Muskoka Blog

Muskoka Past and Still Present

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 21:04:09 +0000

I was asked to make a presentation for the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame, charity gala dinner.. Rather than present a PowerPoint I decided to feature some of my photos and videos in a short movie that runs just over 5 mins long. Some of you will know of my explorations of Muskoka’s hidden corners — often from the seat of my Seadoo with camera in hand. For over two decades, I have documented the Big Three — Lakes Muskoka, Rosseau, and Joseph — uncovering scenes and stories that might otherwise be lost to time. This 5-minute journey features 13 historic and iconic locations, from grand boathouses to beautiful boats and landscapes. It’s a tribute to the places that shaped Muskoka — and continue to inspire awe today
Full YouTube link HERE

The Movie – An American in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 17:45:09 +0000

I’m happy to announce that I have received special permission from the filmmaker to share this outstanding documentary about Muskoka. The 76 min movie was shot in Muskoka in the mid 2000’s or about 15 years ago. It takes a very serious look at the changes that are occurring in Muskoka. The film features interviews with notable people such as actor Harry Hamlin, businessman Kevin O’Leary and many other well known lovers/supporters of Muskoka. After nearly two decades of driving by and photographing Cliff Island on Lake Joseph I discovered there was a movie about the American owners who have summered here for well over 100 years. Some of the changes that are occurring on the Muskoka Lakes were taken from the families perspective however some 15 years later it’s not hard to see the changes. I encourage you to watch this film and share it with others. – thank you!

Chasing Down the Wenonah II Ship

Ed Boutilier — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 01:47:47 +0000

I had a tip that the Wenonah II ship was going to be on Lake Joe and Rosseau this evening. With the torrential downpours it was unfortunate that I missed her navigating through the swing bridge at Port Sandfield. Eventually the rain slowed down and I headed out to see if I could find her. She was taking passengers to the JW Marriott Hotel when I spotted her on Lake Rosseau. These ships are such a treat to see on the lakes and tonight’s dramatic skies added to her majesty.

Frog in my Drink

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 14:53:25 +0000

Excuse me! There’s a Frog in my drink. Disclaimer: No frogs were harmed in the taking of this photo.

The Lone Seagull and I

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 14:43:09 +0000

I like the feeling of being alone, especially when fully immersed in nature. At this moment in time it was just me and a seagull.

North Lake Joe

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:31:38 +0000

Scenes from my Seadoo – North Lake Joe. The skies were already dark and the sun peeked it’s head out momentarily as it was sinking quickly. I had quite a distance to get back to the cottage before darkness. There are no lights on Seadoos so that others can see you so I don’t want to become a safety hazard. I did one last spinorama and called it a day.

Remembering the Joe River Marina

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 14:51:54 +0000

The Joseph River Marina was originally named Waters Marina and it was purchased by Joerg Rosenthal and his new bride Marilyn in 1972. They operated the marina, were active in the community and raised four beautiful daughters at this location. Unfortunately, it was a sad ending for the daughters. Their father Joerg was involved in an accident on Lake Joe and perished in 2007. A short time later their mother Marilyn passed away from cancer in 2009. The girls auctioned everything off in July 2010 and the Marina and home was sold. The girls left Muskoka.

Last summer I posted a photo and painting of one of the daughters named Jenny on my Instagram. I took the photo in the summer of 2008 and renowned local artist DA Dunford released the painting of it. I thought the girls really need to see it. I tried texting a phone number I had from over a decade ago. Sure enough it was one of the daughters and they were absolutely delighted to see the photo. They innocently asked me about the Marina and if anything’s changed. I went over and took a few photos for them. The property was sold to islanders who rebuilt the boathouse and fixed up the house. You don’t see many families operating a business on the waterfront of the big lakes anymore. Joerg and Marilyn left quite a legacy.

