Blog - Page 3 of 6 - CAITLIN HILL

Real estate industry updates & Muskoka events

Mmmmm…Maple Syrup!

It must have been an inspired moment, one lost to the annals of time, but whoever first decided to boil down sap into a rich, sweet syrup deserves some serious love!

For centuries, people have been gathering the slightly sweet sap from maple trees each spring to make a delicious annual treat. The methods may have changed—many maple syrup producers now use more efficient gathering systems and advanced technology to aid their efforts—but the result is the same: a tasty nectar that graces more than just pancakes.

Maple syrup is produced all over Ontario, right from the province’s most southern reaches up to Thunder Bay. Maples go a bit incognito in the spring and summer—from afar they blend into the forest canopy—but if you’ve ever marveled at the changing fall colours, you’ll know how ubiquitous these magnificent trees are.

It’s a good thing—it takes 40 litres of sap to make one litre of maple syrup, and Ontario produces about a million litres of the golden goodness each year, second only to Quebec for production levels.

If you’ve ever wondered how maple syrup producers get from the clear sap inside the tree to row upon row of bottled syrup, a sugar bush tour is the place to be.

In March and April, Muskoka celebrates all things Maple with the Maple Trail and Festival. From March 8 to April 27, look for sugar bush tours, signature maple experiences and maple-inspired dining across the region.

Some maple syrup producers even create unique treats for the occasion. At Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm just south of Huntsville, you can try Maple Creemees: soft serve ice cream twirled with pure maple syrup. Others have the classic maple taffy, created by drizzling maple syrup on fresh snow or ice.

Or check out some of the creative ways local bakeries and cafés incorporate maple into their delectable delights. At Affogato Café and Gelato in Huntsville, experience maple gelato. Indulge in a gluten-free Muskoka maple butter tart or sip on a Masala Maple Chai at The Past Shoppe Bakery & Fine Foods in Bracebridge. Or how about a maple pecan apple strudel from The Bakery in Gravenhurst? Mmmmm… maple!

And for the beer-lovers out there, there’s even a maple-flavoured brew for you to sample.

Muskoka’s four craft breweries—Clear Lake Brewing Co., Lake of Bays Brewing Company, Muskoka Brewery and Sawdust City Brewery—have collaborated to create the Pancake Breakfast Specialty Maple Ale, a toasted golden brown ale that is inspired by a perfectly flipped pancake with aromas of cinnamon and vanilla. Complimentary samples will be available at each brewery for a limited time beginning March 17.

The Maple Trail culminates in the Muskoka Maple Festival on April 27 in downtown Huntsville, where there will be live music, tasty treats and a Maple Marché. If you love maple syrup, you don’t want to miss this!

And if the only way you’ve ever experience maple syrup is drizzled over waffles or pancakes (a delicious option), check out a list of maple recipes—like Maple Chicken, Maple Syrup Corn Bread, or Creamy Maple Syrup Dressing—from the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association at ontariomaple.com/recipes.

Ontario May Allow Realtors to Disclose Offer Prices in Bidding Wars

The Canadian Press

January 31, 2019

Ontario home buyers may soon be able to find out the prices and conditions of other offers in bidding wars.

The government launched a consultation Thursday looking at the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, and that’s one rule they’re looking at changing. Currently, if there are multiple bids on a home, the seller’s broker can only disclose the number of competing offers, but not the details of them.

Through this method in a hot housing market, buyers often can blindly offer more than what they initially planned on spending in hopes of beating their competitor.

“Allowing registrants to disclose the details of competing offers to other bidders may benefit both buyers and sellers by making this process more transparent,” the government says in its consultation document.

“Prospective buyers would have better information to inform their decisions, while sellers would know that potential buyers had not been deterred by the prospect of a blind bidding war.”

Realtors have been pushing for this change

The Ontario Real Estate Association has been pushing for a change to that rule and a broader review of the act, and they said they are thrilled consultations are underway.

“The rules governing realtors were set 16 years ago, when smartphones weren’t invented and fax machines were the norm,” CEO Tim Hudak said in a statement.

