huntsville, lake of bays and algonquin park visitors guide

1 2011/12 VIS ITORS GUIDE • HUNTSVILLEADVENTURES.COM

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HUNTSVILLEADVENTURES.COM • 2011/12 VIS ITORS GUIDE 3

FOR TOURISM INQUIRIES OR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: HUNTSVILLE/LAKE OF BAYS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ~ OPEN ALL-YEAR

8 West Street North, Huntsville, ON P1H 2B6T: 705-789-4771 • F: 705-789-6191 • [email protected]

www.huntsvillelakeofbays.on.ca • www.huntsvilleadventures.com

BAYSVILLE TOURISM: 705-767-3231 • DWIGHT TOURISM: 705-635-1644 ~ OPEN DURING SUMMER MONTHS ~

HOST COMMUNITY

COVER PHOTOSTerri RillingKelly HolinsheadAlgonquin Provincial Park

ERRORS & OMISSIONSFor a complete list of supportive Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce members, visit www.huntsvilleadventures.com. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this guide. If you have any questions, comments or would like to advertise in future publications, please contact the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber.

ART DIRECTION/PRODUCTION & PRINTINGAben Graphics Ltd. (705) 789-4404 www.abengraphics.com

VISITORS GUIDE • 2011/2012

H U N T S V I L L E / L A K E O F B A Y S / A L G O N Q U I N P A R K

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welcome to one of Ontario’s most beloved four-season destinations – the Town of Huntsville, the Township of Lake of Bays, and Algonquin Provincial Park — a vast and wondrous playground that attracts tourists from every corner of the world. A place where people take life just a little bit easier, and maybe enjoy it just a bit differently than their big city cousins.

Tour of Lake of Bays Hamlets 5 Happy Trails 6 Festivals 9 Events 10Golf 13Beaches 15Skiing 19Business•Relocation 21Snowmobiling 23Accessibility 25Things You Didn’t Know About the G8 26An Events Tourism Community 27Attractions 29Shop ‘til You Drop 31Dining 35The Dyer Memorial Nature Reserve 37Year of the Forests 39Where to Stay 41


A TOUR Of THE LAKE Of BAYS HAMLETSEnjoy a scenic loop drive with plenty of great experiences and attractions around Lake of Bays! If you like to browse, these 3 hamlets have fantastic shopping in unique settings - great for a day trip - enjoy lunch or libations along the way!

Baysville:The community of Baysville is a small village of approximately 300 on Lake of Bays surrounding the inlet to the famous Muskoka River. The village welcomes tourists year round and provides a number of quaint shops and services of interest. The area hosts many cottages owned by celebrities who are often seen around the village and has a history of entertaining the rich and famous. The world famous Bigwin Inn has been completely refurbished and, back in the day, it hosted famous entertainers such as Louis Armstrong and Count Basie, as well as catering to the Gatsby-era of Hollywood stars and celebrities. Bigwin now has one of the country’s greatest golf courses with vistas on Lake of Bays that will not soon be forgotten. Baysville also has many points of heritage. There are a number of dedicated buildings that can’t be missed. The new bandstand park hosts free summer concerts and has many significant historic plaques that hold some of the original illustrations and secrets of the area. This new park can be accessed by Highway 117 or by boat on Lake of Bays and is equipped with a new set of public washrooms and a solar-lit dam that gives a wonderful display after dusk. Baysville is now also home to a number of mural recreations from the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery which can be spotted around the village and near the new Lake of Bays Brewing Company. Many travelers have passed through this historic charmer throughout the decades and have never forgotten the warm village atmosphere and hospitality of its locals.

For more information about Baysville visit: www.baysvilleontario.com

Dorset:Welcome to Dorset - A Community with a View. Dorset straddles the District of Muskoka and the County of Haliburton. Its landscape has inspired generations of writers, painters and dreamers with its natural beauty, massive forests, pristine lakes, nightly displays of Northern Lights and the call of the loons – all this, just two hours north of Toronto. The downtown section spans ‘the Narrows’ between Big and Little Trading Bays. Located at Highway 35 and the end of Muskoka Road 117, it is an easy and scenic drive from the Greater Toronto area and Algonquin Provincial Park is only a further thirty minutes drive northeast. Dorset is home to the world-famous Dorset Lookout Tower and the widely known Robinson’s General Store. The historic single lane humped-back bridge spans the channel between Big and Little Trading Bays and also boasts the village’s only traffic lights. This is a popular spot where Ontario snowmobile enthusiasts dare to run the open waters in winter. In 2010, the Bigwin Steamship was re-launched on her 100th Anniversary. Many years and much hard work were needed to rebuild this beautiful lake steamer, which departs from the town docks in Dorset. The Dorset Heritage Museum is a must-see for all visitors wanting to learn more about Dorset’s ever-changing history. Pick up a free Heritage Walking Tour booklet for a lovely stroll visiting various sites throughout this charming community. The vast areas surrounding Dorset are dotted with dozens of smaller, pristine lakes. Lush mixed forests and spectacular rock out-croppings complete the breathtaking scenery. We invite you to experience it for yourself!

For more information about Dorset visit: www.dorsetcanada.com

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Be sure to visit Baysville during: Baysville Annual Garage Sale – April 30, 2011

Canada Day Fireworks – July 1, 2011Baysville Curling Club Lobster Dinner – July 9, 2011

The Baysville Walkabout – July 23, 2011Baysville Riverfront Arts & Crafts Festival – August 6-7, 2011Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show – August 14, 2011

Santa Claus Parade – December 11, 2011Baysville Luminaries Walk – December 24, 2011

Be sure to visit Dorset during: The Dorset Poker Rally – February

Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival – February Firemen Fireworks Display on Trading Bay – July 2, 2011

Heritage Days – July 9, 2011Christmas Tree Lighting – December 24, 2011

On the trail in Algonquin ParkTake a deep breath – stop and listen for the wild sounds amongst the trees, look out over a forest canopy or learn an interesting fact about ecology. You are on one of the many trails in Algonquin Provincial Park and whether you are out for a short day-hike, an overnight backpacking trip, on your bike, or with cross-country skis, these are among the best ways to experience Algonquin!

Interpretive trailsPerhaps the most popular and accessible of trails in Algonquin would be the interpretive trails scattered along Highway 60. Each one focuses on a unique aspect of Algonquin’s natural or cultural history. There is a trail to suit every interest and fitness level, from an easy 1.5 km boardwalk trail that introduces the visitor to spruce bogs and wildlife typical of the north (Spruce Bog Boardwalk), to a demanding 10 km hike up a high ridge that affords an excellent view over some of Algonquin’s lakes and forests (Centennial Ridges). Other interpretive trails vary in length and include: Whiskey Rapids (2.1 km), Hardwood Lookout (0.8 km), Mizzy Lake (11 km), Peck Lake (1.9 km), Track and Tower (7.7 km), Hemlock Bluff (3.5 km), Bat Lake (5.6 km), Two Rivers (2.1 km), Lookout (1.9 km), Big Pines (2.9 km), and Booth’s Rock (5.1 km). All of these trails are a scenic 30-70 minute drive from Huntsville. For those wishing to explore the Park further, there are also interpretive trails on the North and East sides of Algonquin Park: Barron Canyon (1.5 km), Berm Lake (4.5 km), and Brent Crater (2 km).

Backpacking trailsFor the more adventurous hikers, Algonquin has three impressive networks of backpacking trails, with loops that range from 6 km to 88 km in length. Overnight or multiple night backpacking trips will give a new appreciation for getting ‘into the bush.’ As your trip ends, you will emerge at the trailhead feeling the satisfaction of finishing your trek and relishing the memories of wilderness that you encountered on the trail.

Bicycle trailsWhen you come to Algonquin, don’t forget your bike! Whether you are looking for a technical challenge on your mountain bike, or prefer to stick to more leisurely trails with the family, Algonquin has a bike trail for you. The Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail has four challenging loops (4.7–23.4 km in length) that will take 1–3 hours to ride, and will bring you through hardwood forests and beside lakes in the Park’s largest wilderness zone. If you are with your family, or just prefer a more relaxing ride, then be sure to visit the Old Railway Bike Trail, accessible from Mew Lake Campground, Pog Lake Campground and Rock Lake Campground. Stretching for 10 km (one-way) along the bed of the old Ottawa-Arnprior-Parry Sound rail line, this trail gives the rider a chance to explore, through wayside exhibits, the history of the rail line and a different era in Algonquin. Remember to ride safely, be mindful of others on the trail and enjoy the scenery!

For the more adventurous hikers, Algonquin has three

impressive networks of backpacking trails, with loops

that range from 6 km to 88 km in length.

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Galeairy Lake, Algonquin Park

2011/12 VIS ITORS GUIDE • HUNTSVILLEADVENTURES.COM6


Ski trailsPossibly one of the most beautiful and rewarding times of the year to visit the Park would be after a fresh snowfall, with blue skies and the crisp winter air against your face. Algonquin’s three excellent cross-country ski trail networks allow you to experience just this. The winter also has to be one of the better times of the year to see wildlife, or at least the tracks that they have left behind. The Fen Lake Ski Trail — a groomed trail network that explores old hardwood forests typical of the west side of Algonquin — is located just inside the park at the West Gate (about 30 minutes from Huntsville) and has loops that range from easy to more difficult (1.1–12.9 km). In the winter, the Minnesing bicycle trail becomes a Wilderness Ski Trail (ungroomed), offering the skier a chance to explore this winter wonderland. The Leaf Lake Ski Trail offers a wide range of options and its Pinetree Loop ranks highly amongst the premiere ski trails in southern Ontario for the experienced skier. On a clear day the lookouts on this loop provide a view of more than 15 km.

AttractionsA visit to Algonquin – whether to get ready for a hike or to relax after finishing one of our trails – is not complete without seeing the Algonquin Visitor Centre, the Algonquin Logging Museum or the Algonquin Art Gallery. Inside the Visitor Centre are world-class exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the park, a bookstore and gift shop, and an observation deck that has a tremendous view of a wild Algonquin landscape. The Algonquin Art Gallery is open seasonally, from June to October, and displays an Algonquin-inspired selection of works in the three wings of its gallery, as well as an outdoor gallery and a boutique. The Algonquin Logging Museum is a definite stop for anyone interested in the history of logging and displays a recreated camboose camp and an old steam-powered machine called an “alligator” along an easy 1.3 km trail. As you finish hiking, skiing, or biking a trail in Algonquin Park, you will be reminded of what makes this landscape special. It could have been the sunrise over a misty lake, a glimpse of moose through the trees, the chorus of bird songs, or just the sense of accomplishment that you feel as you reach the end of a trail. Come and discover your favourite Algonquin trail!

