Centennial Ridges Trail, Algonquin Park

Jim and I recently celebrated our wedding anniversary with a hike on the Centennial Ridges Trail in Algonquin Park. Although we've been to the park countless times, neither of us have hiked this one before. It's one of the longest day-use trail in Algonquin, and while the length has never deterred us, we don't often have a spare six hours (the recommended time to allocate for the hike) to spend at once. We made time this time and were so glad we did!

The park guide describes the trail as 10.4 km long, however we've had guests tell us their GPS's and pedometers put it closer to 13 km in length. Either way, it's a challenging hike not so much for the distance but for the many ups and downs as the trail visits multiple cliff-top lookouts. According to the guide booklet, "At the highest point you will be 170 metres (560 feet) above the parking lot but, because the trail has several major rises and descents, the total vertical distance you will have to climb during your outing is approximately 360 metres (1,200 feet)".

We passed a number of small lakes and ponds along the lower sections of trail.

It took us just under four hours to complete the loop, including stops for photos and food. Don't forget to bring food -- you'll work up an appetite! Also bring water, of course, as well as the appropriate clothing for the time of year including sturdy hiking shoes/boots. Go prepared for the weather and prepared to work up a sweat and you'll be rewarded, as we were, with spectacular views and breathtaking vistas.

This was the first time we ever looked DOWN on a flying hawk!

The colours in late September were stunning.

Seeing far and wide.

An old beaver lodge in a meadow that used to be a pond.

Almost to the top of this cliff (more to come!).

Whitefish Lake near the end of the trail.

Perched on the edge.

September at the Little Lake

Many of our guests enjoy a morning walk up the Seguin Trail to a little lake which we simply call "the little lake". It's about 25 minutes each way depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos, and you could certainly go farther if you wish. As a former railway bed, the trail goes all the way to Parry Sound!

Recently, one of our repeat guests, Brenda, rose early on a misty morning while her travel mate slept and was rewarded with some beautiful images of the lake and trail. She was kind enough to share them with all of us...

.: Thank you, Brenda!  :.

A week later, I followed suit and set out to capture the play of morning mist and light over the water and trees. I didn't have as much mist, but that's okay because the fall colours by then had started to really pop. This is what made it worth the early morning for me...

Do you have photos from your visit with us that you'd like to share? Post them to our facebook page of send us a link to your gallery. We'd love to see them!

Discovery Routes Sprucedale Trail

View from the boardwalk.

It was a sunny September afternoon so we decided to finally check out the Sprucedale Trail. We've been meaning to for over a year now but, perhaps because it's so close to home, it just hasn't been a high priority for us. Well, I'm glad we finally did!

Jim, Saba and I took a short drive up over to the town of Sprucedale, just 14 km north-west of the inn, to the trailhead located just behind the skating rink and soccer field by the township office.

The trailhead is well-marked and most of the trail is as well, though we did get a bit off-track at one point. It's not a single loop, so I recommend taking a photo of the trail map before you start and have it with you for reference along the way. That said, it's only a 2km trail so getting a bit lost is not a big deal knowing you can always turn around and follow your path back out the way you came.

The trail starts off with a floating boardwalk across a beaver pond. Photography enthusiasts will find it worth their time just to go for this leg alone, even if they don't bother to hike the rest of the trail.

The trail starts with a scenic boardwalk over a beaver meadow.

While most of the trail is dry, climbing through hardwoods and rocky outcrops, be prepared to get your feet wet or muddy. There was a stretch of trail that was like a wet sponge. It was springy and watery, with the occasional patch of deep black mud. This was not a big problem for Jim and I. We humans could walk around the mud for the most part or stay above it by stepping on fallen branches and stumps.

The dog, however, delighted in barreling right through it, sometimes sinking knee-deep in it. The odour of bog-dog was... have you seen the movie Labyrinth? Remember the Bog of Eternal Stench? Yes, like that. Thankfully, this section was near the beginning of the trail and by the end, Saba's legs were dry and brushed clean by the grasses and scrub along the way.

From low wetlands to high-and-dry scrub.

The trail description on the Discovery Routes website mentions "the talking rock". We saw plenty of big errant boulders and rock ridges, but we weren't sure if any of them spoke. If you know what the talking rock is, please let us know or send a picture!

What was that? Did this rock just say something?

All in all, a nice trail for an afternoon hike. We followed it up with a scenic back-road drive up to Katrine for some fish and chips (best chip truck ever!) which we enjoyed back here on the "upper deck" by the Coop.