The industry has changed tremendously … It’s time for the legislation, as well as enforcement and education to catch up with the modern real estate market. – Tim Hudak, CEO, Ontario Real Estate Association

“The industry has changed tremendously since then. It’s time for the legislation, as well as enforcement and education to catch up with the modern real estate market. Updating the rules will increase professionalism in our industry, which is what realtors want and what home buyers and sellers deserve.”

Bill Walker, the minister of government and consumer services, said he is seeking public input to modernize laws governing real estate professionals, to reduce red tape and strengthen transparency and consumer protection.

“We need to make sure the rules governing real estate professionals, and the brokerages that employ them, are efficient, fair and up-to-date with modern realities,” Walker said in a statement.

The consultation document asks if details of competing bids were to be disclosed in multi-offer situations, should that require the consent of all parties, or should it just be the standard, with parties having the ability to opt out. As well, should the disclosure be limited to those actually making offers on a home, or should it be available to anyone who inquires?

The consultation also ponders escalation clauses, asking if the legislation isn’t changed to allow the details of competing offers to be disclosed, should bidders be banned from submitting offers that automatically increase if higher offers are submitted.

Various other areas of the real estate act are under consideration, and the public can submit feedback until March 15.

Top 5 Places to Ski and Snowshoe in Muskoka

Do you hear it? The gently creaking boughs of the trees, the crunch of snow underfoot. It’s winter, inviting you out to play.

There’s no better way to enjoy the serene winter landscape than by ski or snowshoe, and Muskoka offers up plenty of opportunities for both.

Don’t have equipment? Visit a local outfitter like Algonquin Outfitters or Liv Outside for rental gear and then explore some of the best winter experiences around.

Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve (free, no rentals)

Limberlost is open for public use, free of charge, every day of the year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This beautiful spot northeast of Huntsville is still somewhat of a hidden gem. Although you know there are people around, it can sometimes feel like you’ve got the whole place to yourself.

There are more than 70km of hiking trails through forests and around lakes that can also be used for snowshoeing. In winter, the reserve also maintains 30km of track set cross-country ski trails (weather permitting). Be sure to check their website for trail conditions.

Bracebridge Resource Management Centre (free, no rentals)

With 16.5km of groomed cross-country ski trails through mixed forest and easy access off Highway 11 just north of Bracebridge, the BRMC is a favourite location for local Nordic skiers. But sorry, snowshoers – snowshoes aren’t allowed on the trails. There’s just a small (less than 1km) snowshoe loop. You’ll find a trail map here.

Torrance Barrens (free, no rentals)

Go snowshoeing at night? Yep. It’s an otherworldly experience, especially under a full moon in a dark-sky preserve like the Torrance Barrens, southeast of Bala. Who knew there were so many stars in the sky? And the trail is an easy, 3km trek around Highland Pond. Bring a flashlight or a headlamp (a better choice so your hands are free). Check out the Facebook page here.

Arrowhead Provincial Park (fee, rentals available)

Located just to the north of Huntsville off Highway 11, Arrowhead Provincial Park has 28km of classic ski trails, 16km of skate ski trails, more than 8km of marked snowshoe trails, and off-trail snowshoeing options. You can even try out skijoring (cross-country skiing with your dog!). Get more info here.

Algonquin Park (fee) – Okay, so it’s not Muskoka, but it’s not far and it’s worth the drive. Three track set and one wilderness trail offer 110km of Nordic skiing, and many of the parks other trails are available for snowshoeing. Find winter info here. Or embrace the season completely and join park staff for the annual Winter in the Wild Festival.

Bonus trails

Inevitably, with a top five list of anything there are good choices that get left out because five isn’t six or seven or 10. But this being Muskoka, there are of course many more options for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. So here’s a few more:

Echo Valley Nature and Bike Trails (free) – This 3.5km trail network just off Hwy 60 between Huntsville and Dwight is a quiet place to contemplate the winter landscape via snowshoe. Trails aren’t winter maintained.

Gravenhurst KOA (fee, rentals available) – the campground isn’t open in the winter, but the trails are. There are 15km of track set trails. Snowshoeing is available too.

