Muskoka Blog » On the Water

Back to Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:24:48 +0000

Happy 2K+12! I have just returned from exploring the fabulous beaches in Grand Cayman. I love to escape the stresses of last minute shopping, crazy traffic, mall parking, pushy people, etc – you should try it. Now back to the beauty and reality of our Canadian winter.

We seem to be having one of those winters that hasn’t quite found a steady trajectory just yet. It’s been warm, it’s been cold, we’ve had snow, and gaps with no snow. One thing for sure the big lakes are not completely frozen yet, so be careful. I noticed a cool photo from our friends up at Gordon Bay Marineout boating on Lake Joe, Christmas day. Now that’s extending the season.

Muskoka Lakes 100 Mile Cruise

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:10:20 +0000

I was contacted by the ~~folks~~ crew at Woody Boater recently, a very cool website that is dedicated to classic boating and watercraft. I was honored that they asked if they could use some of my Muskoka Blog photos for a story they were working on.

On Saturday August 18th, 2012 departing from Gravenhurst the 100 Mile Cruise will be recreated on the RMS Segwun tracing the original route of the SS Sagamo steamship. There will be over 100 other wooden boats accompanying the 1887 built Segwun on her journey. The proceeds of this event are being donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.

For additional details Click Here for the Woody Boater article.

Vintage 1950 brochure of the 100 Mile Cruise

Vivienne II

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:14:40 +0000

Most of the boats are now put away for the season. Sometimes when you prolong the inevitable you get lucky and catch a nice day with the opportunity to squeeze in one last boat ride. I caught the Vivienne II out for what was probably her last cruise of the season. I was on the leeward side of Tobin Island on Lake Rosseau and noticed the 31ft Minett-Shields built in the 1920′s gracefully gliding towards us like a dream.

Lions Lookout

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:04:11 +0000

The skies around Muskoka have been a little on the ominous side these past few weeks. We all know the inevitable is quickly approaching and a reminder to get the boats out and complete all that other jazz we cottagers do to prepare for the approaching winter. This is the view over Fairy Lake about 5 minutes from downtown Huntsville at the Lions Lookout. Click for biggie view.

The Islands of Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:41:45 +0000

Most islands on the Big 3 lakes in Muskoka have unique names such as Sunbeam, Monyca or Lookout and have long and interesting histories associated with them. And then there are these numerous small insignificant islands that are basically rocks jutting out of the lake. We like to make up our own names for them – LOL. Some are completely barren with few trees or they can be occupied by flocks of weird birds. You need to be careful navigating around these chunks of granite as they are usually located in shallow waters. Captain – red marker port side!

Travelling Down the Joseph River

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:18:45 +0000

Another scene from a Jestski - I left Lake Joseph and found my way into the Joseph River headed towards Lake Rosseau with the sun sinking on my back. I did a little spin-o-rama to try and catch the sunset at the top end of the river. There is an interesting boathouse here and I think maybe I will return on another day to capture it in more detail.

I have always wondered if the Joe River is a real river? It seems to be a rock cut that connects Lake Joseph to Lake Rosseau. I have heard Lady Eaton had the rocks blasted out many moons ago so she could have her steamship navigate through the rocks instead of traveling down to Port Sandfield. If you know the story please set me straight.

Tuggies

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:48:48 +0000

I made a trip to Parry Sound last weekend to have lunch with a friend and we stumbled upon the Georgian Bay Tugfest. There were many a Tugboat on the main pier ranging from 6 feet to 130 feet in size. We were just in time for one of the main features – the tugboat race. This is a shot from the breakwater near the marina on Georgian Bay.

Sundowner on Lake Joe

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:55:46 +0000

Do you notice how the sun doesn’t seem to hang like it does in mid summer? I was visiting friends at the bottom end of Lake Joe and thought I better depart soon as the sun was dropping ever so quickly. So north bound I headed on my trusty jet-ski weaving through islands and little bays when I saw this little island with the sun veering through the trees. I stopped and snapped a few interesting scenes around the area and just made it back before dark. Please click for a large photo.

Windermere Buzz

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:45:23 +0000

I had dinner over at Windermere House just recently. No, not in the pub or on the patio but in the main dining room. Yup, they let me in, I couldn’t believe it either – LOL.
The food services are now managed by Oliver & Bonacini this season and I have to say the food quality, ambiance and service was just superb. I don’t normally go plugging places on here but I do have to say after experiencing every resort and restaurant around Muskoka and area I have yet to find something that compares. It will be interesting to see how the off-season goes though.

