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Collect moments, not things... #winter #winterwonderland #winterfun #kids #children #freshair #health #mentalhealth #selfcare #exercise #motivation #inspiration #snow #getoutside #outdoors #outdoorliving #activeliving #unplug #landscape #nature #explore #georgianbay #simcoe #muskoka

Hot. Chocolate. Bombs. Those three words together are the name of a magical winter treat sure to delight the sweetest of sweet tooths. Also known as Hot Cocoa Bombs, these are round morsels of chocolate made to bomb into a cup of hot chocolate or hot cocoa to add an extra layer of goodness to the traditional beverage. There are stores that carry Hot Chocolate Bombs, but they’re also easy to make at home. You can make them out of pure chocolate, or stuff them with pepper...mint, marshmallow, or your favourite liqueur. Check out this recipe and try it today: https://www.allrecipes.com/article/hot-chocolate-bomb-molds/ Music from bensound.com #chocolate #hotchocolate #hotchocolatebombs #chocolatebombs #marshmellows #sweettooth #chocolate #sugarcookie #mint #coffee #christmas #winter #love #wintertreat #recipe #homemade #simcoe #georgianbay #muskoka

Last week Parry Sound harbour had near perfect conditions for skating. Tons of locals were out to take advantage of the rare experience. What a night on Georgian Bay! Image by @activeinmuskoka #iceskating #figureskating #skating #iceskater #iceskate #ice #skate #hockey #shinny #pondhockey #winter #health #mentalhealth #exercise #motivation #inspiration #getoutside #nature #landscape #sunset #georgianbay

It really is #nature #winter #freshair #heal #recharge #mentalhealth #motivation #inspiration #snow #getoutside #outdoors #unplug #landscape #sunrise #sunset #lakesimcoe #georgianbay #simcoe #muskoka #explore #neverstopexploring

Who says waterskiing is a young person’s sport? Not Muskoka resident Bob Hutcheson. Now 94, he was just confirmed by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest male waterskier. He took to the waters of Bella Lake (northeast of Huntsville) when he was just shy of his 93rd birthday. Congratulations, Bob! And thanks for the inspiring feat. Include a link: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com//94-year-old-canadian... #muskoka #water #waterski #waterskiing #watersports #active #senior #seniors #stayfit #outdoorliving #outdoors #lakelife #huntsville #lakelife #lakes #boating #boatlife #boat #worldrecords #guinness #nolimits

How cool is this snow sculpture replica of the iconic Segwun steamship? It was created by Andrey Petrova, his wife and their son in Gravenhurst. The real Segwun is a huge draw for summer tourism and is the oldest steamship in North America. What an amazing way to spend time outside and brighten people’s day!... Image by Karolina Dmitrievna #segwun #steamship #snow #ice #icesculpture #winter #winterwonderland #winterfun #freshair #health #mentalhealth #selfcare #exercise #motivation #inspiration #getoutside #outdoors #gravenhurst #georgianbay #simcoe #muskoka

Got an itch to garden that you really need to scratch? Ignore the weather outside and try forcing bulbs indoors. In the fall, our editor planted a few pots of tulips and checkered lilies, then put them in a cold room for a few months. He brought the first pot of tulips out this week and is looking forward to seeing blooms very soon. Many bulbs need 12 to 16 weeks of cold weather to bloom, so it’s too late to start tulips, daffodils or hyacinths indoors. But there are a few ...that don’t need that cold period. If you can get your hands on some amaryllis or some paperwhite narcissus bulbs, you can plant them in pots, water well, and put them on a sunny windowsill. Within a few weeks you’ll be enjoying the very first flowers of spring, while there’s still plenty of snow on the ground. #garden #gardening #gardeningindoors #getreadyforspring #plantnow #flowers #bulbs #plant #pots #pottedplants #tips #advice #nature #gardeners #georgianbay #simcoe #muskoka