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Beaver Pond Trail, Algonquin Park

Fen Lake Ski Trail, Algonquin Park

Sawyer Lake(Interior Campsite)Algonquin Park


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Celebrating its nineteenth season in 2011, the Festival will continue to offer an array of exceptional main stage evening concerts at the 400 seat Algonquin Theatre. At time of writing, internationally recognized artists confirmed include country star George Canyon, former Bare Naked Ladies frontman Steven Page, jazz pianist Oliver Jones, blues legends The Downchild Blues Band, home-town new-age rocker Hawksley Workman and Serena Ryder. The Festival’s Speakers Series will feature Margaret Trudeau on the importance of finding life balance. Another special evening will feature aboriginal artist Arvel Bird. Bird hails from Arizona and combines Celtic fiddle music with native flute, drums and dance in a riveting evening of artistic expression. In addition to these great main stage offerings, there will be a renewed emphasis on community involvement in 2011. Over the past few seasons, open-air concerts have been used to feature both music and the arts. The tradition continues this year with our annual daytime jazz festival in River Mill Park, featuring a variety of programs over the

course of the weekend. The always popular En Plein Air, a visual arts fundraising event, will return in late July. Mark Saturday, July 9, 2011 on your calendars as the children’s Art Splash will once again be combined with the Arts Walk, a visual arts demonstration and sale. On the same day, the Festival welcomes back the Edge of the Woods Theatre Festival, featuring open-air fringe theatrical performances in downtown Huntsville. Later that night and into the early morning hours, enjoy the inaugural Nuit Blanche Nord, offering interactive multi-genre art installations at venues throughout the downtown core. The eclectic nature of the Festival, a source of pride for current president Bruce Gowan, offers patrons so much more in the way of entertainment. During weekdays in July, patrons can relax and enjoy Music at Noon, the half-hour lunchtime concert series at Trinity United Church, while families can enjoy the children’s series co-presented with the Huntsville Public Library. Each year new activities are added to enhance the appeal of the Festival. If you plan

to be in the area over July and August, visit our website for a current list of events!

For tickets and information, contact the Box Office at 705-789-4975, email [email protected] or visit www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.

HUNTSVILLE fESTIVAL TO ‘CELEBRATE THE STREET’ IN 2011

By Rob Saunders

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts is a year-round celebration of the performing arts, with an emphasis in the summer months of July and August. From its early beginnings the Festival has grown and diversified to present artistic offerings in the fields of jazz, pop, choral, Celtic, country, orchestral and classical music, as well as theatre, written word, poetry, and the visual arts.

Down Child Blues Band

George Canyon


Art Splash – July Arts Walk – July Huntsville Festival of the Arts – July Huntsville Jazz Festival – July/AugustEdge of the Woods Outdoor Theatre Festival – July Baysville Walkabout Festival – July en Plein Air Painting and Auction – July Baysville Riverfront Arts & Crafts – August Baysville Antique & Classic Boat & Car Show – August Artists of the Limberlost Open Studio Tour Weekend – August Huntsville Water Fest – AugustMuskoka Autumn Studio Tour – September/October Huntsville Fall Fair – September North Words Muskoka Literary Festival – September

Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships – January/February Ontario ParaSport Winter Games – February 2012OFSAA Nordic Ski Championships – February 2012Dudley Hewitt Cup – April 2011Spin the Lakes Bike Tour – May Muskoka Triathlon – June Port Sydney Muskoka Kids Triathlon – JulyThe Limberlost Challenge – JulyThe Cottage Cup Exhibition Junior A Hockey Tournament – AugustHuntsville Muskoka Otters Junior A Season Opener – September Muskoka Ironman 70.3 – September

Group of Seven Mural Festival – June/JulyFirefly Festival – July Summer Sidewalk Adventure – August Antique, Classic & Custom Car Show – September Film North – September Halloween Tiny Tots Parade – OctoberDowntown Divas Fashion Show – NovemberAlgonquin Theatre – Year-Round

For every season and reason, there’s a festival or special event going on somewhere in Huntsville, Lake of Bays or Algonquin Provincial Park. From loppets, winter carnivals, and maple syrup festivals, to fishing derbies, to fabulous fall fairs and studio tours, there’s always something to delight, excite and ignite the imagination of every member of your family.

Huntsville Fall Fair

National Pond Hockey Championships, Deerhurst

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Summer Sidewalk Adventure


Ironman 70.3 Muskoka

This is only a selection of events in our area. Visit www.huntsvilleadventures.com for a complete list of community events with details.

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Huntsville Santa Claus Parade – November Baysville Santa Claus Parade – DecemberPort Sydney Winter Carnival – JanuaryDwight Winter Carnival – FebruaryDorset Snowball – February

Open Spring until FallHuntsville – ThursdaysBaysville & Huntsville Commerce Park – Fridays

Muskoka Loppet, Arrowhead Park – January Algonquin Outfitters Winter Family Fun Day, Oxtongue Lake – February Kearney Dog Sled Races – February

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Girlfriends’ Getaway WeekendNovember 11-13, 2011 en Plein Air – July 28, 2011

Margaret AtwoodSeptember 30, 2011

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BIGwIN ISLAND GOLf CLUBBigwin Island Golf Club, 1137 Old Hwy 117, Baysville 1(800) 840-4036 (705) 635-2582 www.bigwinisland.com

DEERHURST HIGHLANDS & DEERHURST LAKESIDE1235 Deerhurst Dr., Huntsville 1(800) 461-4393 (705) 789-6411 www.deerhurstresort.com

DIAMOND ‘IN THE RUff’ GOLf CLUB1137 Old Parry Sound Rd., Raymond (705) 385-2222www.diamondintheruff.ca

DRIVING RANGE @ MARTIN’S fARM250 Chub Lake Rd., Huntsville (705) 787-0505

GRANDVIEw GOLf CLUB: MARK O’MEARA COURSE & GRANDVIEw INN COURSE939 Hwy. 60, Huntsville 1(877) 472-6388 (705) 789-4417 www.deltagrandview.com

HUNTSVILLE DOwNS GOLf182 Golf Course Rd., Huntsville (705) 789-1000 www.golfhuntsvilledowns.ca

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With its many must-play courses, a great game of golf is always in the bag in Huntsville and Lake of Bays. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, or just a beginner…


Welcome to one of the most popular golfing destinations in North America. The region encompassing Huntsville, Lake of Bays, and Algonquin Park is home not only to exquisite scenery and awesome hospitality, but also to some of Canada’s best golf courses. I should know – in 2003, I moved to Huntsville to oversee the golf tournament operations at Deerhurst Resort, one of the most renowned resorts in Eastern Canada. Five years later, I joined ClubLink, Canada’s largest golf course owner and operator. In this role, I oversee the charity and corporate golf tournament sales at eight ClubLink courses, three of which – Rocky Crest, Grandview and The Lake Joseph Club – are located in Muskoka. My time here has allowed me the opportunity of playing just about every course in the region and I must say it has been both a pleasure and a privilege. By working with tournament committees, charitable foundations, dignitaries, sports teams, and everyone else who hosts a golf tournament, I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s no better place to play than in

Muskoka. Golf tournaments are a wonderful way to raise money for worthwhile local causes, while playing a round that is memorable and enjoyable. Over the years, this region has played host to many tournaments. Grandview’s Mark O’Meara Course held the 2002 Telus Skins Game which saw the likes of Canada’s Mike Weir, Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh, and John Daly. That same year, Grandview was the site of the Canadian Tour’s Ontario Open. Huntsville’s Golf for Heart tournament has been a staple in the community, with the proceeds donated to the local chapter of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The 8th annual tournament will take place August 8, 2011 at the O’Meara Course. Since 2008, Deerhurst Highlands has hosted The Good as Gold Open, a tournament supporting Canada’s women’s Olympic hockey team. In 2010, the community got involved in a golf tournament to support the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary Foundation and the 2011 tournament is scheduled for August 22. With its quaint ferry ride from the mainland and amazing panoramic views,

Bigwin Island is a special experience. The club is playing host to the Chamber Classic Golf Tournament in June 2011. Next time you’re looking to get out for a round, try participating in a local charitable golf tournament. I promise you’ll have fun and it’s a wonderful feeling supporting a local cause. If your schedule won’t allow for the occasional tournament, then make sure you take the time to enjoy at least one round in this, one of Canada’s great golfing destinations. While many courses may not have the international profile of the ones I’ve mentioned, they are perfect for golfers of all ages and abilities. Check out Huntsville Downs, North Granite Ridge, Deerhurst Lakeside, Diamond in the Ruff and Grandview’s Inn Course. And if you’re looking to hit a few buckets of balls, stop by the Driving Range @ Martin’s Farm. No visit to this region is complete without at least one round of golf. Like I said, I should know!

Ian Blay can be reached at [email protected] or 905-841-7979.

Grandview’s Mark O’Meara Course, 17th Hole

HIT THE LINKS IN MUSKOKABy Ian Blay, CPGA, ClubLink Regional Sales Manager, Corporate Events


92 Hanes Road, Huntsville 705.789.4404 [email protected] www.abengraphics.com

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Rocky Island on Mary Lake


Huntsville, Lake of Bays and Algonquin Park have a wonderful selection of public beaches. The water is clear, clean and perfect for cooling off on a sizzling summer day. The long stretches of sandy beaches are ideal for strolling, throwing a frisbee or soaking up the sunshine. Bring a lawn chair, umbrella and a good book and settle in for some serious relaxation. Pack a picnic, bring the water toys, load up the family and head out for an enjoyable day at one of our many public beaches! There are a variety of locations to launch your kayak, canoe, or boat for a fun-filled day on the water. Huntsville has four lakes which connect via the Muskoka River, where you can explore over 70 kilometres of scenery unique to this area. Lake of Bays is the largest lake in North Muskoka and is known around the world for its spectacular beauty. So go ahead and take the plunge in Huntsville, Lake of Bays & Algonquin Park – it’s good for the soul!

For a complete list of parks and beaches in our area see page 16.

TAKE THE PLUNGE!