I was at Windermere on a Friday night and the entire resort was just buzzing with everyone in such a great mood. The veranda area was jam packed with a gentle breeze drifting off the lake. A small band was performing with just the right jazzy rhythms. I closed my eyes and imagined what it must have been like back in the day. It felt like we were there. I’m going to have to swing by Windermere again just to see if I can capture that same feeling.

Muskoka Gal

Ed Boutilier — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 12:49:40 +0000

Another shot from the Jump for Ooch ski show. I think it works well in B&W.
Please click on the photo for a larger shot.

Barefoot Blaster

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:39:06 +0000

The annual Jump for Ooch ski show held last Saturday August 13, 2011 at the Lake Joe Club. This guy came blasting by the docks, barefooting. Lots of great entertainment and a very worthy cause. All proceeds went to Camp Oochigeas which is a privately funded, (No Gov. $$) volunteer based organization that sends kids with cancer to camp.
www.ooch.org

Riding Off Into the Setting Sun

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:01:13 +0000

I usually tour new cottage guests around Lake Rosseau for their first visit due to the proximity of all the unique landmarks. Lake Rosseau has Winderemere, Red Leaves, Clevelands House, the Church in Morinus, a Lighthouse and a bunch of other interesting and historical sites. I’m not discounting Lake Joseph or Lake Muskoka, by any means as both have their own unique sites to see.

It was a long day and we were on our way back to the cottage after touring the lake and stopping for a swim in a quiet bay. BBQ strip-loins and big bold Cabernets were on our minds as we zoomed back into the setting sun.

Inside Purks Place

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:48:32 +0000

I was given a tour of Purks Place in Bala by the owner. It is quite a historical place and many of you that travel the Bala area will most definitely be familiar with Purks. Their motto “Boats and Bait since 1908.“ I took this shot from the upstairs area looking down into the retail store. Please click on the photo for a much larger shot.

Fairview Island

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:33:49 +0000

The sun was descending quickly as I was running a group of visitors back to the cottage after one of my mini tours on Lake Rosseau. There is a passage way between a group of islands and the Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club. This is the tip (no don’t run a boat through here) of Fairview Island which has a beautiful cottage that was built in the late 1800′s. Cottage Life Magazine did a story on it which you can see right here.

Photo (Synthesis)

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:58:06 +0000

They sat in total silence.
Not a word was spoken.
Mesmerized by the blazing orange sun that slowly dipped below the tree line.
Total absorption in progress.

Lake Rosseau Boathouse

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:48:30 +0000

With the recent extreme temps I have been spending quite a bit of time on the water. While driving up the eastern side of Rosseau I spotted this interesting boathouse on a magnificent point of land.

Each and every cottage and boathouse in Muskoka has a story behind it. The family history, the architecture, who has owned it, etc. I don’t know anything about this one other than it being unique. More Eye Candy on the Lakes.

Muskoka Antique and Classic Boat Show Video

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:41:08 +0000

A short video for those of you that didn’t make the annual Muskoka Antique and Classic Boat Show in Gravenhurst on July 9, 2011. As always, lots of interesting boats and things to see at the show. The boat show is put on each year by ACBS and it is a must visit for any boat enthusiast. This years feature boat was the Kittyhawk a 32-foot Gidley once owned by Orville Wright. Yup, the airplane guy who used to cottage on Georgian Bay. Thanks to CottageCountryNow.ca for the video.

MuskokaBlog Channel

The Secret Lookout

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:06:50 +0000

This is a cool, private place on an Island in the Muskoka area that is no longer in use. Its part of Secret Muskoka where I am not allowed to reveal its location or a team of wild goats will drag me across the Torrence Barrens. There are not many abandoned places left on the big lakes. The waterfront real estate is so valuable and taxes so high that anyone owning property usually sells it or uses it for themselves.

Joe Islands

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:10:37 +0000

On occasion, I manage to perform a Cirque du Soleil balancing act by maneuvering my Jetski and taking photos at the same time. Driving towards the north end of Lake Joseph you will find scores of fabulous islands reminiscent of Group of Seven paintings.

