Ontario Parks Blog: Backcountry at Grundy Lake Provincial Park

Today’s post hails from Grundy Lake Provincial Park, courtesy of Park Clerk Courtney Lafleur and Natural Heritage Education Leader Jessica Schulze.

You’re an experienced car-camper. You’ve got a favourite campsite. You’ve memorized your ideal site setup, and can put your campsite together in record time.

But now you’re ready to up your camping game and try something different. Something a little bit off the beaten path.

Grundy Lake Provincial Park is the perfect spot to test the backcountry waters!

Why is Grundy Lake’s backcountry ideal for beginners and families?

Campsites are easily accessible by canoe or kayak, just a short paddle from various access points throughout the park. Our sites, while paddle-in only, do not require any portaging.

Want to practice your portaging skills? Grundy Lake has a few portaging trails where you can practice without the pressure of having a full canoe of equipment.

Some campers are looking for multi-hour or -day backcountry paddling, but this may be a bit daunting for beginner backcountry campers. Our sites are located between a 10- and 30-minute paddle (depending on skill level) from your launch point. (Those who want to test themselves can always change their launch point to make the trip longer).

This short paddle time also means that backcountry campers are far enough away to feel secluded, but are close enough to the main campground to utilize facilities like showers, laundry, and beaches, and participate in NHE programming.

What do our backcountry sites look like?

Look for the orange markers — that’s how you’ll know where to land.

We have sites located on four of our lakes: three on Grundy Lake, three on Gurd Lake, two on Pakeshkag Lake and one on Beaver Lake.

Each site is marked by an orange tent symbol and comes equipped with a fire pit, picnic table and thunder box.

What’s a thunder box? It’s your restroom facility while camping in Grundy Lake’s backcountry (and they come with some spectacular views!).

Additionally, most sites have good swimming right off shore. And don’t forget to bring your fishing rods!

What else do you need to know about backcountry camping at Grundy Lake?

Our lakes are motor-boat free, meaning you won’t have any motor noise while trying to enjoy your backcountry experience. It also makes the paddle all the easier.

Also, Grundy Lake is located in bear country. This means that bear-proofing your site is very important (for all campers, whether in the backcountry or main campground), however in the backcountry you may need to be more creative.

Hanging your food is a great way to do this, so make sure to bring some good, long rope to hoist bags over a branch of a tall tree so it is off the ground.  Some good rules are: 6 feet away from the trunk, 6 feet down from the hanging branch, 12 feet off the ground, and 200 feet from your tent area.

Never store anything that has a scent in your tent, including food, garbage and toiletries.  (For more information about camping in bear-country, check out tips on the web or give us a call at the park).

Backcountry camping is leave no trace. Always camp on the designated site and carry out all your garbage. This way, you’ll leave the backcountry natural and clean for future campers and wildlife!

Source: Ontarioparks.com

Spring in Algonquin Park. Moose Watching Season.

If you never been to Algonquin Park in spring time you may want to give it a shot in May. We've been to Algonquin several times in May and every time we've spotted moose.

Spring offers the year's best Moose viewing and you typically don't have to search very hard to see Moose. The application of salt to Highway 60 during winter road maintenance operations, attracts Moose to roadside ditches. Moose with salt deficient winter diets, capitalize upon this unnatural source of salt and chances are you'll see a half dozen or more of these magnificent animals during a leisurely drive along Highway 60 on a May morning or evening.

Moose (and other wildlife) pose a serious danger to drivers. Stay alert as Moose can be on the road or standing in roadside ditches and are often surprisingly hard to see. Each year Moose and other wildlife are killed in vehicle collisions. Reduce your speed (especially at night) and help save the lives of Algonquin Park's Moose and possibly even your own.

If you see a Moose, pull onto the shoulder and off the traveled portion of the road and turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If drivers flash their vehicle headlights at you in Algonquin Park, there's a good chance a Moose is ahead or maybe even a "Moose Jam" (a traffic jam caused by Moose watchers).

If you exit the vehicle, watch for traffic and ensure you keep a safe distance from wildlife. If you are watching a Moose and it flattens its ears the length of its body (rather than ears pointing to the sky), you are too close and you should back up.

