27 Feb
2009
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Port Sandfield in Muskoka Sleeps

Port Sandfield is the dividing point for Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph in Muskoka. Once you cross the swing bridge coming from Port Carling you will see the Silver Stream Farms Market on the right side. This general store is very popular with cottagers and locals alike. I can’t wait for those delicious cinnamon buns from their bakery.



In: in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns

12 May
2008
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Muskoka’s Port Sandfield Marina still flooded out while Victoria Day weekend quickly approaches

With the Victoria day long weekend quickly approaching the folks at the Port Sandfield Marina in Muskoka are sure hoping for the lake levels to drop. At present the water is rolling over their docks. Lake Muskoka appears to be back to normal however Lakes Joseph and Rosseau remain a bit high. Port Sandfield is where Lake Joe and Rosseau connect and is a well known stop for gas, shopping and supplies.

Port Sandfield, Muskoka Canada



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns, uncategorized

30 Mar
2008
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Off the Bridge at Port Sandfield, Muskoka Ontario Canada

Here is a picture taken from the Port Sandfield bridge exactly 2 years ago when the area was under construction. Port Sandfield is a very important historical part of Muskoka Ontario that consists of a canal that joins Lake Joseph with Lake Rosseau. There is a marina, some shops and a great general store and bakery here. Many boaters make the obligatory ice cream stop.

Port Sandfield 2006



In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns, uncategorized

23 Sep
2021
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Chasing Down the Wenonah II Ship

I had a tip that the Wenonah II ship was going to be on Lake Joe and Rosseau this evening. With the torrential downpours it was unfortunate that I missed her navigating through the swing bridge at Port Sandfield. Eventually the rain slowed down and I headed out to see if I could find her. She was taking passengers to the JW Marriott Hotel when I spotted her on Lake Rosseau. These ships are such a treat to see on the lakes and tonight’s dramatic skies added to her majesty.



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

04 Sep
2014
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Eye Candy on the Lakes

There is without question some beautifully designed cottages and boathouses on the Muskoka Lakes. Here is a photo of a newly built boathouse on Lake Joseph across from the Lake Joe Club in Port Sandfield. It is built on one of the lots that were created from the tear down of the historic Marygrove or Glen Home Hotel.
PortSandfieldBoathouse-600



In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

17 Oct
2013
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Searching for Emanating Color

Out on the water I had a difficult time finding fall colors since the shorelines are predominately lined in mature conifers. While passing through Port Sandfield I noticed this small bay dotted with boathouses with a semblance of color. Shooting with an ultra-wide angled Nikkor 14-24 lens produced this panoramic type shot. Please click for a larger 2048p sized photo.
LkRosseauFall-600



In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

20 Aug
2012
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On Board the Historic 100 Mile Cruise

This past weekend I had the privilege to board the RMS Segwun steamship and take part in the 100 Mile Cruise. This historic event was the highlight of the summer in Muskoka and will provide enduring memories for many years. Here are a few pics of the journey which departed Gravenhurst at 8:30am and returned 12 hours later. Please click on each photo to get a 1600 pixel shot.

There was a very large crowd waiting for us as we entered the Port Carling locks. The Wenonah II steamship was following closely behind us.

Looking out from the Port Carling locks to the Lake Rosseau side.

There were many cottages and boathouses crammed with people cheering us on as we passed the shorelines.

Arriving in Port Sandfield at the swing bridge was astounding with more large crowds greeting us and taking photos. As we passed through the channel you could see an amazing flotilla of wooden boats waiting to join us.

This is the Wenonah II passing through Port Sandfield with other boats starting to tag along for the journey.

A large number of the most beautiful vintage boats toured alongside of us.  It was breathtaking to see just how many there were. Unfortunately I was not able to recreate the scale of it through photos from one ship. When the aerial photos come out you will see how grand the entire event was.

Take me to your Captain. I had the opportunity to go up on the bridge and visit the Captain and navigator. Very cool people with nerves of steel.

The final destination was up on Little Lake Joseph. I was surprised the route we took as I have often taken my own boat through here and you need to be very careful of the shallow water. I had heard the Captain had spent the day before testing depths for this journey. At the end of the Bay in Little Joe is a large cliff once called the Natural Park where the steamship would stop and let people out for a walk. Today it is private property. At this point the entire flotilla of boats jockeyed around the two steamships while helicopters zoomed bove taking aerial footage of this remarkable event.

The Wenonah II coming back from the top of Lake Joe heading towards Port Sandfield

I shot this photo off the bow of the Segwun as we passed through Port Sandfield heading back towards Port Carling in the late afternoon. We were just about to be called to the dining room for a great dinner.

The RMS Segwun returning home after a very long day. I’m just glad I didn’t have to shovel the coal.



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized

16 Aug
2012
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The Famous 100 Mile Cruise

For the first time since 1958 this Saturday August 18th, 2012 the 100 Mile Cruise will be recreated with the RMS Segwun and the Wenonah II tracing the original route of the SS Sagamo steamship. There will be over 100 other historical wooden boats accompanying the steamships on their journey on the Big 3 Muskoka Lakes . The proceeds of this event are being donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. More info here

Photo I took a few years back of the Segwun steamship on Lake Joseph

If you are interested in seeing the steamships and the large flotilla of classic boats they will be traveling through the locks at Port Carling and Port Sandfield. Itinerary below.

