Stories in Snow

Deer tracks across the back meadow.

One of the many things I love about snow is the way it records—if briefly—the stories that play out in the natural world around us. Stories of intrigue and adventure, of exploration and romance, of wanderers and residents. Every creature who sets foot, paw, hoof, talon, wing or tail on the ground leaves a mark in the snow, but it's up to us to decipher the tale behind the tracks.

Pair of squirrel tracks.

A snowshoe hike in our woods reveals all sorts of activity from numerous mammals and birds. The dense softwood section of the property is like Grand Central Station for rabbits and snowshoe hares with their tracks crisscrossing back and forth and down the trails.

Squirrels, chipmunks and mice tend to stay on the top of the snow, while the long-legged fox leaves deep, narrow depressions. Bird tracks are unmistakeable for their fine features. Grouse leave a track like a string of crosses, whereas turkey tracks are large and spaced apart. 

Wing swooshes in the snow are rarer to see but they look so elegant. Every now and then we see a mammal track end abruptly at a wing swoosh and we know the story behind it ended sadly for the mammal, but with a life-sustaining meal for the bird.

Turkey feet and wings.

The snow also tells us when we're sharing our property with larger animals. Deer and moose tracks are easy to spot in woods and meadows. Not only can we see the tracks from their wanderings, but we also see the depressions in the snow where they've laid down to sleep. This year we found two moose "nests" with many sleep depressions in the same area, plus piles of moose droppings (those aren't chocolate covered almonds!) and numerous sets of tracks radiating outward. It's so rare to see the actual animals that I take heart in seeing the evidence that they are here and sharing our space.

So next time you're out snowshoeing, don't just look up at the sky and trees or down at your feet. Keep your eyes open to the signs of activity that came before you. Read the stories written in snow—and maybe even write your own!

Moose tracks heading off in the woods.

Small mammal tracks heading... everywhere?

Story of survival: mammal trail ends in wing swoosh.

See more about Reading the Forest here.

Maple Chai Toddy

As you may know, we're big proponents for getting outside and enjoying these beautiful, exhilarating winter days... but what about the evenings? After the sun sets on a day of snowshoeing adventures, there's nothing like getting cozy by a toasty fire and warming up with a hot beverage -- preferably one that'll put a fire in your belly!

Irish coffee or a hot chocolate spiked with your favourite liqueur are good old standbys when it comes to hot cocktails, but for something a little different, try this Maple Chai Toddy. 

The warm spices of ginger, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon in most chai tea blends are perfect for the chilly season. Whiskey adds a bit of belly-fire, though you could use cognac or rum. The almond in Amaretto plays a mellow note. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and hints at a spring that is just around the corner. But until then, we'll keep enjoying this spectacular snowy season!

Maple Chai Toddy

Makes one serving

• 1 oz whiskey
• 1/2 oz Amaretto
• 1/2 oz maple syrup, or to taste
• hot, freshly prepared chai spice black tea (I use Stash brand)
• sliced mandarin orange and cinnamon stick for garnish

In a heat-safe glass or mug, add whiskey, Amaretto and maple syrup. Top up glass with hot tea. Taste and add more maple syrup if desired. Garnish with a slice of mandarin orange and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy hot, in good company and preferably by a roaring fire.

It's a Dog's Life!

Guests often comment that our dog, Saba, is lucky to live out here in the country on a large, forested property. We couldn't agree more! We got her as a wee puppy, just seven weeks old, when we were still living in Toronto. She started life as a city dog but, like us, couldn't go back to urban life now. 

Saba just turned 12 years old, so she's not a pup anymore, but she's spry and healthy and still bounces with enthusiasm at the prospect of a walk. I'm sure that's due in large part to an active life with plenty of fresh air. Hopefully Jim and I will see the same benefits!

We marked her birthday like we always do -- with a walk in the woods (with snowshoes for we bipedal animals) followed up by some especially tasty treats. It certainly is a dog's life!

Arrowhead Park Ice Skating Trail

If you love winter, you may have already heard about the ice skating trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park, just north of Huntsville, Muskoka. Now in its third year, the trail has become a must-do attraction for winter getaways.

The skating trail is a 1.3 km loop through the forest at Arrowhead Park, and it's maintained by the park's own zamboni-like grooming machine. Cross-country ski trails and snowshoe trails also traverse the park grounds. Don't have your own skates, skis or snowshoes? Rent them at the park for reasonable rates. The park also provides inner tubes to use for free on their tubing hill.

Perhaps the coolest thing about the ice skating trail at Arrowhead Park is the weekly Fire & Ice Night. Every Saturday throughout the winter season (weather permitting), the skating trail is lit by tiki torches for night time skating under the stars.

Arrowhead Provincial Park is located an easy drive from the inn. Looking for a winter getaway package to include accommodations and a day in Arrowhead Park? Try our Snowshoe in the Park package. It includes: 

• Two nights accommodations
• Breakfast both mornings
• Handmade biscotti and gourmet hot chocolate
• One-day Ontario Parks Pass for admission into Arrowhead and/or Algonquin Park

Rate: from $279/couple + tax (higher during Christmas/NewYears holidays and long weekends)

Visit the Fern Glen Inn website for more information, or call, email or book online.