Adapted from /www.algonquinpark.on.ca

Tips to budget your summer travel plans

With March break and Easter in the rear view mirror, Canadians' attention is now focused on a summer vacation. While vacations are remembered for the time spent with loved ones, a successful vacation starts well before you arrive at your destination. Being able to switch off and engage a vacation mindset and successfully leave stress behind is all about planning and budgeting.

One of the biggest disrupters of this vacation mindset is worrying about the financial costs of the trip. Dealing with the low Canadian dollar, getting the best deal on your package and budgeting the trip into your yearly financial plan are concerns that we deal with when planning a vacation.

The most important part of budgeting a vacation into your yearly financial plan is to determine how much money you are comfortable allocating and building the plans out from there. As soon as you establish a figure, you will be able to navigate through the planning process while still feeling in control.

Exploring the offers of travel rewards programs is an important way to limit the potential cost of travel and amenities. For example, Aeroplan members now have the ability to book a flight reward cash-free. Members' miles can now cover the cost of taxes, fees, charges and carrier surcharges associated to their flight reward. This results in additional savings. Removing the flight cost from vacation planning really opens up your budget and helps you feel confident about your plans. For added convenience Aeroplan members are now able to book flights through the Aeroplan app.

Source: www.newscanada.com

8 tips for Buying a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle in Canada

The last thing you want to do while gas prices are low is sabotage your savings by driving a gas guzzler. Consider these tips from Natural Resources Canada for buying a greener, more fuel-efficient vehicle. The long-term savings will be worth it.

1. In most cases, the smaller the vehicle, the better. Don't buy a large vehicle if you do not need it. Rent a trailer or larger vehicle when needed for hauling heavier cargo or more passengers.

2. Consider a manual transmission. Manual transmissions are generally more fuel-efficient than automatics, especially combined with a tachometer or shift indicator.

3. Gear up an automatic transmission. The more gears the better. Ask about a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that uses belts and pulleys for an infinite amount of gears.

4. Simplify your drivetrain. Four-wheel and all-wheel drives are less efficient, adding up to an extra 10 percent to fuel consumption. Unless needed, two-wheel drives are your more fuel-efficient alternative. 

5. Rein in the horsepower. This can be tricky. A mid-sized car with a two-litre, four-cylinder engine burns about 2,066 litres every 20,000 kilometres. The same car with a three-litre, six-cylinder engine burns 2,244 litres - 178 litres more. 

6. Avoid unnecessary extras. Car-starters, air conditioning and roof racks can increase fuel consumption. 

7. Request fuel-efficient features. Aluminum wheels, a block heater, cruise control, navigation systems, removable roof racks, sun roof, tachometer, tinted windows and trip computers have the potential to reduce fuel use.

8. Consult an impartial, trusted source. Natural Resources Canada, The Canadian Automobile Association and others can provide unbiased tips on their websites.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Outdoor design trends in Canada for 2016

Canadian design enthusiasts have one more thing to look forward to this spring as new outdoor trends emerge. Make your outdoor living area look as good as it makes you feel so you can take advantage of the season, whether you're relaxing, playing or socializing. 

Here, Debbie Travis, Canada's lifestyle expert, who recently launched an exclusive partnership at Sears Canada, shares her favourite new outdoor trends.

Space-saving patios: Multi-functional patio sets that save space are a go-to item this year. “No matter how much space we have, it seems there's never enough. That's why it's important to select versatile, space-saving patio sets,” she advises. “When it comes time to put away the patio set for winter, we want to be able to stow it away easily and use minimal space. Sofas that have all the chairs slotted underneath or coffee tables that sit right on top of the sofa make it easy to cover and pack-up.” Travis suggests her Chelsea Conversation set, designed specifically for Canadian weather, available at Sears Canada.

European inspired pieces: You can rejuvenate their outdoor living spaces by pulling inspiration from Europe. Right now, it's all about sleek, modern pieces combined with rustic accents. “Canadian barnwood is very cool at the moment and quite popular in Europe. Consider using it to build an outdoor countertop or as flooring on the deck,” says Travis.

Mix and match: Mismatched is trendy, so mix-up accessories like throw pillows or tableware. “Combine colourful, vintage looking pieces with simple, modern whites or greys. It's not only about mixing colour and pattern, but also old with new,” says Travis. “Tableware has also come a long way, and now it's easy to achieve a fun yet sophisticated look with pieces that appear to be ceramic but are shatter resistant.”