Joerg also appears in the documentary, An American in Muskoka. Here is a nice story about Joerg: https://bit.ly/3xhEpHk

Governors Island on Lake Joseph

Ed Boutilier — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 20:15:37 +0000

I was passing by this beautiful property on Governors Island just as the sun lit it up. Governors Island was once owned by the late Chauncey Jerome Hamlin (1881-1963) who shared many boat racing trophy’s with the Forman family of Eagle Island. I noticed Grandson Harry Hamlin and family have been selling off pieces of the large Governors island the past few years. It is likely due to the increasing property taxes for waterfront properties. I occasionally see the very friendly Lisa and Harry around but not in recent times since Covid-19 has restricted Americans from travelling into Canada. Hopefully this summer we will be able to get back into some level of normalcy.

Cameron Island Boathouse

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 27 May 2021 17:35:27 +0000

Scenes from my Seadoo – Boathouse du jour. I love the symmetry of this boathouse on Cameron Island on Lake Joe. I recall this property being for sale in 2010 for under $3M. It’s likely more than doubled in value now especially the way real estate values have appreciated on the Muskoka Lakes in Covid-9 times. There is always some interesting architecture available to take in on the lakes.

Roberts Bay Modern Boathouse

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 20 May 2021 15:09:24 +0000

Boathouse du Jour – For the contemporary/modern design aficionados. This boathouse welcomes you as you proceed into Roberts Bay on Lake Joseph. It’s certainly not going to appeal to everyone’s taste however I appreciate it for its simplicity and uniqueness. I think I would have considered removing or not incorporating the pickets around the top sitting area. In my opinion the view outward overrides the ascetics of the design.

Formosa Island a Presidents Place in Muskoka

Ed Boutilier — Tue, 18 May 2021 13:12:43 +0000

Formosa Island on Lake Rosseau, Canada was once the beloved summer home of United States President Woodrow Wilson. He began visiting Muskoka in the 1890s with his family. In 1901 he purchased 100 acres near the Royal Muskoka Hotel that included Formosa Island. He was very protective of the land and would send out warnings not to light fires or cut any trees down. He had big plans for the property that included a camp, boathouse, wharf, ice and bath house. He served as the President of Princeton University, became the 34th Governor of NJ and then elected as the 28th US President from 1913-1921. He got a little busy and apparently never set foot in Muskoka after that. There is a curious story that in August of 1914 he signed the guest register of the Bala Bay Inn however there was no official record of him being in Canada as WWI was breaking out. One year before his death in 1924 at age 67 he would reminisce about Muskoka with his wife Eleanor, “ do you remember our picnics there and your mother reading poetry under the pines?” Muskoka continues to be an enchanting place and has touched many people for well over a century.

Cliff Island, Lake Joseph Muskoka Canada

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 06 May 2021 14:21:28 +0000

I have been passing by Cliff Island on Lake Joseph for over 15 years and it is easily one of my favorite properties to take in. The property is owned by Americans that have been summering here for well over 100 years. The documentary An American in Muskoka is based on the family and the changes they witness as Muskoka is quickly being transformed into (for lack of better words), a different place. Here are a few current photos of the property. I hope it remains this way for a very long time. To learn a bit more about Cliff Island and the documentary please click on the link for a PDF Cliff Island

1939 Photo of a Dippy

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:37:53 +0000

This is a photo from 1939 taken right in front of our cottage. The previous owners were kind enough to share a treasure-trove of old photos. The Dippy or Dispro boat was originally manufactured right here in Muskoka. Dispro is short for the Disappearing Propeller Company. They have a 1-cylinder engine mounted in the middle but you cannot see it in this photo. The inventor had a very innovative way of tucking the prop up inside the boat preventing it from hitting rocks in shallow water. There are still lots of Dippy’s cruising the Muskoka Lakes. It is always cool when you see a flotilla of them on the lakes.

Vaccine Rollout

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 19:25:45 +0000

With no traveling this winter due to Covid I was hunkered down in my studio dreaming up internet memes among other things. It is going to be another season at the cottage with no visitors and reduced social outings. Here is to hoping our Canadian Government can get enough vaccines in peoples arms more timely. A little bit of a slow start compared to our American friends. I hope you got yours.