Have you ever noticed that your dog-owning family members, friends or neighbours are just a little bit happier and even a little bit healthier than the average person even in a pandemic? Well, it may just be down to having a furry family member in their lives, according to a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health (https://jech.bmj.com). Dog owners are more active (2,760 more steps a day on average) than non-dog owners. And dog ownership has bee...n linked to reduced risk of high blood pressure, stress, and even childhood asthma. Just to be clear: we’re not saying to run out and get yourself a puppy today. Dog ownership is a big commitment, and that dog will need your attention for many years. But if it was already in your plans, it could have some unforeseen benefits. The original study is behind a paywall, but highlights of it and other studies can be found in this article: https://time.com//guide-to-hap/4870796/dog-owners-benefits #mansbestfriend #dog #dogs #puppy #doglover #canines #bestfriends #winter #snow #health #healthyliving #happylife #activeliving #activelifestyle #companion #friendship #muskoka #simcoecounty #georgianbay

Arrowhead Provincial Park's ice-skating trail opened on Saturday, January 30 without much fanfare, but with plenty of interest. Despite the soft-opening, the trail hit the 50-person plateau (only 50 skaters at a time are allowed due to COVID restrictions) within an hour of opening. Make sure to stay tuned to Arrowhead Park’s Twitter account - https://twitter.com/arropark or @ArroPark - for updates, schedules, and other pertinent information before heading over. Arrowhead’s... skating trail was one of the first in Ontario, but it has been followed quickly by others. They have been popping up throughout central Ontario anywhere the winter is consistently cold enough. Got a favourite skating trail in your neighbourhood? Let us know. #arrowhead #arrowheadprovincialpark #skating #iceskating #skatingtrail #winter #freshair #health #mentalhealth #exercise #motivation #inspiration #getoutside #outdoors #unplug #nature #explore #huntsville #georgianbay #simcoe #muskoka

There aren’t many winter activities more authentically Canadian than snowshoeing. It can be done literally anywhere snow is in abundance, doesn’t require too much equipment, and is a good way for the family to stay active together. Plus, it’s an easy way to get outdoors while maintaining social distancing guidelines especially for those who live in central and northern Ontario. It’s also a great workout when doing it over longer distances! So, if you haven’t yet, it’s a goo...d time to dig out those old snowshoes and make yourself a trail! For more tips on picking the right snowshoes, check out this blog post from a few years ago, written by our friends at Water’s Edge Landscaping. https://watersedgelandscaping.com/2017//floating-on-powder/ #snowshoes #snowshoeing #snow #canadian #stayactive #exercise #outdoors #freshair #mentalhealth #health #exercise #fitness #outdoorliving #unplug #winter #winterfun #getoutside #explore #nature #georgianbay #simcoe #muskoka See more

Getting your message out is much more effective when your business has an exclusive. That’s the reason Dockside and Action Media both offer category exclusivity. When your business advertises in Dockside Magazine or on one of Action Media’s digital billboards, our team will work with you to determine an appropriate category, then help craft exceptional content to showcase your work. Intrigued? Send us a message to learn more!... #marketing #advertisting #success #creative #creativity #magazine #billboard #business #branding #marketingplan #original #content #customcontent #exclusivity #muskoka #simcoe #georgianbay

Noticing a draft or maybe a couple of drafts this winter? Some rooms feeling a little colder than normal? It may be time to change those windows and doors or at least get them checked to ensure they were installed properly. The experts at George Kent Home Improvements Ltd. note that improper installations are surprisingly common. If the door or window isn’t seated and sealed properly, it can let heat out and drafts in. Worse yet, a poor seal can cause condensation issues within the wall, leading to moisture buildup and rot. Don’t let a little draft become a big drain on your bank account: get an expert to do a quality check before it’s too late. #windows #doors #drafts #energyefficient #efficient #moisture #mold #professional #experts #advice #bills #savemoney