Camp Tawingo

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Hutcheson Beach Arrowhead Provincial Park

TAKE THE PLUNGE!


ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK45 km East of Huntsville (705) 633-5572 • www.algonquinpark.on.ca

ARROwHEAD PROVINCIAL PARKMuskoka Rd. 3 N., Huntsville • (705) 789-5105

AVERY BEACHHunters Bay off Main St. W., Huntsvillesandy beach and covered picnic area

BAYSVILLE DAMJust off Hwy. 117 in Baysville, picnic area

CAMP KITCHEN Camp Kitchen Rd., Huntsville

DORSET fIRE TOwER PARKJust off Hwy. 35 in Dorset, family picnic area

DwIGHT BEACHLake of Bays on Dwight Beach Rd., excellent beachwith picnic area

DYER MEMORIAL NATURE RESERVE11km northeast of Huntsville on Williamsport Rd., off Muskoka Rd., 3, overlooks Big East River, public picnic area

CANADA SUMMIT CENTREOn Park Dr., just off Brunel Rd., Huntsville, indoor swimming pool ( 705) 789-6421

HUTCHESON BEACHLake Vernon off Muskoka Rd., 2 in Huntsville, beach, swings, washrooms and picnic area

LION’S LOOKOUTOn Forbes Hill Drive, just off Brunel Rd., by Canada Summit Centre, breathtaking panoramic view of Fairy Lake, Muskoka River and Downtown Huntsville, public picnic area

NORwAY POINT PARKJust off Old Hwy. 117 east of Baysville, swimming and picnic area

OXTONGUE RAPIDS PARKJust off Hwy. 60 east of Dwight, public picnic area

PORT SYDNEY BEACHMary Lake on Muskoka Rd., 10 in Port Sydney, sandy beach area

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RIVER MILL PARKDowntown Huntsville on the Muskoka River, children’s playground and picnic area

TOwN DOCK PARKDowntown Huntsville on the Muskoka River

RIVERfRONT, CENTENNIAL & GRIST MILL PARKSJust off Hwy. 117 in Baysville, public picnic area

TALLY-HO BEACHPeninsula Lake off Hwy. 60 in Hillside

THE LOCKS PARKOn the Muskoka River 3 km south of Huntsville on Brunel Rd., picnic site

Stubbs Falls, Arrowhead Provincial Park

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Town Dock Park

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River Mill Park

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The Muskoka Ski Club is one of Ontario’s oldest and most established ski clubs. Located at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area near Huntsville, the Muskoka Ski Club has been providing winter family fun since 1971.

Skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities can enjoy the trails at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area. Our 35 acres of terrain include twelve groomed runs ranging from the Beginner’s Hill to the black diamond-rated The Face. Plus our freestyle Terrain Park includes a variety of jumps and rails for all the shredders out there. And with a newly redesigned and updated snowmaking system, our conditions are the best ever. (Take that, Mother Nature!)

Outdoor enthusiasts can visit for the day or enjoy unlimited winter fun with an annual pass. But the ultimate value is in a membership with the Muskoka Ski Club. You can enjoy all the fun the ski hill offers plus amazing members-only benefi ts.

A Lifetime Membership includes equity ownership and voting privileges in the Muskoka Ski Club. Dependents of members can become full members at a fraction of the cost with our Heritage Membership program. Plus members enjoy low annual fees: a family of four can save up to 50% on Season Passes.

Members’ privileges also include exclusive access to our private Members’ Lounge and Sundeck, reserved parking, on-site lockers, member guest discounts and reciprocal privileges with other ski areas. Fun members-only social events include a Wine & Cheese reception, the Annual Members’ Gala, Barbeques, and Après-Ski parties.

The Muskoka Ski Club Alpine Racing program for kids aged 3 to 19 years has some of the best coaching in Ontario. Our race teams regularly reach the podium. Plus adult members of all ages and abilities can enjoy our Adult Race Training.

Our members include both local families that call Muskoka home and cottagers who escape from the city to enjoy our facilities on weekends and holidays. Some of our original charter members, now in their 70s and 80s, can be seen making fi rst tracks every morning while some of our youngest members start racing at just 3 years old. A Muskoka Ski Club membership can truly be enjoyed by the whole family.

And the fun isn’t limited to winter. Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is situated on the shores of Peninsula Lake in the world-renowned vacation area of Muskoka. Your Lifetime Membership includes access to 450 feet of frontage complete with sandy beach, picnic area, kids playground, boat slips and beach volleyball court for your summertime enjoyment.

Visit www.skihiddenvalley.on.caor call 1-800-398-9555 for more information. Trial memberships and payment plans are available.

Join us and get the most out of winter at the Muskoka Ski Club!

Arrowhead Provincial Park

GET OUTSIDE...ENJOY wINTER!

By John Cowan

As much as Muskoka has been a summer destination, it has been a winter mecca for outdoor pursuits for many of the 9.6 million people from southern Ontario and Huntsville is one of few municipalities lucky enough to have a provincial park within its boundaries. Arrowhead Provincial Park’s Nordic Ski Centre is one of Ontario’s best cross-country ski trail network with 40+ kilometers in both classic and skate disciplines. Classic technique is the traditional style of diagonal stride. Diagonal stride is done in parallel tracks and hill climbing requires another technique called herringbone. Skate technique is similar to ice skating and can be used on all grades of terrain. Arrowhead also offers sit-skiing for the physically challenged and the Park is well-known across Eastern Canada for featuring the toughest sprint trail course with the steepest climb. While there has always been a local interest in cross-country skiing, the appeal of this sport really started to grow in the 1980s, when local elementary school teachers Mary Spring and Terri Howell purchased skis for their schools and introduced their students to the classic technique of cross-country skiing, focusing on all the physical skills of agility, balance and coordination. In the 1990s, Huntsville High School teachers Harvey Chapman and John Cowan assembled a large collection of race skis for a small group of 15 athletes. This group steadily grew to 30 by the mid-1990s and today boasts a team of 62 athletes. The school’s Nordic program has been sending teams to the provincial high school championships (Ontario Federation Secondary Athletic Association or OFSAA) since 1992 and has continued to grow and gain recognition both locally and internationally. The program was even selected to represent Canada at the International Olympic Committee’s youth education championship program in the Czech Republic in 1999. With cross-country skiing gaining momentum, it didn’t take long for local residents to get involved. In 1994, Muskoka Nordic was resurrected for athletes wanting to race on the club scene. Arrowhead Provincial Park had been running a skills development program called the Jackrabbit program and in 2000, the two programs combined to form the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club. Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club is an affiliated Cross Country Canada ski club offering a full service program including youth skills development, racing and adult skills development. Each year, the club runs the Muskoka Loppet (Canada’s oldest loppet!), along with the Elementary School Race Series and the Ontario Special Olympics. The Park itself has played host to the Huntsville Nordic Invitational Race Weekend, the 2006 Ontario Paralympic Winter Games and 2010 Ontario Winter Games and, in 2012, will play host to the Ontario Winter ParaSport Games as well as the OFSAA Nordic Ski Championships.

The OFSAA Nordic Ski Championships will be held February 22-24, 2012 and will see 600 athletes, plus coaches and technical support, coming to Huntsville. OFSAA Nordic is the largest organized high school championship in North America and the second largest OFSAA sport championship. This two day championship will have athletes racing in long distance events as well as team sprint relays on an 800 metre course in downtown Huntsville. With such a rich history of developing skiers and hosting skiing events, it’s no surprise that Huntsville has had several skiers move onto the next level. Olympian Dan Roycroft from Port Sydney competed in the 2006 Torino Olympics in his long distance specialty, the Men’s 50 kilometre freestyle cross-country skiing event. Other notable Muskoka athletes that have represented their nation include Heinz Neiderhauser (National Team Coach), Ken Hawthorne, Winnie Meeuwisse and Rob Barrette. Muskoka is a classic place to enjoy many winter outdoor activities and with so much to offer to both locals and visitors, I invite you to come and enjoy it with us!


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Touch the Past, Embrace the Future!Welcome to the Town of Huntsville, the host

community of the 2010 G8 Summit!Huntsville features the Algonquin � eatre with year-round

live entertainment and Muskoka Heritage Place with museums, train and pioneer village.

Enjoy these new state of the art facilities Canada Summit Centre, Active Living Centre, Waterloo Summit Centre for the Environment!

� e G8 mural to which the World Leaders each added their brushstroke is now located at the Canada Summit

Centre and is a must see during your adventure!

Come experience and enjoy Huntsville!

www.huntsville.ca

HOST COMMUNITY


Huntsville loves doing business! We discovered that when we began our decision-making process nearly 10 years ago. Moving back to Ontario was what we wanted to do, but to where? We knew that opening a business full-time was how we wanted to spend our retirement (serious over-achievers, both my husband and I), but which town in Muskoka would be the right place? We discovered the website for the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce which had links to all kinds of information – statistics and demographics for us to mull over – and the decision was made. What was clear from the get-go was that Huntsville was serious about bringing independent businesses to its downtown core. This was an enormous factor for us. We began the process of doing business immediately upon getting settled, and the support, information and assistance that

came from the Chamber and from the Downtown BIA was vital to our opening and getting underway.

It has now been 8 years and we at Soapstones still rely very much upon the networking, the workshops and the event planning that comes from our local Chamber. We’ve always considered the Chamber a partner in business and they’ve

done a fantastic job not only for us, but for all members. It is the spirit of the Town of Huntsville itself that acts as a firm entrepreneurial base for all business in Huntsville. People at the Town Hall want you to succeed. This permeates the downtown core especially and it has always given us the energy needed to make a go of it here. The Town works hand-in-hand with the Chamber and BIA to ensure that the atmosphere for business is healthy, happy and harmonious. Each year, we have seen our business grow in Huntsville. The support of the Town and the residents here has been overwhelming. We definitely picked the right place and continue to enjoy a great life in Muskoka and a wonderful business atmosphere in Huntsville.

To learn more about the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce visit www.huntsvillelakeofbays.on.ca

HUNTSVILLE LOVES DOING BUSINESS!By Darla Stipanovich, Owner, Soapstones Handcrafted Soap and Skincare

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Oh,Yeah!A Night of Harmony featuring the

Saturday, August 20, 2011 7:30 PMAlgonquin Theatre – Tickets at the Box Office

(705) 789-4975

Have a quartet sing at your special function.Birthday, anniversary, whatever the occasion!