Don't forget to look up.

The Sprucedale Recreational Trail is part of the Discovery Routes network of trails. Discovery Routes is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and promoting trails in the Almaguin Highlands, North Bay and Mattawa area.

Beaver route.

Dry, open clearing.

Close up.

Hardwood hills.

Nothing like a good hike to put things in perspective.

Autumn Events in Muskoka and Almaguin

Fall getaways around here are great for hiking, country drives and unstructured R&R, but there are also scheduled events and happenings to get you out and about. I've listed some below. Check back for updates, or send me info about your own events in Muskoka and the Almaguin Highlands.

Book a two-night getaway for any of these events beginning Sept 16th and receive $100 in Fuel & Fun vouchers (book by Sept 15 and stay by Nov 15). See Fall Fuel & Fun for details.

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Burk's Falls Fall Fair
Burk's Falls Community Centre and Fair Grounds
Horse shows, horseshoe tournament, horse pull, poultry, art show, exhibits, displays, concessions, entertainment and midway.
Sept 1-2

Subaru Ironman 70.3 Muskoka

Huntsville

Athletes come from far and wide to compete in this test of speed and endurance. The 1-loop swim will take place in picturesque, Peninsula Lake. The 1-loop bike course circles Lake of Bays. The run winds through Muskoka scenery past pink granite rock and cascading waterfalls. Visit Ironman Muskoka for details.

Sept 8

Harvest Festival

Screaming Heads, Midlothian Ridge

Autumn Equinox arts and music celebration in the style of "Burning Man". Installation and performance art, live music, personal expression. Camping on site for total immersion or just spend an afternoon at the event. Visit Harvest Festival for details.

Sept 13-15

Muskoka River X
Huntsville and beyond
The longest single day expedition paddling race in the world, this is not your typical paddling marathon. Racers will travel 128 km on four lakes, two river systems, and 19 portages. No support teams or restocking along the way. Wow! There are a few places along the route you can watch and cheer them on. Visit Muskoka River X for more information.
Sept 13-15

Shades of Autumn Antique, Classic and Custom Car Show

Downtown Huntsville

If four wheels are your passion, this one day car show is an adventure that will accelerate your heart rate. Check out 300 exhibits all along downtown Huntsville's main drag, trophies and door prizes. Visit Downtown Huntsville for details.

Sept 14

Film North Film Festival

Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville

Fourth annual film festival with a mandate is to provide a user-friendly environment for emerging Canadian and international filmmakers to exhibit, promote, entertain and inform the audience with carefully selected Canadian and international films and celebrity-led panels. Festival goers can also participate in opening and closing night receptions, dinners, and celebrate at the awards gala and after party. Visit Film North for program schedule and details.

Sept 19-21

Huntsville Fall Fair
Huntsville Fair Grounds
Get in touch with the agricultural side of Muskoka with an old-fashioned fall fair. Visit the Huntsville Fall Fair for details and directions.
Sept 20-22

Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour

Muskoka

Now in it's 34th year of presenting diversely talented artists. Take a glimpse into the studios and witness the artistic process at work through demonstrations and displays. The Muskoka landscape and the artists who draw their inspiration from it extend a special welcome to visitors for two weekends. Visit Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour for map and details.

Sept 28-29; Oct 5-6

Thanksgiving Long Weekend

Fern Glen Inn

Not attending a big family dinner this weekend? Then head up north for some lovely fall scenery, invigorating hikes, slow country drives, stargazing by the fire, and of course some delicious seasonal food. Visit Fern Glen Inn for information about rooms, rates, the property, the breakfasts, or to book online.

Oct 11-14

Running Scared 5km Zombie Run
Arrowhead Park
Run for your life through Arrowhead Park! The trails will take you up through a beautiful landscape and over obstacles while zombies lurk in the woods. Be a runner or a zombie, and since this is open to all ages, it won’t be that scary! Visit Running Scared 5km Zombie Run for details and to register.Oct 19

Huntsville Girlfriends' Getaway Weekend

Huntsville

Time to get away with your best gal pals for shopping, demos and special events. Pat Benatar performs at the Canada Summit Centre. Don't miss the Diva Soiree of fashion, makeover reveal, Liona Boyd, Ennis, pre-concert dinner, after party and more. Visit Huntville Girlfriends' Getaway Weekend for schedule of events and details.

Nov 8-10

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

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!

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!