CottageBlog.ca - Stumbling in and around Muskoka Canada » In and Around Muskoka Ontario

Passing By The Lady of the Lakes

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:55:48 +0000

The sky was overcast and it threatened rain all day however that did not stop the crowds from coming out to the lawn for the Windermere House concert on July 24, 2010. As I was passing by in my boat I could hear the distinct sounds of Canadian tenor Michael Burgess and the National Academy Orchestra emanating from the lawn. Just as I started to take some shots this work boat swooshed by from out of the shadows.

Please click on the image for a larger sized photo

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:28:59 +0000

Take time to smell the Roses - … Echinacea Purpurea Maxima

Please click on the image for a biggie sized photo

From The Mother In-Laws Seat

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:19:47 +0000

This photo was taken from the mother in-laws seat in a 1930″s Ditchburn launch on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. Unfortunately we were not allowed to bring cameras on the Muskoka Heritage Foundations annual Summer Tour. I snuck this low quality shot in from my iPhone as we were being transported across the lake by beautiful vintage boats. The summer tour was well organized and we had the privilege to learn about 3 very distinct and fascinating summer homes, Grey Rock, Monyca Island and Llanfair.

Everythings Just Ducky

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:34:00 +0000

A typical scene along the shorelines of Muskoka’s lakes and water ways. I believe this is a female Mallard duck with her chicks.
Please click on the image for a large sized photo

They Say Its Your Birthday

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:27:00 +0000

Last fall I was cruising through Bala and noticed the Bala Bay Inn was deserted so I thought I would set up my trusty tripod and snap a few. This past weekend marked the 100th anniversary celebration of the famous and apparently haunted Muskoka Inn. After seeing my photo the management of the Bala Bay asked if they could use it in their newsletter which of course I obliged.
Also see The Ghosts of Muskoka.

Grace and Speed

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:42:39 +0000

This is Grace and Speed located at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst. It contains a great museum that features the history of Muskoka’s boat building, grand hotels and the steamship era. The boat slips contain many different antique wooden boats that were built in Muskoka. It is well worth a visit especially if you are planning on going out on one of the Steamships.

Please click on the image for a boathouse sized photo

Hello Miss St. Félicien

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:32:37 +0000

This is a shot of Miss St. Félicien as seen at last weeks annual Antique and Classic Boat Show at the wharf in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Miss St. Félicien is looking for a new owner to restore her back to her glory days.

Please click on the image for a large sized photo.

Lake Joseph Cabin

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:04:41 +0000

I enjoy discovering humble little cabins on the big three lakes in Muskoka. Not everything has been ripped down and replaced with designer monster crème de la crème cottages (yet). I found this place in a very quiet bay while jet-skiing up on the north end of Lake Joe. Please click on the photo for a larger size

Huckleberry Rock Panoramic

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:22:49 +0000

If you are interested in hiking some of the trails around the Muskoka region then you need to check out the Muskoka Trail Council’s new website. Taking the Muskoka Trail Passport Challenge would be a good way to learn about the area and get some exercise in at the same time. For those that complete the 6 trail challenge you will be rewarded with a certificate. I do not think these trails are overly difficult so even a novice should be OK.

Huckleberry Rock is on the trail challenge and this is a panoramic shot I took looking out at Lake Muskoka. Please click on the photo for a larger sized pic.

Click Here for a map of the Huckleberry Rock trail in PDF

Trippin up Joe by Jetski

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:22:14 +0000

The scenes from a Jetski motif – As the sun was beginning to drop I took a quick voyage up the Joseph River and into Lake Joseph on a Jetski. Although a little tricky, I like to try and shoot from my jetski as you can get into areas that you can’t by boat. I found this quiet bay on Lake Joe that had an old log cabin buried amongst the trees. (pic coming later) I tried to imagine what it was like to stay at this cabin and to look out at this unobstructed view to the west. As the real estate agents like to say “beautiful vistas”

Please click on the photo for an extra large size

Spooled Up

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:02:00 +0000

Peninsula Road up by Little Lake Joseph in Muskoka or more commonly referred to as Little Joe.

Please click on the image for a biggie sized photo

Canada Day Up Canada Way

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:01:39 +0000

Pure Maple Syrup runs through Stompin Tom Connors veins. He is a true Canadian legend and has wrote folk songs for just about every place in Canada. In his early days Stompin Tom hitch-hiked across Canada numerous times. I read his two autobiographies a few years back and find him to be quite a fascinating and great Canadian. So with it being Canada Day I thought I would feature Stompin Tom’s Canada Day Song.