Travis recommends being adventurous with colour, fabrics and materials. Outdoor furniture made from multiple materials promotes a dynamic fusion between the indoor and outdoor entertaining space. Popular combinations for 2016 are wood and iron, stainless steel and teak or aluminum and wicker.

Source: www.newscanada.com

7 Best Towns in Ontario You Have To Visit in 2016

This is the fist part of the list of the 7 Best Towns in Ontario that You Have To Visit in 2016. If you never been to any of these places it is time to discover them.


1. Elora, Ontario. Ontario's Most Beautiful Village

Elora is a very beautiful and cozy community in the township of Centre Wellington, Ontario. It is located close to Guelph. If you are driving from Toronto it would take about an hour and half to get there. Approximately the same driving range from Richmond Hill, Aurora and Newmarket.

(It is well known for its 19th-century limestone architecture, its artistic community and the geographically significant Elora Gorge.)

What to do: Walk and explore the town.

What to see: The Old Mill in Elora, David St. Bridge, Elora Gorge Conservation Area and Elora Canyon.

Where to eat: Cork Restaurant, Box Social, The Cellar Pub And Grill.

2. Stratford, Ontario. One of the most romantic towns in Ontario

I remember that we’ve discovered Stratford by accident. We were going on camping to the Pinery Provincial Park and GPS led is through countryside and we found this beautiful city. Then we promised ourselves that we will return and discover this place. So we’ve been in Stratford many times since then.

City is about two hours drive from Toronto.

What to do: Visit antique shops, took a boat on the lake Victoria, Visit The Stratford Theatre Festival.

What to see: Enjoy the peace of Shakespearean Gardens

Where to eat: Pazzo Taverna and Pizzeria, Bijou Restaurant, Fellini's Italian -Mediterranean

3. Goderich, Ontario. “The prettiest town in Canada” according to Queen Elizabeth II.

Although it is very nice town I wouldn’t agree with our Queen. But of course it has its own charm and beauty. It is about three hours drive from Toronto.

What to do: Discover town, Go for camping at Point Farms Provincial Park

What to see: Courthouse Square, Goderich Main Beach, Goderich Lighthouse

Where to eat: Thyme On Twenty One Casual Dining, Goderich Harbour Restaurant, Park House Bar & Restaurant.

4. Parry Sound, Ontario - is the town of Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands. 

If you want to get there from Toronto it would take about 3 hours drive. Could be less but to be on a safe side think about 3 hours.

Town itself nothing special as for me. But nature around is something. Many of lakes, provincial parks making this Muskoka edge place just simply splendid.

What to do: Take Island Queen Cruise

What to see: 30,000 islands

Where to eat: Lill's Place, Bay Street Cafe, Or just grab your own portable BBQ and spend a couple of hours somewhere at the lake,

5. Barrie, Ontario - City on the Lake Simcoe.

About an hour drive and you are in the Lake Simcoe Resort City. Many cities parks not just overlooking Kempenfelt Bay but give you a vacation feel. Just walk and feel Simcoe’s breeze.

What to do: Relax in the parks

What to see: Heritage Park, downtown

Where to eat: The North Restaurant, Painters Hall Bistro

6. Huntsville, Ontario - One of Muskoka’s best town and the largest one.
It is located in one of the best region in Ontario - Muskoka district or Cottage Country. In 2011 National Geographic Traveler named Muskoka as the best summer destination.

Huntsville is about 2 hours drive from Toronto. The road itself is splendid and you can extend that pleasure if you turn from highway to small roads around.

What to do: Drive around, Walk through the town, Relax at Town Dock Park

What to see: Lions lookout, Dorset Lookout Tower (not quite Huntsville but worth to drive there), Canada Summit Centre

Where to eat: On The Docks Pub, La Dolce Vita Trattoria, That Little Place By The Lights

7. Niagara on the Lake - This is one of the best towns in Ontario. In my opinion of course but I think many ontarians would agree. Every time you’re going to see the greatest waterfalls Niagara Falls you should include Niagara on the Lake in your trip. That what we do.

