What can we do at the cottage?
*kayaking - 2 kayaks/2 adult life jackets included
*swimming - off the dock or wade in from the shore
*fishing off the dock/by the Falls or in the Shoots - we are located on a great body of water for fishing
*family games - enjoy our collection of board games, cards, and more
*reading - we have a wide variety of books you can dive into
*movie night - there's a DVD player and some DVD's for your viewing pleasure
*roast Marshmallows over the fire and make S'mores - 4 camping chairs provided
*stargazing - this location is perfect for taking in the beauty of the night sky. We have a Dark Sky policy in the region and light pollution is not an issue. You may even catch a shooting star!
What can we do in Bala?
It's only a 10-15 min walk into the Heart of Muskoka: Our beautiful Town of Bala
*Kee to Bala - a legendary concert venue and bar https://www.thekee.com
*Don's Bakery - the infamous bakery that's serve tasty treats in Muskoka for 75 years! Get there early!!
*cafes, pubs, and restaurants
*local shops
*Bala Falls
*check out the Farmer’s Market on Monday at Jaspen Park.
*Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery – tours, wine tasting, trails
*drop in pickleball at the Bala Arena 3 days a week (5 min walk)
*SWS Ski Show at Windsor Park on Tuesday nights in the summer. 7:30 start time. Arrive early (at least 1 hour) to get a good spot. Some people just order a pizza from the pizza shop (Bala Bay TakeAway, Hook and Ladder, or Scopa. Or bring a picnic dinner that you make or pick up from The Pearl. Bring chairs, blankets. They collect donations after the show so bring cash.
*Bush's Watersport's Park - wake surf cable, lessons
*Bala Museum - memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)
*Cranberry Fest Weekend (after Thanksgiving)
What can we do in the area?
1. Head into Bracebridge to catch a movie at the Norwood Theatre.
2. Take a cruise on one of the famous Muskoka steamships out of Gravenhurst or Port Carling
3. Learn more about the history of Muskoka by visiting the Muskoka Lakes Museum in Port Carling at the locks.
4. Visit Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to see all the animals they are taking care of with the hopes of reintegrating them into the wild.
5. Take a hike. We have provided some hiking and exploring maps. Huckleberry Rock & Hardy Lake are 2 of our favourites.
6. Stargaze or hike at Torrance Barrens
7. Visit a brewery for sampling and a tour.
8. See a concert at the iconic hall. Kee to Bala (walk there in 20 minutes)
9. Take a brewery tour and sample local craft beer.
10. Santa's Village on Bracebridge
11. Check out the Farmer's Markets in the area. Everyday, they are in a different town.
12. Spend the day at the Beer Spa!
Local Restaurants
These are all within walking distance of the cottage.
1. Don’s Bakery – try EVERYTHING. Sooo good
2. Jack & Stella’s - sandwiches, pizza, coffee shop
3. Bala TakeAway – pizza, fish and chips, daily specials
4. Ice Dreams Soda Shop – Kawartha ice cream, shakes, fudge!!
5. Bala Falls Pub – pub grub & live music on Friday nights
6. Hook & Ladder – good pizza and all-day breakfasts
7. Lakeside Bala – fine dining
8. Smokin’ Birds – outdoor food truck in Bala – Fantastic smoked sandwiches, fries
9. Cacao Boys – chocolate shop
10. The Cottage Butcher – butcher and deli
11. The Pearl – new place… amazing food to go but you can purchase and eat there as well
12. Scopa Pizza – across from the Pearl and beside Windsor Park
Torrance (10 min drive)
13. The Cottage by: Cottage Springs (in front of Clear Lake Brewery) – good pizza
14. Clear Lake Brewery – great beer, menu, outdoor live music, large kid’s playset, games etc!