Diver Down

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:36:58 +0000

I was out for an early morning drive and discovered an early morning dive. Looks like they were giving a scuba diving course at the dam in Bala on the Lake Muskoka side.
Please click on the photo for a larger size

Crane Island, Lake Joe

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 19:08:09 +0000

Last week (Weds June 9, 2011) we had quite a wicked storm roll through Muskoka. Many trees were uprooted and a few Lake Muskoka cottages and boathouses sustained severe damage. I talked with someone today who was without power for 3 days and another who couldn’t get out of their road for 2 days because of the amount of fallen trees. It’s a different world up here.

This is a shot I took just before sundown on Lake Joseph looking towards Crane Island. With the unseasonable weather there has not been many boats on the lakes or people around the towns. Its a bit quiet. Even the real estate market is much quieter compared to previous years. Its funny how the weather impacts our behavioral patterns.

Sugarbush Bay from the Roadside

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 27 May 2011 18:33:05 +0000

If you are a visitor and are driving around the Muskoka area its very difficult to see the cottages and boathouses (Eye Candy on the Lakes) that populate the shorelines. It’s much easier when you are out in a boat. Many of the grand ole Muskoka cottages are very private and you cannot see them from the road. However, there are some roads you can venture down and get a glimpse of things like this photo taken from Scarcliff Road off Hwy #118 between Port Carling and Milford Bay. This is Sugarbush Bay on Lake Muskoka. Google satellite map HERE

Red Air Boat

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 11 May 2011 16:16:04 +0000

As a kid I used to watch a TV show called Gentle Ben, you know the one about the kid and the 650lb black bear. Well OK, um maybe I’m dating myself. Anyhow, they used to blast themselves around the Florida everglades in a cool fan powered boat just like this one. From what I understand these Air or Fan Boats are used in the off season around Muskoka and Georgian Bay so people can still make it out to their islands or remote properties. They are also good for search and rescue missions allowing access where a normal boat can’t go or when the ice is thin. I spotted this one up near the Windermere House.

Brandy Lake in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 04 May 2011 21:39:10 +0000

It is estimated that there are around 1600 lakes in the Muskoka district. The “big three” lakes (Muskoka, Joseph & Rosseau) get most of the attention however there are lots of smaller lakes worthy of adventure. This photo was taken near the town of Port Carling where you will find a small lake called Brandy Lake. Many of these lakes have public access ramps where you can drop your kayak, canoe, or Tom Sawyer raft in.

Please click on the photo for a large image.

Little Red Boathouse

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:13:40 +0000

I talked with a local the other day and he said, “We are still making ice”. The nights have been below zero therefore things are not melting down yet. The open water around this dock is a result of bubblers being used. Its the time of year when the ice can rip apart your dock or boathouse. I noticed water levels are down about a foot on Joe, Rosseau and Lake Muskoka. The spring run off will top them up a bit more. The Saps been running and people are making Maple Syrup so the spring should happen any time now.

Please click on the photo for a larger sized Pic

Muskoka March Meltdown

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 23:21:13 +0000

Can you feel it? Spring is near and we are experiencing a bit of a meltdown. Don’t get too exited though, the ice is usually not gone until about mid April. I’m going to say April 13th this year as my prediction for the ice out. As always please click for a bigger and better shot.

Beaumaris Dock

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:12:51 +0000

Beaumaris is a well known settlement located on Todern Island within Lake Muskoka. You can reach it by traveling off Hwy #118 at Milford Bay. It was an important transit point in the steamboat era and once hosted the Beaumaris Hotel and a post office. Today there is a general store, marina, church, summer camp, yacht club and this cool government pier.

Please click on the image for a large size

Frozen Boathouses in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:52:53 +0000

This is Cox Bay on Lake Joseph which is not far from Port Sandfield in Muskoka. You can see how much the water level has dropped, maybe down about a foot. I believe this is in anticipation of the spring melt. Please click on the image or HERE for a much larger sized photo.

Going Solo

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:00:00 +0000

Ice fishing out on Lake Joseph. You can see a bunch of markers scattered around where lines were dropped.

Please click on the photo for a larger sized shot.

Big Lake Freeze Over

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:09:05 +0000

The larger lakes are starting to freeze up in Muskoka now and it won’t be long until we see the deer walking out on the lakes, fish huts and sleds zooming by. For those of you that know what bubblers are it might be time to turn them on.