Cranberry Marsh snowshoe trails (fee, snowshoe rentals available) – Johnston’s Cranberry Farm has 10km of groomed snowshoe trails. Cross-country skiing is permitted, but trails aren’t groomed for it so may be a bit rough for skiers.

Muskoka Cottage Safety During the Fall and Winter Seasons

Protect your cottage – and your sanity over the long months’ of absence – with good quality locks and security system, thorough fall maintenance, and regular winter inspection.

(Muskokaregion.com September 2018)

While we are seeing an increase in four-season cottages, the vast majority of them are closed up tight come November and left vacant and largely unattended until spring. Over the winter, cottage owners will often worry and fret over their beloved summer retreat, now enclosed in a barren landscape of snow, feeling helpless in the event that something goes wrong.

It needn’t be that way. With some effort and modest cost, your cottage can be protected in your absence.

The long absence of property owners and dearth of watchful neighbours over the course of the winter makes cottages tempting targets at this time of year. While you can never completely protect your cottage from theft, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk.

For many, the cottage is a rustic place where one goes to immerse in nature and escape modern technology, but modern technology is vital in protecting your investment, as well. Two technologies in particular – locks and cameras – have seen advances in recent years that help secure your cottage while you’re away in ways that just weren’t possible before.

A lock and key is just the beginning for advanced lock systems of today. There are a variety of more advanced options available. “There are a lot of people coming and going at the cottage – contractors, service people, delivery people, guests – so it’s about providing assurance for the property owner,” Jayne McCaw of Jayne’s Cottages says of investing in a good lock system. McCaw specializes in renting out higher-end cottages and is a cottage concierge, providing information and facilitating anything a vacationer might need, from boat rentals to private chefs. As such, she firmly has the pulse of what makes for a care-free cottage experience. “At the very minimum,” she continues, “get a standard lock box.”

Today’s hi-tech locks can be monitored and controlled remotely from an app on your phone, which allows you to check your cottage remotely from anywhere. Also available are deadbolt lock systems that require the entry of a code on a keypad, which allows you to give guests or caretakers their own access codes and later delete them – no more giving out keys that may be lost, stolen or copied. There are even locks that allow you to have codes that are only good for certain days and times – ideal if you need to give access for service calls.

Another technology that’s come far in recent years, thanks in large part to the advancements in connectivity and apps, is that of cameras and security systems. “People lock up their cottage and leave it unattended for months on end. Having a camera security system gives them a sense of comfort when they are gone because they can actually see what’s going on and know that all is well,” says Louis Liadis, owner of Muskoka Cottage Sitters. Being around cottages is Liadis’s passion, so his customers know their seasonal homes are in good hands.

Today’s security systems don’t just alert us to break-ins. Many also monitor temperature drops, which can help prevent frozen pipes or loss of power. Some systems directly alert law enforcement, heating and plumbing pros, or caretakers in the event of emergency. Infrared cameras that take crystal clear nighttime photos without the give-away of a flash ensure that burglars can be easily identified later without them even knowing they’d first been caught on camera. This naturally makes would-be thieves more cautious, so even the presence of a security company’s logo on a sticker or sign displayed outside a cottage proves a deterrent.

It’s ideal to find a local business that can help you choose the right setup for your cottage and who can be there to make adjustments and ensure the system is operating properly at all times.

“Apps and electronic security systems are great, but you still need someone to respond to them. If you’re in Toronto and you get an alarm at 3 a.m., what are you going to do? What can you do? That’s where a property management company provides real peace of mind. We’re hooked into our clients’ alarm systems and respond immediately when they go off,” explains Liadis. “We’re much closer and have the contacts to immediately address the issue.”

Sure, it’s amazing how today’s technology allows for remote control of cameras and locks, enabling you to secure your cottage or see what’s going on by pulling out a phone in your pocket. But there are still plenty of low-tech steps you can – and probably should – take to discourage any security breach.

The most important is to make the cottage look occupied. “One of the reasons so few of the cottages I tend to have been broken into is probably partially because it looks like people are around,” Liadis suggests. Keeping the yard tended, leaving a magazine open or a scarf or jacket on the couch, indoor lights on timers, and outdoor lights triggered by motion do wonders to make it appear as if people are around.

