2019
X Marks the Spot
X marks the spot. Another boathouse in need of structural work on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. I’ll watch to see if it comes down and gets replaced or if they repair it. It may be beyond repairs by the look of the structural damage. Either way it is going to be expensive. Please click on the image for a biggie size.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2019
Wyvern Boathouse
There is a nice quiet bay on Lake Rosseau I occasionally boat into and drop anchor for a swim. Not far away sits this historic boathouse called Wyvern. I know absolutely nothing about it other than the name emblazoned across the top. Over the years I am finding that many of these historic and unique boathouses are becoming neglected and are in need of some love. The neglect happens for a number of reasons including financial resources, aging owners not being involved and the next generation not caring. It takes a lot of money and care to upkeep these places. Just finding contractors to do the work is another factor. Unfortunately many of these places will eventually be bulldozed and replaced with something modern.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2018
Nobody Loves Me Anymore
I posted this photo of a run down boathouse over on my Instagram account. It got quite a few comments from you Muskoka people who are out there and know whats going on. I have been watching this Lake Rosseau boathouse slowly deteriorate over the years. I would imagine with the cost of lake front property, taxes and low inventory that this property will be transformed into something new someday. You rarely see any old relics that are falling apart on the lake any more. Even the boathouse up on Fairy Island is gone now however the cottage still stands among the trees.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2018
New Season – Same Old Sign
Hello – are you still out there? It has been some time since I have updated this Blog. I will continue to do so over the cottage season months as there is still plenty of traffic coming here looking for Muskoka related content. I think in general most blog traffic on the web has dropped off due to the growth of social media. As I mentioned in a previous post I put up one photo per day on Instagram. Usually lots of Muskoka related photos and some of my travels and other areas of interest. You can follow me here if you like. instagram.com/edboutilier
The sign in the photo below was carved by my brother Tim and I when we were up on Otter Lake in the 1990’s. Tim was taken by the Great Spirit at 36 years old so it has special meaning to me. I always smile when I see it overlooking the patio. It is a constant reminder of the good times we had hanging out at night around the fire listening to great tunes, fixing up the cottage and of course out in the boat all day.
2017
Kicking off the May 2-4 Weekend at Clevelands House
It’s the kickoff of the quintessential Canadian May 2-4 weekend. This is an early morning shot taken at Clevelands House in Muskoka. Apparently there has been renovations and new food operators for the boathouse this year. Always a great place to check out.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
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
2016
Macassa Point
This is the Macassa Point boathouse on Lake Rosseau. I suspect this is a pretty old boathouse. I recall a number of years back it had a bit of a lean to it.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2016
Muskoka Article from the Wall Street Journal
There is an interesting new article out by The Wall Street Journal on Muskoka and the growth of lavish homes being built especially on the Big 3 lakes. “A new cohort of younger and wealthier buyers has discovered Muskoka, a scenic vacation area north of Toronto, creating lavish homes, helipads and a bit of local pushback.” The article features a few well known business people such as Kevin O’Leary and lesser known Patrick Dovigi who have residences in Muskoka. The original on-line article is located here but please note you may need to subscribe to get it. PDF Full Article Here
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, uncategorized
2016
Dark Clouds Rolling
Whoever is in charge of sunsets this season has done a remarkable job. On this particular night it appeared that we were going to get some well needed rain. I took off on my trusty Jetski and found these ominous clouds on Lake Joseph near Fairy Island.
