Tag: muskoka

Muskoka’s Winter Fun

2024 Winter Carnivals in Muskoka – Small town old-fashioned great times. Events Schedules are available so check out all the fun stuff being planned!

Port Carling Winterfest

February 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2024

Our traditional family-oriented Winter Carnival. A souvenir wooden medallion will be your winter fun passport. $5 per Adult and FREE for Kids 12 and under. Why be miserable indoors? Embrace all that winter in Muskoka has to offer and make some family memories along the way.

For more information, visit their website.

Gravenhurst Winter Carnival

Family Day Weekend
February 15th – 18th, 2024

Dorset SnowBall Winter Carnival

Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024

Snowball presents a wide variety of activities including skating, cardboard toboggan races, human foosball, face painting, a hockey shoot-out, a photobooth, silent auction, snow maze and more!

For more information, visit their website

Baysville Winterfest

  • February 19, 2024

Taking place on Monday of the Family Day weekend, this one-day festival in Baysville has tons of fun activities for the kids. Skate Muskoka will be performing a 20 minute show at the Lake of Bays Community Centre Arena in Baysville on Monday February 19 at 2:10pm.

Huntsville Winterfest

February 24, 2024

SnowFest is a dazzling one-day winter celebration on Saturday in River Mill Park. Get ready for a day filled with live music, buskers and on-ice performers, and interactive activities to keep everyone entertained.

Muskoka’s Farmer’s Markets – Where and When

Bala Farmers Market

From fresh produce to unique handcrafted collectables, we have something for everyone! Be sure to drop by the Bala Farmers’ Market, to take home your own piece of Muskoka.

Baysville Farmers Market

This lively market boasts a nice array of vendors selling fruit and vegetables, organic produce, honey, fish and seafood, baking, arts and crafts and Thai food. Over 12 vendors sell frozen and fresh meats, home baking, preserves, fresh produce and crafts.

Bracebridge Farmers Market

Bringing farm fresh food and local artisans to the Bracebridge community.

Dwight Farmers Market

We aim to create an inviting environment for residents and guests of Dwight and the surrounding area to experience wholesome food, arts and education by bringing together farmers, artisans, educators, entertainers and service providers from the Muskoka/Haliburton area.

Gravenhurst Farmers Market

Come Savour the Flavour of Muskoka. Established in 1992 in the heart of Ontario’s scenic cottage country, the Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market has become one of the region’s most popular attractions.

Huntsville Farmers Market

Come on down to the Huntsville Fair Grounds and pick up your favourite market goodies before they are all gone!

Port Carling Farmers Market

Offering a fantastic selection of locally grown produce, delicious fine foods and handcrafted artistry! Come to shop and stay to play, Hanna Park offers an amazing beach and playground. Come by boat or by car, parking is available for both.

Rosseau Market

Discover those special delights that will tease your taste buds and compliment your table. Experience our fresh produce, smoked meats, superb baking, juried work by artists & artisans, and much more, all prepared with pride and attention to detail, and with the highest standards.

What is a WETT inspection and do I need one?

A WETT inspection, which stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer, includes a thorough inspection of all wood burning appliances such as stoves and open fireplaces, by a certified WETT inspector.

Given the potential threat these technologies pose to the well-being and health of those in the home, a WETT specialty inspection can give you the peace of mind you need when buying or selling a home, living in a home, and can also be a requirement when securing insurance.

Why Would I Need a WETT Specialty Inspection?

An inspection for the wood burning technologies in your home is important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the safety of you and your family. With wood burning appliances, the potential for harmful pollutants to be released into your home as well as combustible materials to ignite is increased, so it is important that these appliances are regularly inspected and properly maintained. If you have a home that already includes one of these features, or you would like to purchase one and have it installed in your home, having a WETT certified inspector or technician involved is a necessity.

WETT specialty inspections are also now being required as a part of the home insuring process. In fact, many homeowners first hear about WETT specialty inspections because an insurance company asks that their appliances be examined by a WETT certified inspector. In Canada, insurance companies require homes using wood burning appliances to be thoroughly inspected by a professional and cleared/approved before the home can be insured.

