Alan Doyle, acclaimed singer-songwriter and
founding member of Great Big Sea, will headline Lake Joe Live: Muskoka Kitchen Party
on August 15, bringing the spirit of the Maritimes to the shores of Lake Joseph.
Presented by IG Wealth Management Throssell Group, Lake Joe Live – an annual
fundraising event by the non-profit CNIB – will transform the CNIB Lake Joe camp into a
lively East Coast-inspired kitchen party featuring live music, exceptional food, and a
celebration of the impact of CNIB Lake Joe.

Guests will enjoy a high-energy performance by Doyle, along with a station-style
culinary experience from celebrated Canadian chef Ted Reader, known as the
“Godfather of the Grill.” The evening will also feature remarks from best-selling author,
content creator, and disability advocate Molly Burke.

This year’s event aims to raise $400,000, helping 160 children with sight loss enjoy a
week at CNIB Lake Joe next summer. Funds raised will help subsidize camp fees,
allowing participating families to pay just $250 for a week of camp that costs
approximately $2,500 to provide.

Celebrating 65 years of camp without barriers
This year’s event is especially meaningful as CNIB Lake Joe celebrates 65 years of
creating life-changing experiences for children, youth, and adults who are blind,
Deafblind, or have low vision.

Since opening in 1961, CNIB Lake Joe – a camp specially built for people who are blind – has welcomed generations of participants to Muskoka. In the fully accessible
environment of Lake Joe, campers can enjoy a traditional camp experience just like
anyone else, complete with rock climbing, sailing, swimming, arts and crafts, campfires,
and sports.

Lake Joe Live: Muskoka Kitchen Party is expected to welcome 400 guests from
Muskoka and across Ontario, and will feature live fundraising, storytelling, and
immersive experiences that bring the impact of CNIB Lake Joe to life. To purchase
tickets or learn more, visit cnib.ca/LakeJoeLive.

Event Details
Lake Joe Live: Muskoka Kitchen Party
Saturday, August 15, 2026
4 to 9 p.m.
CNIB Lake Joe
4 Joe Finley Way, MacTier, Ontario
Tickets are now available at cnib.ca/LakeJoeLive.

Fast Facts
• CNIB Lake Joe is celebrating 65 years in 2026
• Featured performer: Alan Doyle
• Featured speaker: Molly Burke
• Featured chef: Ted Reader
• Approximately 400 guests are expected to attend
• Fundraising goal: $400,000
• Impact goal: Help 160 children attend CNIB Lake Joe next summer

The post Alan Doyle To Headline Lake Joe Live In Muskoka This August appeared first on Muskoka411.

Taking place on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the project will bring together artists, DJs, dancers, and community members in downtown Huntsville for a uniquely Canadian artistic experience.

The Canoe Mural Project transforms real canoes into striking public artworks inspired by the iconic landscape paintings of Tom Thomson. Throughout the day, seven artists will paint live interpretations of Thomson’s celebrated works directly onto the bottoms of canoes, creating three-dimensional murals that reimagine Canada’s artistic legacy through a contemporary street art lens.

Members of the public will have a front-row seat to the creative process as the artworks come to life during Huntsville’s Canada Day festivities.

“Combining the timeless imagery of Tom Thomson with the energy and creativity of street art allows us to celebrate both our artistic heritage and the diverse voices shaping contemporary Canadian culture,” said Dan Watson, Artistic Director of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts. “The Canoe Mural Project has become a beloved community tradition, and this year’s Street Art Edition brings an exciting new perspective to the experience.”

Following an open call earlier this spring, HfA received 45 submissions from artists across the Province. After a highly competitive selection process, seven artists have been chosen to participate in the 2026 project:

• Shalak – Sunset Clouds
• Bruno Smoky – Piece to be announced
• Anthony Haley – In The Northland
• Mique Michelle – Chill November
• Miguel Albino – Decorative Panel (III)
• Dominic Laporte – Poplars by the Lake (1916)
• Ray Vidal – Red Leaves (1914)

Adding to the atmosphere will be a full day of hip hop culture programming. Dawid “LiftiD” Kujidaj will serve as host and emcee, providing performances and audience engagement throughout the event.

Music will be provided by:

• DJ Shane “LS” Dennis (morning set)
• DJ Marius “DJ M4RS” Pleniceanu (afternoon set)

Representing Mississauga’s Ground Illusionz crew, Marcel “Frost Flow” DaCosta and Jerome “Fresh FX” Villa will present pop-up dance cyphers, breakin’ basics workshops, and hip hop knowledge-sharing sessions throughout the day.