8:30 am Depart Gravenhurst Wharf
11:00 am Arrive at Port Carling Locks
12:00 pm Arrive at Port Sandfield Locks
2:00 pm Arrive at Little Lake Joe
2:30 pm Depart Little Lake Joe
3:30 pm Arrive at Port Sandfield
4:30 pm Arrive at Port Carling
8:00 pm Arrive at Gravenhurst Wharf

A historical handout on the 100 mile cruise here


View Big Cruise for a Big Cause in a larger map

 

The original 100 mile cruise brochure from 1950

 



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns

10 Sep
2011
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Travelling Down the Joseph River

Another scene from a Jestski –  I left Lake Joseph and found my way into the Joseph River headed towards Lake Rosseau with the sun sinking on my back. I did a little spin-o-rama to try and catch the sunset at the top end of the river.  There is an interesting boathouse here and I think maybe I will return on another day to capture it in more detail.

I have always wondered if the Joe River is a real river? It seems to be a rock cut that connects Lake Joseph to Lake Rosseau. I have  heard Lady Eaton had the rocks blasted out many moons ago so she could have her steamship navigate through the rocks instead of traveling down to Port Sandfield. If you know the story please set me straight.



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

28 Aug
2011
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Best Buns!

Have you ever tried the Cinnamon Buns from Silver Stream Farms located in the Port Sandfield General Store? They are to die for!  I recommend you get there early because they sell out fast.



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns

21 Apr
2011
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Kicking off the Season

Yes – the ice is out, finally! Its been taking a while for spring to arrive and there are still a few dusting’s of snow in the Muskoka area. This time last year I had my boat in the water so I would say the season is behind a tad. Nevertheless warmer weather is on the horizon. I suspect this Easter weekend will be the return for many people starting spring cleanups and opening their cottages. This is a photo of the Christ Church in Gregory which is between Port Sandfield and Minett, Ontario.



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns

07 Mar
2011
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Frozen Boathouses in Muskoka

This is Cox Bay on Lake Joseph which is not far from Port Sandfield in Muskoka.  You can see how much the water level has dropped, maybe down about a foot. I believe this is in anticipation of the spring melt. Please click on the image or HERE for a much larger sized photo.



In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

01 Oct
2010
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The Lone Cruiser

Its getting a little chilly out on the Muskoka lakes but there are a few of us die-hard’s still cruising around. Captured off the Port Sandfield swing bridge heading up Lake Joe.



In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

14 May
2010
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Preparing for the May Two-Four Weekend

Port Sandfield in Muskoka is a cool place to hangout and watch the boats cruise through from Lake Joseph to Lake Rosseau and vice-versa. Its been a little chilly on the water lately however it looks like we are in for some warmer weather this coming weekend. You will start to see more activity on the water now as everyone prepares to get ready for the big May “Two-Four” weekend.

For our American and International friends May 24th is a celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday commonly known as Victoria Day,  a Canadian statutory holiday – Yup a long weekend and the official kick-off of summer for us.

Please click for a larger sized photo



In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

15 Apr
2010
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Return of the Muskoka Sunsets

The warm weather has opened up the lakes weeks earlier then previous years. Boats are starting to appear.  It’s still a little chilly on the water however it is a great time to cruise around and check the new boathouses that have sprung up over the winter.
Hey Captain! Port Side – mind the flotsam.

Lake Rosseau near Port Sandfield pictured below.

SunSetRosseau-800

please click on the image for a large photo



In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

03 Oct
2009
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Look at the stars, see how they shine for you

Its getting a little cooler umm colder on the water now especially when riding the Jetski however I’m going to stick with it a while longer yet. Yes, I’m crazy and my toes are ice cubes – thanks. Just before sundown I noticed this cool boathouse with its own built in observatory. Bottom of Lake Rosseau near Port Sandfield. Please click the image for a galaxy sized photo

Boathouse_Observ-800



In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario

11 Jun
2009
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The Floating Jewels of Muskoka

This launch is named “res ipsa loquitur” or “the thing speaks for itself.”
I am not certain if this beauty is a Greavette,  Minett-Shields or some other Muskoka woody. It looks to be about 30 feet long and has the obligatory mother in-laws seat at the stern. This is the first time I have ever seen this majestic launch, perhaps it was being restored these past few years.

I was not able to get a good shot as I was at the helm of my own boat navigating through the channel at Port Sandfield when I saw her. I’m sure we will meet again. (Please click for supersize pic)

Please click on the image for a large photo



In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

11 May
2009
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First run of the season

I picked up my boat from my good friends at Gordon Bay Marine last weekend and immediately cruised down Lake Joseph to Port Sandfield and back up to Lake Rosseau. It was a little on the chilly side and I seemed to be the only nut out on the white capping lake. It sure cleared the winter cobwebs out and reminded me how much I missed the open water. The water temperature was showing a glacial 53F or about 12C.
I can hardly wait not to jump in!

Click on the image for a Lake Joe sized photo



In: in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

25 Jun
2008
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The Classic Wooden Boats of Muskoka include the 1930 Ditchburn

Here is another shot of “On Behalf Of Sam” a 31 foot Ditchburn beauty built in 1930. Taken from the docks at Port Sandfield in Muskoka on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Ditchburn Muskoka Boat



In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

23 Jun
2008
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Muskoka Lakes Boathouses are in Full Swing

Its surprising how many new boathouses you will notice after the ice thaws. Building boathouses during the winter time is easier and also provides for employment in a time of year where everything is usually dead quiet. Muskoka is world famous for its boathouses. Here is an example of a new one going up on Lake Joseph as you head north out of Port Sandfield.

Muskoka Boathouse



In: boathouses of muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water

design & theme by Nikola Lazarevic