Call Rick at (705) 789-8693

Come sing with us!Monday evenings at 7:30 PM

Sutherland Hall30 High Street, Huntsville

MODEL HOMES IN BRACEBRIDGE & HUNTSVILLECall Huntsville-705-788-3141, Bracebridge 705-646-6717

1-800-282-7763 Head office 705-385-2311

[email protected]

www.homesmuskoka.com

YOUR ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDER

Have your home built with the peace of mind provided

by our expertise and experience.

MODEL HOMES IN BRACEBRIDGE & HUNTSVILLECall Huntsville-705-788-3141, Bracebridge 705-646-6717

1-800-282-7763 Head office 705-385-2311

[email protected]

www.homesmuskoka.com

YOUR ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDER

Have your home built with the peace of mind provided

by our expertise and experience.


EXPERIENCE MUSKOKA BY SNOwMOBILEA1600-kilometre network of trails in Muskoka covers some of Ontario’s most scenic landscape, and are maintained by committed local clubs. Muskoka’s trail network provides snowmobilers with a spectacular view of frozen lakes surrounded by snow-clad hills, valleys and thick forests. Whether your preference is short loops or multiple day journeys, this large trail network will provide you with unlimited touring opportunities. With your choice of accommodation along the way you and your friends will be able to rack up some serious miles!

Visit Hill & Gully Snowmobile Club at www.hgrsnowmobileclub.ca or Du Ya Wanna Trail Riders at www.dywsc.com to purchase trail permits and get up to date trail conditions.

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The 2010 G8 Summit brought the world to Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville and what an event it was. Huntsville is now known around the world and synonymous with images of artistry, forests, real lakes, wildlife, a panoramic sky filled with stars too many to count, sunsets that colour the entire horizon, granite rock and for the hospitality of the people who live here. Imagine a small northern Ontario town, population of some 18,000, visited by the leaders of the 8 largest and most influential countries in the world. We prepared for the worst and were treated to the best. The security was unparalleled. The protesters were peaceful and effective with their messages. The troops were treated with the hospitality that one should expect: homemade meals, butter tarts, coffee and cookies, smiles, hugs, friendly waves and great dispositions were the norm of the day. Our hospitality is the best ‘bar none’ as Don Cherry would say. Would things have been different had the G20 been held here? We will never know for sure, but ask any local resident and they will tell you that we would have welcomed it with open arms. The excitement was contagious during the year of planning for the two day event and then it was over. The legacy that lives on is a vibrant

community bonded by what the new community centre, known as the Canada Summit Centre, and the new University of Waterloo Campus both have to offer. Activities such as skating, hockey, lacrosse, swimming, walking, exercising, socializing over coffee, participating in family, senior or teen programs and special events offered at the Centre have promoted the inclusion of all people of all ages and all abilities. The University, with its environmental research programs and potential to house other programs and schools, will promote an environmentally-conscious way of thinking and encourage our youth to seek higher learning. While these two universally designed buildings stand as a reminder of the G8, the true legacy is the multitude of opportunities these two buildings have afforded the people of this town to become a more sustainable and inclusive community for generations to come.

Building an inclusive community is about creating a community where diversity adds to the social and economic vibrancy of the community and the quality of life enjoyed by all residents. One such example of this is Huntsville’s commitment to becoming a barrier-free community for people with disabilities. In 2006, Huntsville hosted the inaugural Ontario Paralympics Winter Championships. It was tough going convincing the town that even though we were not very accessible, we would benefit in the long run and benefit we did. The awareness changed attitudes. Similar to the ripple effect of a tidal wave, other accessibility barriers began to disappear. We will once again play host to the Ontario Parasport Winter Games in February 2012. The athletes will experience firsthand how the legacy created from the 2006 games has helped to promote an inclusive community. Come and experience our hospitality. We are a friendly bunch up here in the north.

BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITYBy Debbie Kirwin

Come and experience our hospitality. We are a friendly bunch up here in the north.

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Huntsville is the proud host of the 2012 Ontario ParaSport Winter Games

www.parasportontario.ca

It came, and went, and at times, was overshadowed by its bigger, louder brother, the G20 in Toronto. But the Group of Eight Summit in Muskoka was as much a lesson in planning complex events as any major meeting. On June 25 and June 26, 2010 eight world leaders, plus representatives from the European Union gathered in Huntsville, Ont., to discuss issues of global importance, face-to-face. The organizational lessons learned at the summit can be applied to planning your corporate meetings. The event may have only lasted two days, but site selection began more than three years ago. Shortly after joining the team in 2006, Deerhurst Resort’s general manager, Joseph Klein contacted major conference organizers, hoping to be selected for a meeting of public servants or politicians. After months of site visits, inspections and evaluations, Deerhurst Resort was recommended to the Prime Minister’s Office based on its 780-acre privately owned land, proximity to major hubs, ease of access, secluded setting and guestroom/meeting capacity. The Muskoka resort was up against two other Canadian properties for the G8, and on June 18, 2008, Stephen Harper announced Deerhurst had been selected for the summit. There were three principal meeting areas, according to Sanjeev Chowdhury, director general of the SummitManagement Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. The leaders met in one meeting room throughout the discussions. A working lunch and a working dinner were served in the rotunda, and an additional meeting room—a ballroom—was used when outreach countries were invited to join the table. At any one time, there were 18 people in the main meeting room—10 leaders and eight Sherpas (the leaders’ assistants).

“In the end, it’s a very small series of meetings for 10 leaders,” says Klein. “Every inch of space is used but there are no gala events. The summit is large and complex because of the attendees’ profile and the many contingencies that have to be planned for.” The resort’s spa was transformed into a full-service medical clinic, contracted by Health Canada. Half a dozen doctors from

Toronto and Ottawa operated the clinic 24-hours a day in case anyone fell ill on-site. The medical personnel stayed at the resort for 72 hours, from June 25 to June 27. A full health rundown was provided to planning staff prior to each leader’s arrival. Food restrictions, allergies, blood type and medications were given to the medical team so they were fully stocked and prepared. Three emergency routes were planned—by helicopter, car and boat. Six days worth of supplies were also brought on-site, in the event of a road closure. In total, the summit site was powered by “green” power, purchased by the federal government. There were 11 emergency power generators on-site in case a storm affected the electricity to the resort. The “red zone” or the leaders’ meeting rooms were off the grid on full-time emergency power to ensure there were no disruptions during the talks. Soups, runny sauces and finger foods were simply not allowed. Chef Rory Golden was given direction not to serve any dish that could drip, spill or make the leaders’ hands sticky. Why? While it was widely reported that the rule was to prevent embarrassing photos and sticky handshakes, Chowdhury insists it’s just plain common courtesy to avoid foods that will splatter, spill or burn to anyone who may not have the opportunity to change. Plus, it’s very Canadian to be so considerate, he says.

HOST COMMUNITY

G8 By The Numbers

71chefs

6separate menus

24 hour-a-day roomservice was availablefor the leaders

250,000biodegradeable meal plates and cutlery

24,000meals per meal period

100,000compostable water bottlesbrought in from Calgary

G8 Event Planning Stats

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOw ABOUT THE G8Adapted from the Article by Christine Otsuka, Meetings + Incentive Travel

Community Mural, ‘West Wind’ housed at Canada Summit Centre.


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The Town of Huntsville is working towards becoming a leading events tourism community. The G8 Summit, held in June 2010, put Huntsville on the map as a community that can host an excellent large-scale event while offering that warm, small-town feel to those attending. Huntsville’s commitment to event tourism, and the health-related benefits it provides to the residents, visitors and economy, continues to grow. The Town of Huntsville has recently opened several new state-of-the-art facilities which will help further our commitment to events tourism and fostering healthy and active lifestyles! The Canada Summit Centre officially opened in May of 2010 with a name unveiling and public touring of this breathtaking new addition to Huntsville. Recently named #1 arena by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association in one of their ‘Top 10 Lists for 2010’, there are two arenas within this facility: the Jack Bionda Arena, which seats 1,000 spectators and the Olympic-sized arena, which seats 1,500. The Olympic-sized arena has an indoor walking track around the perimeter and is available to the public to use free of charge. The main lobby is the proud home of ‘The West Wind’ mural recreated for the 2010 G8 Summit and includes brush strokes from the attending world leaders. The pool area was also renovated and now includes a regular lap pool, a smaller heated pool and a therapeutic pool with year round programming for all ages. The change rooms include a family change room and are fully accessible. The Canada Summit Centre is also home to a privately run 7,000 square foot fitness facility which offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment. Directly beside this facility is the Wellness Hub, a great location to get information on health and wellness - anything from diabetes to heart healthy information. You will also find a coffee shop with two separate locations serving up light and healthy meal options. The Grand Opening of the Active Living Centre took place in December 2010. This centre, which is attached to the Canada Summit Centre, is approximately 14,000 square feet on two levels and includes a seniors centre, early years programs, youth programming and a multi-purpose room/banquet hall. The main floor of the Active Living Centre houses the beautiful multi-purpose room with a grand stone fireplace located at one end, wood detail on the ceiling and a breathtaking view overlooking the Muskoka River. The room can be divided into two smaller rooms for more intimate

functions and a kitchen and bar are available for rent. This facility is available to use for your wedding, private reception or community event. In keeping with our commitment to fostering healthy and active lifestyles, the Town has recently completed work on two brand new soccer pitches at McCulley-Robertson Sports Complex, a complex with also features baseball diamonds and a skateboard park. In the spring of 2011, Huntsville will see the opening of Conroy Park which is outfitted with a professional grade running track, two tennis courts and an artificial turf pitch with standards for field lacrosse and soccer. The University of Waterloo Summit Centre for the Environment held its Grand Opening in January 2011 and boasts a number of sustainable and green initiatives including radiant solar heat, a living wall of plants, geothermal heating and cooling, Muskoka granite stone and Hardie cement siding. The Town of Huntsville is honoured that the University of Waterloo has recognized Huntsville as an ideal place to expand its operations. An added benefit of being in Huntsville is that the location allows the University of Waterloo to form significant professional relationships with a number of local

area partners including the Government of Ontario, Algonquin Provincial Park and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. This will allow students to research some of the most pressing and critical issues facing the natural world, including medical aspects of ecosystem degradation. It is

the Town’s goal to foster these relationships into something greater; the Town is striving to become a national, and perhaps even international, bastion of environmental research. Muskoka Heritage Place overlooking beautiful Cann Lake is a facility within the town that offers residents and visitors a journey back in time. The train, two museums and pioneer village offer a unique way to spend a day and touch the past. During the season, Muskoka Heritage Place has costumed narrators throughout the village. Come visit and enjoy a train ride on the Portage Flyer along the Muskoka River. Located in the heart of downtown Huntsville, the Algonquin Theatre is open year round and offers live entertainment for all ages. Featuring internationally recognized groups, comedians, community groups and films, the Algonquin Theatre is the hub of the downtown and plays hosts to a number

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Active Living Centre

Muskoka Heritage Place

Algonquin Theatre

Canada Summit Centre

HUNTSVILLE, AN EVENTS TOURISM COMMUNITY

Huntsville is a community that takes great pride in honouring the past, while

simultaneously looking with eager anticipation

towards the future.



