Filled with fall-inspired food + drink, wellness events, live music, fashion, festive photo opportunities, family-friendly activities and more, Muskoka’s new culture + events destination offers visitors a serene space to explore the flavours of the season.

Don’t miss the special In Autumn Culinary Experience on Oct. 10, sit at a beautiful harvest table and enjoy a multi-course feast + wine pairings celebrating local, seasonal flavours crafted by Chef Jordan Wagman, Chef Charmaine Broughton and Chef Bradley Yip. Make sure to reserve your spot now here.

In Autumn info and tickets: www.eventbrite.ca/e/in-autumn-tickets-1708368559349?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Thursday, Oct. 9 – 2pm to 6:30pm

Free

• Shop the Fall Harvest Marketfeaturing a curated selection of local artisans and producers
• Catch the latest trends in the Muskoka Fall Fashion activationand pick up something warm and cozy.

• Lounge by the fire while savouring S’mores over the open flame
• Support the local community with Hale Muskoka’s Food Drive for West Muskoka Food Bank and Gravenhurst Against Poverty

Add-ons:

• Join an Autumn Centerpiece Workshop with Florist and Designer Christine Alexander and bring home something seasonally spectacular for your Thanksgiving table (book here)
• Capture the fall colours and book an autumn Family Photo Shoot with Rachel Callan Photography (book a session here

Friday, Oct. 10 – 12pm to 6pm

Free

• Shop the Fall Harvest Market featuring a curated selection of local artisans and producers
• Live musicin the Market Square
• Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun with pumpkin painting, a bouncy castle, fire pits + s’mores, and more
• Support the local community with Hale Muskoka’s Food Drive for West Muskoka Food Bank and Gravenhurst Against Poverty

Add-ons

• Recharge at Yoga and Pilates Classes in the barn with classes led by Flow Pilates + Social at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm (book here)

• Celebrate the season at In Autumn Culinary Experience,a delicious fall feast + wine pairings crafted by Chef Jordan Wagman, Chef Charmaine Broughton and Chef Bradley Yip. Reserve seats at the harvest table as notable Chefs guide guests on a multi-course culinary journey through the colours, textures, and tastes of autumn online now

Hale Muskoka, 1160 Bethune Drive N. Gravenhurst, ON, P1P 1R1

haleoutdoors.com, @halemuskoka

  *This Article Is Sponsored By: Hale Muskoka

The post In Autumn At Hale Muskoka With Two Days Of Engaging Experiences In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

Created by Historical Producer Bonnie Sitter and Director/Producer Colin Field, the documentary tells the extraordinary story of 40,000 teenage girls who volunteered on Canadian farms during and after World War II and helped sustain the nation’s food supply when young men left to fight overseas.

Bonnie Sitter, an author, was searching through old family photographs when she found a captivating image of a group of young women taken on her late husband’s family farm near Thedford with a caption on the reverse that read: “Farmerettes 1946.”

This led Bonnie to research the Farmerette story, and publish an article in The Rural Voice asking for women who served as Farmerettes to get in touch with her. Shirleyan English, a retired London Free Press journalist, read the article and wrote a letter to the editor, explaining her own experience as a Farmerette, and how it remained the best summer of her life. Bonnie and Shirleyan would go on to co-author the book ”Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes” in 2019.

“We wanted to capture the story of how the Farmerettes helped win the Second World War by volunteering to aid farmers with food production,” says Bonnie. “Most of these girls had never seen a farm. They came from all over Ontario as volunteers. They weren’t conscripted. They chose to roll up their sleeves and do their part for Canada, and their efforts have largely been forgotten”.

Director Colin Field first met Bonnie in 2019 and was inspired by her research and desire to bring this forgotten Canadian story to life. He proposed a documentary film, and Bonnie agreed to fundraise to bring the project alive. Colin interviewed 20 Farmerettes – now in their 90s – for the documentary, and after two years of work, and with the help of sponsors and generous donors, We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes is finally complete.

“It has been a privilege to travel throughout the province and hear the stories of these surviving Farmerettes,” Field said. “If it wasn’t for these girls, the soldiers wouldn’t have had food to eat and the economy would have ground to a halt”.

The film will be screened at 2:00pm with doors open 30 minutes before the show.

Tickets for the October 19th screenings of We Lend A Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes are $30.00 and can be purchased by e-transfer to timberbeastproductions@gmail.com or cash at the door. If you wish to pay at the door, please RSVP by emailing timberbeastproductions@gmail.com

Group rates are available: $150 for 6 and $250 for 10.

Half of the proceeds support the cost of the documentary film production.

Watch the trailer here.

