Immerse Yourself in Muskoka District Art and History
by Maryrose Coleman
There is no better season than autumn for a luxurious, relaxing escape to Muskoka. Leave the busy city life of Toronto in the rearview mirror and enjoy a week-long getaway to one of the premier lake chains in North America. Unwind in a luxurious full-service cottage, sail on Lake Muskoka, and embark on a self-guided art and history tour through the region – there is no wrong way to spend a week at the lake. Muskoka District Rentals is proud to be the region’s #1 provider of vacation cottages. Our Lake Joseph cottage rentals include full concierge services, supreme privacy, and lavish on-site amenities. The serene Ontario forestry transforms into an awe-inspiring mixture of color every fall. Nature photographers, environmental artists, and history aficionados flock to Muskoka every autumn to immerse themselves in our region’s engrossing art scene.
Muskoka District Art Galleries
One of the most interesting art studios in Ontario can be discovered in Bracebridge: The Alexandra Luke Gallery . Alexandra Luke was an influential early-20th-century abstract artist from Montreal who laid roots in Oshawa, east of Toronto. The Alexandra Luke Gallery is run by her granddaughter, Wendy Moses, who vacationed in Muskoka as a young girl and fell in love with its charm. Naturally, Moses learned to paint from her talented grandmother. Moses’ work will be featured in the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour later this month.
Chapel Gallery in Bracebridge is a riveting stop on the self-guided Muskoka arts tour. As its name suggests, this small gallery is run out of a historic chapel. The gallery is owned and operated by Muskoka Arts & Crafts . The studio rotates art and sculptures created by local virtuosos. Wendy Moses showcased her nature paintings and photography earlier this month. The current installation is featuring incredible hand-crafted wooden furniture and sculptures from the Salvage Forest & Farm Collective.
The Muskoka Fine Art Gallery has hundreds of remarkable paintings for sale that were crafted by regional, national, and global artists. Browse through their wide selection of wildlife, landscape, and abstract paintings online, or visit their Port Carling studio to witness their magnificent collection in person. Port Carling was recently named one of the ten best lake towns in North America by SmartTravel. Muskoka District Rentals ’ Lake Joseph cottage rentals are a swift boat or car ride from charming Port Carling.
Muskoka District Museums
Tourists from hundreds of miles away stop at Bala’s Museum to learn more about the life of famed Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery who penned Anne of Green Gables in 1908. Bala’s Museum pays tribute to Montgomery and the city itself with a 45-minute tour of the property. Montgomery’s 1926 novel, The Blue Castle, was inspired by her two-week visit to Bala in 1922. She ate her meals inside Bala’s Museum 96 years ago. The Blue Castle is her only novel set outside of Prince Edward Island.
You either get it, or you don’t: The Tree Museum in Gravenhurst is one of those rare perplexing installations. A handful of temporary art exhibits have been equally provocative, head-scratching, and game-changing. The outdoor sculpture garden remains one of the best places to ponder life’s meaning and analyze obscure local art. The museum weaves through the Ontario wilderness near tranquil Doe Lake.
Take a step back in time at the Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville, one of the last remaining pioneer villages in Ontario. 20 on-site dwellings continue to defy time and natural decay. There are also live demonstrations, activities, animals, and lush gardens. They also offer nostalgic 30-minute train rides near the Muskoka River – this trip is genuinely beautiful in the fall.
Lake Joseph Cottage Rentals
Muskoka District Rentals has dozens of luxurious vacation rentals across the region, including the serene Lake Joseph. Looking for the ideal lake house in the heart of Muskoka? Look no further! Lake Joe Wonderland is a fabulous newly renovated cottage is located on prestigious Lake Joseph just 15 minutes from Port Carling! Offering privacy and luxury in one package, this 6 bedroom 3 bath cottage has been designed with entertaining in mind.
What a truly spectacular cottage awaits you at Post and Beam Lake Joe! Located on a quiet bay close to the Cove Marina at Foots Bay and a short drive by boat or car to either Port Carling or Port Sandfield. Port Carling is the hub of the Muskoka Lakes with it’s trendy shops and restaurants plus popular ice cream shops, this cottage is the perfect spot for your summer vacation! On Thursdays there is a farmer’s market in town. Tours of the Big Three Lakes depart Port Carling daily. Or simply kick back and relax!
Welcome to Riverdale Retreat! This classic Muskoka lake house is absolutely perfect for your family vacation! Located on a sheltered bay on prestigious Lake Joseph, this cottage boasts clear waters, sandy shores, sunset exposure and lots of gently sloped land for kids to play and explore. Situated on a quiet road with excellent privacy and lovely trails for quiet walks through the woods and along the tree lined country lane way. The road is open all year and is a short drive in from Peninsula Road. In the heart of Ontario’s cottage playground, the cottage is close to the Lake Jo Club, Port Sandfield and the JW Marriott, Riverdale Retreat offers the best of Muskoka cottage lifestyle: calm waters, sunsets, golf, fine dining, yoga and family time.
Start planning an autumn escape to Muskoka by emailing our caring and experienced staff at hello@muskokadistrictrentals.com – many Lake Joseph cottage rentals are still available on select dates!