200 Yonge Street South, Huntsville, ON

705-788-PARK (7275)www.rockridgetubing.com

6 tubing runs • Licensed Chalet & Snack Bar Lift to tow you & your tube to the top

Fully staffed at all times • Fun for all ages

ATTENTION SNOWMOBILERS!!Lots of parking, great spot to drop & ride (trail 88)

Opens December 26th. Please call or visit us online for our hours of operation

Home of

Muskoka

MadtraX

RMS Segwun & Wenonah II - Discover the breathtaking scenery of Muskoka with a cruise aboard the grandest of vessels! Sailing June through October 2011

Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurstwww.realmuskoka.com

Call Toll Free: 1-866-687-6667

Muskoka Steamships Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre

Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre is open year-round and showcases the rich history of Muskoka, featuring Canada’s largest in water collection of antique and classic boats.

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Waterloo Summit Centre for the Environment

...continued from page 27

of Huntsville Festival of the Arts events each summer. The Algonquin Theatre and Partners Hall are both available for your event.

Some exciting upcoming events that Huntsville is thrilled to be hosting include 2012 Ontario ParaSport Winter Games and the 2012 OFSSA Nordic Ski Races. The Town has hosted the Muskoka Triathlon for several years and the Ironman 70.3 Muskoka Triathlon for the past 3 years. Some other events that have been hosted in Huntsville include the 2010 G8 Summit, 2006 Ontario Paralympic Winter Championships, Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships, 2010 Ontario Winter Games, the 2010 Unity Powwow, 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Community Celebration and numerous conferences including the 2010 AMCTO Conference.

The infrastructure provided by the G8 Legacy Fund was a tremendous boost to the Town’s event tourism position, allowing the Town to bid on larger-scale events which were previously out of reach due to lack of facilities. Huntsville is a community that takes great pride in honouring the past, while simultaneously looking with eager anticipation towards the future. The residents of Huntsville have succeeded not only in welcoming the world, but also maximizing the tremendous opportunity to facilitate growth, progress and prosperity.

ALGONQUIN THEATRE 1 (888) 696-4255 (705) 789-4975www.algonquintheatre.ca

DEERHURST MUSICAL STAGE SHOw1 (800) 461-4393 (705) 789-6411www.thedecadesshow.com

DORSET fIRE TOwER LOOKOUT(705) 766-1032

DORSET HERITAGE MUSEUM(705) 766-2814www.dorsetheritagemuseum.ca

DYER MEMORIAL NATURE RESERVEWilliamsport Rd., Huntsville

GROUP Of SEVEN OUTDOOR GALLERY(705) 789-1400www.groupofsevenoutdoorgallery.ca

HIDDEN VALLEY HIGHLANDS SKI AREA1 (800) 398-9555 (705) 789-1773www.skihiddenvalley.on.ca

HISTORIC HUNTSVILLE TRAIN STATION(705) 789-8903

HP-EH PAINTBALL(705) 788-2494www.hp-ehpaintball.com

HUNTSVILLE fESTIVAL Of THE ARTS1 (800) 663-2787 (705) 788-2787 www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca

HUNTSVILLE OTTERS JUNIOR ‘A’ HOCKEY(705) 789-2927 www.huntsvilleotters.com

LADY MUSKOKA BOAT TOURS1 (800) 263-5239 (705) 646-2628www.ladymuskoka.com

MUSKOKA HERITAGE PLACEMuseum - Village - Train 1 (888) 696-4255 (705) 789-7576www.muskokaheritageplace.org

MUSKOKA STEAMSHIPS1 (866) 408-7495 (705) 687-6667www.realmuskoka.com/steamship.php

RIVER MILL PARK & PLAYGROUNDDowntown Huntsville

ROCK RIDGE RECREATION PARK1 (877) 848-0888 (705) 788-7275www.rockridgetubing.com

ROTARY YOUTH PARK Skateboarding Park located in Huntsville at McCulley – Robertson Complexwww.rotaryyouthpark.com

TOwN DOCK BOAT TOURS(705) 789-4580

LOOK wHAT ELSE YOU CAN SEE AND DO

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Decades Stage Show, Deerhurst Resort

YOU CAN SEE AND DO

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Rockridge TubingTown Dock Mural Gallery

29HUNTSVILLEADVENTURES.COM • 2011/12 VIS ITORS GUIDE


OLDwww.DowntownHuntsvilleAdventures.ca

Here you and your family will do, taste and try things you’ve never done before. And it all starts downtown. . .

We look forward to greeting you!

Delightful Shops & Services • Cafés and Haute CuisineGroup of Seven Outdoor Gallery • Downtown Waterfront

Canada Day Celebration – July 1stFirefly Festival – July 15th

Summer Sidewalk Adventure – August 20th

Shades of Autumn Antique,Classic and Custom Car Show – September 17th

Halloween Tiny Tots Parade – October 28th Downtown Divas Fashion Show – November 11thGirlfriends’ Getaway Weekend – November 11-13

Downtown Santa – December

BIAHalfVG012601.qxd 2/11/11 11:49 AM Page 1

…and Huntsville is no exception. The Downtown Huntsville Business Improvement Association is a perfect example of quality business owners who are connected and care about their downtown. It’s the people who contribute to the economic health of the downtown core and Huntsville has been very fortunate to have a business association who clearly want to make a difference in their community. What is a BIA? A Business Improvement Association (BIA) is a made-in-Ontario innovation that allows local business people, commercial property owners and tenants to join together and, with the support of the municipality, to organize, finance, and carry out physical improvements to promote economic development in their district. Once a traditional BIA is approved by municipal council, businesses within its boundaries become members and pay the BIA levy along with their property taxes. A traditional BIA view is that this structure reflects the principle that all who benefit should be required to bear their fair share of the cost of the program. In addition, the arrangement provides a secure source of funding for BIA activities. Established in 1979, the Downtown Huntsville BIA represents some 150 businesses and property owners through a volunteer board of directors, one full-time General Manager and one part-time assistant. The general functions of a traditional BIA are beautification, revitalization, maintenance, marketing and promotions, special events, business recruitment and communication. The Downtown Huntsville BIA has excelled in many of these areas and continues to introduce new and innovative ways to bring local residents and seasonal visitors to downtown. Some of the events hosted by the BIA include the Firefly Festival in July, Summer Sidewalk Adventure in August, Shades of Autumn Antique, Classic and Custom Car Show in September, the highly successful Girlfriends Getaway Weekend in November and the Downtown Santa in December. Check out www.downtownhuntsvilleadventures.ca for more details and dates. Year round initiatives include the internationally recognized Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, which celebrates the art of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. With over 30 murals downtown, more than 40 mini-murals on the nearby high school, six murals outside the downtown area and more in the works, the BIA now sees the Outdoor Gallery as a stand-alone attraction, giving tourists another year round reason to travel to Huntsville or extend their stay. Last year, there was excitement as the G8 Summit legacy was added to the Gallery collection. A mural recreation of Tom Thomson’s The West Wind was painted by Gerry Lantaigne with brush strokes from Huntsville residents, visitors and the world leaders attending the G8 Summit in June 2010. Copies of the Downtown Adventure Planner, Map and Gallery Guide are available from local merchants or visit www.groupofsevenoutdoorgallery.ca to plan your visit. The Downtown Huntsville BIA is strong and vibrant and will continue to be a leader in creating unique and innovating ways to keep the heart of its town ALIVE for many more years to come. The businesses of downtown Huntsville look forward to welcoming you. Come spend the day in downtown Huntsville!

THE HEART Of ANY TOwN IS THE VIBRANCY OfITS DOwNTOwN COMMUNITY...

By Robin Brushey

31HUNTSVILLEADVENTURES.COM • 2011/12 VIS ITORS GUIDE

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robinson’s general storeGifts • Souvenirs

Clothing • MoccasinsHardware • Groceries

Ladies’ Boutique

www.RobinsonsGeneralStore.ca

Dorset1061 Main Street

CANADA'SBEST

COUNTRYSTORE

Open 7 days a week year round

705-766-2415

ROBINSON'S

1921

90th

1921 2011

Windermere Garden Centre

“Growing with Muskoka for over 35 years”

It’s worth the drive to Muskoka’s largest indoor full service garden centre

• Custom plant and planter orders taken• Bulk soils & mulches, delivery available• Experienced lawn care & gardening services• Professional landscaping• Many horticultural & landscape graduates on staff

www.windermeregardencentre.com

20 minutes south of Huntsville off Hwy 141 to 1453 Dee Bank Road

705.769.3238Rick and Colleen Emmons

Whether you’re a collector, a bargain hunter, or just plain curious, Muskoka’s ReStore has what you’re looking for! In 20,000 sq. ft. of retail space, we have something for everyone, young or old. We sell (and accept donations of) good used furniture, housewares, collectibles, sports equipment, games, toys, records, building materials, and much more. You won’t believe our prices or selection!

Demolishing or renovating? Ask us about our salvage services!

1964 Muskoka Beach Road, south end of Bracebridge 705-646-0106 Hours: Tues., Thurs., and Fri. 9-5; Wed. and Sat. 9-4; closed Sunday and Monday

Shop • Donate • Volunteer


SoapStonesHandcrafted Soap & Skincare

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK4 BRUNEL ROAD, HUNTSVILLE, ON CANADA P1H 2A9705-224-SOAP (7627) www.soapstones.ca

FOR ALL YOUR HOME & COTTAGE NEEDS...

...Think outside the box!