Low Water levels – No Floods!

Ed Boutilier — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:00:12 +0000

Us property owners on the Muskoka Lakes have been somewhat consumed with water levels these past few years. We have had floods on the Big 3 Lakes in 2013, 2017 and 2019. Lake Muskoka has taken most of the damage from these floods. I have documented some of it and you can see it here. This year the water levels appear to be quite low. I’m told by our trusty Mayor Phil Harding that we are at about the same levels as last year. I have no reason to doubt his word as I wasn’t visiting in April last year however when I arrived in early May the water levels were great. The big lakes are now open with all of the ice off them and the spring runoff has tapered off. This week the forecast is calling for lots of rain. It will definitely bring the lake levels up a bit.

The Start of a Brand New Season

Ed Boutilier — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:01:07 +0000

As the ice melts off the lake I look forward to another great season stumbling in around Muskoka, Canada. I have been a bit remiss in updating the blog as I find that it really doesn’t get much interest until the warmer weather starts and everyone returns to one of the best kept secrets on earth. I do far more updates on my Instagram with at least a photo a day. You can always follow me on IG by clicking here.

Most of you that have found this Blog have probably done so by searching a place that you visited or had a lifelong or childhood memory in Muskoka. There’s been hundreds of comments, lost connections made and wonderful shared memories within the pages of this site. I find it quite amazing actually that by posting photos that all these magical things happen.

I guess I should mention at least for the time capsule that the world is still suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. We have endeared a year without travel and a sense of normalcy. I’m sure hoping that my American and International friends will be able to return to their beautiful piece of Muskoka paradise this summer. In the meantime, please stay positive, healthy and safe. I’ll do my best and bring you some Muskoka magic with the clock starting now …

Muskoka Spring Melt by Drone

Ed Boutilier — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 14:43:17 +0000

Welcome to the spring melt in Muskoka. I took this 60 sec drone video on April 3, 2021. You can see that the Joe River, Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau were all starting to open up. Boating season is around the corner. Yippee!



Sailboat Houses
Ed Boutilier — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 19:01:40 +0000
There are certainly some unique and interesting boathouses located on the Muskoka Lakes. These four boathouses are designed for sailboats and are found on Lake Rosseau in various locations. There may be others on Lake Muskoka and Joseph but these are the ones I have discovered running around by myself.
Located near the old Eatons property near Windermere on Lake Rosseau
Located on Ouno Island Lake Rosseau in Muskoka
Located at the top end of Lake Rosseau not far from the lighthouse



A Ride in the CLARIE II a 100 Year Old Vintage Racing Boat
Ed Boutilier — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 19:23:31 +0000
If you spend time on the Muskoka lakes you will witness the glory of vintage boats slicing through the water. They are beautiful, iconic, masterful works of art. Cherished and sought after builders such as Ditchburn, Greavette, Duke and Minett-Shields operated right here in Muskoka.
It was a thrill to experience a recent ride in the Clarie II a 100 year old masterpiece. The 35ft Hutchinson racing boat was built in 1920 for the Rogers family of St Mary’s Cement to compete in the Great Lakes Gold Cup. It features a 500HP Liberty aircraft engine. Hats off to Murray and Emila for providing us with this great experience.




The Joseph River Bridge 1965 to 2020
Ed Boutilier — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 19:26:57 +0000
The Joseph River Bridge, 1965-2020 – the original owner of our cottage dropped off a treasure trove of old photographs and slides they’ve had in their family. I found these two vintage photos of the Joe River Bridge going back to 1965 and made a comparison to today’s view. Apparently the old bridge design was called a Baileys Bridge and it was installed just after WWII. Previous to that there was a wooden bridge here. Peninsula Rd was designated as Provincial Highway #632 between Port Carling and Rosseau in 1961. It looks like there was a bridge replacement in 1966 so I am assuming its the one that is there today. Also part of the road was relocated in 66/67. as a result of the bridge replacement.