By the way – I just started using Instagram and I’m finding it useful and fun to post photos on the go. You can follow me here and I will follow you back.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2016
The Grand Old Boathouses are Disappearing
While wandering around the Big 3 Muskoka Lakes over the past decade I have noticed the gradual disappearance of the old Muskoka boathouses. They are slowly being replaced by modern multi-slip McMansion type buildings (cottages too). There is no doubt that some of the new architecture is absolutely astounding. People pour a small fortune into their boathouses now. Perhaps it’s the loss of our old world charm, the history and memories that connect or our bittersweet longings for the past. I intend to feature some of these beauties that are still with us.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario
2016
James Lumbers, Twilight Cruise
I purchased this print by well known Canadian artist James Lumbers many years ago. The print still hangs in our cottage today. It is a scene that would have been once viewed from the road side in the early days of Gordon Bay Marine located on Lake Joseph in Muskoka. Who knew that years later Mr. Lumbers and I would become friends. We had the opportunity to travel together to explore a charity project about the Sutter Brothers from Viking, Alberta. We were trying to raise funds for the rebuilding of the famous Viking Carena that had burned down. Unfortunately the project never came to fruition but I struck up a friendship with a fantastic person and great artist.
Most Canadians have probably viewed Jim’s work at some point with his trademark “ghosting” reflecting memories from days gone by. Jim has done a number of iconic paintings with Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Joe Montana and others as the subject matter.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2015
Unusual Lake Rosseau Boathouse
It is great that we have such diversification in architecture around Muskoka. Especially on the water front. You can find this one near the Venitian islands on Lake Rosseau. You need to be careful navigating around this area as its very shallow.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario
2014
Video – Flying Above the Bala Falls
Someone shared this beautiful video of Bala Falls with me. It was taken from a drone in and around the Bala Falls. You can see the Muskoka fall colors and the beautiful cascading waterfalls. I recommend you play it in full screen with the highest resolution you can.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water, tripin around towns
2014
Peaking
If you are interested in experiencing the fall colors in cottage country, now would be a good time. Many areas are currently at peak. Visit the Algonquin Park fall color report page for updates. Also check out the parks live webcam here
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns, uncategorized
2014
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.
In: boathouses of muskoka, historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2014
Throw Back Thursday, Live at The Kee 1986
#TBT – Throw Back Thursday. I’m a big music lover and always support our great Canadian artists. Here is the lineup from the summer of 1986 at the Kee to Bala in Muskoka. I went to some of these shows but can’t remember which ones. I’ve had the pleasure to see most of these bands at least once except Doug and the Slugs who I regrettably never got to see. (RIP Doug Bennett) Some of these bands are still performing and two of them still playing The Kee like David Wilcox, Kim Mitchell, Grant Fullerton and Paul James. May they Rock On!
2014
Mary Lake
I don’t get a chance to travel up to the Huntsville or Lake of Bays area as often as I like. It is equally as beautiful as the areas around the big three lakes in Muskoka. I snapped this photo where the Muskoka River flows out of Mary Lake. There is a considerable amount of history on these lakes and they tend to be populated by quaint cottages instead of the ostentatious McMansions on the larger lakes. I highly recommend visits to the area.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2014
Ferndale Now & Then
I have posted about Ferndale in the past however I thought I would provide an update as I recently found some old photos that show the size and scale of the property in its previous life. Ferndale is a very large property that used to be a resort that could take in hundreds of people. Later it became the Canadian Keswick Conference Centre a Christian leadership camp. Today Ferndale is a very extravagant and private cottage owned by one of Canada’s most successful home developers.
The Canadian Keswick Conference Centre. I don’t have anyone to credit for the photo use as it was taken from a postcard posted on eBay. You can see from the view this is a sizable property and no doubt with sizable property taxes.
Another photo from a post card. It appears to be a very popular place in its day holding up to 650 guests.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2014
145 Years and counting
You know you can’t kick off the Muskoka cottage season without the obligatory Clevelands House photo. Can you believe they are entering their 145th year in business? As a country Canada is only 2 years older. With the long brutally cold winter we just went through there is much anticipation in cherishing every summer moment before us.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2014
The Old White Cross
I was driving around the Minett area recently hoping to get an updated photo of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Morinus. I knew I could get a good view of Lake Rosseau from here and see the ice conditions at the same time. I’ve photographed this cool church a number of times mostly from the boat. Just down the road from the Church I noticed this interesting cemetery and stopped by for a visit.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, tripin around towns
