1. Cottage life

When I think of a 90’s summer, I think of my grandparent’s little white cottage nestled into the rock in Muskoka. I spent every summer in Muskoka before it became known as the “Hampton’s of the north”. Life was slow, imperfect, and small. All you needed was the lake, family, friends, and ice cream. Before the estate homes towered high above the trees and the boat houses hugged every inch of shore line, there was my little white cottage, and inside that little white cottage was pancake breakfasts’, board games, bedtime stories, and “The Great Outdoors” on VHS. I don’t know about you, but as technology continues to cage us, I challenge you to find your 90’s summer this year and rent a cottage, go camping, or take a day trip to a lake, beach, mountain, or park. Let’s bring back a simple summer, with no strings (phones) attached. I’ll share some tips for a quintessential Muskoka summer below.

2. Swim, swim, and swim some more!

I’m almost certain that the water in Muskoka is the perfect elixir of summer – I wish I could bottle it up and sniff it when I need a kick of nostalgia. If you haven’t experienced a midsummers dip in the Muskoka Lakes, there’s no time like the present! Or really any lake will do – as long as it’s deep, and rocky so you don’t have to worry about the sudden brush of a weed on your leg to ruin your swim :)

3. Nothings says summer like ice cream!

One of my favourite memories of summer in Muskoka is tagging along with my Grandpa to pick up his mail from the Post Office and after he’d take all the grandkids out for ice cream. I’ll always remember his favourite, Pralines and Cream, and watching it drip down his hand as he walked. To this day, I can’t leave Muskoka without getting an ice cream cone, it just wouldn’t feel right. And on July 16th, a scoop of Pralines and Cream in honour of my Grandpa’s Birthday – he would have been 100 years old this year <3

4. Campfires, s’more’s, and stories, oh my!

After a long day on the water, there’s no better nightcap than a lakeside fire. Roasting marshmellow’s, making s’mores, sharing stories, playing campfire games – the perfect way to end a perfect summer’s day.

5. The Kee to Bala or Summer concert!

If you haven’t been to The Kee to Bala, this is your sign to go! I’ve been countless times, and it’s always incredible. The intimate venue makes you feel like you’re at a private concert, and the huge deck on the back overlooks the water. If summer had a soundtrack, it would be from the Kee.

6. Go on a boat ride

I grew up on the water. From cottaging to week-long trips on our family’s 27ft Monterey. There isn’t a summer that I haven’t made an effort to get out onto the water. Exploring the Muskoka Lakes by boat is the best way to take in its beauty. My favourite time to go is in the early fall, when the the days are still warm, the lake is quiet, and the fall colours are starting to peak through. Trust me, it’s magic!

7. Explore the local towns

Arriving to the cottage late on a Thursday evening so we can wake up early and go to the Rosseau Farmers Market is a core memory for me. The towns around Muskoka are each unique and quaint, but my heart will forever be in Rosseau. The Rosseau General Store holds many memories for me, from ice cream dates with my grandpa, to VHS and DVD rentals on rainy days, to snack and fresh produce hauls. And Crossroads Restaurant is a must when visiting the area. Port Carling is also a beautiful town to explore with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to indulge.

Affordable

1. Windermere House – The heart of Muskoka, this hotel is a historical beauty!

Splurge

1. JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort – Large hotel with lots to do!

2. Rent a cottage with your family or a group of friends!