More interesting details and photos on this link.

http://www.thekingshighway.ca/PHOTOS/Hwy632photos.htm


 



Fairy Island Revisited
Ed Boutilier — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 14:04:31 +0000
This is the boathouse and cottage on Fairy Island. Avern Pardoe the Parlimentry Librarian in Ottawa purchased 50 acres on Lake Joseph for $5 per acre in 1895. It included Fairy Island. It would become the Pardoe family summer residence for over 100 years. The family eventually could not keep up with the costs of upkeep, property taxes and sold the island to the late Richard Ivy somewhere around 2005. There were many interested purchasers but the family decided on Richard Ivys offer as he had no interest in tearing it down. The Ivy family property is near by and looks over to Fairy Island. Please see my recent post about Loon Island.

I’ve been keeping a watch on this magical little island for over 10 years now. Unfortunately it’s slowly deteriorating and I suspect some day I’ll come by and it will be gone for ever. The boathouse and docks shown here in an earlier photo were severely damaged by the high water and ice a few years ago. They are both gone now and only the cottage remains tucked into the trees.
I made a Blog post about Fairy Island back in 2014 and much to my surprise I received quite a few interesting comments including ones from the Pardoe family. You can see how endearing a place it was and the beautiful memories shared at Fairy Island here.




 
 
 




Loon Island on Lake Joe
Ed Boutilier — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 18:32:47 +0000
The beautiful Arma Island on Lake Joseph.




Vintage Boat Day in Muskoka
Ed Boutilier — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:59:44 +0000
Yesterday morning we witnessed the magnificent antique and classic boats on the water here in Muskoka. There are no boat shows this year with Covid-19 so they decided to join together and do a little tour of the lakes. I made this short video on Lake Rosseau as we navigated around Tobin Island bouncing in their wake. Many of these boats were designed and built right here in Muskoka up to 100 years ago. They are a glorious sight to behold as they cut through the water. I hope you enjoy and feel free to share.

Thank you to the Antique and Classic Boat Society Toronto branch.




Trains, Planes, Steamships and Automobiles
Ed Boutilier — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 18:10:21 +0000
There was a time when people arrived in Muskoka by rail and then steamship. These days some arrive by private jet and helicopters. And then there are others that arrive by personal float planes right to their docks. These are just a handful I noticed on Lake Rosseau recently. I arrived by the seat of my pants. 





Vintage Muskoka Postcards
Ed Boutilier — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 21:49:46 +0000
Last year a gentleman showed up at the cottage and told us he grew up on the property. Apparently his Grandfather had purchased the land in the 1920 and built a cabin. He promised to send me lots of photos of the old cabin and surroundings. He dropped them off a few weeks ago and these post cards were included.




Social Distancing at Muskoka Resorts. The New World
Ed Boutilier — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:27:31 +0000
Social Distancing resort style. I was out on the Seadoo for the first time this season and thought I would drop by the JW Marriott on Lake Rosseau to see what was happening, if anything. I was surprised to see many people in the bay kayaking and canoeing. It appears the hotel is open unlike Cleveland’s House which won’t open this season at all. As I approached the beach area I noticed these isolation pods setup across the property. It’s a new world we are living.

 




Champlain Island Boathouse
Ed Boutilier — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 19:15:43 +0000
Hey now! – I’m staying fairly active in and around Muskoka even though Covid-19 has put a damper on any socializing. That works just fine for me and my INFJ personality type. I’m quite content riding around on the lakes checking things out. There’s nothing more therapeutic for me in getting out on the water. I’m still posting at least one photo per day on social media with most being right here on Instagram.  Here is a recent scene from my Seadoo while balancing an iPhone. Chaplain Island boathouse Lake Joseph in Muskoka. Please click for a larger photo.