If purchasing an older home that includes any of these wood-burning appliances, a WETT inspection is an absolute necessity. Cottages often include wood-burning appliances, and often the installation of these features is not in compliance with WETT standards. An inspection will be able to tell you whether or not these appliances are operating optimally, are in good structural condition, and that they burning in a way that does not compromise your health and safety.

What is included in a WETT Inspection?

A WETT specialty inspection is an inspection that must be conducted by an inspector who is WETT certified. A general home inspector must take a course to become WETT certified. The course typically consists of 4 days of training as well as 80 weeks of field experience before they receive certification. That is why we at The Home Inspection Network advises that you use a licensed and experienced WETT inspector because only they will have the true in-depth knowledge necessary for examining these systems correctly.

While a typical home inspection includes a visual inspection of the fireplace, chimney and hearth, a WETT specialty inspection conducted by a certified inspector includes an inspection of all the elements of any wood burning technologies in the home to make sure that they are installed correctly and are installed with compliance to building codes and regulations. It should also include a visit to the roof to examine the chimney for any potential structural or ventilation issues.

The inspection might include an examination of a wood stove, flue pipe, chimney, and wood-burning fireplace. An inspector should look at the positioning of the system, and its distance in relation to any combustible materials. If there is a problem with the function of the technology in your home, it is important that the technician you employ is also a licensed WETT technician.

The Bottom Line

WETT specialty inspections are more than just something to offer you peace of mind, if wood-burning appliances are a part of your home’s features, it is of paramount importance that these appliances are both installed properly and inspected for your safety.

Author: Karla Watson

Muskoka Olive Oil Company

muskokaoliveoil.ca

The new kid in town…

The Muskoka Olive Oil Company, located in downtown Bracebridge, with banks of olive oil and banks of balsamic vinegar. They also serve ice cream and delicious local fudge.

Their website offers education on olive oil and provides recipes to get you started. They also offer the following services, as well as next day shipping:

Our Services

At Muskoka Olive Oil, we offer a broad range of services tailored to serve a variety of uses with a unique healthy selection of products. With our more than 50 Olive Oil and Balsamic flavours combined with our 100’s for Gourmet Foods, and Kitchen Accessories, you can select from our standard bundles and gift sets to creating your own unique bundles and gift baskets.

In-Store Taproom Tastings

Tasting is one of our primary functions at Muskoka Olive Oil.  We offer free in-store complimentary samples daily.  Tasting before you buy is a great way for you to decide which olive oil or balsamic vinegar is best for you. Read more..

Wedding & Event Favours

Our wedding favours are the perfect way to give the gift of flavour. An elegant touch to your special occasion with our wedding & event favours that your guests will love!

Event favours are a great choice for weddings and make tremendous gifts at bridal or baby showers, anniversaries, graduations, family reunions, birthdays, corporate events, or any other celebration. Read more..

Real Estate Gifting Program

Looking for a gift idea to close a deal, a gift to welcome a new homeowner, a corporate client who is relocating, or to send your congratulations for a move to a new home or office?

Send your thanks and appreciation with impressive Real Estate gifts and gift baskets from Muskoka Olive Oil Co.! We offer great gift ideas for Realtors, Agents, Brokers, Escrow and Loan Officers, New Home Builders, Contractors, and Property Managers. Read more..

Restaurants & Catering

We are able to conveniently service all levels of the retail and foodservice industries in and around the Muskoka region with some of the best and healthiest olive oils and balsamic vinegars in the world. Read more..

Cooking Classes

Coming Soon!

In the style of a cooking demonstration, you get to watch a professional Chef prepare approximately five recipes – and then you get to taste them! Read more..

Our Top 5 Muskoka Hikes

With the weather cooling off in the morning hours, the hiking weather is just about perfect right now! Although there too many beautiful hikes in Muskoka to name in one post, we have chosen our favourite five, descriptions and photos courtesy of the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

We hope you enjoy!