“The most important thing is to keep the driveway and walkway plowed,” explains McCaw. “This makes it look as if people are regularly using the cottage. In fact, some fire codes and property insurance policies demand it to allow fire departments to make it in should a fire break out.”

“Let neighbours know when you are coming and going, and ask them to check on the property in your absence,” she continues. “Their presence may deter thieves and they act as an additional set of eyes watching over your property.”

Alcohol and firearms are preferred targets for burglars, so take them home with you at the end of the season. Pull curtains and blinds over windows so prying eyes cant peak in and see whatever valuables – particularly electronics – are in the cottage.

Security isn’t just about preventing break-and-enters, according to Liadis. “In 20 years, I’ve only had two of the properties I watch over broken into. The more common threat to a cottage over the winter is natural in origin – pipes bursting, damage from falling trees or snow load, and so on,” he says.

Most of the vital preventative work intended to protect the cottage from natural mishap is done during that final, frenzied autumn weekend when we close up the property for the year. You need a thorough plan of action.

Closing the cottage begins with cleaning up the yard, something every homeowner already does, but is more extensive when it comes to a seasonal property. Leaves and other debris left on your yard can redirect the flow of runoff towards landscaping or the cottage, or cause runoff water to pool which, if it freezes over the winter, can crack and shift concrete and other stonework. Leaves that pile up around the sides of the cottage encourage rodents looking for a place to nest, which may eventually find their way inside. Also, wet leaves become slick and pose a risk.

Thoroughly clean out eaves, otherwise water might back up and find its way into the cottage. While you’re up on the roof, inspect for any damage that might create a leak. Also, examine over-reaching trees for signs of weakness and trim any dead or dangerous branches. Inspect the cottage exterior for any entrances where mice, squirrels, bats and other animals might get in and seal any openings that are found.

Plumbing has traditionally been a source of anxiety for cottagers. Who wants to open the cottage next spring only to find that pipes froze and cracked over the winter months? Damage caused by such accidents can be severe. During closing, it’s important to make sure all pipes and drains are completely free of water. Open all valves and, using a Shop-Vac, blow the water out. There may still be water and moisture in the pipes, so pour some anti-freeze down the pipes. Some people go so far as to wrap pipes with insulation to give them added protection against the cold. If your cottage is older, you may have copper pipes and it’s recommended that all such pipes be replaced with plastic ones.

Ultimately, whether it’s protecting the cottage from natural mishap or human theft, nothing beats having a property caretaker. Just make sure the person doing the work is insured with CGL (Commercial General Liability).

“Using a qualified cottage care team takes the pressure off closing down the cottage, offers peace of mind that the property is being taken care of during the seven months from Thanksgiving until the May when you’re not around, and our presence helps deter theft,” explains Liatis. “We come in weekly throughout the winter and spring, and fill out a checklist of about 25 items, looking for everything from snow load to tree damage, fuel levels to temperature. You can sleep easy at night.”

Saying goodbye to your cottage in the autumn need not leave you full of dread for the winter to follow. Protect your cottage – and your sanity over the long months of absence – with good quality locks and security system, thorough fall maintenance, and regular winter inspection. A small price to pay for securing your beloved vacation property.

Embrace the Snow at Muskoka’s Winter Carnivals

Muskokans don’t just endure winter, they revel in it! With so many different outdoor activities to partake in, it’s no wonder that we embrace winter so enthusiastically. Add in a party atmosphere and we’re all over it. Because winter time is carnival time.

From tube runs right down the main street of town to bed races and polar bear dips to good old-fashioned winter fun, we know how to celebrate the snowy season. There’s a festival in just about every town—attend one or attend them all!

Here’s what kind of carnival fun you’ll find across Muskoka. Check back to their websites or Facebook pages for more details closer to each event.