Winter can be hard on trees, particularly a mild winter when the precipitation comes in the form of wet snow or ice which can build up on branches. Healthy trees can hold an incredible amount of weight. But if your trees are weakened by disease, pests or other stressors, branches can snap without warning, or entire trees can be toppled in a windstorm. The professionals from Lakeside Tree Experts advise regular pruning and inspections. A trained arborist can spot problems before they occur, and the work can be done at any time of year. It’s much better to be safe than sorry! #treeremoval #treepruning #professional #safe #safety #pruning #trees #danger #snowload #iceload #winter #wintersafety #treebranches #muskoka #simcoe #georgianbay

We had such an amazing response to our December Billboard contest that we decided to draw for two winners one in Muskoka and one in Simcoe! Congratulations to Matthews House Hospice and @Mind-Aid Muskoka! These wonderful organizations will each receive a week of advertising space on a digital billboard on Hwy 11 courtesy of Action Media and Dockside Publishing. #win #free #contest #charity #local #localcharity #draw #nonprofit #donation #billboard #winners #congratulations

Sledding and tobogganing are just one way to spend family time outdoors in the winter! It's easy to do for everyone - even Mom and Dad! We all have that favourite hill we love to slide down. Let us know in the comments which hill you love the most. #sledding #sled #tobogganing #toboggan #winter #winterfun #outdooractivity #getoutside #snow #snowfun #familyfun #simcoe #muskoka #ontario

Quote of the Week... Image by Timothy-Abraham #muskoka #sunrise #sunset #november #wine #warmth #henrydavidthoreau

Want the latest update on rural broadband internet? Check out the annual fall seminar from FOCA - Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations which takes place tomorrow morning from 9 a.m. to noon. The feature panel discussion will look at what's happening with rural broadband, with remarks from the provincial minister of rural economic development. If you're a member of a lake association that belongs to FOCA, the webinar is $30. Image by Roberto Nickson #muskoka #internet #homeoffice #workfromhome #cottageoffice #broadband #stayconnected

Are you without power this morning? With the storm that rolled through yesterday so many people are left with no electricity today. If you’re interested in adding a generator to your home or cottage that will get you through these rough times make sure to contact @platinum_electrical and never be without power again. #generator #generac #power #outages #standbypower #homesafety #familyprotection #electrician #platinumelectrical #security #peaceofmind

Planning to send more time at the cottage this winter? Great snow clearing equipment is essential. For a long driveway or a cottage road, check out a wheel loader from @kubotanorth. Powerful and reliable machines, they’re great for summer projects too. For a walk-behind snowblower, Husquvarna machines are consistently excellent: they put snow where you want it, and are built to last for years. Details like adjustable height handles, bright LED lights, and easy-to-use controls make a big difference when you’re out clearing the snow every day. #snowremoval #winteriscoming #beready #prepare #beprepared #getready #equipment #snowremoval #snowblowers #tractors #muskoka #ontario

Quote of the Week Image by Andrew Neel

Looking for an investment that is stable, secure, and fast-growing? Real estate is perfect. Large pension plans like the Canada Pension Plan and the Ontario Teacher's Pension Plan typically have 20 percent or even more of their assets in real estate. But most individuals are missing out. On November 24, Orillia-based Raymond Snoei Financial Planner/Manulife Securities Incorporated is hosting a webinar on how to add forests, farms, vineyards and more to your investment portfolio. Learn more in the latest issue of Dockside. Preregister at raymondsnoei.com #invest #investment #realestate #forests #farms #vineyards #raysnoei #webinar

We love this creative campaign! Using Saturday morning advertising styles to help fight climate change, and educating people about trees at the same time. Every time someone shares this video or uses #Leagueoftrees, the Friends of the League will plant a native tree. The plan is to get up to half a million more trees planted in Ontario. Thanks Ontario Power Generation The Bruce Trail Conservancy LEAF - Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests and @TheNatureConservancy.ca

Friends of the Muskoka Watershed have another ASH Drive coming up on Sept. 26th. Save your ash to help the environment! After all, Muskoka wouldnt be the place it is without our lakes, trees, rocks and wildlife!