Cameron Island Boat House on Lake Joseph

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:38:35 +0000

This is a boat house on Cameron Island on Lake Joseph in Muskoka. It is about midway up the lake and is surrounded by all kinds of small islands with giant pines and large granite boulders. It is one of my favorite areas to explore. I recommend you keep a good look out for the rocks and shallow waters in this area. As I passed by I noticed a for sale sign on the boat house and upon further research discovered it is available for just short of $3M dollars. For your interest, click here for the listing.

Please click on the image for a large sized photo

Muskoka Road Signs

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 14:28:54 +0000

Who needs a GPS when you have well marked road signs like this? For those of you not familiar with Muskoka or any cottage country road, these are typical sightings as you navigate your way to crazy Uncle Charlies summer cabin in the woods. Notice the giant Bee Hive above the tree. Is it real?

Click on the above image for a large sized pic

The Russians are Coming … The Russians are Coming

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:33:37 +0000

Paignton House Road leads to the Red Leaves Resort near the village of Minett in Muskoka Canada. As part of the G8 Summit expenditures this small piece of road cost the taxpayers a mere $410,000.00 to pave and beautify. The resort is located about 75 km’s from where the G8 is in the town of Huntsville, Ontario. According to the Honourable Tony Clement the Member of Parliament for Muskoka-Parry Sound,“ The Paignton House Road will be an important route taken by VIPs attending the 2010 G8 Summit, as they travel between The Rosseau resort and the summit site each day,” More from Tony baby here

Rumor has it the Russians are staying here this weekend. I wonder how the Vodka inventory is?

National Post Interview, “Its Not All Cappuccinos On The Dock”

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:57:13 +0000

Last week I was interviewed by National Post reporter Vanessa Farquharson who was trying to get a sense of how Muskoka has evolved over the years, both aesthetically and socially. Those of you that live or frequent the Muskoka region know how misunderstood it really is. As you are probably aware Muskoka is constantly in the news these days with the G-8 Summit arriving this week. The dates are June 25-26, 2010 in Huntsville, Ontario.

For the complete National Post article please click here

Mellow Yellow

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:33:11 +0000

Continuing with the “Eye Candy on the Lakes” motif. Over the past few years I have noticed ample cottages and boathouses going with yellow as the main color. Its very cheery and sure beats the doldrums of brown. Up on the north west side of Lake Rosseau in Muskoka as you head into one of the bays you will find this beautiful cottage and boathouse.

Please click on the image for a large sized photo

Pipe Dreams

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:29:53 +0000

Pipe Dreams as seen on the streets of Waubaushene, Ontario just off Hwy #400

lLease click on the image for biggie size

The Calm Before the G8 Storm

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:17:17 +0000

Around the town of Huntsville Ontario here are many smaller lakes that are very clean and peaceful. However the peace is about to be shattered as the G8 Summit steamrolls its way into Muskoka. The main meeting place for the G8 is at the Deerhurst Resort which is located directly on one of these small lakes. Peninsula Lake is also connected to Fairy, Mary and Vernon lakes. Look for Harper and Obama with their fishing poles.

Please click on the photo for a larger size – thanks

Took The Long Way Home

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:05:16 +0000

We decided to head back home a little earlier as it was a rainy and somewhat chilly day. (Although that usually does not matter) I spotted another road side distraction on Highway #11 south of Gravenhurst (probably more like Orillia) at The Lazy Farmers Antiques. I think its a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 but I could be out a year or two?

Please click on the image for Le Grande sized Mustang

Flat Stanley Visits Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 19:18:18 +0000

Flat Stanley is one cool dude who traveled all the way from Viking, Alberta to check out Muskoka. The Flat Stanley Project was started by a London, Ontario school teacher Dale Hubert to facilitate letter writing for children. Flat Stanley is usually mailed out to friends or relatives who are asked to treat him like a visiting guest. Flat Stanley is eventually returned to his creator and his travels are then documented in a journal.

The Flat Stanley Project: flatstanleyproject.com

Flat Stan also dropped by Clevelands House

The Magnificent Ferndale

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:40:45 +0000

Further eye candy on the lakes …
This is the majestic Ferndale on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. The site of the original Ferndale House as mentioned previously. I watched this place being built over the past two or three years. It attracts quite the boat traffic as it is one of the most grand of all Muskoka cottages on the big three lakes.