Jan 26 Fire and Ice Festival, Bracebridge

There’s a dizzying array of events at this popular one-day festival. Highlights include the tube run through downtown, crokacurl (a combination of curling and crokinole, invented in Canada, of course!), disc golf (the only four-season golf game in Muskoka), lumberjack and ice sculpting shows, and that favourite pastime any time of year…roasting marshmallows.

Feb 1-3 Port Carling Winterfest

For 52 years, the Port Carling Winterfest has been delighting winter fans and this year will be no different. There’s a variety of children’s entertainment, face painting, horse and wagon rides, log sawing contests, a birds of prey demonstration, a chili cook-off contest, and more!

Feb 1-3 Port Sydney Winter Carnival

Port Sydney is a little village with a lot of heart. You’ll find simple, old-fashioned winter fun at this annual carnival, including skating and tubing by tiki-lights, horse and wagon rides, and snow games.

February 2, Muskoka Winter Bike Fest, Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville

If you love cycling, don’t let winter stop you. This event features an 11-kilometre race course with heats for experienced riders, newbies and kids. Plus there’s a bonfire, beer tasting, chili and live entertainment, and more trails to ride if you just can’t get enough.

Feb 8-9 Dwight Winter Carnival

There’s a whole lot of excitement packed into this little carnival, including a pancake breakfast and chili cook-off, horse-drawn wagon rides, science and nature activities with Science North and Find Your Wild, and tons of carnival and snow games for kids of all ages.

Feb 14-18 Gravenhurst Winter Carnival

Gravenhurst wins the award for most-unique carnival around. With five days of fun full of activities like bed races, a polar bear dip, a demolition derby, a donut eating contest, a puddle jump, and a doggie dash, it’s entertaining from start to finish!

Feb 15-16 Dorset Snowball

The Dorset Snowball parade kicks off the fun and festivities at this annual event, in its 29^th year in 2019. Follow that up with horse-drawn wagon rides, snow snake games, skating, and other winter activities.

Feb 18 Baysville Winterfest

This fun Family Day event features a free pancake breakfast and BBQ courtesy of the Lions Club, donut and pie eating contests (as fun to watch as they are to participate in!), and a variety of winter activities. It’s family fun for everyone!

Making The Season Bright

The days are getting shorter, carols are playing everywhere, and annual Santa Claus parades are popping up all over Muskoka. Christmas is just around the corner…

There are plenty of events in the region to help you get in the spirit, so if you missed the parades mark your calendar for some of this festive fun—maybe you’ll even make an annual tradition of one of them (if you haven’t already!).

If you have wee ones in your life, or if you’re just young at heart, or head to Santafest at Santa’s Village in Bracebridge or catch the Portage Flyer train in Huntsville (our own version of The Polar Express!) to make one last pitch to Santa. Leave a letter for the jolly old elf at a special mail box outside Christmas Tyme on Main Street in Huntsville. Or maybe you’d prefer to watch the big guy don skis for the annual Torchlight Parade at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area on Christmas Eve?

Or maybe your traditions have an outdoor element… a moonlit snowshoe walk on Christmas Eve, a family skate on one of Muskoka’s many skating trails like the ones at Arrowhead Provincial Park north of Huntsville, Memorial Park in Bracebridge, or at Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh in Bala.

You could light up your New Year’s Eve with early, family-friendly fireworks at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area or head to Arrowhead for the first Fire and Ice night on the skating trail (weather permitting – check their website to confirm). If you already have plans for the big night, you can get a jump on the celebration with a torchlight skate on the cranberry marsh trail on December 29. (All of these events are weather permitting, of course—be sure to check their websites to confirm the fun is still a go before you head out.)

You can create traditions closer to home, too. A roaring fire and friends gathered for fondue night. A build-a-snowman party. Or a day spent baking delicious Christmas goodness. (If you’re not a baker, but need an easy go-to treat that just about everyone will love, try the fudge recipe below. It’s easy as they come, next to buying it pre-made, but you don’t need to tell anyone!)

