Elissa Boughen of Chestnut Park: Great things to do in Huntsville this winter

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While I am lucky enough to be taking a break in the sun and writing this from the sunny, warm shores of Sanibel Island, it is precisely being away from Muskoka that gets me thinking about how lucky I am to live in such a fantastic, year round, community. Don’t get me wrong: it is very pleasant to enjoy the vibrant colours and warmth here while seeing the cold, gray photos of November in Muskoka being posted online by friends and family. However, seeing some glimpses of snow gets me thinking about how truly beautiful winter is at home and all the great activities that lie ahead this winter in Muskoka. I’ve also been working more and more lately with clients who are choosing to move to this area on a year round basis – whether it be a young family or empty nesters – to escape the city and enjoy the slower pace of life and the year round beauty and lifestyle offered here.

This area offers so much for locals, cottagers and visitors alike and not just in the summer or the fall colours. There is a myriad of events all winter long that draw a crowd and see participants from near and far, such as the Pond Hockey tournament, various winter carnival weekends, the Banff Mountain Film Festival, Muskoka Loppet, Kelly Shires Snow Run and so much more. But it is truly the endless possibilities to simply enjoy the beauty of winter that make this such a great place. Some of my favourite things to do locally include:

Downhill skiing at Hidden Valley

While certainly not the biggest mountain anywhere, HV is a great place to take some runs, enjoy some socializing, and get the whole family out to ski, board, play in the terrain park, or take a lesson, day or night. And all of this within 8km’s of town.

Snowmobiling

The various snowmobile clubs in the Huntsville area offer some of the best snowmobile trails in Ontario. Miles of perfectly groomed and gorgeous trails offer a chance to get out and see some parts of Muskoka you would never otherwise get a chance to see. Or cruise the lakes once they’ve been staked as safe and see what winter looks like vs summer outings in the boat.

Snowshoeing or Cross Country Skiing

There are a number of areas where you can pay to ski on groomed trails through some spectacular scenery. Or, you can just head out on a lake and get some fresh air and exercise. Likewise for snowshoeing. There are endless opportunities to get out in the woods or on the lake on your snowshoes to take in the fresh air, peaceful surroundings and gorgeous scenery while getting some exercise.

Winter Carnivals

Attending one or more of the local Winter Carnivals hosted by villages and towns throughout the area is great winter fun. The Dorset Snowball, the Dwight Winter Carnival, etc, offer a great chance to get out and meet some locals who volunteer to make these events happen year after year while serving up huge numbers of pancake breakfasts and organizing numerous fun events for all ages.

The list goes on. Skate on a frozen lake or Cann Pond. Go for a walk and listen to snow falling from the trees. Go ice fishing. Soak in a steamy outdoor hot tub. Build a snowman. Hurtle down a hill on a toboggan. Get outside and enjoy breathtaking scenery. Stay inside by a roaring fire drinking a local beer and gazing at snowy woods and frozen lakes. Bottom line, winter in Muskoka can be long and cold but is also stunningly beautiful and is so much better when embraced and enjoyed!

The Muskoka Lifestyle. It’s how Elissa grew up, how she lives today, and what she loves. Elissa knows this area intimately, from its lakes and waterways to its towns, villages, roadways and trails. She is the agent to help you find your way here – whether you are new to the area and looking to make the Muskoka lifestyle a part of your cottaging or full time living plans, or whether you are familiar with this magnificent area and looking to make a change.

With an extensive background in sales and negotiating, dedication to outstanding customer service, and a genuine interest in achieving the best for her clients, Elissa will help and guide you with your real estate needs and goals. Confident, personable and professional, Elissa has the local area knowledge and the real world skills to get the job done. Thinking of buying or selling a home or cottage in Muskoka? Let’s talk: 705 787 5463 or [email protected]

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