National Geographic Traveler recently named Muskoka as their top pick of ‘Ten Best Summer Trips of 2011′. What an honour it is for not only Canada, but for the region that is located just north of where I live. Even though I’ve been to Muskoka several times as a child and adult, I’ve truly never explored it as much as I did a week ago.
About a two hour drive north of Toronto, this popular cottage destination for many Canadians is a playground for outdoor adventure enthusiasts all year round. I always say that adventure is all in how you define it so what better way to explore this ‘lake region’ than to get into a kayak and check it out for myself.
With my husband in tow, we started our adventure in the town of Bracebridge. Through my internet research, I found a boat rental place that is directly located on the Muskoka River that provides not only rentals for kayaks and canoes, but guided adventure tours as well. Muskoka Outfitters has two waterfront locations; one in Bracebridge and the other in Gravenhurst. The service provided by the staff here was amazing and I would certainly recommend them to anyone looking to explore this area by boat.
Our adventure got off to a rocky start with me falling over a rock while trying to carry
the kayak to the launch area and then once I was situated in my kayak, I looked back to see my husband falling out of the kayak from the dock area (the two of us must of looked like idiots!). A little embarrassing for us both, but sure enough we started our one hour paddle to view the waterfall that was recommended to us by the staff. The river was so quiet and calm as the two of us paddled past cottages on the lakefront. Even though it was warm and humid day, the shade from the trees hanging over the river, kept us cool. With it being our first time paddling this year, our one hour paddle turned into almost two hours as the wind and the current held us back. Needless to say, we finally arrived at the South Falls waterfall and pulled our kayaks up on the rocks to enjoy a pleasant picnic by the waterfall.
After a few hours of kayaking, it was time to go explore the town of Bracebridge. Kelvin Grove Park is a great place to take the kids, enjoy a picnic or simply take in the scenery of yet another waterfall. There is a path that leads from the park up to the bridge above the waterfall to take you into the quaint small town of Bracebridge. My love of ice cream took us to the imfamous ‘Marty’s World Famous’ where they are known for their amazing butter tarts but today ice cream was the chosen dessert. A short jaunt through town and then off to discover more of Muskoka.
Our next stop was the Muskoka Lakes Winery to sample some of their fruit wines which is
located just outside Bala. Driving through Bracebridge and Port Carling on the way to winery is so scenic as you are completely surrounded by lakes, forests and wildlife. Bala is the cranberry capital of Ontario so take some time to visit the market, hike the cranberry trails and take in the local wildlife, especially the herons who re-visit their wetland preservation every summer.
With the day winding down, we decided to visit another lakeside town, Gravenhurst, to grab some dinner. We were recommended by the local winery to try out a restaurant called, the Regatta and they did not disappoint. The food was amazing and the view was even more spectacular. Located right on Muskoka Bay, we enjoyed a glass of wine, fine food, and some jazz music as the sun was setting over the lake. I couldn’t think of a more perfect place to end such a perfect day.
TIP: If you enjoy cycling (mountain biking in particular), there are two bike routes that I would recommend; Porcupine Ridge and Buckwallow. Porcupine Ridge is a mountain bike park located right beside Santa’s Village that provides easy and advanced bike trails. Buckwallow which is located just outside of Bracebridge, also offers trail systems for cyclists for grades easy to expert. Either way, you have lots of choices. Try them out next time you visit Muskoka.
Muskoka………..the adventure playground of the north!