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Waterfalls in Muskoka

Waterfalls in Muskoka
Town of Bracebridge

By Discover Muskoka

Muskoka is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls carved into the granite rock of the Canadian Shield. We have accumulated info on 17 waterfalls in the Muskoka region for you to seek out and enjoy. With hiking trails available at most locations to create access, ‘chasing waterfalls’ can be a great activity in the summer and fall. Bracebridge is at the heart of the waterfalls in Muskoka, boasting more than any other township, most notably High Falls, Wilson Falls, and Bracebridge Falls. One of the region’s most spectacular cascades is Ragged Falls, located east of Huntsville on Hwy 60, at Ragged Falls Provincial Park. This was voted one of the 10 best waterfalls in Ontario!

Although it is a fun way to spend an afternoon, getting great pictures and great recreation, it is important to note the danger that exists near waterfalls. Always be attentive and careful near waterfalls, as rocks can be slippery and a fall could be fatal.

Find the locations of Muskoka’s waterfalls by clicking the map below:

Muskoka’s Top 10 Food Trucks

In a world where dinners out are just a sweet memory and you have just made so so many breakfasts lunches and dinners with all the family at home, the Muskoka Food truck is a treat. It’s a break on a drive or a reward at the end of one.  Maybe it’s just a quick snack while you are in town grabbing supplies or getting out for a bit. The iconic food truck is always there for you.  We have selected a few of our favourite road-side food trucks and stands around Muskoka, for your sampling pleasure.

PizzaForno

Where: 118 Muskoka District Road 118 W, Port Carling
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownandCountryMuskoka/

Ok, so the first one isn’t a food truck. But it’s in a parking lot and serves up hot delicious food in minutes, so close enough.

Pete’s Links

 

Where: 106 Maple St, Port Carling
Facebook: Pete is old school. He doesn’t have a Facebook Page.  But he does have a friendly smile and hearty greeting for all his customers.

Pete cooks up sausage, hotdogs and burgers, and fries up some onions to go on top if you like. My favourite is the Cheddar Sausage and he remembers that, even if I haven’t seen him in months.

 

Terry’s BBQ & Grill

Where: 3142 Muskoka District Road 118, Port Carling
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrysBBQGrill/

 

Port Carling’s newest eatery! Serving: Burgers, Fish & Chips, Fresh Cut Fries, Donairs, Poutines, Salads, Wraps & so much more! Ample amount of parking. Come out and experience the high-quality food for yourself! cash, credit & debit accepted!

The Banger

Where: 1695 Emsdale Road, Emsdale
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebanger2

Make sure you note the new location because you don’t want to miss this place. A cult classic – Banger Bob’s legendary sausage and sauce on a hearty loaf of bread, re-incarnated with a twist.

 

Tristan’s Tasty Eats

Where: 2222 HWY 60
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tristans-Tasty-Eatz

Near the Tally Ho public beach at Hillside; Very informational & friendly, tons of food for the price and so delicious!

The Muskoka Dog House

Where: 304 Ravenscliffe Road, Huntsville
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muskokadoghouse/

 

Beside the Police Station, these dogs are hot! Deceptively simple yet delicious menu items.

The Huntsville 4!

Conveniently located right beside Canvas Brewery, there is sure to be something at these four fine food trucks to satisfy any palate!

 The Taco Stop

Where: 7 John St, Huntsville
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tacoheaven/

Authentic tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, carne asada fries or funky fries ( fries with all the delicious toppings found on a burrito).

 

 

The Thai Hut

Where: 96 Main St E, Huntsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thethaihuthuntsville

The delicious smells of this food truck! Deep-fried spring rolls make a yummy snack.  The spicy beef with mint was the favourite but the chicken curry and pad thai were great!

 

Muskoka Poutine. Merci, Eh.

Where: 7 John St, Huntsville
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/muskokapoutine/

Best fries in Muskoka! Real curds from Quebec! Don’t want to miss it!

 

Algonquin Cafe and Deli

Where: 96 Main St E, Huntsville
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Algonquin-Cafe-Deli

Don’t let their lack of internet presence throw you. They are too busy smoking delicious brisket, melt off the bone ribs, even baking rich saucy beans.

Cheesus Murphy and the Grateful Bread

Where:2611 Muskoka Rd Hwy 117, Baysville
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheesusmurphy/

Excited to see this back for another season. An original irreverent take on a gourmet grilled cheese and many other comforting cheesy delights, such as poutine and burgers.