Selling your property in Muskoka may seem like an easy task in this red-hot market, but it’s not as simple as it looks. The iMuskoka Properties team uses all the tools at their disposal a digital database of pre-qualified buyers, online virtual tours of each property, targeted marketing in high end magazines, and even a digital billboard on Highway 11. Having this holistic approach to listing properties is the best way to get the result you want. #cottage #realestate #contactlessdeals #holisticapproach #advice #waterfront #muskoka

For more than a hundred years, children from the cities have been coming to Muskoka to enjoy overnight camping. Its the ideal spot, with its many lakes for water sports, forests to explore, and trails for hiking, as well as medical assistance close by. Its within easy transportation reach from Toronto, so many camps supply bus transportation from there. Learn more in the latest edition of Reflections Magazine from Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre in an article called Escape to the Woods: https://realmuskoka.com/reflections/ #muskoka #muskokalakes #huntsville #bracebridge #gravenhurst #lakeofbays #reflections #magazine #camps #history #cottage #lake #children #photography #articles #education #realmuskoka

Boating season isnt done yet! There are still a few weeks left! Our friends at Township of Lake of Bays, Muskoka shared this friendly reminder to always be safe! Wear your lifejackets and dont drink and boat! #muskoka #lakeofbays #muskokalakes #huntsville #bracebridge #gravenhurst #boating #lakes #safeboating #lifejackets #boat #safety #boats #boatlife #boater #ontario #simcoecounty #simcoe #barrie #orillia #oromedonte #georgianbay #kawartha

Several Dockside staff members really enjoy biking and walking the Thornton to Cookstown portion of the Trans Canada Trail. The multi-use trail is great for families or walking your dog as it is level and maintained. Crushed limestone makes the nine-kilometre trail easy on the body for running or walking and perfect for biking. There are several spots along the trail for parking your car and provides quick access to a nature walk for many Simcoe County residents. More detail...s are available here: https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/index.php And here is a map with rest stop and parking spots along the trail: https://maps.simcoe.ca/Trails/ #simcoe #transCanadatrail #trail #easy #walk #bike #dogfriendly #family #familyfriendly #outdoors #hike #exercise #freshair #visit #ontario #transCanada #simcoecounty #thornton #cookstown See more

The Friends of the Muskoka Watershed are hosting another Ash Drive this Saturday, Sept. 12th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rosewarne Transfer Station in Bracebridge. The drive is part of the Friends ASH Muskoka project! Save your ash to save the trees that provide so much to us! Learn more and how to help at https://ashmuskoka.ca/

Stairs can be more than a necessary item to help a home function; they can also be a stylish addition to home decor. The experts at Stairhaus Inc. have created many custom projects for their clients over the years, like this one featured in an edition of Dockside Magazine. #stairs #experts #staircase #staircasedesign #design #homedecor #function #style #muskoka #simcoe #ontario #canada #docksidemagazine #custom #skilled #functional #stylish #customize

In Muskoka we are familiar with the sound of the whistle of RMS Segwun, which is the only local whistle operating on steam. When it responds to a passing boat or a cottager waving from their dock, it sounds a Whoo Wh Wh, which is distinctive, and evocative of times past. Incidentally that signal has no official meaning in the formal sound signals of marine navigation. So, you may ask, how does the steam whistle work? Find out in the latest edition of #Reflections Magazine presented by the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre. Available in print or online here: https://realmuskoka.com/reflections #steamships #steamwhistle #discovery #navigation #Muskoka #Gravenhurst #MuskokaLakes #lakemuskoka #realmuskoka #waterways #lakes #history #science #education #discover #steamship #whistle #ship #ontario #canada

Happy Labour (Labor) Day Weekend to all! #muskoka #muskokalakes #simcoe #ontario #canada #unitedstates #labourday2020 #labordayweekend2020 #labourdayweekend #enjoy #appreciated #together

