Icelandair, Iceland’s flagship airline, has named Algonquin Provincial Park Canada’s most colourful autumn destination, ranking it fourth out of 50 renowned walking destinations worldwide, ahead of well-known international spots including the Great Wall of China’s Mutianyu section and England’s Forest of Dean. La Mauricie National Park and Cape Breton Highlands National Park also make the global top 10.

Right now, the park’s maple canopy is turning deep gold, burnt orange and crimson, a display Icelandair’s colour analysts scored 9.06 out of 10 for its vibrancy and how closely it matches classic autumn tones. The colour comes from Algonquin’s sugar and red maples, with yellow birch and trembling aspen adding gold, and tamarack needles turning bright yellow later in the season to extend the display after the maples have peaked.

The walk to do: The Lookout Trail is a short but steep loop leading to an elevated viewpoint over the park’s forests, one of the best places to take in the scale of Algonquin’s changing canopy. Visitors can check Ontario Parks’ live fall-colour report before travelling, which tracks the percentage of colour change, dominant colour and leaf fall.

#1 – Acadia National Park, United States

Credit: heipei

Taking the top spot is Acadia National Park in Maine, with a colour score of 9.27/10.

Its palette combines scarlet red #DB3324, forest brown #6E361F, ochre #A06C31, soft tan #DAB18B and golden brown #7F5415.

The vivid red is characteristic of maples and other species that produce anthocyanins as autumn develops. Yellow and orange carotenoids become visible as green chlorophyll fades, while the deeper brown and russet tones are associated with beech and oak leaves retaining tannins.

The walk to do: The Bubbles and Conners Nubble Loop crosses forest paths, granite slopes and sections of carriage road. It normally takes between one and two hours and provides elevated views across Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake and the surrounding autumn forest.

#2 – Mutianyu Great Wall, China

Credit: StockCake

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall takes second place, scoring 9.21/10.

Its palette features burnt orange #CC5621, muted plum-grey #706367, vibrant red #E92D2A, warm orange #CE6F2B  and earthy brown #955A22.

Mutianyu’s surrounding forest contains a varied mixture of maple, smoke trees, persimmon, hawthorn, ginkgo, birch, aspen and chestnut. Maples and smoke trees contribute red and crimson anthocyanins, while ginkgo, birch and aspen supply contrasting carotenoid-rich yellows and golds.

The walk to do: Walk between Watchtowers 14 and 20 for a combination of restored wall, steep ascents and wide views across the forest-covered mountains. Tower 20 is one of the most accessible points at Mutianyu, making it especially rewarding during the autumn peak.

#3 – Forest of Dean, England

Credit: Getty Images

The Forest of Dean ranks third globally with a score of 9.17/10, making it Europe’s highest-ranking destination.

Its palette brings together deep woodland green #0D410A, copper #B85F2D, amber orange #C97A22, dark brown #3C2217 and red-brown #5E2617.

The forest contains more than 20 million trees and a varied mixture of oak, beech, birch, sweet chestnut and larch. Beech and sweet chestnut contribute gold and copper, oak leaves develop deeper russet and brown shades, and larch needles turn yellow before falling.

The walk to do: Follow the woodland paths around Symonds Yat Rock for panoramic views over the River Wye and the surrounding canopy. For a gentler option, the lakeside trail at Mallards Pike passes through dense woodland and is particularly beautiful when the trees turn gold and copper.

#4 – Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada

Credit: BrianLasenby

Algonquin Provincial Park is Canada’s most colourful autumn destination and ranks fourth globally, scoring 9.06/10.

Its palette consists of deep gold #734E07, burnt orange #C85B22, warm orange #D38037, mustard #B27612 and dark brown #413017.

Algonquin is particularly famous for its sugar and red maples. These produce the park’s intense orange, scarlet and crimson shades, while yellow birch and trembling aspen add golden-yellow tones.

Later in the season, tamarack needles turn bright yellow before dropping, extending the colour display after many of the maples have passed their peak.

The walk to do: The Lookout Trail is a short but steep loop leading to an elevated viewpoint over the park’s forests. It is one of the best places to appreciate the scale of Algonquin’s changing maple canopy.

Visitors can consult Ontario Parks’ live fall-colour report before travelling, which records the percentage of colour change, dominant colour and level of leaf fall.

#5 – Irati Forest, Spain

Credit: ec-jpr

Spain’s Irati Forest takes fifth place with a score of 9.00/10.

Its palette combines bright orange #F34714, dark green #2F440E  red-brown #6B2D12, terracotta #A15135 and olive #706011.

Irati is one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved beech and fir forests. Its beech trees shift from green to yellow, copper and deep brown as chlorophyll disappears and carotenoids and tannins become more visible.

The walk to do: The two-kilometre Path of the Senses begins near Casas de Irati and offers an accessible route to the forest. Those wanting a longer walk can follow the eight-kilometre Zabaleta route towards the Irabia Reservoir, where the autumn trees are reflected in the water.

#9 – La Mauricie National Park, Canada

Credit: Wiki Comms

La Mauricie National Park ranks ninth globally and second in Canada, scoring 8.78/10.

