This is where we had lunch. If you head in – I’d recommend the Coffee, it was fantastic and with the added bonus of free refills its worth every penny! The menu has many classics – such as the BLT – or if you wanted to go for something more traditionally Canadian you could have the pea meal bacon on a bun. These sandwiches come served on a plate with veggy sticks (of cucumber and carrot), along with a separate dip, and a separate dressing for your sandwich. I had the BLT and it really was worth having – I’d recommend it to you – but .. what i liked the most? One of us couldn’t finish the Pea meal Bacon in a bun.. well there was my chance! Not only was the pea meal bacon cooked perfectly, it was really tender and thickly cut. The bread cake/bun was really soft – and of coarse it came with the veggy sticks and condiments.
Sandwiches are available on white, wholemeal (brown) or Dark rye bread – so you see you even get more of a choice of bread than in the UK!
The grill doesn’t just do sandwiches though, they also do all day breakfasts, lunch time specials, home made soups, wraps and even Quesadilla – so why not be adventurous and try something new?

We were eating indoors – obviously – due to the miserable weather, but even indoors the grill provides a pleasant atmosphere which will give you a sunnier feeling even on a rainy day.

However, if you head out to Gravenhurst, i can guarantee you’ll find better weather than we did that day – and if you are graced by the sun that day the Sunset Grill also has outside a beautiful area with chairs – so you can enjoy your meal outside with the breeze coming in off the lake – watching the steam boats take people on short cruises. Even should you be as unlucky as we were, there are still pretty views to enjoy from inside as you can look through the windows at the lake.

The sunset Grill’s opening hours in spring is 8:00am until 3pm Thursday to Sunday so you can head along for breakfast or lunch. To get the most up to date information on opening hours it’s best to visit their website http://www.thesunsetgrill.ca/index.html

You can find the Sunset Grill in Gravenhurst:

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So if your out and about in Muskoka – why not call in for lunch? Its not something you’ll want to miss!

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The Trail this article is focusing on is the Peck Lake Trail.

Make sure you’ve picked up one of the Algonquin park news papers while you’re getting a permit, they’re free and they’re very .. VERY useful to use the map on the back so you know where you are going!

Before you go on any of these trails, remember to have brought with you, proper walking equipment – for example decent walking shoes with a good degree of tread, and comfortable clothes suitable for what ever the weather may be on the day you go on the trail. Another thing you’ll want to factor in is the bugs! If it’s forecast to be warm, chances are you’ll be up against the Mosquitoes and or Black Fly – so bring your bug repellent!

Peck Lake Trail is a 2.3 kilometre loop starting on Highway 60, 19.2km from West Gate of Algonquin Park. The trail takes you right around Peck Lake. The trail is of Medium difficulty, mainly due to the uneven and steep inclines you have to walk up and down. There are some fairly steep drops right by the path as well so make sure you have good footware on so you reduce risks of slipping. Remember to pick up one of the trail guides that you will find in the initial sign at the start of the trail. If you know you wish to keep the trail guide as a souvenir then put $0.50 into the pipe that is located right below it. Alternatively, you can always do this when you’ve completed your walk (or deposit the guide back in the small ‘letter boxes’ under the sign.

The whole idea of this trail, is to help you see what goes on within a lake – typical of those in Algonquin. This one in particular has Rocky shores and clear water – and the lakes in the park are one of its main attractions – as it does in fact have thousands of them! The trail guide is there to help you understand exactly what makes a lake tick.

The first part of the trail is also the part you will come back down last. you’ll know when you get to the splitting point as you’ll see a bench over looking the lake, and you’ll need to head right on the well trodden path around a particularly large tree. It’s worth taking that route round the tree as the route round the other side could lead to trips! You’ll be walking on natural forest floor covering this time round, not a gravel chip path – so there will be leaves, pine needles, twigs and of coarse dirt.. oh and not to mention the tree roots!

This trail is one of my favourites as it combines the beauty of the forest around you, along with the idyllic peace of a small inland lake. When i went, there was only us on the trail so it was particularly quiet that day. Unfortunately though as i mentioned on our last article the weather didn’t seem to be as favourable so when we got to the first informational post – designated in the tour guide booklet the scene over the lake, although beautiful was framed with particularly grey looking clouds!

Walking round the lake you’ll have the possibility to admire not just the trees but also the wildlife around it – if you’re lucky enough you may even get to see the Common Loon – a Bird that not only is one of the finest anglers as it dives under water to catch fish — but is also the bird you’ll see on the reverse of the Canadian Dollar coin – which gives the coin it’s name as being “the loonie”.

