2010
The Rugged Wilson’s Falls
Located near Bracebridge on the north branch of the Muskoka River is Wilson’s Falls. There is a fairly rugged trail that leads you through some hilly terrain in the bush and out to the falls area. There is a very small hydro damn at the top that is visible in the photo. You can also drive right up to the falls if you follow Wilson’s Falls Road not far from downtown Bracebridge. Here is a Map
Please click for a larger photo.
2021
Formosa Island a Presidents Place in Muskoka
Formosa Island on Lake Rosseau, Canada was once the beloved summer home of United States President Woodrow Wilson. He began visiting Muskoka in the 1890s with his family. In 1901 he purchased 100 acres near the Royal Muskoka Hotel that included Formosa Island. He was very protective of the land and would send out warnings not to light fires or cut any trees down. He had big plans for the property that included a camp, boathouse, wharf, ice and bath house. He served as the President of Princeton University, became the 34th Governor of NJ and then elected as the 28th US President from 1913-1921. He got a little busy and apparently never set foot in Muskoka after that. There is a curious story that in August of 1914 he signed the guest register of the Bala Bay Inn however there was no official record of him being in Canada as WWI was breaking out. One year before his death in 1924 at age 67 he would reminisce about Muskoka with his wife Eleanor, “ do you remember our picnics there and your mother reading poetry under the pines?” Muskoka continues to be an enchanting place and has touched many people for well over a century.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2013
Happy Feet!
The latest fashion trend in cottage country according to my 15 year old niece. Keep in mind it is July.
Reminder that the Antique and Classic Boat Show runs this weekend July 4-7, 2013 at the wharf in Gravenhurst. This year the theme is the greatest race boats in Canadian history. They are bringing in the legendary and recently restored Miss Canada IV race-boat. Promotional video HERE
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2012
North Branch of the Muskoka River
This is the north branch of the Muskoka River flowing out of Mary Lake in quaint Port Sydney, Ontario. The river meanders towards Bracebridge into Lake Muskoka and out to the Moon River and down to Georgian Bay. There are 5 dams on this system with power generated at High Falls, Wilson Falls and the Bracebridge Falls.
The Muskoka River Watershed is the largest watershed in the Muskoka district covering an area of 466,000 hectares. The watershed communities are: Dwight, Dorset, Baysville, Huntsville, Port Sydney, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Bala, Port Carling and MacTier
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2012
High Falls Hike
I went for a little adventure up to High Falls near Bracebridge hoping the water would be rushing over like a mini Niagara. High Falls is fed by the north branch of the Muskoka River and is one of the steepest falls in Ontario. The area is actually a park with washrooms, picnic tables and BBQ’s setup. The gates were closed when I arrived so I had to perform some rudimentary ninja navigation techniques to get in, Shush! Here is a Map
FYI – There are quite a few other falls around Muskoka that I have been to including; Bala Falls, Rosseau Falls, Bracebridge Falls and the Wilson Falls. All worthy of a visit.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
