Docks has a online store that sells everything you use in Muskoka from water trampolines to coffee table books and linens.
Water Ski Canada has information on Wakeboarding as well as a online store .
Spencer
Canoe Company builds a number of unique Muskoka related gift items
Langford Canoe Company has an online retail store that should be explored.
Ekan Concepts Inc.manufacturers unique flexible cylindrical wooden cases. They will custom create products for unique presentation packaging for your special products.
Maple Orchard Farms sells Maple Syrup Products in the heart of Muskoka.
Muskoka Chair Company has an online store that sells the fine Muskoka chair in Pine, and cedar as well as bird feeders, hammocks, lounges, and tables. I always feel at home as I drive by their store on the way into the cottage.
Muskoka Hockey creates custom made hockey sticks right outside of Port Carling in Glen Orchard. Great Gift for Dad.
The Muskoka Lakes Museum, located in Port Carling next to the lift bridge has some exceptional Muskoka related gifts for the Wooden Boat conniseur. Be sure to visit the museum and take a look at the gift shop or give them a call.
The Muskoka Store ( Walter Page) has an online store that reflects everything under their retail roof. If you have it at the cottage they have it online.
Muskoka Magazine, is an outstanding publication that has great articles, wonderfully photography and a keen perspective on the Muskoka Region. Pickup a copy or check out there website. Makes a great Xmas gift.
For
classic Muskoka Art work then please see the Bill
Mason Art Gallery . He was a famous Canadian painter, artist and film
maker who loved Muskoka and this is reflected in his art work.