COVID-19 Casualty
Ed Boutilier — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 18:41:15 +0000
It is exciting to be back in cottage country and out on the water. I drove by Clevelands House recently to see if anything was going on. Cleves has been my litmus test to get an idea on how busy things are in Muskoka.  I have to say it was a bit of a disappointment when I approached the 150 year old resort. The docks looked dirty with debris, the iconic Muskoka chairs were not lined up and it looked completely abandoned. A bit surreal to actually see this. Shortly after my visit I received the following notice.
It is with a heavy heart that we will not be opening Clevelands House Resort accommodations this season. However, we are excited to plan for the future, and look forward to unveiling the long-term vision soon. Please be advised that the Rock Golf Course and SWS Boatworks Marine at Clevelands House are now open for the season. The opening dates Pie Wood Fired Pizza, Abbey’s Bake House and the Marine Yoga Studio will be announced shortly. Stay safe & healthy.
In my opinion Clevelands House has not been the same since the Cornell family sold it. It became part of the late Ken Fowlers big vision to establish a village in Minett that included the Red Leaves Resort, (JW Marriott Hotel) Wallace Marine (now SWS), Clevelands House, Lakeside Lodge and the Rock Golf Course. Unfortunately the vision wasn’t successful with many of the properties falling into  receivership. In recent times successful Canadian businessman Mitchell Goldhar has purchased the 1200 acre properties with much optimism. Many cottagers are looking forward to seeing how things go in the future. You know its definitely strange times when Cleves won’t be open for the summer of 2020








Missing Muskoka
Ed Boutilier — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 21:24:44 +0000
Along with COVID19 guidelines the Ontario Government has recommended that people do not travel for non-essential purposes. Many families that own cottages as secondary residences have been asked to stay away until the curve of COVID19 cases flattens out. Although there is no actual law forbidding people to check on their properties people are asked to cooperate.  I am aware of quite a few cottage owners that are staying in their cottages, minding their own business and self isolating. Some live in large cities where there is a high density of people and feel much safer being in their cottage residences. I can’t say I blame them. Many of the local people are very upset with the influx of visitors to the area because there is simply not enough resources to support everyone. Especially if there were large medical emergencies to break out. I get that too. Personally I have not visited Muskoka in 2020 and I look forward to getting back when there are positive signs of this pandemic flattening out. Let us hope that we see some sort of normalcy and we get to enjoy our beloved place among the tall pines, beautiful granite and sparking waters in the near future.




Summer Ahead
Ed Boutilier — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 04:22:06 +0000
Some encouraging words




My Top 9 Instagram Photos
Ed Boutilier — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 03:19:31 +0000
Interesting enough my Top 9 Instagram photos for 2019 are all Muskoka related. If you want to connect on Instagram where I post one photo per day you can follow me at: instagram.com/edboutilier




2020 – The Year of Perfect Vision
Ed Boutilier — Sat, 04 Jan 2020 16:35:52 +0000
Really, 2020? – Weren’t we just partying like it was 1999? – Wishing you Love, Health and Happiness.
p.s. – I made this with an iPhone




Transitioning into a New Decade
Ed Boutilier — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 14:42:09 +0000
I’m taking a little break on the beach as we transition into a new decade. I’ve just come to realized that this Blog will be 12 years old. I certainly have not posted as much in the past few years as social media has been more available to share photographs on. Especially Instagram where I post one photo per day. Many people arrive here as a result of a search of a childhood memory or a particular place they have visited. I will endeavor to carry on the tradition of adding Muskoka content. Best in the New Year to all. 




Ice Forming
Ed Boutilier — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 18:53:54 +0000
The ice has started to form on the Muskoka lakes now. It is usually the barge and work boats that are the last off the lakes and I believe that has happened now. Things are growing even more quieter until the sleds get out on the trails.  Muskoka just had a 50cm dump of snow 2 days ago. Winter has indeed set in.




First Snow, Last Ride
Ed Boutilier — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 22:00:53 +0000
It was my last Seadoo ride of the season on what turned out to be our first snow at the Cottage. Oh yeah it was a chilly one. You think I could have picked a better day but the Seadoo was at The Cove Marina after being repaired. I had sucked in a piece of wood a week earlier and wanted to get it repaired before I put it away for the season. I made it back to the cottage to unthaw and put everything away for the season. Until next year. 



