2021
Governors Island on Lake Joseph
I was passing by this beautiful property on Governors Island just as the sun lit it up. Governors Island was once owned by the late Chauncey Jerome Hamlin (1881-1963) who shared many boat racing trophy’s with the Forman family of Eagle Island. I noticed Grandson Harry Hamlin and family have been selling off pieces of the large Governors island the past few years. It is likely due to the increasing property taxes for waterfront properties. I occasionally see the very friendly Lisa and Harry around but not in recent times since Covid-19 has restricted Americans from travelling into Canada. Hopefully this summer we will be able to get back into some level of normalcy.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2021
Cliff Island, Lake Joseph Muskoka Canada
I have been passing by Cliff Island on Lake Joseph for over 15 years and it is easily one of my favorite properties to take in. The property is owned by Americans that have been summering here for well over 100 years. The documentary An American in Muskoka is based on the family and the changes they witness as Muskoka is quickly being transformed into (for lack of better words), a different place. Here are a few current photos of the property. I hope it remains this way for a very long time. To learn a bit more about Cliff Island and the documentary please click on the link for a PDF Cliff Island
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2013
Lake Joseph Contrail
The boats are in and now we just need some warmer weather to get out and enjoy the lakes. I feel a heatwave coming. This is a shot on Lake Joseph at sunset complete with contrail.
2010
Lake Joseph Cabin
I enjoy discovering humble little cabins on the big three lakes in Muskoka. Not everything has been ripped down and replaced with designer monster crème de la crème cottages (yet). I found this place in a very quiet bay while jet-skiing up on the north end of Lake Joe. Please click on the photo for a larger size
2010
Cameron Island Boat House on Lake Joseph
This is a boat house on Cameron Island on Lake Joseph in Muskoka. It is about midway up the lake and is surrounded by all kinds of small islands with giant pines and large granite boulders. It is one of my favorite areas to explore. I recommend you keep a good look out for the rocks and shallow waters in this area. As I passed by I noticed a for sale sign on the boat house and upon further research discovered it is available for just short of $3M dollars. For your interest, click here for the listing.
2009
Sunbeam Island on Lake Joseph Revisted
Last year I photographed Sunbeam Island or so I thought.
It actually turned out to be Sullivan Island not Sunbeam. My coordinates were slightly off kilter and the real estate agent that had it listed sent me a little reminder. So I navigated my way up Lake Joe and made sure I got it right this time. Sunbeam is on the market and can be had for a mere $1.645M reduced from $1.99M. I don’t see any fire sales on Muskoka real estate these days.
Click here or on the photo for an Island sized Pic
In: on the water
2009
Cruisin the north end of Lake Joseph Muskoka
I noticed this cool boat cruising by an island on the north end of Lake Joseph. It is shaped like a little tugboat however I don’t think that’s what it was. Looks more suited for the big wake of Georgian Bay
Click for biggie size
2008
Lake Joseph, Muskoka Panorama
Traveling up to the north end of Lake Joseph you will notice that it is less inhabited compared with other parts of the Muskoka Lakes. There are a myriad of islands and hidden bays to discover. Its one of my favorite areas to travel as I feel like you step back in time. This shot was taken looking due south on a hazy early afternoon.
2008
Scenes from a Jetski on Lake Joseph in Muskoka
Its a beautiful time to be on the Muskoka Lakes. They say that boat traffic is down because everyone prefers to golf. Not so sure about that. And others say its the price of gas. This photo was taken from a Jetski while exploring the many islands on Lake Joseph. Its a breathtaking experience that I can’t get enough of.
2008
Sullivan Island on Lake Joseph in Muskoka Canada
There are many islands within the Muskoka lakes district. This is Sunbeam Sullivan Island on Lake Joseph. (thanks Jamie for the correction on the name) I am not sure of its history but I am sure it has an interesting one with its wrap around veranda and big lake views or “vistas” as the real estate marketer extraordinaire’s call it. This baby can be picked up for a mere 1.99M
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2008
An Old Cabin on Lake Joseph, Muskoka
I discovered this old cabin on a small island while traveling towards the north end of Lake Joseph. It is still possible to find old cabins and cottages around the Muskoka Lakes that date back over 100 years. New development has not taken everything.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2022
The Movie – An American in Muskoka
I’m happy to announce that I have received special permission from the filmmaker to share this outstanding documentary about Muskoka. The 76 min movie was shot in Muskoka in the mid 2000’s or about 15 years ago. It takes a very serious look at the changes that are occurring in Muskoka. The film features interviews with notable people such as actor Harry Hamlin, businessman Kevin O’Leary and many other well known lovers/supporters of Muskoka. After nearly two decades of driving by and photographing Cliff Island on Lake Joseph I discovered there was a movie about the American owners who have summered here for well over 100 years. Some of the changes that are occurring on the Muskoka Lakes were taken from the families perspective however some 15 years later it’s not hard to see the changes. I encourage you to watch this film and share it with others. – thank you!