Please click on the image for a grandiose sized photo

Ferndale House in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 27 May 2010 22:15:53 +0000

This is the point of land on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka where the Ferndale House once rested. It was later called the Canadian Keswick Conference Centre and it burned down in 1946. There is now a very large mansion and boathouse on this property. (Photo coming soon) Check the cool little gazebo up on the point overlooking the lake. Click to see a large photo.

Please click on the photo for a 1280 pixel size

The Old Farm in Rest Harbour Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:15:44 +0000

This is all that remains of a farm in Rest Harbour on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka with the exception of the old boathouse across the road. The land, “owned free and clear to the waters edge” was originally deeded to the Wrenshall family dating back to 1884. It was amongst the first 20 free grants issued for Medora township. The Judd family purchased the property from the Wrenshall family around 1886.

Up until the 1940’s this property was only accessible by water. The steam ships would come into the docks and bring supplies. Of course in the winter everything was carted across the ice. The farm and a resort called Rest Harbour operated until the late 1960’s. Many of these historic places are disappearing from Muskoka.

I want to thank the numerous and knowledgeable people out in Blog land that have left comments, forwarded information, land surveys and photos to me. Thank you Deborah!

Exploring Georgian Bays 30,000 Islands

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:56:47 +0000

The 30,000 island region of Georgian Bay is absolutely breathtaking. I would highly recommend The Island Queen cruise which you can pickup from the docks in the town of Parry Sound, Ontario. The region is filled with glacier sculpted granite islands and windswept trees that look like Group of Seven paintings. The United Nations (UNESCO) has designated this area of Georgian Bay as a Biosphere Reserve being the worlds largest freshwater archipelago covering 347,000 hectares.

Website for the Island Queen Cruise
www.island-queen.com

Please click on the photo for a large size

Preparing for the May Two-Four Weekend

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:28:21 +0000

Port Sandfield in Muskoka is a cool place to hangout and watch the boats cruise through from Lake Joseph to Lake Rosseau and vice-versa. Its been a little chilly on the water lately however it looks like we are in for some warmer weather this coming weekend. You will start to see more activity on the water now as everyone prepares to get ready for the big May “Two-Four” weekend.

For our American and International friends May 24th is a celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday commonly known as Victoria Day, a Canadian statutory holiday – Yup a long weekend and the official kick-off of summer for us.

Please click for a larger sized photo

Tractive Force

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:12:36 +0000

I don’t recall exactly where I discovered this old Tractor. I was driving around in circles for a while that day. It was someones lawn ornament in front of their home around the Milford Bay area of Muskoka – me thinks. You never know what you will find meandering through the back roads sometimes.

Please click on the photo for a tractor sized 1280 pixel shot

Kerplunk!

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:21:11 +0000

The water is still a little on the chilly side for my liking however there are a few brave souls nut-bars out there that are game.
Off the dock and into a frigid Lake Joesph in Muskoka. Brrrrr!

Please click on the image for a large splash shot

Off the Cleveland House Dock

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:36:13 +0000

In about another month this dock will be filled with people lying in the sun, swimming, boats pulling up etc. This is at the world famous Clevelands House family resort located on about 3000 feet of prime Lake Rosseau frontage in Muskoka. Its a great place to explore, drop by for drinks, have dinner or people watch.

The Quiet Hills of Mount St. Louis

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:39:06 +0000

I was surprised to see that there was still some snow on the ski hills of Mount St. Louis. For those of you that travel up the highway #400 route to cottage country this will be a familiar view compared to the road side distractions of highway #11. As they say – there are only two seasons in Canada. Winter Summer and Hockey.

Please click on the image for a ski hill sized photo

Love Mother Earth

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:48:31 +0000

I don’t really have a photo that represents Earth Day so when I received my daily email from Hugh MacLeod I thought I would pass it on. Hugh MacLeod is an artist I have been following for many years. I just finished reading Hugh’s book “Ignore Everybody” and I find Hugh’s work very inspiring and find that he always cuts clean through the erratic noise. You can check Hugh’s website and blog by clicking HERE.

Hughes Comments:
A Tribute To Earth Day.
Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanic Eruptions, She may not be happy right now, but she’s all we’ve got.
Let’s take care of her.