The best route to get there is Niagara Parkway which is going from Falls right to the heart of Niagara on the Lake. In summer time it is just flooding with amazing flowers. Just an hour and half drive and you in most romantic place you can imagine.

What to do: Take a walk through the town, go for shopping, take a carriage ride from a 4 star hotel Prince of Wales, get your feet wet at Queen's Royal Park, test wines at many wineries in the area, take Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour.
 
What to see: Queen street, Queen's Royal Park, Heritage houses, Fort George, Irish Tea Room
 
Where to eat: Bistro Six One, Prince of Wales Escabèche Restaurant, The Epicurean, HOB NOB Restaurant.

So make sure to visit at least three of them during this summer.

A Piece of Ontario Railway Story. Narrow Gauge For Us

Narrow Gauge For Us

About the Book

Hard cover, 160 pages 8.5 x 11", 167 b&w illustrations, colour dust jacket.

Published by The Boston Mills Press, Erin ON 1982.

The book features a number of valuable archival photos, the fine Bob Sandusky photography, as well as contributions from individuals and other collections, including that of Bill Hood, Jim Brown, the (then) Paterson-George Collection, and that of the late Hubert Brooks of the Toronto Postcard Club. An accomplished artist, Hubert provided the water colour (painted from a postcard) for the dust jacket. The book also features track diagrams by Bob Sandusky.

Two thousand copies were printed. The book sold out around 1986, and there are no plans to reprint it. For suggestions on where to buy a copy, see below.

About the Railway

The Toronto & Nipissing Railway was designed and built between 1869-1872 as a feeder railway for the Toronto Gooderham & Worts enterprises. It was intended that it should reach Lake Nipissing and connect with the proposed transcontinental railway. In fact, only the first phase was completed, some distance northeast to Coboconk. Its "mover and shaker" George Laidlaw was a proponent of the narrow gauge (3'6" in this case, the same as its sister railway, the Toronto, Grey & Bruce, that more or less simultaneously ventured northwest to Owen Sound). During 1882, this line, including its 1877 branch to Jackson's Point, became part of the Midland Railway of Canada system, and then migrated into the Grand Trunk Railway in 1893. The Midland network of lines is now extinct except for track from Scarboro Junction to Uxbridge, the latter the home of the York-Durham Heritage Railway that operates between Stouffville and Uxbridge.

For a one-page summary of the T&N, please click here.

The Research

With living in the Town of Markham, I often had occasion to pass the Unionville and Markham stations, and I was intrigued by the fact that a remarkable number of other T&N or replacement stations were still in existence. Also, the original narrow gauge aspect of the line had definite appeal for me, and this research was intended to complement the work that had already been done by Omer Lavallee (Narrow Gauge Railways of Canada, Railfare, Montreal 1972), by Thomas McIlwraith (The Toronto, Grey and Bruce Railway 1863-1884, UCRS Bulletin 56, September 1963), by Ralph Beaumont (Steam Trains To The Bruce, The Boston Mills Press 1977); and by Ralph Beaumont and James Filby, (Running Late on the Bruce, The Boston Mills Press, 1980), also on the sister Toronto, Grey & Bruce Railway.

As a research document, Narrow Gauge For Us has stood the test of time well.


Additional Information Subsequent to Publication

Note: The station pictures displayed below have all come to hand subsequent to publication - the one of the first Uxbridge station only two weeks after the book was published!

Dust jacket, from a water colour painted by the late Hubert Brooks from a colour postcard, and designed by the Boston Mills Press

Corrections to Narrow Gauge For Us

Page 21: According to Rod Clarke's Narrow Gauge Through The Bush (see below), theShedden Fairlie locomotive was delivered in January 1872.

Page: 41: William Gooderham Jr. (and his name was not William George) was the eldest son of William Gooderham, Sr., not his grandson. The penultimate line should therefore read "was resigning in favour of his eldest brother. George Gooderham's function on the T&N board ...

Page 43: "George undoubtedly felt that he could relinquish this minor interest in favour of his eldest brother, William Jr., and concentrate on ...

Page 45: John Shedden's death occurred at age 44, not 46.