Once completed, the canoe murals will be installed throughout River Mill Park for a summer-long exhibition, allowing residents and visitors to experience the works while exploring downtown Huntsville. The project celebrates creativity, local identity, and Canada’s enduring canoe heritage.

The Canoe Mural Project: Street Art Edition is a free public event and will run alongside the Town of Huntsville’s Canada Day celebrations, featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and community programming in River Mill Park.

The project is made possible through the generous support of Algonquin Outfitters through its bi-annual Paddle Art Auction, as well as funding from the Province of Ontario’s Experience Ontario Program.

For more information and a complete event schedule, visit:
www.huntsvillefestival.ca/canoe-mural-project

The post Details Of The 2026 Canoe Mural Project: Street Art Edition In Huntsville appeared first on Muskoka411.

Looking for a fun way to kick off Canada Day weekend?

Join Cottage Country Cocktails at Hale Muskoka in Gravenhurst on June 27th from 4–6 pm as they shake up three Canada Day-inspired cocktails together!

Good vibes, great company, and a little cocktail magic Space is very limited and will sell out. For more info and to book click the link

Click Here for more information or to book.

The post Learn How To Make Cocktails In Gravenhurst On June 27th appeared first on Muskoka411.

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On May 13, 2026, tourism operators, community partners, destination leaders, and industry champions gathered at Grandview Golf Club in Huntsville for the Big Applause Awards 2026 — a morning focused on celebrating the people who create exceptional visitor experiences across the Explorers’ Edge region.

The event recognized outstanding tourism professionals who supported the fall 2025 and winter 2026 shoulder seasons with care, professionalism, adaptability, and leadership. It also brought the industry together for timely conversations about AI, digital discovery, geofencing, visitor data, and the future of tourism growth in the great Canadian wilderness just north of Toronto.

Event at a Glance

The Big Applause Awards 2026 combined recognition, learning, and real-time industry feedback.

• 39 active tourism industry participants
• 25 interactive polls
• Presentations from Destination Ontario and Central Counties Tourism
• Feedback to help shape future Explorers’ Edge programming

Celebrating Tourism Excellence

This year’s awards recognized the people behind the visitor experience — those who show up during challenging shoulder seasons and help tourism thrive year-round.

Top Honourees

Norah Fountain
Executive Director, Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Recognized for exceptional leadership, dedication, community impact, and her role in supporting Muskoka Oktoberfest and major regional events.

April Denman
Executive Director, Parry Sound Downtown Business Association
Recognized for creativity, dedication, and community leadership, including her work transforming a short-notice community celebration into a vibrant downtown street party.

Runner-Ups

Michael Dorbyk, Bracebridge Hall
Emily Brown, Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce / Bracebridge Visitor Centre
Stefan Ottenbrite, Muskoka411
Jacki MacPherson, Away We Go Trips

Each runner-up was recognized for their contribution to hospitality, community connection, visitor service, tourism promotion, and regional experience development.

Honourable Mentions

Explorers’ Edge also recognized Nancy MacMillian, Jane Spencer, Tim Bryant, Haley Predum, Ted Hudson, Brian Monstross, Daniel Taylor, and Ryder Lynch for their dedication, care, and commitment to the visitor experience.

What We Heard

Attendees responded positively to this year’s simplified award format. 67% said the streamlined single-category approach made nominations easier and clearer, while only 4% preferred returning to multiple categories.

Ideas for future recognition included:

• Volunteer recognition
• Youth and student recognition
• Community event recognition
• Back-of-house and frontline staff
• Community connectors and tourism champions

When asked to describe the people who make tourism work during the fall and winter shoulder seasons, attendees used words such as:

Resilient. Passionate. Dedicated. Welcoming. Adaptable. Creative. Committed.

Key Presentation Takeaways

Navigating Change in Tourism Discovery

Lauchlan Rogers, Chief Marketing Officer at Destination Ontario, explored how generative AI is changing the way travelers search, plan, and choose destinations.

Key takeaways included:

• AI-powered search is becoming part of mainstream travel discovery.
• A decline in website traffic does not automatically mean a decline in influence.
• Destinations need to be findable, current, and human.
• Clear, structured website content will help businesses show up in AI-powered search.
• Partnership is essential in this new digital environment.

Attendees identified website/content audit guidance and an AI search readiness checklist as the most useful next supports.

Cell for Success: Geofencing to Grow Your Destination

Tom Guerquin, Research and Development Manager at Central Counties Tourism, showed how geofencing and visitor mobility data can help destinations better understand who is visiting, where they come from, when they arrive, and how they behave.