Have you been to Wilsons Falls? Its one of Muskokas best kept secrets. Located just outside Bracebridge it makes for an amazing afternoon of exploring while you enjoy the true beauty of the falls. Tell us more of your favourite spots to explore around Muskoka! Music from bensound.com #muskoka #muskokalakes #muskokariver #muskokalife #wilsonsfalls #waterfalls #bracebridge #cottage #cottagelife #river #nature #lifeisgood #travel #explore #adventure #drone #summer

Labour Day Weekend is upon us and inevitably the roadways will be packed with vehicles towing trailers full of items. People will be moving from cottages to full-time residences, as well as moving their children to college or university. We have a few tips for those towing trailers and those traveling the roads around them. Top tips when towing a trailer:... Dont exceed the weight limit. Staying within the towing capacity of your vehicle will allow for better handling and reduce the risk of tipping or worse. Practice proper packing. Tight, condensed packing that allows you to still see behind you is essential. Ideally you should be able to see over the load through your rear-view mirror, but certainly you have to be able to see past the trailer through your side mirrors be sure your load doesnt stick out from the sides of the trailer. Secure the load with strong straps that dont allow for much, if any, movement. Check your tires, lights and brakes. Not just the ones on your vehicle, but the ones on the trailer as well. Adjust your mirrors. Make sure you have a good view of your surroundings on all sides of your vehicle and trailer. Make sure to stay alert and regularly check your mirrors. Dont speed or tailgate. When hauling a large load, stopping times greatly increase. Drive the speed limit and keep a good distance between yourself and other vehicles. Tips for sharing the road with a trailer: Be alert. Always assume that the person ahead of you didnt pack properly, and be prepared for an item to fly out unexpectedly. Even if the trailer is packed well, tires can blow and hitches can break. Staying aware of the trailers around your vehicle will give you more time to react if you need to avoid dangerous debris or a disabled trailer. Follow the flow of traffic. Busy roads full of trailers and other vehicles are no place for aggressive speeders or Sunday leisure drivers. Maintain the flow of traffic whether its slightly slower or faster than you would like and be sure to give ample room between yourself and other vehicles. Following these simple tips will provide safer roads for all to travel this busy Labour Day Weekend. #trailer #trailer #muskoka #simcoe #safety #highway11 #highway400 #tips #advice #labourday2020 ##labordayweekend2020 #labourdayweekend #traveling #vehicles #safetytips #drivesafe #saferoads

Sometimes everything you need for the perfect shot all comes together at the right time, including a sky that just cant be beat. #ThrowbackThursday to the evening that happened when we were doing a photo shoot in #Barrie with Raymond Snoei Financial Planner/Manulife Securities Incorporated. Ray offers excellent #financialplanning services to people throughout #simcoe and #muskoka. To learn more about him, check out the latest issue of #dockside

Check out the latest edition of Muskoka Reflections magazine from Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is available both online - https://realmuskoka.com/reflections - and in print. Enjoy the beautiful photography and informative content. #muskoka #muskokalakes #reflections #magazine #steamships #history #cottage #lake #boats #photography #articles #information #realmuskoka

Mice are nocturnal creatures and are rarely seen by property owners. However, they can be harmful and will sometimes make their winter homes inside of machinery that is in storage. The Muskoka Pest Control team says there are several signs to warn you of mice in your home or cottage. The most obvious indicators of their presence are droppings (1/8 to 1/2 inch in length, dark and pointed at both ends), sounds of them running, gnawing or squeaking, or damage to stored food or materials for nesting. If you notice any of these signs, getting professionals like father-son duo Mark and Mike Sampson to investigate the scene is a good choice. #muskoka #Dockside #cottage #house #home #mice #pestcontrol #warningsigns #mouse #pest #property #professionals #experts #expertise #knowledge #advice

Happy Monday! Its a lovely day to take a look into the clouds and see the many faces and shapes. What do you see in this photo? Share your thoughts in the comments. #clouds #monday #dockside #muskoka #simcoe #cottage #faces #places #nature #sky