Page 66: The Queen Street grade separation did not occur in 1913, but in 1926. Preliminary clearing commenced in the late summer, and ironically on September 25, a train "caught" a street car, which accelerated the work. The bridge abutments are dated 1926. (Courtesy the late Ray Corley)

Page 113: Engine GTR #171 is a Rhode Island-built engine in the 1898-1904 number series, however it is not ex-Midland. It is ex-GWR 103 (built 1870), renumbered in 1882 to GTR #702, then to GTR #171 in 1898, to GTR #137 in 1904, and scrapped in June 1906. (Courtesy the late Ray Corley)

Page 126: The date of the lower picture (CNR #91) is April 24, 1959.  (Courtesy the late Ray Corley)

Looking north at Cannington - September 15, 1966 - James A. Brown photo

Since Narrow Gauge For Us was written, a roster of the T&N locomotives as of 1872 and the identity of the engines lost in the Uxridge engine house fire in 1883 have surfaced. (Both courtesy Carl Riff, Hamilton, Ontario.)
 

No.	Name	Where Built	Driving Wheels
1	Gooderham & Worts	Avonside	4
2*	M.C.Cameron	Kingston	4
3	R. Walker & Son	Kingston	4
4*	R. Lewis & Son	Kingston	4
5*	Joseph Gould	Kingston	4
6	Uxbridge	Kingston	4
7	Eldon	Kingston	4
8	Toronto	Avonside	6
9*	Shedden	Avonside	12

(The Globe, September 12, 1872)

*Engines destroyed in the January 1883 engine house fire at Uxbridge
(The Uxbridge Journal, January 18, 1883)

 (N.B. The T&N had 12 engines altogether, six from Canadian Engine & Machine Company in Kingston (generally referred to as the "Kingston Locomotive Works"), and six from the Avonside Engine Company, Bristol, England.)
 

No.	Name	Where Built	Driving Wheels
10	Coboconk	Avonside	6
11	Bexley	Avonside	6
12	Brock	Avonside	6

These three locomotives were presumably delivered in 1873. (Information courtesy Rod Clarke, Whitby, Ont.)

Note: Rod Clarke, in Narrow Gauge Through The Bush (see below), has dealt comprehensively with the locomotive history of the T&N (and the TG&B) at pp 181 - 220.

Constructed in Kingston by Don McQueen and Bill Thomson (CRHA Kingston 2000) has further information re the Kingston-built locomotives at page 168.

Don McQueen, co-author of CinK, has contributed an article at page 21 in the January-February 2002 issue of Canadian Rail (Issue #486), that deals in detail with the possible disposition of the Kingston-built T&N locomotives.

Lorneville Junction Station with turret, likely before the remodelling in 1900. Larry Murphy Collection.

The two-storey Brown Hill station, opened in conjunction with the commencement of traffic on the Lake Simcoe Junction Railway in 1877. This station is very similar in design to the Kirkfield, Victoria Road, and the first Coboconk stations. (Please refer to page 91 of Narrow Gauge For Us.) (Courtesy Gary Mauthe, Toronto Postcard Club)

A view of the T&N design Uxbridge station, opened in 1872. (Courtesy Mr. Allan McGillivray, Uxbridge-Scott Historical Society).

Summarized station Information:

Main Line

• Scarboro Jct. (1870) - burned December 18, 1960
• Agincourt (1870) - demolished 1978
• Milliken (flag stop) - demolished or dismantled early 1940s
• Unionville (1870 - preserved on site
• Markham (1870 - preserved on site
• Stouffville (original) - burned April 23, 1886
• Stouffville (2nd) - demolished ca 1980
• Goodwood - demolished 1960
• Uxbridge (1st) - 1871, converted to freight shed 1903, subsequent disposition not known.
• Uxbridge (2nd) 1904 - preserved on site, home of the York-Durham Heritage Railway.
• Marsh Hill - T&N flagstop - design and disposition not known
• Wick - abolished 1883
• Blackwater (Wick) Jct. - restaurant building demolished August 28, 1941. Station demolished 1960s 
• Sunderland - demolished ca 1969 
• Manilla Crossing - presumed abolished 1883
• Cannington - burned to the ground 1968 
• Woodville - dismantled 1966 and converted to storage shed, no longer resembles original structure 
• Midland Jct./Lorneville - moved to adjacent yard, west side Hwy 46
• Argyle - demolished or dismantled 1954
• Eldon - demolished or dismantled ca 1962
• Portage Road - demolished or dismantled ca 1946
• Kirkfield (original, rebuilt 1892) - burned to the ground Dec. 18, 2001
• Victoria Road - truncated and rebuilt on site as a private residence 
• Coboconk (original, rebuilt 1894?) - burned to the ground Aug. 4, 1908 (lightning)
• Coboconk (2nd) - moved to nearby park across from original site - restoration in progress.