Memories of Burn Barrels

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:25:41 +0000

Burn Barrels used to be quite common around the old Muskoka cottages. I think for the most part people have become a little more environmentally conscious. There is a fire ban in effect in the Muskoka District. No day time burning from April 1 to October 31. For more info please click here

Earth day April 22

PLease click on the image for a biggie sized burn barrel

Return of the Muskoka Sunsets

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:01:03 +0000

The warm weather has opened up the lakes weeks earlier then previous years. Boats are starting to appear. It’s still a little chilly on the water however it is a great time to cruise around and check the new boathouses that have sprung up over the winter.
Hey Captain! Port Side – mind the flotsam.

Lake Rosseau near Port Sandfield pictured below.

please click on the image for a large photo

A River Runs Through It

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:48:32 +0000

As of last weekend all of the ice has disappeared from the lakes and rivers around the Muskoka district. Time to get the boats prepared. The lake levels are not as high as previous years due to lower volumes of precipitation this past winter. Traveling a few minutes east of the Town of Rosseau on Highway # 141 you will find the Rosseau River. This is the Upper Rosseau Falls located right beside the road. There is also a Lower Rosseau Falls about 1km downstream as it flows into Lake Rosseau.

Please click on the image for a larger photo

The Mysterious Swamps of Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 19:45:07 +0000

I love looking at swamps. It drives people crazy when they are with me because I like to stop and gaze into them. They are a protective barrier to what lives on the other side. Maybe there’s something mysterious going on in them? I’m sure there are creatures lurking over there. I need some kind of hovercraft type machine to go exploring.

If you really want to explore the swamp click HERE for a 2400 pixel sized photo

Open Water

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:44:29 +0000

Now playing live on a Muskoka lake “Open Water” – directed by Mother Earth

Please click on the image for a big Easter Egg sized photo

It Won’t Be Long

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:34:41 +0000

Looks like the Ice Out is going to be a little early this year. I was predicting April 13th but it sounds like it may be sooner. Leslie a Muskoka native says, “I predict that Muskoka will be out on Sunday“ I wouldn’t be surprised. Does this mean boating by Easter?

Don’t forget the big Cottage Life Show is on starting Friday March 26 to Sunday March 28 at the International Center near Toronto’s Pearson Airport
Click Here for info.

Please click on the image for a large 1280 pixel sized photo

Tattered and Frayed

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:50:27 +0000

We have had some great weather in Muskoka for this time of year and people are predicting the ice will be out much sooner. The March wind howls and this old wind sock has seen better days. In like a Lamb and out like a …?

Please click for a large sized image

Highway 69 Before the Meltdown

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:32:15 +0000

This was taken from the side of the road on Highway # 69 near Mactier, Ontario just before the meltdown.
And a real bargain on fuel at 70.9 cents per liter.
Please Click on the image for a large sized photo

Google Maps out Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:29:58 +0000

Google Street View is part of Google Maps and it appears they have now mapped out most of the main roads in the Muskoka district. Below you will find a search I started using the landmark wall in Port Carling. Isn’t technology great?

View Larger Map

Stop this is my land .. umm ok

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:19:12 +0000

I noticed this barn with an interesting sign on it on the way into Bracebridge on Highway #118. If you can’t see the sign on the barn it says, “Stop this is my land” and “Back Off Government” It appears to be from the Ontario Landowners Association. I have not had time to figure out what the skinny is as of yet. More if you dare: www.ruralrevolution.com

Please click on the image for a barn sized photo

Hangover

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:32:00 +0000

it’s getting warmer
it’s controlling my mind
it’s coming closer
i’m biding my time

Not quite the same “Hangover” that Kim Mitchell of Max Webster was singing about but I digress …

Please click on the image for a super-sized hangover

Looking Down the Muskoka River

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:06:53 +0000

I have to admit I have not had a chance to tour around in Muskoka for a couple of weeks. Busier then a one eyed cat watching nine mouse holes as they say. Here is a shot of the Muskoka River in Bracebridge. It never freezes up in this area due to the roaring falls just behind.

Please click on the image for a larger photo

Hanging out in the Hotel Lobby

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:26:16 +0000

This is what you see as you walk through the front entrance of The Rosseau, part of the Red Leaves resort in Muskoka. The resort features the only JW Marriott Hotel in Canada and 1 of 37 in the world. It truly is a world class facility with good restaurants, Spa, nature trails, golf, and great water access. They have done a great job at capturing the spirit of Muskoka throughout the entire place from architecture down to the library filled with Canadian books. The most impressive aspect I have discovered in my many visits are the people that work here. Always friendly and accommodating with bright smiles. Someone has done a great job at hiring the right people, trained them and instilled a belief system that customers really matter.