 

Shelby’s Chipwagon

Where: Beside the Bike Shop, 191 Sharpe Street East, Gravenhurst 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbyschipwagon/

 

This one is on several best-loved lists. Sweet potato fries, burgers, steak on a bun, and of course fries! Generous portions too.

My Neighbours Kitchen

Where: 825 Muskoka Road South, Gravenhurst
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mnkgravenhurst/

My Neighbour’s Kitchen & Grill is the red food truck located in Gravenhurst, Muskoka. Visit us to try some Filipino food, also available are Canadian classics like burgers and poutines. Discover Muskoka and Filipino cuisine!

 

Runners Up

These tasty options deserve honourable mention although we didn’t have room for them here:

Fork On The Road -Emsdale Chip Truck

Katrine Chip Truck

3 GUYS And A Stove “On Foccacia” Food Truck

 

 

Thoughts on Dock building

As a cottage owner in Muskoka, there is a good chance you have had to have your dock repaired or replaced. If a new dock, or repairs to your current dock are in your plans for the future, there are a number of aspects to the project we would suggest you research and consider before committing to this expensive undertaking.

  • There are no Ontario Building Code (OBC) specifications for docks. Buyer beware!

 

  • Plans for a new dock or major repairs to an existing dock must be approved by the local Building Department. Most likely, a building permit will have to be obtained.

 

  • Before deciding on where to put your new dock, you will need to check with the local municipal Building Department regarding setbacks, permitted size, etc. You will also need to check on how your shoreline is designated by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans regarding fish habitat. Your shoreline may need a special study to be undertaken by a specialist to determine what can and cannot be built.

 

  • If your proposed dock is intended to support a boathouse, single-storey or two-storey, you will need to have technical design and construction drawings, stamped by a Professional Engineer. The same Engineer that stamped the drawings is also required to physically inspect the finished constructed dock and certify that it was built according to the plans. This is required before the Building Department will issue a building permit for a boathouse. Use a Professional Engineer who has experience with designing docks in Muskoka.

 

  • Specifications for a dock can vary widely, as there are no OBC specifications. Some design elements (type of piling, grade and thickness of steel for pilings, cross-bracing, method of fastening dock decking to the underlying steel structure, etc.) are inherently stronger, and longer-lasting, than others. The stronger, the better, in order to withstand ice pressure and floatation effects during flooding.

 

  • The cost of a dock can vary widely, depending on the dock builder and the design specifications. Cheaper is usually not better. Obtain a few quotes, based on the same technical specifications. Check references.

 

  • Unless you are using stainless steel dock piles (or wood cribs), the steel piles will rust over time. The thicker the steel and the higher quality of steel, the longer the dock piles will last before requiring repair or replacement.

 

  • Floating docks are always an option, even with a two-storey boathouse on top of them. A floating dock will go a long way towards solving the potential damage issues associated with spring flooding. Note that floating docks also require a building permit from the Building Department.

 

  • If you are going to finish the inside of the lower level of your boathouse, you will want to consider installing air vents in the interior perimeter walls to allow the walls to more quickly dry out in the event they are submerged during flooding. This reduces the risk of mould and rot developing inside the wall cavity.

 

  • We strongly suggest using ceramic coated deck screws to fasten the dock deck boards (wood or composite) so that individual boards can more easily be lifted up for repair or inspection, without damaging the surrounding boards.

 

Leaky Basement?

Basement leakage is the most common problem found in houses and cottages, and over 90% of all basements are found to leak and suffer damage at one time or another. Evidence of moisture penetration can be found in almost every house. A house or cottage with water problems does not necessarily mean it was poorly constructed. Water can appear in even the best-built home.

Not all basement leakage problems are easily solvable, but the majority of leakage problems can be solved by directing surface water away from the building, re-grading around the foundation and/or using downspout extension to force rainwater to flow away from the house or cottage.