Super-fast festive fudge

What you need:

3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup butter
1 cup chopped pistachios, cashews or walnuts (optional)
Crushed candy canes for topping (optional)

How to make it:

Place chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter or margarine in large microwaveable bowl. Zap in microwave on medium until chips are melted, about 3-5 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking. You can also melt the chocolate chips over a double boiler if you prefer.
Stir in nuts, if desired.
Pour into well-greased 8×8-inch glass baking dish.
Sprinkle with crushed candy canes, if desired.
Refrigerate until set.

(Adapted from All Recipes)

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Festivus, happy holidays to you and yours!

Working With A Registered Real Estate Broker Provides Some Protection

The decision to use a brokerage — or not — is entirely yours to make.

But the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) strongly recommends working with a registered salesperson, or broker, when you buy or sell a property for the simple reason that navigating your way through a real estate transaction can get complicated, especially if you’re inexperienced. Unlike some other do-it-yourself projects, buying a home is the largest single purchase most people will ever make, it involves a binding legal contract, and it’s a decision you may have to live with for a long time.

In Ontario, salespeople, brokers and brokerages must register with RECO if they wish to trade in real estate, and that registration provides consumers with three pillars of protection:

Knowledge: Real salespeople and brokers must complete courses to qualify for registration before they can practise their trade, and RECO requires them to complete additional continuing education courses every two years to keep their knowledge up to date.

Salespeople know their territories. If you’re selling, they can provide you with a comparative market analysis so you can set a listing price that works for you yet is realistic and attractive to buyers, and help you market your home by hosting open houses, arranging to have it professionally staged for visitors, and employing other creative promotional activities.

And if you’re buying, your salesperson can help you find properties that meet your needs in your area and answer any questions you might have about the neighbourhood, arrange showings, recommend other professionals such as appraisers or home inspectors, and possibly negotiate on your behalf.

Professional Standards: Real estate salespeople and brokers are required to comply with the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA), and its Code of Ethics, both of which are enforced by RECO. We expect members of the industry to treat anyone involved in a transaction with fairness, honesty and integrity, and to protect consumers. In the rare instance when something goes wrong and it can’t be resolved with the brokerage, a consumer can file a complaint with RECO against a salesperson and we will investigate.

Insurance: RECO established and administers an insurance program that includes consumer deposit protection. Consumers can rest assured their hard-earned deposits will be protected against loss, insolvency or misappropriation.

Salespeople and brokers may vary considerably in terms of their knowledge, experience, fee structures, and services as well as the types and locations of properties they trade. We encourage consumers to interview at least three candidates before they sign on as a client with a real estate brokerage, and to look up salespeople on the RECO website using the search tool located on every page.

By JOE RICHERReal Estate Council of Ontario

Fri., Nov. 30, 2018

Muskoka Market Update

The Muskoka real estate market fell short in the third quarter in a year over year comparison. Despite the drop, the numbers actually marked an improvement from the first two quarters of the year – which saw an aggregated downturn of over 35%.

Downward pressure was applied across many fronts; low inventory, a cooling GTA market, consumer edginess regarding changing U.S. relations, and a general cooling following the frenzied activity in 2016 and 2017.

Third quarter residential sales hit 216, a drop of 11% from 2017 and recreational sales fell by 19% with sales of 240 units from 295 in the third quarter of 2017.

Prices

Average and median prices continued to climb, although the rate of appreciation slowed slightly. The average price for a residential home in Muskoka in the first nine months of the year increased by 8% to $359,728 and median price rose by 9% to $346,000 in the first none months of the year.

Recreational property prices saw average prices increase by 4.14% to $1,060,497 and median prices surge by 15.4% to $750,000. This gap in average and median growth was driven by two factors; price increases across most price points which drives the median value; and a stall at the top end (3M+) of the market which softened average price.

Inventory

Available properties still remained exceptionally low. At the end of September only 184 residential listings and 279 recreational listings were available for sale. This continues the trend we’ve seen for the last couple years and remains, in my opinion, the single largest factor driving prices and restraining sales.

Six Muskoka Food Trucks That Will Make You Say MMMMMM!

There’s something special about food you can find on the street. Noshing on freshly cooked fare in the fresh Muskoka air is delightful, and food trucks have been popping up all over the region. In addition to preparing tasty dishes from often locally sourced ingredients, food truck owners can usually give you the down-low on other local fun while you wait. Here are five of them that also have a unique offering.