Its palette includes vivid red #C7292E, dark brown #5F4330, golden ochre #87631F, pale grey #CDCDCB and red-brown #7F3E2F.

The park’s maple forest produces bright reds and oranges as anthocyanins develop in the leaves. Birch and aspen introduce yellow and gold, while mature beech and oak contribute the darker brown and copper shades.

The pale grey in the palette reflects the exposed rock, waterfalls and autumn skies that break up the forest surrounding La Mauricie’s lakes.

The walk to do: Les Cascades is an easy two-kilometre loop through maple forest to one of the park’s best-known waterfalls. Visitors wanting a longer route can continue onto the 4.3-kilometre Les Falaises loop for elevated views over Wapizagonke Lake and the surrounding autumn canopy.

#10 – Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Canada

Credit: Wiki Media

Completing the global top 10 is Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, with a score of 8.77/10.

Its palette features copper #BF642F, charcoal brown #493B34, deep red-brown #733111, pale pink #E3B3A2 and muted brown #764E3F.

Sugar maples add orange and red, yellow birch contributes gold, and red oak develops darker russet and copper shades. Spruce and fir remain green, creating contrast across the highlands.

The softer pink and brown shades reflect the park’s exposed coastal rock, grasses and open headlands, which distinguish Cape Breton from more densely forested area.

The walk to do: The Skyline Trail follows a forested route to a dramatic headland overlooking the Cabot Trail and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Visitors can choose a 6.5-kilometre return walk or an 8.2-kilometre loop, both normally taking two to three hours.

Parking reservations are required for the Skyline Trail during the 2026 peak season, including the autumn colour period, so visitors should book before travelling.

Credit to Icelandair:

https://www.icelandair.com/en-ca/flights/

The post Algonquin Park Named Canada’s Most Colourful Autumn Destination, Ranking 4th In The World appeared first on Muskoka411.

Theatre Is My Passion is HTC’s after school program for children ages 8-18. Participants learn what it takes to put on a theatrical performance and perform a full play as the final product. This year’s production is The Little Mermaid Jr. In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice. Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production, Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr features the hit songs such as “Part of Your World,” “She’s in Love,” and the Oscar winning “Under the Sea.”

Director Christine Robitaille says she is excited to showcase Muskoka’s youth on stage in her third year directing the program.

“These kids have worked so hard and audiences will be truly blown away by their talent! It’s a privilege to see them develop their craft and see their efforts pay off in this amazing show” says Robitaille.

Performances are June 5^th to June 7^th at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (1 High St, Huntsville). There are four performances, three evening shows at 7pm and one matinee at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased at huntsvilletheatre.org.

The post Huntsville Theatre Company Presents The Little Mermaid Jr appeared first on Muskoka411.

Gord Bamford performed to a sold-out crowd at the Gravenhurst Opera House on October 19, 2023.

The post Gord Bamford, Gravenhurst Opera House, October 19 2023 – VIDEO RECAP appeared first on Muskoka411.

The 38th annual Bala Cranberry Festival was held October 13-15, 2023 in Bala, Muskoka.

The post Bala Cranberry Festival 2023 – VIDEO RECAP appeared first on Muskoka411.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, occur naturally in freshwater. Blue-green algae can grow rapidly to form dense blooms when the weather is warm and the water is shallow, nutrient-rich, slow moving and warm. Blooms are usually smelly and can make the water appear green, blue, turquoise, or olive green. They often form scum, foam, or mats on the surface of the water and may appear as though turquoise paint was spilled in the water.

Many species of blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins that are harmful to the health of humans and animals. If you suspect a blue-green algal bloom, be cautious and assume that toxins are present to avoid exposure. If you spot a bloom, you can report it to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks online or by phone at 1-866-MOE-TIPS (663-8477).

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is recommending all persons take the following precautions when they spot blue-green algae:

1. Do not drink the water or use it for food preparation, including infant formula.
2. Do not boil and drink water that may contain blue-green algae because toxins are not destroyed by boiling and boiling may increase toxins.
3. Use an alternate source of safe drinking water, such as bottled water, for the duration of the bloom.
4. If you see a bloom, stay out of the water, and keep your pets out of the water. You cannot tell if a bloom is harmful by looking at it, so it’s best to use caution and stay away.
5. Do not swim, boat, or play water sports in areas where there are harmful algae or cyanobacteria.
6. Do not use herbicides, copper sulphate or other algaecides that may break open algae cells and release toxins into the water.

Symptoms following contact or consuming toxins from a blue-green algae bloom can include irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat, or lungs, stomach pain, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting and in severe cases, liver damage. Symptoms can be more serious if water is swallowed in large quantities.

For a list of affected waterways and to learn more about blue-green algae, and the precautions to take before swimming in or consuming water where there has been an algae bloom, visit smdhu.org/algae.

The post Blue-Green Algae: If In Doubt, Stay Out appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Ontario government is investing more than $1.9 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in four economic development projects in the Village of South River. This investment will improve municipal infrastructure, expand business operations and create employment in Northeastern Ontario.

