Stories & Spotlights

The Power of the Muskoka Brand

Muskoka has been recognized internationally by National Geographic as one of the best places to visit in the world, and is known affectionately in Canada and Ontario as cottage country. [...]

Spotlight – Jayne’s Cottages

In less than five years, Jayne McCaw has gone from renting her cottage on Lake Rosseau to operating a successful business that has earned her a nomination for the Canadian [...]

Scott Metherell has always loved Georgian Bay. Originally from Burlington, Scott eagerly spent every summer in Honey Harbour at his family’s cottage. As years passed, Scott started working summer jobs [...]

Spotlight – Bala & Port Carling Garden Centres

Growing up in Muskoka, Rob and Kristan Farlie never had to make a big decision on where they would settle down, it just happened naturally. “We love it here and [...]

Spotlight – Wild Muskoka Botanicals

Laura Gilmour has always lived a life connected to nature. Born in a rural farming area of Niagara Region, Laura developed an early love for plants. When she moved with [...]

Spotlight – Inspiring Creativity in Georgian Bay

From serene to stimulating, Georgian Bay inspires creativity in arts and culture. The region’s natural environment flaunts an incredible palette of warm earthy tones, brilliant blues, crimson and gold that [...]

Spotlight – City By Birth, Gravenhurst by Choice!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5fG-5Ivq-E Robert Engman was a city boy, born and raised in Toronto. He spent most of his adult life in the big city and it was only fifteen years ago [...]

Spotlight – Stephen’s Butcher Shop

Celebrating their 90th year in business, Stephen’s Butcher Shop in Port Carling is as strong as ever. The Stephen Family has been in Muskoka for 6 generations, with 3 generations [...]

The Culture of Craft: Craft Breweries Thrive in Muskoka

Back in the 19th century, industrialization began an evolution from the small local breweries of earlier times into large-scale operations; and consolidation, streamlining, and labour cutbacks soon turned the beer [...]

Spotlight – Oak Bay Golf Club

Oak Bay Golf Club is a natural marvel. Situated in the Township of Georgian Bay, the golf course seamlessly fits with its environment. Golfers can play over rocky outcroppings of [...]

Spotlight – Gravenhurst: A Place to Live and Work

https://youtu.be/aB5NOlgoNgE I've seen Gravenhurst come so far in the last couple of years with a real focus on being successful, and making business owners successful, making their residents successful, and [...]

Spotlight – Overboard

Sheila Overbeek, owner of Overboard in Bala describes operating a business in Muskoka as “Living her dream…it doesn’t get any better than this!” A local girl born into the “rag [...]

Spotlight – Veranda – A Labour of Love

Sometimes small ventures lead to big adventures. Just ask Elise Boyer, owner and principal decorator at Veranda, a stunning two-building, four-showroom home furnishing, art and accessories store in downtown Bracebridge. [...]

Spotlight – The Hive Honey Harbour

The Hive is a self-described cottage supply store, food shop and spa nestled between the trees in Honey Harbour, Georgian Bay. The owner, Lauren Patchett, fondly remembers weekends and summers [...]

Spotlight – Expert Colour Matching Fills a Need in Gravenhurst

Micky is one of the cornerstones of the Gravenhurst Business community. Having owned the Gravenhurst Paint and Living Lighting store since 2002 she has been through the ups and downs [...]

Spotlight – Black Angus Muskoka

After a decade of success, Black Angus Fine Meats & Game extended their passion for quality ingredients and local sourcing to the Township of Georgian Bay in 2016. Owner-Operator Sean [...]

Spotlight – Fine Dining Meets Gravenhurst

CHEF ALAIN IRVINE - The Oar & Paddle Restaurant and Pub Born in Scotland, Alain Irvine came to Gravenhurst in the spring of 2004, when he took on the job [...]

Spotlight – Lean Fitness and Wellness

Port Severn is the home base of LEAN (Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude, and Nutrition) Fitness and Wellness, and owner Julie Wynhofen’s enthusiasm and passion for helping others attain a healthier lifestyle [...]

Muskoka – A Place to Grow

Ontario’s unofficial anthem calls the province “a place to stand, and a place to grow” … and nowhere is this more resonant than here in Muskoka. With unrivaled natural beauty, [...]

Spotlight – Muskoka Springs

Moving to Muskoka after a career in the meat business, Michael Billinghurst was looking for a new adventure. In the early 90's the water industry was in its infancy. Michael [...]

Spotlight – Muskoka Bear Wear

In the Fall of 2003, Muskoka Bear Wear was developed bringing the most comfortable, Ontario Made, brand name clothing to Muskoka, while upholding the highest level of quality standards & [...]

Spotlight – True North Log Homes

True North Log Homes was co-founded in 1986 by Ron Wrightman and his son Rob. Today the company is a reputable international company that manufactures the best-engineered log homes in [...]

Spotlight – Envirologics

Upon completing his post-graduate degree in Toronto, Randy Cooper was offered high-level jobs in New York City and Toronto, as well as the opportunity to run a resort in Huntsville. [...]

Spotlight – Muskoka Brewery

The journey started with Gary McMullen’s love of brewing his own unique beers; a hobby that quickly became his career when he left his job as an aerospace engineer. In [...]