The post “We Lend A Hand: The Forgotten Story Of Ontario Farmerettes” Documentary To Screen appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Town of Gravenhurst formally thanked two local men – Craig Howard and Jim Davis – for their assistance during a large brush fire in August.

The post Gravenhurst Fire Department Recognizes Two Citizens For Their Assistance  appeared first on Muskoka411.

On September 5, 2025, at 11:20 p.m. a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting general patrol in the town of Bracebridge and became concerned about the driving behaviour of a vehicle on Manitoba Street. The officer conducted a traffic stop on Hiram Street and subsequently arrested and charged 44-year-old Seyed Hashemi of Newmarket, ON with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 7, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On September 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. two Bracebridge OPP officers were driving on Muskoka Road 118 in Bracebridge when the a vehicle caught their attention, driving in a concerning way. The officers conducted a traffic stop on Morrison Street and subsequently arrested and charged 50-year-old David Richardson of Bracebridge, ON with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on September 30, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On September 7, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers were dispatched to reports from members of the public that a vehicle had collided with a guard rail on Golden Beach Road in Bracebridge and the occupants had left the scene on foot. Officers located the individuals and subsequently arrested and charged 26-year-old Adam Legault of Muskoka Lakes Township, ON with Impaired Operation, Over 80, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Fail to Remain. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 21, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On September 8, 2025, at 9:50 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting a RIDE program on Bay Street in Gravenhurst and after an interaction with a vehicle, arrested and charged the driver. Police have charged 33-year-old Ryan Morrow of Gravenhurst with Impaired Operation, Over 80 and Fail to Comply with Probation. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 7, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On September 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers were contacted by a member of the public about their concerns about a vehicle parked near his laneway on Highway 11 South in Gravenhurst. Officers attended and located the vehicle and the driver nearby. Police arrested and charged 42-year-old Adam Manning of Gravenhurst with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 21, 2025 to answer to his charges.

Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor affecting the safety of Muskoka roads. If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

The post Bracebridge OPP Report Five More Impaired Drivers appeared first on Muskoka411.

The luncheon, scheduled for Wednesday, October 22 from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will feature keynote presentations, a lively panel discussion, and a performance celebrating diversity and inclusion in tourism. Attendees will gain practical insights into welcoming 2SLGBTQI+ travellers and creating more inclusive business environments that strengthen both community culture and bottom lines.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Andrew Siegwart, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), delivering opening remarks on inclusivity in Ontario’s tourism strategy.
• James Murphy, CEO of Explorers’ Edge, and Ellen Selby, Economic Development Coordinator for the Town of Gravenhurst, presenting on traveller demographics, market growth potential, and case studies from across Canada.
• A panel of operators and performers who have authentically engaged with 2SLGBTQI+ travellers, including representation from local businesses and events.  They include Michelle Emson, Muskoka Queer Film Festival / Theatre Muskoka, Enya Dreams – Drag Artist & Producer, Aria Reddy – Drag Artist & Bala Bay Inn Event Coordinator and David Clemmer – Innkeeper at the Northridge Inn & Resort

“As a region that prides itself on being welcoming, it’s essential that we equip our operators with the knowledge and tools to authentically engage one of the fastest-growing travel markets in Canada,” said James Murphy, CEO of Explorers’ Edge. “This event is about showing how inclusivity drives both social and economic impact in rural tourism.”

The Town of Gravenhurst, recognized as the Gateway to Muskoka, is proud to co-present the luncheon. “One of our key strategic pillars is creating and supporting a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all.  Opportunities like this continue to bring together important community stakeholders to share ideas and learn more about various travel markets and the important impact of tourism for our Community.” said  Amy Taylor, Manager of Economic Development, Town of Gravenhurst.

“Ontario’s new tourism strategy makes clear that inclusivity is not just a value, it’s a growth driver.  Welcoming 2SLGBTQI+ travelers strengthens our communities, expands our markets, and ensures tourism delivers lasting benefits across the province.  I’m proud to join Explorers’ Edge, the Town of Gravenhurst, and our partners to showcase how embracing diversity in tourism is key to unlocking new opportunities and building a stronger, more resilient visitor economy in Ontario.” Said Andrew Siegwart, President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.

To further support inclusivity, the program will offer 30 complimentary Rainbow Registered spots—Canada’s national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+ inclusivity in tourism—available to participating businesses.

Event Details https://explorersedge.ca/events/diva-dialogues-unlocking-inclusive-growth-in-tourism/

• Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
• Time: 11:45 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Location: Sawdust City Brewery, Gravenhurst, ON
• Tickets: $15 per person, available through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diva-dialogues-unlocking-inclusive-growth-in-tourism-tickets-1680035995889

The event is presented in collaboration with the Town of Gravenhurst, FedNor, Destination Northern Ontario, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), the Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), Pride Muskoka, and other regional partners.