Note: The November 24, 1870 Markham Economist reported that at a special general meeting, "Mr Wragge stated ... the track was laid fifteen miles from Scarboro' Junction. The station buildings were completed at Scarboro', Unionville, Markham, and other places. (Courtesy Barry Laxton, Unionville, Ont.)

• Ballantrae - flag stop and section house - disappeared after closure of line ca 1928?
• Vivian (1st) - destroyed by fire 1919, (2nd) - demolished 1928
• Blake/Ravenshoe/Brown Hill - demolished 1935
• Mount Albert - demolished on closure ca 1929
• Sutton (1st) - replaced at turn of 20th century with GTR design
• Sutton (2nd) - struck by lightning 1920s
• Sutton (3rd) - moved to Georgina Township Park
• Jackson's Point - survived for some years after closure in 1929 as a pavilion at the lake. (The adjacent baggage sheds still survive.)

Source: http://www.railwaypages.com/narrow-gauge-for-us

Canoeing or kayaking? Start with Ontario's 500,000 lakes and thousands of kilometres of rivers

You don't have to go out of your way to experience canoeing and kayaking on Ontario's 'water trails'. You can take fantastic day trips that explore countless lakes and waterways within reach of major city centres, or you can head out for a wilderness adventure where the loudest sound is the splash of your paddle and the call of the loon.

No other region in the world offers canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts such a choice of experiences. To get the most out of your trip, consider an extended tour with an experienced guide.

You can even make it a learning vacation that includes instruction, whitewater courses, wildlife photography adventures or gourmet cooking in wilderness – it's fun for all skill levels! And given that so much of Ontario's history was lived on the lakes and rivers, historical and cultural tours are very popular. You may find yourself following the routes of the Aboriginals, the voyageurs and the fur traders.

Whether it's your first time or hundredth time, Ontario's water trails promise you adventure, a good workout and a unique view of the wilderness.

See more at www.ontariotrails.on.ca

6 Ontario maple syrup festivals you should check out this spring

The end of winter means we are not only welcoming spring into our Canadian hearts, we’re also saying a long-awaited “Eh, hello there” to the sweet nectar of the gods that is maple syrup. Lucky for us, tapping maple trees means plenty of pancake breakfasts and taffy tastings at events across Ontario.

Get your toques and taste buds ready — here are six Ontario maple syrup festivals you won’t want to miss this spring:

- See more at: http://blog.wagjag.com/blog/6-ontario-maple-syrup-festivals-you-should-check-out-this-spring/#sthash.QXh24Xop.dpuf

Can anyone suggest the best place to buy a kayak and canoe?

Thinking about buying maybe two kayaks and one canoe. Wanna try kayaking and canoeing in Algonquin Park, Simcoe Lake and our local river in Cannington, Ontario.

I know that maybe the best option is rent for now, but anyway if you know some nice places - recommend please.

Canadian Tire is the fist that is coming to my mind, but I am not sure about quality.

Thanks in advance.  

Muskoka Is Among The Ten Best Trips of Summer

On several occasions, Muskoka has been recognized by National Geographic Traveler magazine as a special place to visit. Muskoka is one of their top 20 Best of The World - Must-see places and was chosen as the #1 pick for the Ten Best Trips of Summer. Just recently, Muskoka was recognized by National Geographic as one of the '100 Places That Can Change Your Child's Life." These endorsements from an iconic magazine are testimony to Muskoka's tourism experiences and our quality of life. 

- See more at: http://discovermuskoka.ca/index.php#sthash.qK9EvC8g.dpuf

We Know A Deep Truth About You Based On What Muskoka Chair You Pick

We Know A Deep Truth About You Based On What Muskoka Chair You Pick

AKA Adirondack Chairs, if you’re one of those people.