Drifting Amongst the October Sky
Ed Boutilier — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 18:42:28 +0000
It has been a little chilly on the lake especially traveling around by Seadoo. If you layer up it is not too bad and the trade-off of being the only one on the lake is so worth it. I’ve visited this little outcropping on Lake Joseph a few times in the past. It is near the old abandoned Fairy Island cottage. I get close and just shut off the machine and drift into the rocks. There wasn’t a soul around except for me and a few seagulls. It is so peaceful in a therapeutic sort of way to just sit and take it all in. I included a cropped version and the original full framed photo taken with a Nikon D700 and the 10-24mm wide-angled lens.





Lost in Rock Formations
Ed Boutilier — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 13:25:35 +0000
They were lost in rock formations and doing a little fishing. Scenes from my Seadoo on Lake Joe




1899 Map and Chart of the Muskoka Lakes
Ed Boutilier — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 00:14:21 +0000
There used to be an old log cabin on our cottage property that was built in 1924 by the Davidson family. The old cabin was dismantled around 2002 and taken somewhere else for future reconstruction. One day a contractor visited and gifted me this map that he found inside a wall of the old cabin on the property. I’ve since researched it and found it was published in 1899 by G. W. Marshall of Toronto. It includes an index of summer cottages, owners, hotels and boarding houses on the lakes. The map I have is a copy from 1975 by the Reverend Hugh G Carmichael of Bala, Ontario. Many of these old maps were made to show the railway lines and this one says, “Map showing the route of the Parry Sound Railway, Crane and Blackstone Lakes, Blackstone Harbor, Georgian Bay. I now have the map framed and mounted behind glass for the cottage wall. A nice little keepsake.
 





The Peerless II
Ed Boutilier — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 22:29:02 +0000
Ahoy Captain Randy Potts.! I was out on Lake Rosseau recently and crossed paths with the Peerless II boat. Always a pleasure to see her on the beautiful Muskoka waters.  The Peerless II ship was built in 1946 in Bronte, Ontario and operated for over 50 years as a gas and oil delivery vessel on the Musk0ka Lakes.  Captain Randy purchased the boat in 2003 restoring it and turning it into a popular tourist experience that leaves from the locks in Port Carling.  I highly recommend this intimate tour with interesting  historical commentary by Captain Randy. They do a tour of Millionaires Row on Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau and private tours for weddings or other social occasions.




Muskoka Modern
Ed Boutilier — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 20:59:12 +0000
This photo is representative of the new style of architecture that adorns the shorelines of Muskoka Lakes. For the past decade many older family cottages have been torn down and replaced by large glass and steel structures. Some call them McMansions. I’m not being judgmental on whether this is right or wrong. Muskoka has always attracted power and wealthy people with unique tastes. This 7500 sq ft abode is currently available for a mere $14.75M CAD




A sure Sign of Cottage Life
Ed Boutilier — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 21:36:49 +0000
S I G N S – A typical navigational aid in cottage country. Sorry GPS or an App won’t help you on this one. Strictly analog living 




Rest Harbour Barn
Ed Boutilier — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 14:41:15 +0000
This is the inside of an old barn that was on a property dating back to about 140 years. It was once owned by the Judd family who were well known in the Minett area of Muskoka. The barn and an old boathouse were for sale back when I photographed them in 2010. I was a little careful not to go prowling inside the barn as it didn’t look very safe. A year or so after my visit I heard the barn had collapsed to the ground. I noticed this little detail of a cross or shamrock at the peak of the roof. It is my last memory of the barn and I had hoped that whomever the new owners would be that they would save this as a momento. I was recently invited back to this property where the owners have built a architecturally beautiful cottage and boathouse. Unfortunately they were not aware of the carved detail and it was lost in the ruble. I was able to provide them with my photos of the boathouse and beautiful acreage they now enjoy.




FlyBoarding
Ed Boutilier — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 19:37:16 +0000
Summer Water Sports or SWS puts on some great ski shows around the Muskoka area. If you have not caught one I highly recommend it. I was over at Clevelands House on Canada Day when I took a few snaps of these Flyboarders. Team SWS has some of the best water skiers and flyboarders in the world. They can even teach you these skills.