Warning signs of water leakage:
• Mould and mildew: Fungus that grows in damp dark areas and causes discoloration and odours.
• Musty odours: This could be the result of the decay process from mould and dry rot.
• Peeling paint: Water may leak behind a wall.
• Damp spots on walls: Water has absorbed through your walls.
• White substance on basement walls: This is a chemical breakdown of the bonding agent that holds your walls together. The white substance is a sign of possible structural deterioration.
• Cracked walls: Should need to be inspected to determine the exact cause.
• Rust on appliances or furnaces: Check behind for signs of pooling or leaking water.
• Dry rot: Black fungus grows mostly on walls or wooden surfaces, causing wood to decay.

Why is waterproofing important?
A wet basement dramatically reduces the value of your home or cottage. Studies show that many people won’t even consider buying a property with water leakage.

Check our People We Trust page to find contractors recommended by our clients or friends

(taken from Pillar to Post blog)

Why you need a REALTOR® more than ever in the internet age

These days, there are more options than ever when it comes to buying or selling a home or cottage. It seems a new website or sale-by-owner service is popping up every week. And while there is most certainly room for technology, progress, and a fresh approach within the real estate industry, this inevitably creates a lot of noise out there cluttering up your decision-making process.

Now may be one of the most important times to look to a professional Realtor(R) to cut through all of that noise and make the business of buying or selling your home a stress-free proposition. Our mission at Chestnut Park is to guide you through this process with the least interruption to you and your family’s daily life; this is the value and service a Realtor(R) can provide that the internet simply cannot.

Data Analysis:
The internet has revolutionized the real estate industry, and we certainly are thankful for all that it has provided from sharing listing information quickly and easily with our clients, to communicating with the office from the road. But with all of this free-flowing information, there becomes an endless well of data. Average home prices, inventory per neighbourhood, lake rankings, etc. Sure, the information is all out there, but are you reading and analyzing it properly? A professional Realtor(R) is trained to know exactly what data is relevant to your purchase or sale, and exactly how it applies to you.

Local Knowledge:
The web is in fact, a fantastic place to begin research when wanting more information on a particular neighbourhood; from lakes, to demographics, to walkability and lifestyle. And while there is a wealth of knowledge to be found online, including local forums and message boards, there is no substitute for a Realtor(R) who has worked (and in many cases lived) in a particular area for their entire career. Not only will they have the inside scoop on all the neighbourhood quirks, but they will be able to share hard facts about the local real estate market specifically.

Pricing:
If you are a home or cottage owner, chances are you have a fairly good idea of what your property is (or should be worth) based on things like what you bought the home for, how long you’ve owned it, how much (if any) work you have put into it, how much your next door neighbour just sold for, etc. But when it comes to selling your home, timing (and what the market will bear at that exact timing) is everything. A qualified Realtor will guide you through the pricing process by analyzing myriad variables such as comparable home prices, current interest rates, level of inventory, interest in your neighbourhood and/or school district and much more.

Hunting & Gathering:
If you are looking to buy a new home, the hunting and gathering stage is where a Realtor will save you the most time and energy. Instead of trolling online daily looking for a property that will suit your needs, your Realtor(R) will take this step off your plate, comparing and contrasting what’s out there, and sending you only what they know will work for your needs. A Realtor also has access within their own network to homes that may not yet be on the market. As for selling, a professional Realtor will come up with creative solutions to lure qualified buyers to your property. Which brings us to

Marketing:
When it comes to selling your home, marketing is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the process. How will you maximize the best offers if people don’t even know that your home is for sale? A Realtor will work night and day to market your home in the right way, from open houses to online and print ads, to wild and creative options to showcase your property in the right light.

Dispelling Myths:
Much like planning a wedding, or having a baby, buying or selling a home or cottage brings unsolicited advice and personal anecdotes out of the woodwork. Your neighbour may be convinced that home values in your area have gone up 10% since you bought, and your cousin may be insisting that you hold out until spring to list your home, but only a Realtor(R) will be able to give you the inside info on what will or won’t work for your particular circumstances.

Connections:
When it comes down to the transaction of buying and/or selling your home or cottage, there can tend to be a lot of moving parts. From real estate lawyers to home inspectors, and stagers to contractors, your Realtor(R) is plugged into a community of other professionals who support and enhance the real estate industry.