Check here http://www.buzzfeed.com/katangus/muskoka-chairs-will-reveal-a-deep-truth-about-you#.eumD4WWYz

Be sure to visit 1st Annual Muskoka Maple Festival

Muskoka Maple Festival Coming to Downtown Huntsville

There is a lot of excitement in Muskoka these days, with another signature Muskoka event coming to the Town of Huntsville this spring.

On April 23, the Huntsville / Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 1st Annual Muskoka Maple Festival, a celebration of Canada's most beloved natural product, maple syrup. Huntsville's downtown core will be transformed into the Mecca of maple for one day of family fun that you won't want to miss!

Maple syrup represents true Canadiana. Nowhere in the world is maple syrup celebrated the way it is in Canada, probably because 71% of the world's pure maple syrup is produced here, with only a few northeastern states in the US producing the rest. The image of the sap bucket hanging from a maple tree in the sugar bush is one that resonates with many Ontarians, often bringing back memories of family trips to the sugar shack and the delightful smell of boiling sap.


The one-day Muskoka Maple Festival takes place on April 23, starting with a pancake breakfast under the tent on the main street of Huntsville. Hosted by the Rotary Club, you will be able to get your fill on pancakes covered in fresh, locally made maple syrup. Breakfast starts at 9am so come early!

The rest of downtown Huntsville will be transformed into a maple marketplace featuring local Muskoka maple syrup producers, arts and craft vendors and local chefs. Stop by to try your favourite maple goodies, and stock up on fresh maple syrup to enjoy at home all year round. This will be one of the sweetest marketplaces you will ever peruse, and you might even find some maple treats you never even knew existed - including the launch of Tapped Maple Tree Water, a new Huntsville business that will be launching their sweet new drink at the Festival.

The Muskoka Maple Festival will bring you back to your roots, and will have a great heritage atmosphere. The beautiful sounds of fiddle music will fill the downtown core throughout the day, going hand in hand with Canada's storied past of maple syrup producing. There will also be a number of maple artifacts on display, with one of Canada's top maple experts on hand to answer questions for curious minds.

Even more entertainment will be taking place throughout the day for you and your family to enjoy, including chainsaw carving, a wildlife caller, and the talented Theatre Arcturus, a spectacular and award-winning aerial show that blends circus arts and theatrical storytelling.

Downtown Huntsville
Saturday, April 23, 2016
9am - 4pm

- See more at: http://discovermuskoka.ca/muskoka-maple-festival-2016#sthash.GlzsXk2E.dpufhttp://discovermuskoka.ca/muskoka-maple-festival-2016#sthash.GlzsXk2E.dpuf

Do you have your tickets to the Strumbellas yet? Tickets are still available! April 16 at 4pm and 8pm

When a crowd is feverishly singing along with the last chorus upon first listen, you know it's a song that connects. This is what happens when The Strumbellas play ‘Spirits’ live for the first time, the first single from their forthcoming album, Hope. That experience embodies the essence of what has been attracting fans from across North America to this six-piece Lindsay, Ontario-bred band.

The Strumbellas got their start in 2009 with their eponymous EP release, which was peppered with accolades from Toronto weeklies and prompted a proclamation from the CBC that they are a “band to watch.” Since then, the group has been on the road earning their stripes through sold-out residencies at different clubs in Toronto, as well as several cross-country tours and summer festivals.

In 2012 the band released their debut album My Father And The Hunter, an album full of haunting lyrics fused with infectious and danceable melodies that won them both fans and critical recognition across multiple genres of music. Earning them a coveted JUNO nomination, the album offered a beautiful, harmonious dichotomy between melancholy heartbreak and blow-the-barn-doors-off spunk, a sound that would become synonymous with their music.

A year later, The Strumbellas followed-up with their sophomore album We Still Move On Dance Floors, which earned them six awards, including their first JUNO award. In May 2014 they laid claim to the SiriusXM Indies award for Folk Group Of The Year and in June they earned the title, Polaris Music Prize nominee, when the album nabbed a spot on the prestigious prize’s coveted Long List. Later that year they won the Ottawa Folk Festival’s Supernova Rising Star Award and nabbed the Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Album Of The Year. They capped off the year by winning CBC Music’s Rising Star award in December.

2014 was a year of touring. There was no fixed address for the six-piece as they crisscrossed North America from New York to Austin to Vancouver Island, up to the Northwest Territories, across the prairies and beyond!