Bruce the Moose is Loose
Ed Boutilier — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 19:04:33 +0000
Meet Bruce the Moose. He’s been hanging out at a friends cottage for a couple of days. He is uncharacteristically friendly for some reason. A few people have chimed in on my Instagram page thinking that poor Bruce may be suffering from a deadly brain worm called Parelaphostrongylus Tenuis. I was out taking photos a few years back when a White-Tailed Deer walked right by maybe about 3 feet away. It was very strange at the time experiencing this. I now wonder if maybe he was suffering from the same affliction as Bruce.




X Marks the Spot
Ed Boutilier — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 20:55:18 +0000
X marks the spot. Another boathouse in need of structural work on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. I’ll watch to see if it comes down and gets replaced or if they repair it. It may be beyond repairs by the look of the structural damage. Either way it is going to be expensive. Please click on the image for a biggie size.




Wyvern Boathouse
Ed Boutilier — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 20:42:47 +0000
There is a nice quiet bay on Lake Rosseau I occasionally boat into and drop anchor for a swim. Not far away sits this historic boathouse called Wyvern. I know absolutely nothing about it other than the name emblazoned across the top. Over the years I am finding that many of these historic and unique boathouses are becoming neglected and are in need of some love. The neglect happens for a number of reasons including financial resources, aging owners not being involved and the next generation not caring. It takes a lot of money and care to upkeep these places. Just finding contractors to do the work is another factor. Unfortunately many of these places will eventually be bulldozed and replaced with something modern.




Back in the Saddle
Ed Boutilier — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 22:25:33 +0000
Finally! – some warmer weather to get out and do some boating. Even on the Victoria Day long weekend there was hardly a boat on the lakes. Only the odd marina service boat was out scuttling about. I’ve been out on my Seadoo a few times and took this photo the other day at sundown while exploring the middle of Lake Joe. iPhone photography.




Muskoka Magic Returns
Ed Boutilier — Tue, 28 May 2019 21:31:09 +0000
It has been an unusual spring in Muskoka. With the recent flooding and continuation of chilly weather it has not been ideal for gardening, boating, swimming or just sitting on the patio or dock to enjoy a drink. There is promise in the air. Here is a photo I took during sunset the other night casting a very warm Muskoka magic glow.







Catastrophic Flooding Hits Muskoka
Ed Boutilier — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 17:39:57 +0000
As you are probably aware by now Muskoka and other parts of Ontario are experiencing catastrophic flooding. It is not unusual to experience high water in Muskoka during the spring freshet however it is not normal to experience such serious flooding as we are getting now. The first large flood was in 2013 and I documented it on this Blog. There was another in 2017 and now an even bigger and likely more damaging flood happening right now.
Below are some of the photos of this disastrous 2019 flood mostly taken on Lake Muskoka. The brunt of the damage is on Lake Muskoka as both branches of the Muskoka River flow into it as well as water from Lakes Joseph and Rosseau. The Ministry follows a guideline set out by the Muskoka River Water Management Plan and draws down the lakes through the dam located in Bala, Ontario which exits into the Moon River and down to Georgian Bay. The draw down is supposed to prevent this kind of flooding. It appears everything was done according to plan however we still received disastrous results. There was a record amount of snow this winter combined with lots of rain during the run-off. It is difficult to say whether anything else could have been done to mitigate the damage resulting from these floods.
Photo disclaimer:

Please note that none of these photos belong to me. They have been gathered from various social media posts mainly Muskoka 411 News and RS Muskoka. I always like to acknowledge the original source of photos however it has been difficult to track everyone down due to the influx of photos posted. If I have posted your photo please let me know and I will gladly credit you and thank you for sharing.















The Last Breath of a Muskoka Autumn
Ed Boutilier — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 22:25:05 +0000
The last days of fall were upon us when this shot was taken. And now the winter has approached just like that.