Following the session:

• 52% said assumptions about visitors may not always be accurate.
• 48% said better data is needed before making decisions.
• 43% said data can help with marketing and partnerships.
• 29% said data can support funding and investment cases.

What Businesses Want Next

Polling showed that tourism businesses want practical intelligence they can use to make better decisions about:

• Off-season traffic
• Visitor origin markets
• Visitor demographics and profiles
• Marketing and promotions
• Staffing and hours of operation
• Packaging and itinerary development
• Funding and investment cases

Next Steps for Explorers’ Edge

Based on event feedback, several possible priorities emerged:

1. Launch a volunteer award category.
2. Develop an AI and search readiness program.
3. Share more geofencing and visitor data with partners.
4. Restore youth or student recognition.
5. Grow the event with more networking, promotion, and community participation.
6. Continue short, timely industry updates through a weekly “Tuesday Tip” format.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who attended, nominated, participated, presented, and helped make the Big Applause Awards 2026 a meaningful celebration of tourism leadership across the Explorers’ Edge region.

Most importantly, thank you to the tourism workers, operators, community builders, visitor centre teams, event organizers, volunteers, business owners, and frontline staff who continue to create exceptional visitor experiences, especially during the seasons when it matters most.

The post Big Applause Awards 2026 Celebrated In Huntsville: Event Outcomes appeared first on Muskoka411.

As Pie Media Group celebrates 20 years of excellence in multimedia storytelling, publishing, and experiential branding, the company is proud to introduce a bold new chapter in Canadian luxury culture: Muskoka Fashion Week 2026.

Set against the timeless beauty of Muskoka’s Lake Rosseau, this inaugural fashion and lifestyle initiative will blend fashion, art, design, culture, philanthropy, and immersive experiences into a refined celebration of Canadian excellence and relaxed luxury living.

The post Pie Media Group Unveils Vision For Muskoka Fashion Week 2026 At Exclusive Event In Muskoka appeared first on Muskoka411.

The volume is down and the energy is up at Community Living Huntsville’s 2026 Silent Disco Dance Party in May.

The not-for-profit organization invites everyone ages 16 and up to the party at Canvas
Brewing Co., 12 John St., Huntsville, on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 8:00 PM to
midnight. Tickets are $45 at mobily.ca/iZHgKJ.
“You’re going to move, you’re going to groove, and you’re going to have a great time,”
says past disco dancer Jamie Morrison.

Tickets include a live DJ, wireless headphones, 3 music channels, glow sticks, a
gourmet pizza buffet, a signature mocktail, and fun vibes. Alcoholic beverages are extra.
Funds raised support Community Living Huntsville’s affordable housing initiatives for
people with developmental disabilities and families who access the organization’s
across North Muskoka.

Jennifer Jerrett, Community Engagement Specialist for Community Living Huntsville,
says more than 120 people boogied down at last year’s event – and this year there
would be room for more with a bigger dance floor and plenty of beats to move your feet.
“Silent discos are a blast! It’s a night full of laughter, dancing with friends, and making
new ones. You never know when something fun might happen – a dance battle even
spontaneously broke out last year,” laughs Jerrett. “Come and enjoy a hilarious and
memorable night out while making a difference for your community – you won’t regret
it.”

Round up your friends, get your dance moves ready, and purchase your tickets today.
Community Living Huntsville is a not-for-profit, registered charity that supports and
advocates alongside more than 300 children and adults, and their families, to promote
and advance meaningful choice and real inclusion for people with developmental
disabilities, so people, families, and our community can thrive. Learn more at
clhuntsville.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin.

The post A Silent Disco Event Is Coming To Huntsville appeared first on Muskoka411.

The event will feature exclusive access to the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame, an interactive elevator-pitch session, and guided networking designed to help participants better articulate their personal and professional stories. The evening is intended to help participants stop underselling themselves and start speaking with greater clarity and confidence about what they have built, led, and contributed to the tourism industry.

“Women are helping shape the future of tourism across our region every single day, as business owners, operators, leaders, creators, and community builders,” said Jennifer Montpetit, Partnership Manager at Explorers’ Edge. “This event is about creating space for women to recognize their value, strengthen their voice, and connect with others who understand both the challenges and opportunities of working in rural tourism.”

Montpetit added, “At Explorers’ Edge, we believe investing in women in tourism is an investment in the strength, resilience, and future of our visitor economy. When women are supported to lead, speak confidently, and build meaningful connections, our entire region benefits.”