HuntsvilleHome Hardware

2 Cann St. in the “Hub” of Huntsville

705-789-5549 [email protected]

PROUDLY CANADIAN • LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Be sure to visit Dwight during: Dwight Winter Carnival – February

Outdoor 3D Target Archery Tournament – May 1, 2011Firefest – July 30, 2011

Artists of the Limberlost Studio Tour – August 13 & 14, 2011

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Dwight: Welcome to Dwight! On the shores of Lake of Bays in Ontario, Dwight is in an excellent location for travelers looking to head out on the water and try their hand at some fishing. About 250 kilometres (155 miles) north of Toronto, visitors to this hamlet can enjoy their summer getaway by taking to the lake for some swimming or boating from the glorious Dwight Public Beach, which features picnic tables, swimming areas and a public boat launch ramp. It is within walking distance from the quaint and eclectic shops offering Muskoka treats from ice cream, fudge and maple syrup, to complete cottage furnishings. Firefest, ‘Muskoka’s biggest beach party,’ takes place every Civic Holiday Weekend in Dwight with live music, old-fashioned candy vendors, a fabulous BBQ and the most spectacular display of fireworks set off from a barge over the waters of Dwight Bay. The spectacle lasts almost 20 minutes, sending rockets, stars and flames across the sky and water, and you can enjoy it all from the comfort of a lawn chair on the beach. Here travelers will also find Ragged Falls, a sharp and dramatic drop of the Oxtongue River, accessible by car with parking available and marked hiking areas to explore. The Oxtongue River Park offers a wonderful walk along the rapids, with picnic sites and breathtaking views. During the winter months, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular pastimes. Visitors here will not find it difficult to find a place to stay and with so much wonderful nature-viewing in the area, they won’t be at a loss for things to do and new places to discover. Lots of unique cottage resorts and quaint lodges offer accommodations for all tastes and pocketbooks. Nearby, take a detour on Limberlost Road and enjoy an unforgettable artistic experience with The Artists of theLimberlost Open Studio Weekend/Tour, an annual tradition taking place each August.

For more information about Dwight visit: www.discoverdwight.com Here’s a tour that you can take over and over and discover something new each time. Public libraries in each village have free high speed for public use if you want to share your memories right away…and feel free to share your experiences and pictures with us – we would love to hear your feedback! Enjoy your ride…

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • TWO GREAT LOCATIONS!Huntsville | 705.789.1815

Blue Mountain, Collingwood | 705.446.3595

www.3guysandastove.com

Let’s face it, the food is the thing!

The ‘Stove’ at 3 Guys And A Stove is where it all happens!Our kitchen’s cookin’ with multi-level flavouring andmulti-dimensional spicing, so we encourage you to ordersomething different and ask for extra plates for sharing.Our goal is... to get those taste buds tap dancing!

MUSKOKA • COLLINGWOOD

WEEKENDMARCHÉ BREAKFAST

All You Can Eat!!!Bring The Whole Family

To Enjoy A Scrumptious PartOf Your Weekend Adventure!

LUNCH & DINNERJoin Us For An

Ever-Evolving SelectionOf Flavours Featuring A Wide Variety

Of Menu Choices!

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PREPARING TO SERVE THE wORLDS LEADERSBy Rory J. Golden C.C.C., Executive Chef, Deerhurst Resort

What an easy request, I thought; Muskoka is blessed with indigenous food, flourishing farms and many culinary artisans. Having the opportunity to travel the waterways, highways, side roads and busy main streets of Muskoka, there is a wide range of local food being prepared daily in ice cream shops, cafés, bistros, pubs, restaurants and resorts alike. I never leave an eating establishment, visit a farm, stop at a market, sip locally-roasted coffee or artisan beer without learning about yet another culinary delight that truly represents Muskoka. So developing the menus for the 10 world leaders and their 450 delegates, as well as the RCMP, Secret Service and others using the flavours of Muskoka did not take long. My initial task was to present a few menus to the Prime Minister. What a wonderful opportunity when I was advised by the Prime Minister’s office that ‘we will taste them all.’ Four months before the Summit, a party of six ‘tasters’ stood around a table in the Eclipse dining room, as the kitchen staff prepared each item. We looked, we tasted and then moved on to the next item. At the end of the day, all of our menu and local food items received the ‘thumbs up.’ While preparing to serve the world leaders, Health Board of Canada Food Surveillance became involved wanting full details on all of Deerhurst Resort food purveyors, as all companies had to ensure that they were in compliance. This

included our Savour Muskoka culinary members – local farms, culinary artisans, wine makers and water suppliers to name a few. Even as the water was being bottled at Springhill Fresh Water and Deerhurst was bottling maple syrup in the spring of 2010, the health board was on site verifying quality and taking samples for laboratory testing.

Our next mission was to find a local potter that could make the plates and platters we required. Lindgren Pottery worked with us to develop some very unique pieces, adjusting size, patterns and colours to compliment the many vibrant colours of the Muskoka food we were going to prepare. We even had a local woodsman whittle 3 inch maple spoons for the Georgian Bay whitefish caviar on the dinner appetizer plate.

The next tasting was two months before the Summit, when the chef from the Prime Minister’s residence, Canadian Health board representatives and three other Summit personnel joined us. Again we looked, tasted and came to an agreement on the plate design and the menu items. Next, photos were sent to Ottawa for final approval and menu writing. Finally, our kitchens were ready. Together, the local producers delivered their ingredients to the resort two days prior to the start of the Summit, passing through RCMP security checkpoints along the way. From there, 65 cooks working in 6 different kitchens, including one mobile kitchen unit, prepared and cooked more than 20,000 meals over the week of the G8 Summit. I had it easy – all I had to worry about were the ten world leaders, but even I had five Deerhurst chefs assisting me! Experiencing Muskoka culinary delights affords locals and visitors alike the opportunity to try distinct, fresh, creative food. You can savour a misty morning sunrise breakfast, a slice of pizza on a park bench, patio BBQ on a sunny afternoon or a leisurely evening stroll while enjoying an ice cream cone. Next time you are out for a drive, take a turn down the next country road – perhaps you will discover your new favorite place to eat…or a country farm where you can pick your own seasonal ingredients to bring home and prepare your very own unique Muskoka culinary dish.

When the world was informed by Prime Minister Harper that the G8 would be held in Huntsville in June of 2010, as a chef, I thought………finally………the world will get to see what Muskoka has to offer! From the beginning, the Summit planning was focused on having the leaders and delegations of the world immersed in a event with a cottage country feel, surrounded by our pristine lakes, our forests and the natural culinary bounty available in Muskoka. The Prime Minister’s office asked that the menus promote local food, use local artisans by which to present the food and most importantly ‘make it a unique experience.’

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HUNTSVILLEADVENTURES.COM • 2011/12 VIS ITORS GUIDE 37 2010/11 VIS ITORS GUIDE

Detroit lawyer Clifton Dyer and his wife Betsy spent their honeymoon on the Big East River in 1916. Thus began a lifetime love affair with the river and its surrounding woodlands. After the days of the river log drives but before the advent of popular canoe tripping, the Dyer’s returned to enjoy paddling the Big East. They purchased property on the River and cottaged there for many years. After Betsy passed away in 1956, Clifton erected a stone monument in her memory with a plaque at its base that marks it as a “permanent tribute to her for the never-failing aid, encouragement and inspiration which she has contributed to their married career.” When Clifton died in 1959, their ashes were placed at the top of the monument where they remain today. Clifton Dyer’s stone testament of love to his wife stands in the middle of a densely wooded area outside Huntsville, off Williamsport Road near the banks of the Big East River. New visitors are struck by its size and grandeur as they climb the majestic stone stairway toward the 42-foot monument. Since the 1950’s, the Dyer Trustees have managed the 155-acre property supported by the great efforts of its custodian, Floyd Bartlett. From 1980 until recently, Bartlett spent Mondays to Fridays, April to November, cutting grass, tending gardens and hedges and repairing stone pathways. For Bartlett, it was more than a job; it was a labour of love. When the job became physically impossible for him, the Trustees began their search for permanent protection. In September 2010, the Dyer Trustees donated these ecologically significant and historically important lands to the Muskoka Heritage Trust (MHT). As a result, the Dyer Memorial Nature Reserve was created. Staying true to Mr. Dyer’s wishes,

the stone stairs, walkway and monument will be maintained by the MHT with 100 feet around the monument renaturalized with native ground cover and perennials. Funds left by Mr. Dyer will be used strictly for the maintenance of the two acre cemetary. The balance of the property will be left in its natural state forever as a nature reserve. The Muskoka Heritage Trust is the land protection arm of the Muskoka Heritage Foundation. It is a charitable, registered land trust whose mandate is to protect ecologically significant land in Muskoka. “We applied for and received Ecological certification from Environment Canada,” says Allyn Abbott, president of the MHT. “This confirms the property as environmentally sensitive, with particular emphasis on its 1800 feet of untouched shoreline, designated as a Provincial Waterway Park, running all the way from Algonquin Provincial Park to Arrowhead Provincial Park.” “There are people in the community who have fond memories of the Dyer Memorial and feel very passionate about it,” says Abbott. “We were surprised at how many came out to show their support when the Trust announced last October at the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville that it would be taking on the responsibility for maintaining the property.” Many Huntsville residents know this property as one of the most popular tourist sites in the area. Listed as one of Ontario’s 100 most interesting places to visit, Dyer is known not only as a tourist site but as a place where, over the years, many have enjoyed first dates, celebrated weddings and held family gatherings. “When I was a kid, my mom used to take me out to the Dyer Memorial to picnic by the river,” says Ariel Zwicker. “We’d inflate rafts, poke around the river and walk the memorial site.” When Ariel and John decided to marry, they knew they wanted an outdoor

wedding that focused on nature and love. Her mother suggested the Dyer. “I went out to the site, read the plaque and thought, ‘This is a love story; a monument about love. It would be a really cool place to get married.’” Ariel and her husband John celebrated their wedding with friends and family at the memorial on July 20, 2002. The wedding procession walked up the stairs to a place under a tree, between the two ponds. “We brought a few chairs, but people mostly stood or sat on the grass,” Zwicker says.“The frogs and birds were pretty active, doing their thing, as if mother nature was embracing the day. We were barefoot; the bridesmaids were in tie-dyed dresses and the guys were in hemp linen shorts. Everyone was very tuned in to the beauty of the natural surroundings. It was a perfect day.” Huntsville’s love affair with the Dyer Memorial continues. It is now protected, in perpetuity, by the Muskoka Heritage Trust as a nature reserve, abutting the Big East River Provincial Waterway Park. Its future is secured as the jewel of the river for future generations of canoeists and others who love the unique Dyer Memorial. Directions to the Dyer Memorial Nature Reserve:From Huntsville drive north along the main road (Muskoka Road 3 North/11B) to Williamsport Road. Proceed along Williamsport for 8 kilometres into woodland. Steps from the parking area lead to the historical monument. Directions to canoe this part of the Big East River:Take Highway 8/Limberlost Road north from Highway 60 to Billie Bear Road. Take Distress Dam Road and put in at south end of dam.