The post Diva Dialogues: Unlocking New Markets, The Business Case For 2SLGBTQI+ Inclusive Travel appeared first on Muskoka411.

Recently announced, Gravenhurst High School (GHS) graduate, Reagan Tucker, has been awarded the 2025 inaugural Healthy Democracy Student Leadership Award.

In partnership between Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), a $1,000 scholarship is awarded to one graduating English public school student in each of OPSBA’s five regions. Selection criteria included a demonstrated commitment to civic engagement and the importance of local governments in Ontario’s political system, diversity of leadership and perspective, and community involvement.

Tucker graduated in June and was chosen as the winner for the OPSBA Central East region – making her one of only four students in the province selected to receive the award this year!

Congratulations, Tucker!

The post Gravenhurst High School Graduate Wins Student Leadership Award appeared first on Muskoka411.

The new display features work by Norman Robert Catchpole.

Catchpole’s work is hanging in the lobby and in the council chambers.

People can check out the lobby display during regular business hours – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – and the display in the council chambers is viewable during committee meetings and council meetings.

Learn more about Norman Robert Catchpole.

The town’s Public Art Advisory Committee spearheads the art showcase project. The Muskoka Discovery Centre sources the work on display.

The post New Art Display In Gravenhurst Features Work By Norman Robert Catchpole appeared first on Muskoka411.

On August 22, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting a RIDE program on Beaumont Drive in Bracebridge and became concerned about the condition of a driver. Police subsequently arrested and charged 43-year-old Stefanus Castelijn of Mattawa, ON with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 7, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On August 24, 2025 at 8:25 a.m. Bracebridge OPP officers received concerns from members of the public about a possible impaired driver operating a motorcycle in the town of Gravenhurst. Officers located the individual at an address on Bethune Drive and subsequently arrested and charged 61-year-old Rod Benson of Gravenhurst with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on September 16, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On August 28, 2025 at 12:05 a.m. Bracebridge OPP officers received a report of a possible impaired driver from a concerned member of the public in the area of Muskoka Road North near Harvie Street in Gravenhurst. Officers located the subject of concern and arrested and charged 41-year-old Michael White of Gravenhurst with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on September 30, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On August 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. Bracebridge OPP officers received multiple reports from motorists travelling on Highway 11 North in Gravenhurst about a possible impaired driver. Officers located the vehicle at a service centre north of Gravenhurst and subsequently arrested and charged 62-year-old Steven Orrett of Burlington, ON with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on September 23, 2025 to answer to his charges.

On September 1, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers received a report of a possible impaired driver from a concerned member of the public in the area of Bethune Drive in Gravenhurst. Officers located the vehicle on Hastings Drive and subsequently arrested and charged 56-year-old Frank Doran of Gravenhurst with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on September 30, 2025 to answer to his charges.

Police would like to thank members of the public for their continued support in improving the safety of Muskoka roads. If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

The post Bracebridge OPP Charged Several Impaired Drivers During The Final Week Of August appeared first on Muskoka411.

On August 20, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting proactive patrols on Muskoka Road 169 near Shady Lane in Gravenhurst and noticed a vehicle travelling in an unsafe manner. The officer conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested and charged 27-year-old Caleb Godfrey of Oshawa, ON with Impaired Operation- Drug, Failure/Refusal to Comply with Demand, Possession of Schedule I Substance (opioid) X 6.

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 14, 2025 to answer to his charges.

Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor affecting the safety of Muskoka roads. If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

The post OPP Find Impaired Driver With Drugs In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

Just after 6:00 a.m. today, August 14, 2025, Bracebridge OPP officers, along with Gravenhurst Fire Department, responded to reports of a structure fire on Winhara Road near Langford Drive in Gravenhurst. Firefighters located the fire, which had engulfed two buildings and were able to contain it. Fortunately, the structures were not occupied.

The fire is considered suspicious and Bracebridge OPP and the Ontario Fire Marshall’s office (OFM), with the assistance of the OPP Forensic Identification Services (FIS) are continuing the investigation.

Anyone with information, including video surveillance, or dash camera footage, is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-800-310-1122 or you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you wish to remain anonymous.

All GFD stations are currently working a structure fire on the north end of Winhara Road. Tanker shuttle operations in progress. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/HtxuAoHnID

— GravenhurstFIRE (@GravenhurstFIRE) August 14, 2025

The post Thursday Morning Fire In Gravenhurst Considered Suspicious appeared first on Muskoka411.