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, secret muskoka
2021
Roberts Bay Modern Boathouse
Boathouse du Jour – For the contemporary/modern design aficionados. This boathouse welcomes you as you proceed into Roberts Bay on Lake Joseph. It’s certainly not going to appeal to everyone’s taste however I appreciate it for its simplicity and uniqueness. I think I would have considered removing or not incorporating the pickets around the top sitting area. In my opinion the view outward overrides the ascetics of the design.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2021
Muskoka Spring Melt by Drone
Welcome to the spring melt in Muskoka. I took this 60 sec drone video on April 3, 2021. You can see that the Joe River, Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau were all starting to open up. Boating season is around the corner. Yippee!
2020
Fairy Island Revisited
This is the boathouse and cottage on Fairy Island. Avern Pardoe the Parlimentry Librarian in Ottawa purchased 50 acres on Lake Joseph for $5 per acre in 1895. It included Fairy Island. It would become the Pardoe family summer residence for over 100 years. The family eventually could not keep up with the costs of upkeep, property taxes and sold the island to the late Richard Ivy somewhere around 2005. There were many interested purchasers but the family decided on Richard Ivys offer as he had no interest in tearing it down. The Ivy family property is near by and looks over to Fairy Island. Please see my recent post about Loon Island.
I’ve been keeping a watch on this magical little island for over 10 years now. Unfortunately it’s slowly deteriorating and I suspect some day I’ll come by and it will be gone for ever. The boathouse and docks shown here in an earlier photo were severely damaged by the high water and ice a few years ago. They are both gone now and only the cottage remains tucked into the trees.
I made a Blog post about Fairy Island back in 2014 and much to my surprise I received quite a few interesting comments including ones from the Pardoe family. You can see how endearing a place it was and the beautiful memories shared at Fairy Island here.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2020
Loon Island on Lake Joe
Loon Island, Lake Joseph was the summer home for the late Richard Ivy. He was a lawyer, businessman and great Canadian philanthropist. The Richard Ivy school of business at Western University in London, Ontario is named in his honour. Over the years his foundation provided grants in support of energy efficiency and environmental research. He also purchased the adjacent Fairy Island in order to stop development and preserve the 1895 architecture. He was 94 when he passed in December 2019.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2020
Champlain Island Boathouse
Hey now! – I’m staying fairly active in and around Muskoka even though Covid-19 has put a damper on any socializing. That works just fine for me and my INFJ personality type. I’m quite content riding around on the lakes checking things out. There’s nothing more therapeutic for me in getting out on the water. I’m still posting at least one photo per day on social media with most being right here on Instagram. Here is a recent scene from my Seadoo while balancing an iPhone. Chaplain Island boathouse Lake Joseph in Muskoka. Please click for a larger photo.
In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2019
Drifting Amongst the October Sky
It has been a little chilly on the lake especially traveling around by Seadoo. If you layer up it is not too bad and the trade-off of being the only one on the lake is so worth it. I’ve visited this little outcropping on Lake Joseph a few times in the past. It is near the old abandoned Fairy Island cottage. I get close and just shut off the machine and drift into the rocks. There wasn’t a soul around except for me and a few seagulls. It is so peaceful in a therapeutic sort of way to just sit and take it all in. I included a cropped version and the original full framed photo taken with a Nikon D700 and the 10-24mm wide-angled lens.
In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2018
Blasting By
There was still some light as I headed back to the cottage at the end of a long run up the lake. Even though we are at peek summer this is the only boat I happened to see blasting by on the north end of Lake Joseph. And I’m OK with that.
2016
A Short 100 Mile Cruise Video from the Air
This is a very short video taken from the air of the 100 Mile Cruise back in August of 2012. This appears to be the final gathering place at the top end of Little Lake Joseph. You can really get a sense of the amount of antique boats that accompanied us on this historic cruise. I was fortunate to be on the RMS Segwun for this special cruise. I wish I knew who to credit for the video.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