The evening will be hosted by Autumn Smith, a Muskoka-based director, curator, professor, and community builder.  “I’m honoured to be part of an event that recognizes the creativity, leadership, and resilience of women in tourism,” said Autumn Smith, host of the event. “When we create space for authentic storytelling and meaningful connection, we strengthen not only individual confidence, but the future of our communities and visitor economy as a whole.”

Explorers’ Edge Board Member Kate Hood also underscored the importance of the event. “Tourism is powered by people, and so many of the women in this industry are leading with heart, innovation, and determination every day,” said Kate Hood, Director with Explorers’ Edge. “Events like this matter because they create room for women to build confidence, share experiences, and support one another in meaningful ways. That kind of connection makes both our businesses and our communities stronger.”

The featured facilitator for the evening is Jen Richardson, who will lead the session Building Your Elevator Pitch. Participants will work through building both a personal and an organizational pitch in a format designed to feel more like honest conversation than traditional professional development.

The event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with programming from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person or two for $25. The event is inclusive and open to women and gender-diverse professionals from across the Explorers’ Edge region, including Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, Muskoka, Parry Sound, and South Algonquin.

Explorers’ Edge continues to invest in women’s leadership, skill development, and wellbeing as part of building a stronger, more resilient tourism economy across the region.

For tickets and event details, visit the Explorers’ Edge event page.

The post Explorers’ Edge To Host Women In Tourism Event Focused On Confidence, Connection, And Storytelling appeared first on Muskoka411.

New this year, visitors can try their hand at catch-and-release in a live fishing pond, witness the expert precision of chainsaw sculpting and enjoy daily live performances from Cottage Country Concerts’ musicians. The scaly and crawly creatures of cottage country are back by popular demand, offering families a closer connection with nature. Pet owners can also pick up essential safety tips for their furry friends, from navigating wildlife encounters and heatwaves to boat and firework safety.

Speaker & Feature Highlights:

• NEW: Live Fishing: Located in the Family Activity Centre, this all-new, hands-on fishing experience lets guests learn how to cast, reel, and catch-and-release live fish. With expert guidance from Fishing Friendzy Foundation, guests of all ages, from kids and parents to curious first-timers, can feel the thrill of the catch.
• NEW: Live Chainsaw Carving: Award-winning chainsaw sculptor Jake Rhodes of Northern Rhodes Artistry kicks off each day with a live, high-energy chainsaw carving demonstration. Visitors can witness Rhodes transform a block of wood into intricate cottage creatures before heading to the Ontario Wood area to shop his finished collection. Ontario Wood will showcase a variety of exhibitors featuring one-of-a-kind decorative pieces and custom furniture accents made from Ontario-native wood.

• The Cottage Life Main Stage: The Main Stage will cover everything from DIY and design to succession planning, financial advice, and fire safety. Presented by Beaver Homes & Cottages, the lineup of experts and topics includes:
  • Your Cottage Is A Legacy You Live, Not Just Leave: As an avid cottager, Pattie Lovett-Reid shares the realities that come with sustaining cottage life over time. Drawing on both personal experience and professional insight, she’ll explore how thoughtful financial planning can help support the cottage life you love, so it remains a source of joy for years to come (Thurs, Mar. 26, 1pm).
  • Ditch the Trends: How to Create and Curate a Chic Cottage that is Uniquely Yours: Designer, Lifestyle & DIY Expert Christian Dare shares why you should curate, rather than decorate, your cottage. In this lively demonstration, Christian offers tips on how to transform memories and keepsakes into a timeless design aesthetic that is uniquely yours. From signature scent scapes to personalized monograms, discover how to imprint your identity on your space and create a cottage rich with personal history (Fri, Mar. 27, 4:30pm).
  • Cottage Safety Tips for Pets: The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society will share practical, easy-to-follow tips to help keep your beloved furry friends safe all cottage season long. From boating to fireworks and everything in between, this presentation will highlight common seasonal risks and how to prevent them before they become emergencies (Fri, Mar. 27, and Sat, Mar. 28, 3:30pm).
  • FireSmart and Your Community: With Canada’s wildfire seasons growing longer, larger and more destructive,* Shayne McCool from Ontario Ministry’s Northeast Fire Advisor, offers essential tips to keep your campfires safe and prevent them from getting out of control (Fri, Mar. 27, 5:30pm).
• Top Three Tax Techniques for Cottage Succession: Tax season has arrived, and Peter Lillico, Cottage Succession Planning Lawyer, will share his top three tax techniques for cottage succession and the obstacles to be avoided. (Thurs, Mar. 26, 5:30pm, and Fri, Mar. 27–Sun, Mar. 29, 1pm).
• Five Cottage Problems and How to Solve Them: Alysha Vandertogt, Managing Editor of Cottage Life magazine, addresses some of the most common questions the editorial team gets in their Q&A column, offering expert tips on everything from wildlife management to aging at the cottage. (Thurs, Mar. 26, 3:30pm, Fri, Mar. 27–Sat, Mar. 28, 12pm).

