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.

: :   : :   : :

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!

Treetop Trekking: What to Expect and Discount

Intermediate course at Treetop Trekking Huntsville

As you saw in my previous post, Jim and I, along with our friends Jeff and Monica, recently spent an exhilarating few hours Treetop Trekking in Huntsville. We all agreed it was an experience worth sharing, so if you want more thrilling-but-safe adventure in your life, this is for you.

Here's what to expect:

We made a reservation for a date and time. We wore comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes; plus we packed water bottles, granola bars, sunscreen, bug spray and cameras in a bag. Upon arrival, we took care of waivers and payment then kitted up into harnesses and helmets (supplied and included in the rate). Our guide checked the fit then led us to the course. It's a short walk, less than 10 minutes, from the office to the action.

Orientation course. Nice and low to the ground!

We started with an orientation lesson where we learned the safety rules and use of the carabiners and pulleys. We had to walk across a low-hung cable and demonstrate a "trust fall", aka put all our weight on our harness and straighten back up, and do a short, low-hung zip line.

Beginner course.

After that we were allowed on the beginner games (aka courses) and then could advance to the intermediate and finally the most challenging ones. There are guides stationed throughout the course, both on the ground and on some of the platforms. They directed us to the appropriate courses (easy first), made sure we were using proper safety procedures, and also helped talk us through some of the more challenging traverses.

I have to say the guides and staff were wonderful! The customer service was excellent. The guides were engaged and taking the initiative to make sure we were enjoying our time. The lead guide even identified some of the flora and fauna for us while we were waiting our turn to climb a ladder.

Guided through the big zip line course.

And for the Firefly zip line course, a series of seven progressively longer zip lines, one of the guides, Mike, led me through the whole thing, giving me the confidence I needed to actually go through with it (I have a tendency to freeze when scared. See what I mean here).

We had a total of three hours, including the half-hour or so spent on orientation, to work our way through the course, doing as much or as little as we felt comfortable doing. If you're fast, you can do some games twice!

There's a central "base camp" amid the course with some benches and rocks where we could leave our bags while we played. Things to bring: water, light snacks, sunscreen and bug spray. And cameras! You'll want to get pictures!

Jeff and Jim on the Tarzan Swing

The finale for us was the Tarzan Swing. Even after traipsing through the treetops, I had considerable trouble letting go of the anchor cable when it was time for me to slide off that platform. I was so glad when I finally did. It was worth the admission for that alone!

Speaking of admission...

Get 15% off the regular rate at Treetop Trekking Huntsville when you stay at Fern Glen Inn!

When you book your stay with us, we'll give you a promo code to use when you reserve your adventure at Treetop Trekking Huntsville. 

Your Fern Glen Inn promo code will get you a 15% Discount off the regular rate at the Huntsville course. All other Treetop Trekking policies apply.

See more videos from our Treetop Trekking Adventure here.

Call or email me (Jackie) at Fern Glen Inn for more information. You can also check room availability or book online.

Treetop Trekking Adventure

If you want adventure and thrills on your next getaway, have we got something to add to your must-do list!

Treetop Trekking is an adventure park in Huntsville featuring zip lines, a tarzan swing, and challenging bridges strung from treetop to treetop. They say the best way to describe it is "a jungle gym on steroids" and it is so true!  Jim and I, along with our friends Jeff and Monica, decided to try it out for ourselves and were so glad we did. It was the most fun I've had in ages.

It was a little more physically challenging than Monica and I expected -- this is no boardwalk stroll through the leaves -- but that's what made it so much fun. Jeff usually doesn't care for heights but he said he didn't even think about it because he was concentrating on the course. Jim of course forged ahead without hesitation.

As thrilling as it feels, it's all very safe. We were in harnesses and helmets and always had at least one carabiner clipped to a cable at all times. Plus there were guides throughout the course making sure we followed safety procedures and sometimes talking us through (or even walking us through) some of the challenging games.

Find out more about what to expect on your Treetop Trekking adventure -- and how to get a 15% discount off the regular rate -- on my next blog post Treetop Trekking: What to Expect and Discount.

Or contact us at Fern Glen Inn for more information.

In case you missed it, find out what pure panic sounds like here.

Jackie on the Tarzan Swing: Pure Panic

Jim and Jackie, along with some friends, tried Treetop Trekking's Huntsville course. When it came to Jackie's turn on the Tarzan Swing, she wasn't sure it was such a good idea after all and needed considerable encouragement from her friends below. When she finally let go, she really let go...

Want to try this yourself? Guests of Fern Glen Inn get a 15% discount off the regular rate at Treetop Trekking Huntsville. Contact Fern Glen Inn for details.