“Our government is passionate about ensuring small and rural communities across the Parry Sound region have the tools and resources they need to thrive,” said Graydon Smith, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka. “We’re making strategic investments in local organizations and businesses that are helping people in need, creating jobs and improving local quality of life.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $768,492 for the District of Parry Sound Employment Services Inc. (Employment North) to create a workforce development hub – a one-stop destination for employers, employees and job seekers – that offers services such as employment searches, career development and training, and meeting space
• $645,434 for Swift Canoe & Kayak to purchase equipment and renovate its manufacturing facility to improve production capacity
• $345,695 for Almaguin Forest Products to purchase equipment and update its sawmill to improve production capacity and efficiency
• $189,000 for the Village of South River to modernize the South River Train Station – a gathering and event space for the community.

“Through targeted investments, our government is building strong, resilient and prosperous communities and businesses in South River and across the North,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “By working together with our northern partners, we continue to make Northern Ontario an attractive place to live, work, play and do business.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $639 million in 5,265 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 8,420 jobs.

The post Ontario Supporting Economic And Employment Opportunities In South River  appeared first on Muskoka411.

Thank you for a great Santa Claus Parade Bala.
Great to see everyone and hand out some candy. pic.twitter.com/FAMHnfdDzs

— Muskoka411 News (@Muskoka411) November 12, 2022

The post Video – Bala Santa Claus Parade appeared first on Muskoka411.

The series stars Jeremy Fisher (Jeremy) and award-winning artist Aiza Ntibarikure (Jazzy). It’s set in Creation Station – a world that comes alive through the magic of music. The first 26 two-minute episodes and one 11-minute special (featuring a guest appearance from musician Joel Plaskett) will be available to stream at launch. A preview of the first short, “Jeremy and Jazzy (Theme),” is available here.

In addition, today Jeremy and Jazzy released the album Say Hello, a collection of 26 new songs via Hidden Pony Records and Universal Music Canada on all streaming services. Fronted by Jeremy and Aiza, the tracks showcase a diversity of styles – from vocal jazz to folky talking blues to funk, hip-hop, pop, and more. The songs are backed by children from the Dixon Hall Music School, the Canadian Children’s Opera Company, and Music For Young Children in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Listen to Say Hello here.

“When I became a father in 2018 I wanted to create music that kids and adults could enjoy together,” said Jeremy Fisher. “Originally a side project, it kept growing. As a new dad, I LOVED it and it felt really natural to me. Then the pandemic hit. I spent the next two years at home, parenting full-time. Our days were filled with impromptu family dance parties, making up silly rhymes for a laugh or to soothe wounded feelings. I captured every small moment in scratchy voice memos, which grew into a collection of dozens of songs and a beautiful collaboration with Aiza Ntibarikure.”

“This project was a gift that came to me during the pandemic,” said Aiza Ntibarikure. “It’s been a joy collaborating with Jeremy and the team on the music, character design (I love Jazzy’s hair!), and the message this project communicates to children and families about the power of friendship and music.”

On September 6th, to celebrate the series launch on CBC Gem, the Jeremy and Jazzy song “Paper Heart” will be included in the CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge, and the short will be available here. Classrooms across Canada can submit their own version of the song for a chance to win musical instruments for their school or a chance to win a virtual classroom concert with Jeremy Fisher. Details are available at cbc.ca/musicclass.

September will also see the launch of Jeremy and Jazzy Learn, a free and fun series of educational resources for Junior Kindergarten-Grade 2, developed in collaboration with Sheridan College, that brings music into the home and classroom to help kids with literacy skills. Activities will be available on JeremyandJazzy.com.

“The goal of Jeremy and Jazzy is to bring joy to kids, families, and teachers through the power of music,” said Virginia Thompson, series co-creator and President of Vérité Films. “This project is a massive collaboration and has inspired everyone who has come in contact with it, and we’re so excited to be partnering with CBC to bring Jeremy and Jazzy to Canadian kids as back to school begins.”

More Jeremy and Jazzy shorts and songs are already in production and set to launch with CBC Kids and Universal Music Canada in 2023, alongside touring shows, books, and more Jeremy and Jazzy Learn educational content. Jeremy and Jazzy will inspire kids and parents to sing, dance, create, and learn on JeremyandJazzy.com, YouTube and Facebook .

The post New Children’s Series, Jeremy And Jazzy, Coming To CBC Kids And CBC Gem appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has released A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term, which outlines the province’s gradual approach to lifting remaining public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022. The plan will be guided by the ongoing assessment of key public health and health care indicators and supported by local or regional tailored responses to COVID-19.

The post Ontario Releases Long-Term Plan To Safely Reopen Ontario appeared first on Muskoka411.

Police say they were called to the Restaurant on Sunday night at 8 p.m to 1105 Bethune Drive South.

After speaking with the driver, police entered into a drinking and driving investigation. Police have charged 33-year-old Devin Paris of Gravenhurst with over 80.

The accused will appear in court on November 30th 2021.

“Shut your mouth” “Where is that idiot” can be heard in the video.  as well as an alleged racial slur.

The post (VIDEO) Customer At Gravenhurst McDonald’s Drive Thru Charged With Impaired appeared first on Muskoka411.