Unfortunately with overruns and the economic downturn it was forced into receivership. If you have a few hundred Mil you don’t know what to do with you may consider adding this baby to your portfolio.

Dear Deer

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:19:00 +0000

Dear Deer,
I hope this note finds you well. I was so surprised to see you peeking in my bedroom window the other morning. You are such an early riser. When I ran to grab the camera you did not bolt away this time believing you saw the big bad wolf.

OK listen up Deer… we need to talk. I realize Cedar trees are like frozen chocolate cheese cake to you but don’t you think things have gotten a little out of hand? You and your friends have devoured everything in sight – even the burlap is gone. Its OK to stop now… please!

And in my Mind I Still Need a Place to Go

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:39:49 +0000

How much has music played a part in your cottage or camping experiences? Or maybe its the road trips singing along with the stereo cranked.
Music has been a huge inspiration to me with so many powerful memories that connect. Old friends, new friends and the ones that left before their time. Sitting around the fire with friends or family groov’n to some cool tunes – does it get any better?

I must confess that I’m a huge Neil Young fan, yes a Rustie as we are referred to. I can hear Neils lonesome voice now around a blazing fire with a zillion stars in the sky and the Loons cry echoing through the night. What moves you?

There is a town in north Ontario,
With dream comfort memory to spare
And in my mind I still need a place to go
All my changes were there
Neil Young’s, Helpless

Skating Away …

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:05:16 +0000

The sun was quickly descending and I was looking for something to shoot when I stumbled across this picturesque Canadian scene. The great hockey legends like Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe or Wayne Gretzky etc.. all grew up playing shinny on backyard rinks, frozen ponds and lakes like this. And it is interesting to note that many of the NHL’s stars have cottages only a few minutes from here. The rink is carved out of Lake Rosseau at the old Wallace Marina in Muskoka.

Please click on the image for a larger photo

A Little Bleak

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:46:54 +0000

I’m not sure what the name of this island is. The fancy navigational aids (my charts) are long tucked away for the season. It could be called Bleak Island as that’s how things felt as I did a Lake Muskoka drive by recently. Nevertheless things change by the minute in Muskoka so please expect a blinding snowstorm or beaming sunshine at any given time.

Please click for a larger photo

Wharfing Around

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:47:18 +0000

It can be a little desolate walking around the Muskoka Wharf in the winter time. The Muskoka Wharf project is part of the $170M rebirth of the 89 acre waterfront in Gravenhurst that features the famous Muskoka Steamships, Grace & Speed Museum, shops and restaurants and many great events such as the Muskoka antique and classic boat show.

CottageBlog.ca - Stumbling in and around Muskoka Canada » In and Around Muskoka Ontario

Passing By The Lady of the Lakes

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

From The Mother In-Laws Seat

Everythings Just Ducky

They Say Its Your Birthday

Grace and Speed

Hello Miss St. Félicien

Lake Joseph Cabin

Huckleberry Rock Panoramic

Trippin up Joe by Jetski

Spooled Up

Canada Day Up Canada Way

Cameron Island Boat House on Lake Joseph

Muskoka Road Signs

The Russians are Coming … The Russians are Coming

National Post Interview, “Its Not All Cappuccinos On The Dock”

Mellow Yellow

Pipe Dreams

The Calm Before the G8 Storm

Took The Long Way Home

Flat Stanley Visits Muskoka

The Magnificent Ferndale

Ferndale House in Muskoka

The Old Farm in Rest Harbour Muskoka

Exploring Georgian Bays 30,000 Islands

Preparing for the May Two-Four Weekend

Tractive Force

Kerplunk!

Off the Cleveland House Dock

The Quiet Hills of Mount St. Louis

Love Mother Earth

Memories of Burn Barrels

Return of the Muskoka Sunsets

A River Runs Through It

The Mysterious Swamps of Muskoka

Open Water

It Won’t Be Long

Tattered and Frayed

Highway 69 Before the Meltdown

Google Maps out Muskoka

Stop this is my land .. umm ok

Hangover

Sponsored by Nobody?

Looking Down the Muskoka River

Hanging out in the Hotel Lobby

Dear Deer

And in my Mind I Still Need a Place to Go

Skating Away …

A Little Bleak

Wharfing Around