The trail book will also literally show you the story of “there’s always a bigger fish” from the minute algae to water fleas, to fish to even Mink and Otters.

So, after you’re mini lake adventure, about 1 and a half hours later you’ll finally get back to that bench. If you manage to catch it on a slightly more clear day than we did you’ll be able to take some fantastic photos of Loons, Kingfishers as well as the whole scenic background of the lake

If you’re reasonably good with walking, this is a trail you’ll want to head out on – it doesn’t take too long and there’s plenty of variety in the scenery!

For more information about Algonquin park and its lake – remember to check out our Algonquin Provincial Park section
And you can also visit Algonquin Park’s official Website.

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This year’s first trip to Canada was different to previous trips as we seemed to have a whole variety of weather.. From bright hot sunny days of temperatures in the mid twenties right the way to snowflakes falling and settling over night, it all seemed to happen this last trip! It was on one of the more wet days that we happened to be passing here.. In fact it had been raining solid for over a day, but that didn’t make any difference to our experience of this fantastic store.

If you are driving north, passing Muskoka Wildlife Centre on your right, you’ll begin seeing signs on your right telling you how much further it is to the Muskoka Store, and with its large signs beside the road and its distinctive black and white log cabin style building you’ll find it difficult to miss, just remember to be in the right lane on the highway and start slowing down as soon as you see it as you pull straight off the highway into their large car park!

When you walk into the first part of the store, it had, on the day we went in, the feel of a garden centre, the feeling that sure, it’s a Store but you get the idea there’s much more there than it first appears.. And that’s exactly what you find out, turning left and walking down the corridor you step through a door and find yourself immersed in the cozy comfy environment of a cottage, a cottage that’s seen everything and been there for years – and so accumulated many mementos of its past.. the only difference is, almost all of it is for sale.

The store has been designed well, selling just about anything you’d ever want, especially if you happen to have a cottage in Muskoka! If you haven’t, that’s fine too – the store has a massive selection of gifts – so if you were stuck wondering what you may buy friends and family as mementos from Canada, or maybe you want to treat yourself, your almost sure of finding something you’ll want in this store! .. I certainly did!

The store its self is split into a number of different, almost themed rooms, for example you have the cottage-ware of furniture and ornaments as well as a room for books, and even a sea-shells themed room where you can buy all sorts of shell-based gifts

The Muskoka store however is a General store, and as the name suggests, it sells many different types of goods – in addition to the gifts, furniture, ornaments, books and shells, they also sell clothes – even down to specialist camping equipment. You’ll also find preserves and confectionery – so if you’ve got a sweet tooth you wont be left out here either!

Chosen as Canada’s most innovative retailer of the year by the Retail Council of Canada for good reason, Walter Page’s Muskoka Store combines high-quality merchandise with friendly service. Along with the store though, if you’re hungry why not check out Page’s Grill!
Add some fun to your. meal – eat in a boat! Page’s Grill boasts a seating area with comfortable log chairs inside a 34′ wooden lobster boat, which was given to the restaurant by a local cottager and boating enthusiast.
The Grill is a convenient spot for a casual meal, or lunch with the kids, serving top-quality fast food and with TVs throughout the restaurant to entertain you while you eat. Burgers are made of ground 100% sirloin, grilled over charcoal, and served with Strubb’s pickles, Heinz ketchup, Kraft cheddar cheese – and, of course, crispy, golden french fries. Grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts are available as a healthy alternative. Shakes and cones are made with real Nestle ice-cream.. when you’re done eating, why not then head outside into the sunshine and have a game of mini-putt golf – which the Muskoka Store provides for free!

Overall Walter Page’s Muskoka Store is definitely a place you wont want to miss.

For more information on opening hours as well as what the store stocks, check out Walter Page’s Muskoka Store’s website: http://www.muskokastore.com/

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Yep that’s right! Huntsville, that’s very close to Muskoka Wildlife Centre – so remember to check our Muskoka articles if you’re thinking about heading off this way!

The price is £1069 sharing twin incl flights, 5 nights accommodation and car rental
First staying in Ottawa, located in eastern Ontario on the banks of the magestic Ottawa River – Then travelling to Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ontario.
Daily departures are available though Pricing shown is based on travel in November. Read More for package details:

Package Details:

* Scheduled flights in economy with Air Canada from London Heathrow
* Alamo car rental – fully inclusive – for the duration of your stay
* 3 nights at The Fairmont Chateau Laurier in a Fairmont Room
* 2 nights at Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville in a Standard Room

For more information about how to get this deal go to Canada.Travel’s website!