For more information, contact the Muskoka Heritage Trust at 705 645-7393 ext 205 or www.muskokaheritage.org

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THE DYER MEMORIAL NATURE RESERVE – A MUSKOKA LOVE STORY

By Cathy Kuntz


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Did you know that 2011 has been declared the International Year of forests? The United Nations (UN) made this declaration to raise awareness of sustainable management, conservation and development of all types of forests. Here at the Muskoka Heritage foundation (MHf), we champion environmental stewardship in the region and this global initiative has us thinking locally: How can we, as visitors, cottagers and residents, act to better manage and conserve Muskoka’s forests?

How can you help sustain Muskoka’s unique environment? first, get educated about why forests – and other ecosystems – are important. In addition to reading, learn by exploring the natural world around you. why not head out to experience Muskoka’s many parks, lakes and natural areas for yourself? Second, tread lightly when you are out enjoying Muskoka on the trails and in the parks and set an example for others to do the same.

Consider the Muskoka Stewardship Program for your property. Despite being best known for our lakes, in Muskoka most of what we see around us is trees. In fact, on private land alone, Muskoka is 52% forested. That number increases to 75% when the ecosystems of barrens and wetlands are included. when the lakes and other Crown land are included, the number jumps to a whopping 94%. Our industries and our quality of life depend greatly on the forests and natural areas that make Muskoka so beautiful. MHf is an environmental not-for-profit organization that works to protect, conserve and nurture Muskoka’s natural and cultural environment now and for future generations. If you are lucky enough to be someone who owns a little piece of Muskoka, it’s important to know what you can do to help conserve it, including any trees.

The Muskoka Stewardship Program is a great place to start. It encourages landowners to manage

their land in ways that maintain, restore or enhance the diversity of forests, wetlands, shoreline, native plants and wildlife habitat. The Stewardship Program conducts one-on-one visits with owners to help you achieve your goals. Trained volunteers from the Stewardship Program will visit your property of 5 acres or more to walk the land with you and to discuss stewardship options specific to your property.

What is stewardship? Environmental stewardship means taking good care of your land, water and trees, and it requires sound planning and informed choices. with responsible and careful use of the natural environment, we can all become good stewards of the Muskoka we cherish.

10 things you can do for your forest:1. Consider your canopy: How much light is getting in? Different species have different tolerances for shade. Learn about the trees in your forest. Some pruning may be beneficial to allow the larger trees to grow and maintain the best possible forest health.

2. Leave small piles of brush scattered throughout the forest. These provide shelter for small animals to sleep, eat and escape larger predators.

3. Protect trees with stick nests. This habitat is important for animals like red shouldered hawks, blue herons and squirrels.

4. Keep cavity trees, dying trees and dead trees in that order of preference (if it’s safe to do so). They provide valuable places for wildlife to rear their young, roost, escape predators, hibernate and feed. Don’t take them down just because you might think are ugly!

5. Keep mast trees. These are trees such as red oak, beech, black cherry, basswood and ironwood which yield edible fruits and nuts.

6. If you do down a dead tree, leave it in the forest. The decomposing material provides excellent nutrients for the soil and promotes healthy regeneration. It also has similar habitat attributes as cavity trees.

7. Be aware of diseases. Some fungi and other tree diseases can spread throughout your forest. Protect the health of your forest by removing trees with threatening diseases.

8. Keep the super canopy trees! These are the trees that tower higher than the rest. They are often the healthiest and highest quality trees. Having them reproduce can mean more healthy trees nearby, not to mention the shelter they provide for birds and animals alike.

9. Keep woodland pools. These shallow wet areas in your woodlot are rich with amphibian life. They provide relatively predator-free breeding and habitat grounds for frogs, toads and salamanders. woodland pools also foster the work amphibians do to contribute towards nutrient cycling and insect control.

10. Practice careful, planned and sustainable logging. Do your research, know your forest, make a plan and hire a qualified logger.

The UN’s 2011 theme of “forests for People” celebrates the central role of humans in the sustainability of our world’s forests. forests provide shelter to people and habitat to biodiversity, they are a source of food, medicine and clean water and they play a vital role in maintaining a stable global climate and environment. All of these elements taken together reinforce the message that forests are vital to the survival and well-being of people everywhere – all 7,000,000,000 of us. In 2011, let’s all do our part to ensure the sustainability of Muskoka’s forests. Help Muskoka Heritage foundation Celebrate 2011 as the International Year of forests.

Interested in learning more?Follow the blog:www.muskokastewardship.blogspot.com

Contact: www.muskokaheritage.org

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IT’S THE YEAR Of THE fORESTS – MUSKOKA STYLEArticle from Muskoka Stewardship Program, By Rebecca francis


If you are planning a trip to Huntsville, Lake of Bays or Algonquin Park, be it for a vacation, a business trip or just to appease your adventurelust, there are a few key points to consider when deciding where to stay. Here are a few ideas to help: First, you must know the purpose of your trip. You may say it is something as general as a vacation or a business trip, but it is good to be more specific with what you want. You may be traveling on business, but you may also want to relax or explore the wonderful area of Huntsville, Lake of Bays & Algonquin Park. You may want a vacation, but do you want to try something adventurous or do you just want to relax at a spa? Deciding on these things will help you plan where to stay, and possibly save you time and money since you can choose the right accommodation that can cater to all your needs. Draw up a budget table with possible projections on how much you would want to spend on your accommodations. Think of the services you want to enjoy while away and account for extra transportation costs if necessary. The area of Huntsville, Lake of Bays & Algonquin Park is dotted with a variety of accommodations, from family-operated lodges and resorts, cozy bed and breakfast homes, cottage rentals, and full amenity hotels and resorts. Outdoor enthusiasts relish the natural beauty of the many area campgrounds as they drift off to sleep under a blanket of stars.

Contact the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce or visit our website www.huntsvilleadventures.com for a full list of accommodations in North Muskoka.

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Being Close to All the AttractionsMakes Us An Attraction

Welcome to the Huntsville Comfort Inn, your ideal choice when traveling in the beautiful Muskoka area,

the gateway to Algonquin Provincial Park.

86 King William Street, Huntsville705-789-1701 • 1-866-398-7480

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This year, Algonquin Outfi tters is celebrating 50 years in the canoe trip outfi tting and outdoor retail business. Nowadays AO (as many people call it) is generally considered the largest and most progressive outdoor specialty store in the Muskoka/Haliburton/Algonquin Park area. Active outdoor recreation is the primary focus of the business of AO and customer service is the number one priority at all locations. While most visitors to Huntsville will be familiar with the busy downtown store, many do not realize that the company had its beginnings in the quiet tourist and cottage community of Oxtongue Lake, east of Huntsville on the way to Algonquin Park.

Algonquin Outfi tters fi rst opened in Oxtongue Lake during the spring of 1961. Bill Swift Sr. (better known as Swifty, The Mean Dude or Meanest) and Dave Wainman, a former park ranger, started the business after they realized that there was a need for an outfi tter to service access points along Highway 60, other than the traditional ones at Canoe Lake and Opeongo. The fi rst rental canoes were 40 cedar-canvas Chestnuts, delivered by train from the original factory in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

For the fi rst 30 years of operation, Algonquin Outfi tters was a seasonal business, specializing in canoe rentals and complete outfi tting for Algonquin Park trips. AO was a trendsetter in Algonquin Park by being the fi rst outfi tter to offer Kevlar canoes. At that time, there were very few, if any, Canadian companies building good-quality lightweight tripping canoes, so the canoes came from US suppliers. In the 1980s, as Swift sons Rich and Bill Jr. became more involved in the business, there were some new dimensions added to AO. The retail side of the store began to expand as Rich and his wife Sue sought out modern camping equipment and clothing to offer to AO’s customers. In response to the popularity of Kevlar canoes, the Swift Canoe Company started up during those years. The fi rst model designed and built by the Swift Canoe Company, the Kipawa, is still in production and is our most requested rental canoe. The original canoe factory was located in the building that now houses the canoe repair shop and Swift sales offi ce at Oxtongue Lake.

In the late 80s, AO expanded in other ways as well. Jake Pigeon was asked to take over the Brent Store, on Algonquin’s beautiful Cedar Lake, and he made an arrangement with AO to provide outfi tting services at that location. Not long after that, a second location inside Algonquin Park opened up. AO won the contract to run the Opeongo Store in 1989 and has held it since then. Jerry Schmanda, who had worked seasonally at AO prior to this, has managed the Opeongo Store since then. Around 1990, with both Jerry and Rich now working year round, the Oxtongue Lake location starting staying open through the winter, adding winter sleeping bags, cross-country skis and snowshoes to the rental list. Gordon Baker started in 1992, becoming the fi rst person at AO to be hired specifi cally as a year-round management employee.

Algonquin Outfi tters entered the winter sports business in 1991, when the Oxtongue Lake store began selling and renting cross-country ski equipment and snowshoes. The Huntsville store was added to the mix in 1995. The original location was a smaller space on the other side of Main St. After moving to its current location, the Huntsville store really started to take off.

Two years after the Huntsville store opened, a small snowboard section was started. With the support of local snowboarders, the shop has grown and after the store was expanded, the board shop moved to its current ‘upstairs’ location. With the success of the snowboard department, AO expanded into alpine ski equipment and skiers in Huntsville have supported the store with great enthusiasm. In the winter months, the snowboard and ski department occupies

approximately 50% of the fl oor space in the Huntsville store. The bike, surf, alpine ski and snowboard sections were a completely new category of merchandise for the business and have added an exciting dimension to Algonquin Outfi tters.

In addition to the outdoor retail, Nordic ski, surf and bike shops, Algonquin Outfi tters’ Huntsville store now has a full-service snowboard and alpine ski shop, offering top brands, excellent customer service, high-end boot fi tting, tuning and repair services and a demonstrated commitment to supporting the local riding and skiing community. In the non-snow seasons, the ski shop turns into a full-service bike shop, offering tune-ups, repairs, parts and accessories.