See you at the park!

All photos courtesy of Arrowhead Provincial Park

January in Pictures

January started off with a beautiful sky.

We had so coooold days, cold enough to frost my hair!

Deep powder and regular new snowfalls make for great snowshoeing. 

That little blip of snow in front of the tree is a park bench!

Our favourite snow gauge says "it's deep!".

A spruce grouse came to visit.

She's puffed up here to keep herself warm.

Long shadows over an untouched snowfield.

Explore the Edge Winter Promo

Coupons can be used like cash at participating shops, restaurants and attractions.

No minimum purchase. No excluded items.

Book your winter getaway at Fern Glen Inn.

Check out our Winter Getaway Packages for snowshoeing, skating and romantic getaways.

Register for Explore the Edge coupons here.

Winter Events in Muskoka & Almaguin

There are plenty of activities and events in Muskoka and the Almaguin Highlands this winter. From outdoor festivals and activities, to live performances and inspiring films, to laidback getaways with wide open schedules, there's something for everyone.

We've started compiling a list of events. Check back for updates.

: : : : : :

Burk's Falls Winterfest
Burk's Falls
Skating, toboggan hill, indoor and outdoor games, prizes, vendors and live entertainment. At the Burk's Falls fair grounds. Visit the Burk's Falls Winterfest page for details.
Jan 18 & 19

Banff Mountain Film Festival
Huntsville
Be inspired and exhilarated by a selection of films that take you around the world, to the tops of mountains and down raging rivers. From adrenaline-fueled action sports, to an exploration of wild landscapes and remote mountain cultures, the films in this year's Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will ignite your passion for adventure.
Algonquin Outfitters is the host for the Huntsville stop on the tour; and the Algonquin Theatre is the venue. Two evenings screening different shows. Discount at the Algonquin Outfitters store for people attending both shows.
Festival Special: Stay two nights at Fern Glen Inn and attend at least one night of the festival and get $32 off your stay. That's the cost of two tickets! (Not to be combined with other discounts or packages.)
For descriptions of the films, visit the Algonquin Outfitters blog. Purchase tickets online from Algonquin Theatre.
Jan 21 & 22

Muskoka Loppet
Arrowhead Park
A classic ski tradition at Arrowhead Park just north of Huntsville, hosted by the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club. 15 km and 30 km classic events; 3 km and 9 km individual and relay snowshoe events; 5 km classic for social skiers. Visit the Arrowhead Nordic Club website for details.
Jan 26

Winter Comedy Carnival

Huntsville

Brent Butt and Jim Belushi bring two evenings of comedy to Huntsville for a weekend of laughs and adventure. When you're not getting your funny on, take in some winter sports and demos, great sales and a street party downtown. Visit the Winter Comedy Carnival website for details and ticket information.

Jan 31 - Feb 2

Algonquin Outfitters Winter Fun Day

Oxtongue Lake

An activity-packed day sampling the best of a Muskoka winter. Activities and events include rides, winter games, snowshoe hikes, races, Nordic ski lessons, winter camping demos, outdoor BBQ and campfire, plus in-store sales and prizes.

Visit Algonquin Outfitters events calendar for details.

Feb 9

Valentine's Getaway
Fern Glen Inn
The best gift you can give your sweety is some time away with you! We think any getaway here at Fern Glen Inn is special, but if you want to add some extra treats, order our Country Winter Getaway package, including 2 nights accommodations, breakfast both mornings, homemade biscotti and gourmet hot chocolates, plus Country Dinner on your second evening. Every winter stay includes complimentary use of snowshoes to enjoy on our 10km of private trails. Book online or email us for details.

Who says you have to celebrate on one specific day? We'll include a piccolo of bubbly with every romantic getaway package in the month of February.
Month of February

February Long Weekend
Fern Glen Inn
Make the most of your mid-winter break by getting out of the city and coming out to play in the snow! Go snowshoeing and tobogganing (complimentary on site); enjoy all the winter activities in Arrowhead Park; hand-feed the chickadees or unwind by a real wood fire. This weekend always fills up so reserve your room soon. Visit Fern Glen Inn or book online.
Feb 14 - 17

Winter in the Wild

Algonquin Park
Join Ontario Parks and The Friends of Algonquin Park in celebrating winter in Algonquin Park through indoor and outdoor events at various locations throughout the Highway 60 Corridor of the park. Events and activities include guided snowshoeing and birding, touring the visitor's centre collections, landscape and wildlife photography tips, winter camping demos, and bonfire and wolf howl. Visit the Friends of Algonquin Park for details.
Feb 15

Late Winter Getaways
Fern Glen Inn
You can still enjoy a great winter getaway up north after most of the city snow in the south is reduced to sooty, mushy slush. Winter holds its grip here usually until the end of March and sometimes well into April. Book your March winter getaway and get a snow guarantee! If we don't have enough snow to go snowshoeing, you'll get an early Spring Discount. Visit Fern Glen Inn or book online.
Month of March