Sully’s Muskoka

Location: 345 Ecclestone Dr in Bracebridge

On the menu: Local fresh ingredients with a gourmet twist – Sully’s Gourmet Burger, Ensenada Fish Tacos, Cauliflower Taco, Fried Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich, Fish and Chips, Poutine, an ever changing featured item, plus lots of yummy sides

Fun fact: This food truck is on the move – you can always check and see where they are on their Facebook page.

Frenchie’s Crêpe Café

Location: Huntsville at the corner of Main Street East and Centre Street North

On the menu: Crêpes both sweet and savoury. Locals rave about the honey garlic chicken crêpe (seasoned chicken, spinach, roasted peppers and feta smothered in honey garlic sauce and served in a warm, freshly made crêpe). But there’s also La Marquise with brie, chicken, spinach, strawberries and toasted almonds, or the sweet Muskoka crêpe —Frenchie’s take on ‘smores—with Nutella, marshmallows, chocolate sauce, Graham crackers and whipped cream. Yum.

Fun fact: Chef Thibaut Bellenoue has adapted his grandmother’s crêpe recipe for this new venture.

Mystery Diner

Location: In the heart of Bala, just north of Bala Falls on Muskoka Rd 169

On the menu: Everything but the kitchen sink. The Mystery Diner offers a dizzying array of choices including Dam burgers (it’s just down the road from the dam at Bala Falls), Omeletacos, Cheezy Queso-dillas, Indonesian-style Fried Noodles, Deep-Fried Chicken Burgers, Poutine and fruit smoothies.

Fun fact: The ‘Bala bog monster’, the sculpture formerly called Koilos, guards the diner. It has been around: it sat on a dock on Lake Muskoka for a while, and before that was in Toronto’s Distillery District. It was originally created for the Burning Man festival held annually in the Nevada desert.

Cheesus Murphy and the Grateful Bread

Location: 2611 Muskoka Rd 117, Baysville

On the menu: Possibly the best grilled cheese sandwiches you’ll ever taste. This food truck elevates a kids’ classic to a whole new adult-appropriate level. (Although who ever said that cheesy goodness was just for kids?) And with offerings like the Lord Tunderin’ Cheesus with heaps of shaved ham, Swiss and mozzarella, the Weeping Cheesus, named for its crispy cheese ‘skirt’, the Sweet Cheesus with granny smith apples, Havarti, cream cheese and vanilla fruit dip, or the heart-stopping 4:20 burger which uses grilled cheese sandwiches in place of buns, you won’t go home hungry.

Fun fact: The truck’s name is a play on rock band the Grateful Dead—fans used to make grilled cheese sandwiches in the parking lot while waiting for the concert to start.

Grillicious Gourmet Food Truck

Location: Sawdust City Brewery (397 Muskoka Road N), Gravenhurst

On the menu: You really can’t go wrong with anything on this menu, but the smoked trout poutine or bulgogi beef poutine are to-die-for options that you’re not likely to find anywhere else.

Fun fact: The name of the adjacent craft brewery, Sawdust City, is a throwback to the late 1800s when lumber was big business in Gravenhurst.

The Frying Dutchman Co.

Location: 72 Main Street West, Huntsville

On the menu: All-vegan choices that everyone will love. The Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich is so much like meat, you’d swear it was pulled pork! Or try the Chunky Helper Monkey fries topped with BBQ jackfruit, gravy, fresh onions, bell peppers and tomatoes. The Frying Dutchman also has vegan baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Fun fact: The Frying Dutchman is Muskoka’s first plant-based food truck serving a traditional chip truck menu.

There are other food trucks across Muskoka, too, of course. Summer is the perfect time to get out and explore them all and decide for yourself which one is best. (But maybe not all in one day. Your waistline will thank you.)

Summer is spelled F-E-S-T-I-V-A-L-S!