As the company expanded in the late 1990s, more full-time employees were added and soon the administrative offi ce was relocated from Oxtongue Lake to Huntsville. In 2004, Algonquin Outfi tters was awarded the concession to operate a ski and snowboard accessory shop at the Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Club. Open during the winter season, this location sells alpine ski and snowboard clothing and accessories as well as serving as the base for a demo fl eet of high performance skis and snowboards. The shop at the hill has been very well received by members and guests of the club. In support of this partnership, Algonquin Outfi tters offers special discounts for club members, supports the racing team and sponsors various club events. With the ongoing leadership of Richard Swift, the company started up a new location on Manitoba Street in Bracebridge. Opened in 2006, “Swifty’s Surf and Snow” in Bracebridge offers a similar combination of products as the Huntsville store, in a somewhat smaller footprint.

AO’s most recent venture is AO Boatwerks, a business specializing in servicing the whitewater kayak and canoe market but with a broad appeal to cottagers and locals in the Haliburton area. With a year-round location in Haliburton and a seasonal store in Minden, AO Boatwerks offers lifestyle and outdoor clothing & footwear, paddling gear, kayaks, canoes and snowshoes. Two years ago, AO entered into an arrangement with Sir Sam’s Ski Area near Haliburton and the AO Pro Shop was born, offering similar services to the Hidden Valley Ski Shop.

AO has not only grown in physical locations but in the virtual world as well. The website www.algonquinoutfi tters.com has existed since 1996 (even before Google!) and now, after several upgrades over the years, offers Internet visitors a complete picture of all aspects of the company, an interactive online community, instructional videos and much more. AO is very active in social media as well, using services like Twitter, Facebook, blogs and Youtube to get the message out.

Being involved in the local community has always been an important role for AO. From the early days in Algonquin Park to today’s multiple locations, Algonquin Outfi tters has supported a wide range of community projects, sports teams and events. Examples include supporting the Friends of Algonquin Park, an Algonquin Park clean-up initiative, hosting the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour and other adventure fi lm nights. AO works hard to encourage customers to try new sports and learn new skills through events like the annual Winter Fun Day, Tuesday Bike Nights, Wednesday Night Kayaking and Boatwerks Paddling School.

Algonquin Outfi tters does not believe in maintaining the status quo. As the recreational activities available in the region develop and expand, Algonquin Outfi tters will strive to provide residents and visitors with quality services and products necessary to safely and comfortably enjoy these activities.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF ALGONQUIN OUTFITTERSBy Gordon Baker, AO staff member


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Where else can you explore Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven replications under square miles of open skies?

ONLY IN DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE AND SURROUNDING AREA

Enjoy a free self-guided walking tour through our mural recreations of these famousworks in our Outdoor Gallery. Open 365 days a year!

www.GroupofSevenOutdoorGallery.ca

1. Tom Thomson’s Autumn’s Garland1915-1916Mural Artists: Gerry Lantaigne, along with over 1,300 Huntsville residents and visitors 2010Reflections of Muskoka (side) – 49 Main St. E.

2. Tom Thomson Bronze StatueArtist: Brenda Wainman Goulet 2005Huntsville Civic Centre – 37 Main St. E.

3. Lawren Harris’ Snow II 1915Mural Artist: Gerry Lantaigne 2006Trinity United Church (side wall) - 33 Main St. E.

4. Tom Thomson’sWhite Birch Grove 1916Mural Artist: John Hood 2007Algonquin Theatre (rear wall) - 37 Main St. E.

5. Arthur Lismer’s Georgian Bay, Spring 1917Mural Artist: Marc Sorozan 2009Algonquin Theatre (rear wall) - 37 Main St. E.

6. Frank Carmichael’s Autumn: Orillia 1924Mural Artist: Michele Van Maurik 2009Algonquin Theatre (rear) - 37 Main St. E.

7. Tom Thomson’s Algonquin October 1915Mural Artist:William Lazos 2007Algonquin Theatre (rear wall) - 37 Main St. E.

8. Tom Thomson’s The Jack Pine 1916Mural Artist: Gerry Lantaigne 1999Miss Lester’s (side) - 4 Brunel Road

9. Franklin Carmichael’s Mirror Lake 1929Mural Artist: Gerry Lantaigne 2005The Bookcase (side wall) - 93 Main St. E.

10. Tom Thomson’s Autumn Foliage 1916Mural Artist:Tim Webb 2007Algonquin Outfitters - 86 Main St. E.

11. Tom Thomson’s Petawawa Gorges 1916Mural Artist: Olaf Schneider 2007Algonquin Outfitters (alley wall) - 86 Main St. E.

12. Arthur Lismer’s Isles of Spruce 1922Mural Artist: Gerry Lantaigne 2009TD Canada Trust (rear wall) - 38 Main St. E.

13. J. E. H. MacDonald’s Skiing 1912Mural Artists: Gerry Lantaigne, along with Huntsville residents and visitors 2010The Finds (rear side) - 66 Main St. E.

14. J. E. H. MacDonald’s The Tangled Garden 1916Mural Artist: Gerry Lantaigne 2006Coldwell Banker Thompson Real Estate(side wall) - 32 Main St. E.

15. A.Y. Jackson’s Stream in the WoodsMural Artist: Marc Sorozan 2009Louis II (side wall) - 24 Main St. E.

16. Lawren Harris’ Winter in the Northern Woods 1917-1918Mural Artist: Janine Marson 2009Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce(side wall) - 8 West St. N.

17. Lawren Harris’ Northern Painting 25 1924Mural Artist:Tim Webb 2009Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce(rear wall) - 8 West St. N.

18. F. H.Varley’s Midnight Sun 1938Mural Artist: David Flett 2009RBC Royal Bank (side wall) - 22 Main St. E.

19. A. J. Casson’s Summer Hillside 1945Mural Artist: Gerry Lantaigne 2004RBC Royal Bank (rear wall – Municipal Parking Lot)- 22 Main St. E.

20. Tom Thomson’s Northern River 1915Mural Artist: Gerry Lantaigne 2006Flotron’sTweed & Hickory (rear wall) - 18 Main St. E.

21. Tom Thomson’sThe Pool 1915Mural Artist: Gerry Lantaigne 2003Huntsville’s Hometown IDA Drugstore (side wall – Municipal Parking Lot) - 10 Main St. E.

22. A.Y. Jackson’s The Red Maple 1914Mural Artist: Stephen Sammon 2007Huntsville’s Hometown IDA Drugstore (alley wall) - 10 Main St. E.

23. Tom Thomson’s Silver Birches 1915-1916Mural Artist: Gerry Lantaigne 2005Huntsville’s Hometown IDA Drugstore (alley wall) - 10 Main St. E.

24. Lawren Harris’ Northern Lake 1926Mural Artist: Gerry Lantaigne 2005Huntsville Capital Theatre (front side wall) - 8 Main St.W.

25. J. E. H. MacDonald’s The Beaver Dam 1919Mural Artist: Charles Johnston 2007Huntsville Capital Theatre (rear side wall) -8 Main St.W.

26. A. J. Casson’s South PortageMural Artist: Michele Van Maurik 2007Huntsville Capital Theatre (rear side wall) -8 Main St.W.

27. J. E. H. MacDonald’s The Wild River 1919Mural Artists: Gerry Lantaigne, along with close to 1,000 Huntsville residents and visitors 2009Huntsville Capital Theatre (rear side wall) - 8 Main St.W.

28. F. H.Varley’s Stormy Weather,Georgian Bay 1920Mural Artist: Marc Sorozan 2007Muskoski Urban Rustic Living (side wall) - 15 Main St. E.

29. Frank Johnston’s Early Evening,Winter 1928Mural Artist: Donna Buchan 2009The Huntsville Forester (side wall) - 11 Main St.W.

30. Tom Thomson’sThe Canoe 1914Mural Artist: Gerry Lantaigne 2005Wayne Simpson & Associates/Portage Promotions - 11 Centre St. S.

31. Tom Thomson’s Pine Trees at Sunset c1915-1916Mural Artist:Tim Webb 2009Huntsville Public Library (side wall) - 7 Minerva St. E.

32. A.Y. Jackson’s Night Pine Island 1924Mural Artist: Janine White (Marson) 2007Hutcheson, Reynolds & Caswell (rear wall) - 27 Main St. E.

The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, originally founded by Gerry Lantaigne, is a project of the Downtown Huntsville Business Improvement Area (BIA).Contact the BIA for more information at 8 West Street North, Unit 4, Huntsville, ON P1H 2B6 (705) 789-1400, [email protected].

See G8 International Legacy withTom Thomson’s The West Wind 1917

Mural Artists: Gerry Lantaigne, along with brush strokes by the G8 World Leaders, Huntsville

residents and visitors 2010Canada Summit Centre – 20 Park Drive


ALGONQUIN PARK

CANOE & KAYAK RENTALSGUIDED CANOE TRIPS (1/2 & FULLDAY)MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTALSRESTAURANT OVERLOOKING LAKEALGONQUIN GIFTS & CRAFTSBACKCOUNTRY CANOE & CAMPING PACKAGES

Enjoy a relaxing day of paddling on a pristine Algonquin lake. Let our friendly helpful staff make your Algonquin adventure one to remember. Then treat yourself to a Fresh Homemade Burgers & a Cold Beer in our restaurant over looking historic Canoe Lake. Pick-up a one of a kind T-shirt or gift in our Algonquin inspired gift shop. All in one beautiful location in the heart of Algonquin Park.

Algonquin Park, Canoe Lake14km from the West Gate, on Hwy 60

[email protected]

705-633-5622

Outfitting Algonquin explorers since 1937

KillarneyLODGE

Your own cabin in Algonquin Park

Warmly-Appointed CabinsAll on the Water’s Edge

Includes Your Own Canoe

Since 1935, our small family-run lodge has been offering the Canadian wilderness experience in relaxing comfort. We’re located right in the heart of Algonquin Park, on Lake of Two Rivers.

Drop in for a meal... or come stay for a night or two. We hope you’ll join us!

33 km inside West Gate, off Hwy. 60, Algonquin Park

1-866-473-5551 1-705-633-5551www.killarneylodge.com

Fine Country DiningOpen for Lunch & Dinner

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