Ottawa

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Huntsville

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Muskoka Heritage Place is a trip back in time to an authentic pioneer village – all fully furnished genuine muskoka buildings including General Store, Church, Inn, Barn, Blacksmith Shop, dwellings and a trapper’s cabin. You will also find a First Nations’ Museum Exhibit & Encampment, the Muskoka Museum, Costumed Narrators, Farm Animals and Gardens and hands on demonstrations! If you’ve been to Beamish Open air museum in the UK, this place is a smaller version of that style of attraction, all based around a time gone by in Muskoka, Ontario.

As you can see from the image above, the Heritage Place has its own steam engine, which runs rides through the season. They have brought an historic narrow-guage steam train back to life. The Portage Flyer has a long history in the Muskoka Area, running from 1901 until 1959. The engine and cars have been restored to their original splendour. They have also re-created a 1920 train station. It’s important to note however if you’re heading out this year, the train is undergoing some renovation this year but will be up and running by December 19th for a special event called “Portage Flyer Christmas” Their one and only pre-2010 train event which is a train ride to Santa! This event happens on Saturday 19th December 2009 between 5pm and 8pm. The Heritage Place run a number of events throughout each season so remember to check out their events website by clicking here

If you like steam trains though, the train isn’t the only attraction that may interest you as there is also a steam museum!

Muskoka Heritage Place is located just two hours north of Toronto, in the town of Huntsville, within easy walking distance from the main street.

The current admission prices for this season are:

Museum:
Adult: $2
Child: $1*

Village:
Adult: $10
Child: $7*

* One child under 3 is admitted free with each paid adult.

The Muskoka Heritage Place is part of the Muskoka Attractions scheme, if you have proof of purchase from any of the other participating attractions you will be able to get into the Muskoka Museum free.

The Museum is open 10am to 4pm Daily between May 16th to October 10th 2009 – but remember there are two events after this date – the Great Pumpkin Trail Hallowe’en Night on 31st October and the Portage Flyer Christmas, so if you will be around then it’s worth contacting them for information on how to take part!

You can find the Muskoka Heritage Place by putting the following address into your Sat Nav:
88 Brunel Road
Huntsville, ON P1H 1R1, Canada

or ring on
+1 705-789-7576

Alternatively you can always use trusty Google Maps

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This place is definitely a must see for anyone who really wants to get a sense of the true pioneering days of Canada while you’re out on your trip! Remember to check out their website at www.muskokaheritageplace.org for a list of all the events, and more information about what’s there!

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So here’s what it’s about:

Muskoka is a region in Ontario north of Lake Simcoe, so like many regions there’s always lots to do. The clever thing Muskoka region have done is team together their attractions to help customers experiance more in Muskoka, rather than simply seeing one of the attractions. I’m going to briefly mention the attractions in Muskoka which are participating in the scheme – I’ll have articles in the future about a number of them, so keep your eyes open for this, especially if you’re planning on a Muskoka road trip!

The way the scheme works, is you go to one of the attractions and get proof of purchase for your visit. You can then go to any of the listed participating attractions – provide them with this proof of purchase and you will get a discount or receive the offer they state on this flyer!

The participating places to visit in Muskoka are:

Santa’s Village
Lady Muskoka Cruises
Muskoka Wildlife Centre (Highly reccomended!)
Muskoka Heritage Place
Back Country Paintball
Muskoka Lake Museum
Rich Hill Candles / Gifts
Bala’s Museum
The Real Muskoka Experiance
Bethune Memorial House
Muskoka Rails Museum
Eaglecrest Aerial Park

To check out exactly what discounts or offers these great attractions are offering in this scheme take a look at Muskoka Attractions’ Website: http://www.muskokaattractions.com – this gives you a breakdown of each attraction and lets you know exactly what each attraction is offering. A couple of examples are:

Muskoka Heritage Place: [With proof of purchase from another 2009 participating attraction] Visit the Muskoka Museum at Muskoka Heritage Place free of charge.

The Real Muskoka Experiance: [With proof of purchase from another 2009 participating attraction] Recieve 50% off admission to the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre.

Black Country Paintball: [With proof of purchase from another 2009 participating attraction] Recieve free admission for up to 3 players including marker rental, hopper and goggles. (customers would purchase paintballs)

So, if you’re heading to the Muskoka area, get your proof of purchases and make the most of this great scheme!

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Algonquin Provincial Park

Now, we’ve been busy, we always are – and now we find ourselves specifically hunting out and descovering places to tell you about, and we sure have done that! – places we’ve been so far this week include Bancroft, Algonquin park (and wow did we underestimate what was on offer there!), Muskoka Wildlife Centre, Kirkfield Lift Lock, New market, Orillia and of coarse the beach near Bolsover, Lake Simcoe.