Lake Rosseau Island

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:44:07 +0000

This will be the last shot I will post this year taken from the boat. Everything is put away now for the winter. There are a few boats zooming about however they are mostly work boats. Not many taking leisurely tours around the Muskoka lakes these days. I forgot to look at the charts to get the name for this Island. It is just off Tobin Island and not too far from Bohemia.

Please click on the photo for a larger size

Lake Muskoka Dreariness

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 21:15:40 +0000

Lake Muskoka on a dark and dreary November day. Please click on the photo for a larger image

Flocking Off?

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 19:00:22 +0000

I am not sure what the Canadian Geese are doing hanging around the Bala Bay Park, everything else has vacated. I think I would have flocked off by now.

Bohemia Island, Lake Rosseau

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 18:19:38 +0000

The weather was cool but still warm enough to enjoy a seasonal boat ride without layering up too much. This is Bohemia Island on Lake Rosseau near Tobin Island not to be mistaken for North Bohemia which lies on the opposite side of Tobin Island closer to Juddhaven. I am not certain of its history however if its consistent with other Muskoka Islands I am sure it has a storied past.

Please click for a larger sized photo

Lookout Island

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:51:45 +0000

I went out for a little field trip as the sun began to rise and noticed the fog had not yet burned off the lake. This time of year there really is some spectacular scenery around Muskoka.

Please click for a higher res photo

Leonard Lake

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 16:31:26 +0000

Contrary to what the media reports, the fall colours have not peaked in Muskoka so you still have time to take in one of the most spectacular times of year. Driving across highway #118 towards Bracebridge I found a road to Leonard Lake. At the end of the road is a public boat launch where I discovered this scene.

Please CLICK and enjoy a larger photo

The Lone Cruiser

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:14:13 +0000

Its getting a little chilly out on the Muskoka lakes but there are a few of us die-hard’s still cruising around. Captured off the Port Sandfield swing bridge heading up Lake Joe.

Wenonah II at Port Carling Locks

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 22:11:03 +0000

I was passing through Port Carling the other day and noticed the Wenonah II moored at the Port Carling Locks. Apparently someone rented her out for a wedding party. I’m sure the steamships will be busy this fall as people visit to see the world famous Muskoka colors.

Please click for biggie sized

Shadows

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:07:36 +0000

Down the Indian River and through the Port Carling locks on a sunny afternoon. Where else do you get to see a scene like this?

Please click for a large photo

Gentleman’s Racers of Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:42:34 +0000

I dropped by the Antique Boat Show in Port Carling this past Saturday just as it was coming to an end. It was put on by the Muskoka Lakes Association better known as the MLA and this year they featured the Gentleman’s Racer. Many of the vintage boats were starting to make their way back home through the lock system and I hurriedly snapped a few shots. The locks in Port Carling straddle Lake Muskoka on one side and Lake Rosseau on the other. This is a very busy are and popular tourist destination. The hub of the lakes as its known.

If you are interested in the Gentleman’s Racer boats, check out Neil Honeymen’s book that documents many of the vintage boats of the area. And thanks Neil for including one of my photos of Dukes Marine

You Go First

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:56:33 +0000

If you take a close look or maybe click on this photo to enlarge you will see three young guys standing at the top of this 60 foot granite cliff in Burnegie Bay on Lake Joseph. I watched them scale the rock and then proceed carefully to the edge. For the next 15 minutes they negotiated back and forth as to who would have the guts to go first. Finally, the young dude on the far right stepped up and did a full gainer into the lake below followed by a loud yelp of joy.The other two jumped right after with similar cries of victory. Would you take a leap off this rock?

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

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

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.

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

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

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

What door will it be Monty?

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:28:21 +0000

For those of us that are located on the big 3 lakes in Muskoka we sometimes take for granted the beautiful and eclectic boathouses that populate our shorelines. It really is one of the defining characteristics of Muskoka. This is a 6-slip boathouse located on Lake Rosseau. Most boathouses are 2 or 3 slips in size. I have never seen whats hiding behind those doors but could imagine there are a few beauties moored within.

Many of you have contacted me requesting more “Eye Candy on the Lakes” so I plan to continue featuring as many as I can.

Please click on the above photo for a large 1280 pixel size