Have a fantastic Friday everyone! If youre hanging inside or by the dock, try this cocktail - a fave our own Melanie Marshall. Dont drink alcohol? Soak the berries in cranberry juice, then add the soda and ice. Cheers to the weekend all! #cheers #muskoka #simcoe #docktail #cocktail #fun #weekend

This gorgeous lift from Cottage Lifts is called the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) by its owners because it made their waterfront accessible for the whole family. Built in 2017, it features 160-feet of elevated track. #lift #muskoka #simcoe #georgianbay #accessible #family #cottage #mobility #enjoyment #home #waterfrontliving

Its Wednesday - or Hump Day to some. Our spider friend from Arrowhead Provincial Park is happily getting over his own hump of bark and were getting inspired by his efforts. Have a wonderful day everyone! #Arrowhead #spider #nature #happy #humpday #wednesday #inspiration

Its always nice to be appreciated! Our distribution crew found this note from a happy reader! Thank you for the kind words! #Muskoka #lake #readers #appreciation #distribution #magazine #dockside #note #happy #thankful #muskokalakes

Happy Monday Morning from your friends Dockside Publishing! Our staff likes to visit the Port Sydney Chutes for the rapids and scenery. Experienced visitors know where to sit on a rock and safely feel the power of the Muskoka River. Have a wonderful day and an amazing week everyone! #Muskoka #Ontario #Chutes #Video #MuskokaRiver #Nature #Summer #Gem #Notsohiddengem #paddling #wading #picturesque #PortSydney #power #beauty

Safe Quiet Lakes is presenting a free Signs and Buoys webinar on August 25th. Learn from two Transport Canada Representatives what you can do as an individual, Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs) in Muskoka, who can put up signs and buoys, the municipal governments role, and more. A Q&A session will immediately follow the webinar. This webinar is free and open to the public but you need to register in advance at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w-2OXoZsSqmoi6MMgQRUog #Muskoka #Ontario #Canada #TransportCanada #safety #boating #buoys #signs #webinar #safequietlakes #quiet #lakes #boats #cottagers #cottage #boaters #watersafety #rules #regulations #goodpractice

One of the casualties of the Covid-19 pandemic has been live theatre. But the creative team at The Orillia Opera House has found a way to bring it back, safely putting audiences in front of actors inside a beautiful theatre. Our editor Andrew Wagner-Chazalon got a chance to see the show, which opened on August 19 and runs until September 4. Read the review here: http://www.luxuryorillia.com/first-name-basis/ #Orillia #play #theatre #performance #live #OperaHouse #ongoing #actors #audiences #return

Cottagers throughout central Ontario know its important to protect their investment from a variety of outside factors. Whether its for security from intruders or animals when youre not around, or protection from the elements at any time, shutters from Muskokify can provide the peace-of-mind you desire. Put shutters on outdoor bar areas, boathouses, bunkies and even the main cottage. Made from a high-grade aluminum alloy and powder coat finish, Muskokify shutters wont rust and never need painting. #Muskoka #Ontario #shutters #safety #outdoorliving #cottage #houses #bars #boathouses #bunkies #protection

A beautiful custom home is visually stunning, but the hidden details also have an enormous impact on its long-term value. A well-built home is simply a better investment, one that can cost less to maintain and will be worth more if and when you ever decide to sell. The team at Prycon Custom Building and Renovations (www.prycon.com) has spent decades honing their craft. They offer insider tips on how to maximize the value of your investment in the latest issue of Dockside Simcoe. #Simcoe #Custom #Builds #Cottage #Residential

Every theatre in the country has been closed for months, but one is about to reopen. The Orillia Opera House is taking advantage of their massive auditorium to present socially distanced live #theatre indoors -- the first professional theatre in Ontario to reopen! #NormFoster s comedy On A First Name Basis opens August 19.

The sun is shining and the water is glistening at locations throughout Central Ontario! This photo is from @orilliaprc Couchiching Beach Park. #simcoe #Orillia #lovely #summer2020

Scientists have some advice if youre thinking of building a cute little rock pile on your next hike: dont. Those stones provide vital habitat for many tiny creatures, and by moving them you can be unintentionally destroying their homes.