In early 2015, The Strumbellas, off the road and ready to go into the studio again, set up shop at downtown Toronto’s Lincoln County Social Club to record the new album with LA Producer/Engineer Dave Schiffman (Johnny Cash, Haim, Weezer). During three recording sessions in the first half of 2015, Schiffman and the band harnessed a vivid alternative rock sound that was itchin’ to get out of them. Bigger. Bolder. Beckoning.

It’s a two cents democracy when it comes to The Strumbellas. Case in point - there’s always one line in a Strumbellas’ song that causes an internal crisis. It’s the way in which these six winds blow in from different directions that make the discussion most interesting. It doesn’t really matter what the line of the song actually is. Simon will bring forth to the band his Simonisms as the band has come to call them. The line makes sense to him because it sounds pleasing to his ear. That’s what he’ll use to plead his case, "it sounds good". David generally puts on his English Masters Degree hat and takes Simon to task on whether or not the line will make sense to anyone other than Simon. Usually he stands on principle when making his argument. Isabel will ruminate and use another artist’s work as a reference to decide if she will stand on Simon’s side of the line, or David’s. Jeremy will usually suggest everyone take a break and talk about something else. Jon will put his finger in the air in an attempt to try to figure out which way the wind is actually blowing. And Darryl, he’ll consult with everybody individually and come back to the band with a detailed pie chart of some sort that comes up with the best scenarios.

No one is ever really sure which wind is going to prevail but they each end their argument with ‘that’s just my two cents’ and whether everyone agrees or learns to live with the disagreement, at the end of the day they ride on together.

‪#‎HOPEiscoming‬ – April 22nd, 2016

The Strumbellas:
Simon Ward – vocals, acoustic guitar
David Ritter – piano, percussion, vocals
Jeremy Drury – drums, percussion
Isabel Ritchie – violin, vocals
Jon Hembrey – electric guitar
Darryl James – bass

Source: Academytheatre

The Addams Family Musical, April 14 – 23

The Addams Family features the original TV show family in an all-new original story. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that weren't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

Performances are April 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m., with matinees on April 16 and 23 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for all ages, $75 for a four-pack. Contact Town Hall 18743 Centre for the Performing Arts at 905-985-8181 or visitwww.townhall1873.ca. 

Kawartha Conservation Board reluctantly approves Snowy Ridge Development

The wind turbine project applications in City of Kawartha Lakes are approved, pending Ministerial appeal.

Due to legislative constraints in addition to the advice provided by legal counsel, Kawartha Conservation’s Board of Directors deemed there was no option other than to approve Capstone Power Development’s permit applications for their proposed construction of the Snowy Ridge Wind Park in the former Township of Manvers.

Based on staff review of the permit applications, a number of permit conditions have been included to ensure that the Snowy Ridge Wind Park can satisfy all of the Conservation Authority’s policy requirements/conditions for construction within a watercourse and a watercourse valley.

Any questions about this project and Kawartha Conservation’s regulations can be directed to Kawartha Conservation’s director of watershed management Mark Majchrowski at 705-328-2271 ext. 215 or through email at MMajchrowski@KawarthaConservation.com.

Source: CAPSCommunityNews

Good Deal from Hidden Valley Resort in Muskoka

Spring is here (well at least snow is almost gone) and there is a very nice spring deal from Hidden Valley Resort again. Hidden Valley Resort is one of the best resorts in Muskoka in my opinion. The resort is hidden close to Huntsville on the Peninsula Lake. "The Hidden Valley Resort is ideally located between Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area and Peninsula Lake minutes from beautiful Algonquin Provincial Park."
Mostly it is famous as a ski resort but we've been there in spring time and it is simply beautiful and peaceful. Their spring package includes room and breakfast (which is classic continental).

So if you like to spend time in Muskoka as we do, go and make a reservation as we did. I am pretty sure that you will enjoy Birches Lounge and Birches Restaurant for drinks and a nice meal.

P.S. And if you like skiing you ought to check their ski hills. That's me on the video learning ski on a black (expert) hill.

Hugo Boss Made In Ukraine

I discovered this sport jacket Hugo Boss in Hudson's Bay store today. I was quite surprised to see a label "made in Ukraine" on Hugo Boss' stuff.