Baptist Lake Near Bancroft

We headed to Muskoka wildlife centre yesterday to call in on Juniper, and found that not only is she very happy, she’ll be introduced into the other raccoons and the foxes soon. Not to mention that they now have a new Albino Raccoon, another Red fox and a Fisher (which is a member of the weasel family) – and they were all out so we got plenty of photos of them!

Muskoka Wildlife Centre

And while we were at Kirkfield lift lock today we were lucky enough to see a number of very large boats going up and down the huge structure – so we got plenty of photos of that as well! Yesterday we were doing some star gazing, using the telescope we have over here – - a telescope i wished i had back home, since it has electronic movement where you press buttons and it moves.. very steady so very good when looking at stars! And with the sky out here so free from light polution, it makes spectacular viewing – especially when you’re lucky enough to see shooting stars!

Kirkfield Lift Lock In Use

So that’s about it! – This article obviously is set to go out on Saturday 22nd, so I’ll be sleeping when this actually goes out, and having a nice Canadian Breakfast when i do actually get up – but right now, I’m off to go to Newmarket and call at Upper Canada’s Mall – which we’ll also be featuring next week, along with a place which i cant wait to tell you about sat right on the side of Baptist Lake near Bancroft – so! I’ll see you all shortly on my return with plenty of fresh stuff to share with you all!

From Rocky — wish you were here!

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It’s situated 20 minutes north of Orillia, Ontario or 10 minutes south of Gravenhurst, Ontario on HWY 11 North – so if you’re travelling north you’ll see it on your right, and if you’re travelling south it’ll be on your left. You’ll spot it by their large sign by the side of the road.

Muskoka Wildlife Centre's sign on highway 11.

The Centre offers a glimpse at the wonderful world of Ontario wildlife in and around the Muskoka region- you’ll get to see all the native species such as the Raccoon, Wolves, Skunks, Moose, Bald Eagles, North American Badgers, Porcupines, a Brown Bear, Lynx, Bobcat, Cougar and a whole lot more – a definite must if you want your kids are interested in wildlife, or even for you!

The park is not just set in a typical open area with fences and paths. It’s set in a beautiful setting, in a small wooded area with meandering paths which go up and down small hills – making your trip more exciting and more of an adventure as you walk about the park on carefully signposted tracks hunting for your next enclosure.

But there’s more than simply animals just to look at – as i mentioned earlier, the centre classes its self as being interactive, and that is certainly the case – if you are not told by the kind people when you pay your admission ~ ask them when the next handling is. You will get to meet a variety of different animals from skunks, raccoons, ground hogs and some snakes  – though the animals you meet will depend on which animals are available for handling when you visit. This allows yourself and your kids to get a hands on experience – finding out – how do some types of animals actually feel like – is the fur on a skunk super fluffy – or is it more coarse? I’ll leave it up to you to find out!

Please read on to see a gallery of photos and to read more about this must see location:

All the animals in the centre are animals that simply cannot be reintroduced into the wild – they may be former pets which were abandoned – or injured and in no condition to be able to fend for themselves in the wild – every admission they take goes to the running of the centre, feeding the animals and the high quality of care which the centre provides.

If you fall in love with a particular animal – the centre also offers a service where you can sponsor an animal. Included in all sponsorships depending on the period you undertake you will be able to enter the centre and get to meet your sponsored animal personally! The sponsorship money directly goes towards the upkeep of your chosen animal, food, bedding and medical costs to keep the animal in top condition and I’d highly recommend this if you can afford. We have sponsored Juniper the Raccoon in the centre. When we first visited in 2008 she was but a small hyper bundle of fur scampering about exploring the enclosure in the main office area – but she’s grown into a big healthy raccoon now and loving helping people learn about wildlife in the area (though it doesn’t stop her from finding out what is in each of the handler’s pockets when she’s doing so)

Juniper the Raccoon

For opening hours and to make sure the centre is open in the season you may be traveling in – and for more information about the centre, their facilities and what they have to offer please visit their website http://www.muskokawildlifecentre.com/

Below is the Google Maps location of the park so you can find how to get there by using the directions, though there are also directions on their own website.

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As i personally adore this place, i’m enclosing some of the photos i have taken in my trips there – these ones were taken in May this year

Also, while you’re in the area, if you’re hungry – why not stop at the locally famous Webers Hamburger resteraunt: http://www.webers.com/highway11.html which is located just down highway 11 from muskoka wildlife centre

If you are thinking about staying in Orillia or Newmarket, or any of the towns near Muskoka Wildlife Centre on a holiday soon, click the following link for information about prices and hotel locations:

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