Monday, August 19

Fall Fuel & Fun Package


Autumn is a beautiful time for a getaway and it gets even better when you get $100 in free vouchers just for staying two nights!

Book your fall getaway by September 20th for a 2-night stay at Fern Glen Inn between September 16 and November 15. Register your reservation while quantities last and you'll receive a $50 Gas card and $50 in spending vouchers to use-as-cash at participating shops, restaurants, outfitters and attractions. Quantities are limited so act quickly to avoid disappointment.


Book your Fall Fuel & Fun Getaway at Fern Glen Inn

There's no catch! This is courtesy of Explorers' Edge, our regional tourism organization representing Muskoka, Algonquin Park, Parry Sound and the Almaguin Highlands. They're doing this to encourage people like you to come and discover places like ours.

So when to come for your Fall Getaway?

Mid September: Great hiking weather, sometimes even swimming weather; no bugs; no crowds; fall colours are starting.

Late September: Fall colours are really going good and working up to peak; great time to hike the hardwood forests; take lots of photos; stay up late and watch the stars.

Early to mid October: Colours peak (sometimes sooner); hear the leaves swish around your feet as you walk the trails; slow country drives to take it all in; Thanksgiving long weekend lets you get a longer break to really shake the city off.

Mid to late October: Maples have finished their show and the tamaracks are putting on the Golden Encore; invigorating walks; toasty fires.

Early to mid November: Catch the last of the Golden Encore; save more with Quiet Season rates in effect; no crowds; time to relax, catch up on reading, get away from it all; Girlfriends' Getaway weekend in Huntsville.

Jim and I are so happy to participate in the Fuel & Fun promotion again because it lets us give such a great gift to our guests -- who doesn't like to get free gas and spending vouchers? -- but also because it lets us showcase this beautiful season. We hope to share it with you!

Call, email or book online. Visit Fall Fuel & Fun at Fern Glen Inn for details.


In partnership with

Monday, August 12

Afternoon in Burk's Falls


The natural setting and outdoor adventures may be the biggest draws for visitors to the area, but the towns and villages of the region offer their own charms as well. Huntsville, being the largest town in the region (pop. 18,500) is well-known to tourists and popular with our guests for shopping and dining. But it's not the only town within an easy drive of the inn.

The Village of Burk's Falls lies just north of us, 16 km up Highway 11. With a population of just 1,000, it is definitely a small town -- and a lovely place to spend an afternoon. The Magnetawan River winds through the village. Houses, shops and churches perch on hillsides or cluster along quiet streets. Stores and restaurants are spread out, mostly along the main street, so driving between stops is more common than walking, but parking is free and plentiful.

Here is a selection—by no means complete—of some stops to include when you spend an afternoon in Burk's Falls.

Burk's Falls Welcome Centre and Cafe

Not just a repository of tourist information, the centre has public washrooms, a covered outdoor picnic spot overlooking the river, and an excellent cafe. This is the place for a great latte, cappuccino, or other specialty coffee. Plus their selection of fudges and baked goods are absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the butter tart muffins! Beside the centre is the covered footbridge which is the starting point for the in-town Heritage River Walk.
Hwy 520, just east of Ontario Street, Burk's Falls



The Garden Market

A lovely garden centre and home decor & gift store located on 6 acres on the main street. Enjoy the outdoor gardens and pond then browse through the many displays and stylish furnishings, kitchen ware, gifts and ornaments inside the large store.
85 Ontario Street, Burk's Falls




Circling Hawks Centre

A retail store selling jewelry, books, crystals, drums and all things of various spiritual beliefs and faiths. A tarot card reader is sometimes available at the store for readings. Beyond the store, the back garden is open to visitors to enjoy a labyrinth, quiet gardens, teepee, bottle tree, peace pole and more (visiting is free). The barn out back houses an art studio showcasing works from local artists.
156 Ontario Street, Burk's Falls


Wooden Roo

Located in a big old barn, this retail store offers two floors of giftware and home furnishings, many of them hand-crafted. You'll find things such as pottery pieces, solid wood furniture, framed artwork, jams & jellies, jewelry and souvenirs.
311 Ontario Street, Burk's Falls


Burk's Falls Arts and Crafts

A gallery displaying various artwork and handcrafts of local artists.
113 Young Street, Burk's Falls


Burk's Falls Heritage River Walks

Not just for shopping, Burk's Falls offers a number of walking trails in and around town. The Heritage River Trail is the longest at 1.5 km and the rest are all under a kilometre in length making for easy walking. See the map and legend at the Welcome Centre for details.


Restaurants and Conveniences

Burk's Falls offers a small selection of eateries, with something for everyone.

Dee's Bistro: Classic family dishes and fine dining. Ontario Street.

The Village Pub: Traditional pub fare, stone and timber decor, juke box, pool table, darts. Ontario Street.

British Boy Fish & Chips: Hand-battered fish fillets, assorted menu, take out or eat at the picnic tables outside. Ontario Street.

Yeti's Pizza: Made to order; they'll even deliver right here to the inn for a reasonable fee. Ontario Street.

Tim Horton's; ValuMart (grocery store offering President's Choice products); LCBO; Chip Truck; Convenience Store; Gas Station; Home Hardware; Hair Salon & Spa services; and a summer Movie Theatre are also in town.

Around Burk's Falls

Other things to do and see when you're around Burk's Falls include...

Burk's Falls and District Museum

Screaming Heads

Magnetawan River Rapids

Danny's Justa Pasta: This restaurant is not in Burk's Falls but further north and very popular. Exit #271 from Hwy 11 between Burk's Falls and Sundridge.

Enjoy your visit to Burk's Falls!

Thursday, August 8

Almaguin Highlands Stone Skipping Contest



Enter a photo or video of you trying (or even succeeding!) stone skipping on a body of water in the Almaguin Highlands. You could win a random draw for a 2-night getaway in the region this fall plus a $50 gas card.

Wondering where to skip your stone? We've got lots of ideas for you. There's the little lake just a short walk from the inn. Plus Clear Lake, the Magnetawan River, Big Doe and Little Doe lakes, Long Lake, Round Lake, plus countless ponds and rivers, all within an easy drive.

Wondering where to stay should you win the fall getaway? We've got an idea for that too! :)

Visit the facebook page of the Almaguin Highlands Information Centre for details and entry form. Photo can be from any year but be sure to submit yours by this August 26th!

Need some inspiration? You can see Jim's entry in the contest gallery here.

Good luck!