One-Tank Trip for
June 30/18
(c) By Jim Fox
Ever wondered where
Santa spends his off season with Mrs. Claus?
Like many
Ontarians, he heads to his cottage at the appropriately named Santa’s Village
in Bracebridge.
The “jolly gent” is
rather laid back at this time of year enjoying the cooling breezes away from
the North Pole.
He spends his days
welcoming families and talking with kids about their “want lists” as the
Christmas countdown clock is into the 170+ days.
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| Kids gather around Santa
at his village in Bracebridge. |
Muskoka’s theme
park is aimed at younger children and set in an “Enchanted Forest” located halfway
between the equator and the North Pole on the 45th parallel.
On the banks of the
Muskoka River and set amongst fragrant pine trees, it’s been Santa’s seasonal
domain for 63 years.
This ho-ho-ho land
of themed rides and attractions was established in 1955 as a tourist
destination by a group of Bracebridge residents.
Along with Santa
visits, there are Christmas-themed riverboat and train rides, a rollercoaster, petting
farm, splash pad, paddleboats and lots of food and picnic tables.
 |
| Taking a cruise on
Santa’s Summer Sleigh on the Muskoka River is lots of fun. |
There’s also
Sportsland geared to older kids with pay-as-you-play activities, including
batting cages, immersive soccer and bowling games, a go-kart course, laser tag,
mini-golf, a bungee trampoline and an arcade pavilion.
One of the newer attractions
is Muskoka Zip Lines and Aerial Park while overnight facilities include a
campground and cabins. Details: santasvillage.ca;
(705) 645-2512
Just add water
Boats and water mean summer fun in Muskoka, the land
of 1,600 lakes, and historic wooden craft and steamboats.
Check out these coveted vessels up close at
the Antique and Classic Boat Society of Toronto’s annual Vintage Boat
Show at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst on July 7.
 |
| Crowds gets a
closer look at classic Muskoka wooden boats in Gravenhurst. |
This is a free
event with the theme “Keeping the Passion Alive – A Salute to the Heritage Boat
Shops.”
There will be more
than 100 antique boats and modern high-powered watercraft on view and in the
water.
For kids there’s card
board boat building at 1 p.m. where participants can then paddle their
creations in the bay, along with painting model boats throughout the day.
Organizers say the
“eclectic display” of vehicles from 1906 to the mid-50s will include Amphicars
on land and in the water, classic sports cars, pickup trucks and many vintage automobiles.
A fashion show
takes place at 2 p.m. at the Lions Pavilion featuring clothing from
Muskoka Bay Clothing and Muskoka Discovery Centre. More information: acbs.ca;
(416) 299-3311
Steamboats a’comin’
American
humorist and social observer Mark Twain said it best and would be pleased to
have seen all the watercraft dating back 152 years on the Muskoka lakes.
Still
taking passengers on voyages on these blue-black waters is a “modern interpretation”
of Muskoka first steamship, Wenonah, from 1866, named Wenonah II, circa 2002.
 |
| The Segwun and Wenonah
II are still working the Muskoka lakes. (Jim Fox photo) | |
Joining
her for sailings is the 131-year-old refurbished RMS Segwun, North America’s
oldest operating mail steamship, said John Miller, president of the Muskoka Steamships
and Discovery Centre.
The milestone
sailing event that’s older than Canada paved the way for the early settlement
of Muskoka and the beginning of the lucrative tourism industry in the region,
he added.
This year’s sailing season from Gravenhurst continues
to Oct. 14 with sightseeing cruises along with themed and children’s special
events.
“Each summer, Segwun attracts thousands of tourists enabling
passengers to see the beauty of Muskoka as it should be seen – by water – as
she proudly plies the Muskoka Lakes representing the elegance, style and
heritage of our past,” Miller said. Find out more at: realmuskoka.com/steamships; 1-866-687-6667
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