• Cottage Kitchen: Discover how to make the ultimate brunch burger, fillet your freshly caught fish, and mix delicious mocktails by the dock at the Cottage Kitchen, sponsored by Foodland. Featured speakers and live demonstrations include:
  • How to Filet and Cook Your Cottage Catch: Scott Gardner, Associate Editor of Outdoor Canada magazine, shows visitors how to prep and cook their catch of the day. Fish is delicate and requires special care, but with Scott’s step-by-step guidance, guests of all skill levels can turn their fresh catch into a delicious meal (Thurs, Mar. 26–Fri, Mar. 27, 4pm; Sat, Mar. 28–Sun, Mar. 29, 12pm).
  • Summer Sips: Mocktails with a Twist: Holly Wade, Owner & CEO Cottage Country Cocktails, shows you how to craft the perfect summer mocktails. From bartending basics to elevated garnishes, Holly will show you how to effortlessly shake up something special. (Thurs, Mar. 26–Sat, Mar. 28, 5pm).
  • Ultimate Brunch Burger: Chef Jo Lusted shows guests how to make the ultimate brunch burger, perfect for summer BBQs and entertaining at the cottage (Sat, Mar. 28, 10am & 4pm).

• Cottage Real Estate Centre: Navigate the competitive market with the help of Ontario’s leading realtors. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or scout your next retreat, explore listings and discover how to secure your ultimate getaway. For those looking for a quintessential cottage escape, Cottage Vacations offers a wide selection of summer rentals across Ontario.
• General Store: Shop local and discover a curated selection of handcrafted Canadian-made artisanal décor and cottage-ready finds exclusive to the show.
• Great Outdoors: The scaly and crawly creatures of cottage country are back! Scales Nature Park, sponsored by Subaru. Visitors can enjoy an up-close look at these incredible creatures, including snakes, frogs and turtles, while learning about their unique behaviours, habitats, and conservation from the park’s expert team.

• Cottage Life Booth: Check out the new look of Cottage Life magazine, and chat with the wordsmiths who bring every issue to life. With Cottage Life TV now in Free Preview, relax in a Muskoka chair by the campfire and check out this season’s must-see programming. Plus, shop for exclusive merchandise and unique cottage keepsakes, and enjoy complimentary embroidery from Friday to Sunday, presented by Game of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter, now airing on Makeful.

• Dock Party: The show’s signature full-size dock returns as the ultimate social destination. Guests can relax with a drink from Canadian Club or -196 Vodka Seltzer, enjoy daily live music from a variety of musicians from Cottage Country Concerts, and get a boost from the complimentary charging stations provided by Orbit Marine Insurance.

Click Here for tickets

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Presented by Timea’s Cause Inc., Rotary People of Action Huntsville, Muskoka Victim
Services, Family Connexions, and the District of Muskoka. The event will bring together
youth, parents, and community members for an important educational conversation about
human trafficking, online luring, and prevention.

The evening will feature Timea E. Nagy, a best-selling author, internationally recognized
advocate, and survivor of human trafficking. Since 2009, Nagy has educated more than one million people worldwide, assisted in over 500 police investigations, and supported
hundreds of survivors and their families through her advocacy and outreach work.
While human trafficking may not always be visible within smaller communities, experts note that many regions sit along key transportation corridors and that online luring can occur anywhere. This session aims to provide practical information on recognizing warning signs, understanding how traffickers target victims online, and how awareness can play an
important role in prevention.

“This event is about education and awareness,” organizers say. “By bringing a survivor
educator, community organizations, and residents together, we hope to provide people with
the knowledge they need to recognize risks and help keep our children, youth and community
safe.”

The presentation is designed to be age-appropriate for both youth and adults. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the warning signs of trafficking, online safety
considerations, and resources available to those who may need support.

The event is free to attend; however, registration is required as seating is limited

Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/eyes-wide-open-free-human-trafficking-awareness-and
education-tickets-1981430833963

Event Details
Active Living Centre, Huntsville
Thursday, May 7
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
For more information about the event, please contact:
Darlene Rosa
Timea’s Cause Inc.
Info@timeascause.com Phone: (Text only) 416 809-191

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