Okay, maybe that’s not quite how summer is spelled but it certainly is the season for festivals. In Muskoka they come in an incredible variety, and if you wanted to you could spend just about every weekend festival hopping around the region.
Some are brand new, like the Muskoka Veg Fest (a vegan festival) and the Macaroni Festival (in homage to Huntsville’s one-time Macaroni Factory). Some are back for the second or third time, like Dog Fest and Love Fest. Others, like the vintage boat shows, have been around for decades.
There’s bathtub races and beer, arts and crafts, fringe performances, yoga and more! General admission to many of the events is free or has a nominal cost.
If you want to check them out, mark your calendar with the dates below. Have a fantastic summer!

July 7
38th Annual Vintage Boat Show
Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst
Free admission
https://www.acbs.ca/index.php/boat-show/boat-show-registration-link

July 7
Rotary Dockfest and ArtSplash
Town Dock and River Mill Park, Huntsville
Free admission
rotarydockfest.com

July 14-15
Muskoka Yoga Festival
Annie Williams Park, Bracebridge
See the website for workshop and pass pricing
muskokayogafestival.com

July 14-15
34th annual Muskoka Pioneer Power Show
J.D. Lang Activity Park (Fairgrounds), Bracebridge
Admission: $5 (Kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult)
muskokapioneerpower.ca

July 14
Muskoka Buttertart Festival
Muskoka Lakes Museum, Port Carling
Admission: $2
mlmuseum.com

July 20-22
Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show
Annie Williams Park, Bracebridge
Admission by donation
muskokaartsandcrafts.com

July 20
Midnight Madness
Downtown Huntsville
Free admission
downtownhuntsvilleadventures.ca

July 21
Dog Fest Muskoka
Morrison Meadows, Bracebridge
dogfestmuskoka.ca

July 24
Everything Anne of Green Gables Day
Bala’s Museum, Bala
Admission: $5.99/person or $19.99/family of four
balasmuseum.com

July 27-29
Muskoka Ribfest
Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst
Free general admission
muskokashows.com

July 27-29
Muskoka In-Water Boat and Cottage Show
Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst
Free admission
muskokashows.com

July 27-28
Muskoka Antique and Vintage Show
Port Carling Community Centre, Port Carling
Admission: $6 (Kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult)
antiqueshowscanada.com

July 28
Baysville Walkabout Festival
Baysville
Admission by donation
baysvillewalkabout.com/

July 28
Nuit Blanche North
Downtown Huntsville
Free admission
huntsvillefestival.on.ca

August 3
Midnight Madness
Downtown Bracebridge
Free general admission
downtownbracebridge.com

Aug 3-5
Sawdust City Music Festival
Gravenhurst
Ticket prices available on the website
sawdustcitymusicfestival.com

August 4
Griffin Session Muskoka Craft Beer Festival
Annie Williams Park, Bracebridge
Admission: $30 in advance or $40 at the gate; must be legal drinking age
sessionmuskoka.ca

August 11-12
Baysville Arts and Craft Festival
Baysville
Admission by donatio
baysvilleriverfront.ca

Aug 11
MLA Antique Boat Show
Port Carling
Free admission
mla.on.ca

August 11
Muskoka Veg Fest
River Mill Park, Huntsville
Free admission
muskokavegfest.com

August 17-19
Dockside Festival of the Arts
Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst
Admission by donation
docksidefestival.com

August 18
Love Fest Street Festival
Dorset
Admission by donation
lovefestdorset.ca

August 18-19
Artists of Limberlost Open Studio Weekend
Free
artistsofthelimberlost.ca

August 19
Lake of Bays Antique and Classic Boat and Car Show
Baysville
Admission by donation with proceeds to the Baysville and Dorset Winter Pantry Food Program

August 24-26
35th annual Bracebridge Antique Show and Sale
JD Lang Activity Park (Fairgrounds), Bracebridge

August 25
Muskoka Craft Beerfest
Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst
Ticket prices available on the website, must be legal drinking age
muskokacraftbeerfest.com

September 7-9
World Waterski Show Tournament
Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville
Tickets: $10 in advance or $20 at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free.
worldwaterskishowtournament.com/

September 15
Macaroni Festival
Downtown Huntsville
downtownhuntsvilleadventures.com