Winter Adventures in Muskoka

Winter is coming!  We have had our first days of snow here in Southwestern Ontario.  Some of you may be grumbling about that, but winter is such an exciting and fun time up north!  Cottage country has so much to offer no matter the season.  Winter is a perfect time to getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life - to unwind in a cozy cottage and enjoy some relaxation fire side. Or if staying active is more your thing, there are tons of adventures to be had!

Some favourite winter activities in the area to experience are:

Skating the Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail
This 1.3 km skating trail located in Arrowhead Provincial Park is one of the most popular attractions.  It winds through a beautiful forest providing a magical experience - and it’s only minutes away from Downtown Huntsville!

• The season is subject to weather conditions but typically begins the first week of January
• Opens at 11 am daily, 7 days a week
• Skate rentals are available for $10
• Saturdays can be extremely busy - try to plan your visit for Sundays or, ideally, midweek
• Admission is $20 per vehicle Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, $17 per vehicle Monday to Friday

Dog sledding at North Ridge Ranch 
A team of 60 Alaskan Huskies are waiting to take you on an unforgettable sledding adventure through the forests of Muskoka! 

• The Ranch offers Half Day tours (20 km) or 1 Hour tours (10 km). 
• Suitable for children as long as they are accompanied by an adult (and can tolerate sitting in a sled for the entire duration of the tour)
• Tours begin with a thorough lesson so that you are comfortable with your abilities to mush your own team
• Prices start at $125 per person with discounts for children

Downhill Skiing at Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is located in the heart of Muskoka. This hidden gem offers 14 groomed trails, three quad chairlifts, one handle tow, night skiing and a terrain park. 

• Lift rates start at $36 for kids over the age of 6 and $50 for adults
• Kids 5 and under are only $12 when accompanying a paying adult

Craft Brewery Tours

Some of the best craft beers in Canada are brewed in Muskoka!  Head out to the local breweries for a guided tour and tastings!

• Visit cottagecountrybeertrail.ca for helpful information as breweries have different hours for tours, with some requiring advanced booking
• Consider a trip with BrewTours.ca.  They do the entire tour experience, including driving, from Toronto to cottage country!

I hope I've given you some ideas to make the winter more fun and bearable! I don't know about you, but these are all on my bucket list for sure. Bring on winter! Hope you all stay safe and warm :)

Nina

Serenity Vacation Rentals

Top 5 goals for my cottage stay 2018!

With the rain we have been having lately, all of our snow has melted and we can see the grass underneath.  I can't help but think of summer during this time.   Even though things are wet and cool outside, with little to no snow, I am thinking about what I would like to do during my cottage stay this summer.

Owning a cottage is great but going away on vacation to your own cottage can become more of a work stay than a relaxation stay.   I have set a few goals for my stay at Mallard Beach this summer hopefully forcing myself to stop work and enjoy some time with my family.

1) Quest for the ultimate Burger!   I know I have mentioned this in a previous entry.  I still feel like there might be a fantastic spot that only the locals know about.   I hope to sample a few different spots to try and find the best burger in the Parry Sound / Muskoka area.   I have a few spots on my radar.   Kate's Kart is known for their burgers.  I feel as though this will be the one to beat.   I am sooo looking forward to this very important research!   :)

If anybody has recommendations - please let me know!   I'm looking anywhere in the Muskoka or Parry Sound area!

2) Another item on my to-do list, is to check out White Squall Paddling Centre   They rent out kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards.   They also offer day trips and tours.    Sounds like it would be a lot of fun!   This would be a great escape for the family out in nature.   Hopefully I can get the whole family on board for this one!

3) I've had a few of our guests recommend the Sawdust City Brewery Tour - The Sawdust Brewery is located in Gravenhurst, Ontario.   I've never been there myself, but I look forward to giving it a try.  They have six core brands of craft beers but they also have seasonal offerings.   I'm not much of a beer drinker but I'm always willing to give new things a try!

4) Killbear Provincial Park I hear it is amazing!   There is a beautiful six kilometre trail for hiking or biking and beautiful sandy beaches.  Again I have never been there - so this will be a fun new experience for the family!

5) Eat at one of the Rocky Crest Golf Resort restaurants.  The "Windows Restaurant" and "On the Bistro" look amazing.  I have heard a lot of good things but again, I haven't had a chance to eat there myself.  I try to make a point to try new restaurants but because these two restaurants are only open during the summer months, I seem to keep missing them.   Again - please leave a comment if you have dined at either restaurant.   I look forward to hearing all about it!

Fingers crossed I get all five of these goals checked off during my 2018 summer cottage stay.   I have our family getaway week booked already for 2019 at Hammond Haven!   A year and a half away and I'm already getting excited!


Dean Curtis
Serenity Vacation Rentals