Docksides summer edition is coming to a dock or pick-up box near you! Learn more about several amazing local entrepreneurs! #local #Muskoka #Simcoe #business #community #dock #supportlocal

Soaking up the rays from the hot sun is one of the great joys of summer. But, even the most ardent sun-lovers require a bit of shade at times. Motorized or manual awnings from Muskokify provide the shade you want, when you want it, so you and your family can continue enjoying the outdoors throughout the day. Quality motorized awnings also have rain and wind sensors, so they can close even if youre not there to do so. With dozens of fabrics to choose from, its easy to match your awning with your exterior decor. #awnings #cottage #exterior #motorized #shade #outdoorliving #comfort #convenience Dockside Publishing Muskokify

Its time for Canadas largest synchronized, socially-distanced and virtual, Muskoka dock-to-dock party and youre invited! The Party With A Purpose FUNdraiser in support of CNIB Lake Joe is taking place on August 15, 2020 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stir up your fave Docktail, gather your bubble of family and friends, register your dock online at cnib.ca/docktodock and tune into the 104.1 The Dock Radio for a live Dock Party and Telethon sure to be a docking good time. The Dock Radio will also be live streaming across Canada on iHeartRadio.com. Meanwhile, CNIB will have a party pontoon cruising the Big Three lakes for live and virtual visits with local celebrities, live entertainment, CNIB representatives, and exciting giveaways to support participating Muskoka docks with their fundraising.

The window-like clarity of Muskokifys vinyl screens make you feel like youre sitting outside, but without the wind and pests being able to spoil the moment. Muskokify also offers motorized screens which allow a comfortable breeze while providing protection from UV rays, insects and more. Transform your boathouse, patio, or other outdoor living area into a space the whole family can enjoy. Learn more in the latest edition of Dockside Publishing, coming to docks and pick-up boxes throughout Muskoka. #outdoorliving #screens #vinylscreens #Muskoka #cottage #comfort #Muskokify #Dockside

The idea for this story came to our staff writer, Chris Occhiuzzi after chatting with our editor about letting several spiders of various sizes live in my basement. Chris explained what happened six years ago when he removed all the webs and subsequently spiders before the summer season during a spring clean. That was the worst summer ever for earwigs, flies and other insects visiting his home. The spiders eventually returned to set up shop and theyve happily coexisted e...ver since. And when one happens to find itself on the upper level, Chris carefully catches it and releases the lost fellow into the great outdoors. His assumption in this case is the basement is too full of other spiders. Other instances which lent credence to the idea of this article included noticing bats eating insects in their backyard; playing soccer at dusk during blackfly season and not being bothered due to the multiple dragonflies on duty; and knowing that any creature who eats mice is doing humans a service. Hopefully, weve helped enlighten some readers to the benefits of letting nature do its thing without human interference. Read the full article in the current edition of Lakeside Magazine - being delivered to docks and available at Dockside pick-up boxes throughout Muskoka. Or visit our website at www.DocksidePublishing.com To learn more about some of the species and subspecies weve featured, as well as finding interactive maps of reptiles and amphibians, check out Ontario Nature See more

Our friends at OfficeInc have put together a cookbook of favourite recipes from local foodies -- professionals as well as some enthusiastic amateurs like our Andrew Wagner-Chazalon. Cant wait to see the book!

Have a great day everyone, no matter where you are!

Our team had a great time today, creating the look of a historic photo at the Stephen Leacock Museum Historic Site in Orillia. What a fabulous location! Watch for our summer-fall edition of Dockside to see what we did there. #orillia

Another amazing day out there. Can anyone guess where this is? A very loose hint: its in central Ontario.

May the year ahead bring you smooth waters and clear skies. Happy Canada Day!

Working safe on a windy day. The Dockside team of Andrew Fearman and Chris O getting the job done. Look out for the @onthewaterdesigns spread coming soon