32 50 Years of Exceptional Service - Youngs Excavating
35 Why Natural Shorelines Matter
Get Outdoors
36 Off-Road Enthusiasts
38 Jigging for Kawartha Gold
41 Personal Watercraft Buying Tips
44 Travel Like a BEE - Spring in The Kawarthas
46 Early Season Musky Megabite!
48 Get Summer Started Off Right
Kids Korner with Kenz
50 Crafts for Both Mom & Dad
Daytripping
52 Locking In On Canada Strong
54 A Scenic Day Trip North
58 Lakefield Literary Festival
59 The New Chicks
60 Summer Theatre with Tweed and Co.
61 Lang Pioneer Village
62 Nature Nuggets
62 Listening to Spring
64 What's that on Your Head!
Recipes
56 Puff Pastry Appetizers
57 Grated Carrot Salad
PUBLISHER
Kelly Welsh, Owner
MANAGING EDITOR
Emily Ireland
CONTRIBUTORS
Emily Ireland, Jacob Rodenburg, Don Willcock, Birchview Designs, Craig Nicholson, Rick Whitteker, KATVA & Mike Fitzgerald
Volume 32 • Number 3 705-313-2245
We respectfully acknowledge that the lands and waters often referred to as Cottage Country, are stolen lands and traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg.
We also recognize the local enduring presence and stewardship of the Alderville First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation, whose ancestors have cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial, and who’s enduring presence, knowledge and stewardship shape this land and this community.
As we gather here for recreation, rest, and connection to nature, we acknowledge that these places have always been home - places of culture, community, and livelihood for Indigenous peoples. We honour their culture, and love for this land, and are committed to learning from Indigenous communities, acknowledging past and present injustices, and supporting meaningful steps toward truth, reconciliation, and respectful relationships.
Published 6 times a year by Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine Inc., 705-313-2245, PO Box 8, Buckhorn ON K0L 1J0. Distributed by Canada Post Publications Mail (to Cottages, Homes & Businesses) and distributed to over 100 drop locations. Also promoted and viewed Online and on Social Media. In Print, Online and on Social. Copyright 1994-2026. All rights reserved.
WELCOME TO THE SPRING INTO SUMMER ISSUE
"Summer is a promissory note signed in June, its long days spent and gone before you know it.” - Hal Borland
As sunny May days warm up our senses, so do they awaken our landscapes here in Cottage Country. Forests unfurl into lush green canopies, flowers bloom by the roadside that just mere weeks ago, remained frozen. A truly dramatic transformation occurs, not just visually; migratory birds return and sounds of spring peepers fill cool evening hours, accompanied by the ‘smell of Spring’ - a distinctly earthy smell Canadians can mark the seasonal shift, with each year. June arrives in a hurry with longer days, each warmer than the next - hinting of the heatwaves of true Canadian Summer yet to arrive. Days are spent adventuring and exploring the authentic culture, community and landscapes of Canada's iconic lake country. BBQ’s, weekends spent on the water, campsites aglow with crackling campfires under a blanket of stars.
It’s here, Cottage Country - and we cant wait to get out and explore right beside you!
Welcome to the 2026 May/June issue, the ‘Spring into Summer’ issue - where you will find a little bit of spring content - and just enough summer content to get you excited.
On Cover: RJ Marine Construction invites you to dream big when it comes to your boathouse. From concept to fabrication RJ offers a skilled team capable of working with terrain both above and below the waterline.
If you’re looking to get out and hit the road as the days get warmer, check out articles from: Lang Pioneer Village, Tweed and
Co. Theatre, The Kawarthas Tourism, Kawartha ATV Association & Kawartha Off-road Motorcycle Association, The Trent Severn Waterway’s Canada Strong Pass, Haliburton Highlands Tourism and more!
If fishing is in your future, brush up on your species specific techniques with Angling Pro’s Mike Williams of Williams Outfitters & Guiding, and Mike Quesnelle of GOAT Angling Adventures.
Need a boat for that fishing? Powell Powersports serves up ideas for 2026 fun, whether it be for days spent fishing, or lounging on the lake. Intrepid Cottager Craig Nicholson lays out some top-tips for purchasing your PWC.
Plus, educational interior design inspiration from Birchview Design, and a look at a Four Points Construction and their recent renovation - Emberstone Retreat, and recipes ready for summer entertaining with Weekend at the Cottage.
Explore Cottage Country this summer, and take us along for the ride!
Tag us in your social media posts and show us where you’ve found fun; whether it be hiking, biking, canoeing, camping, boating, RV’ing, Cottaging or just the stops on the path to the perfect burger, pint or patio - we want to see where your travels take you!
Along shorelines where land meets water, construction takes on an entirely different level of complexity. Waves, fluctuating water levels, ice and limited access all demand a specialized approach - one that few companies truly master. That's where RJ Marine Construction has carved out its reputation, building durable, high-
performance waterfront structures designed to last. RJ Marine Construction - a Division of RJ Machine, a third-generation familyrun operation, specializes not just in marine construction, but in the full cycle of steel fabrication and installation for boathouses, docks, boardwalks and even custom homes’ steelwork.
From Concept to Fabrication
Every project begins before materials hit the shoreline. RJ Marine Construction manages your project down to every detail - from permits to engineering, plans and drawings. No two waterfront projects are the same, which is why customization is at the core of our process. Whether it’s a multi slip boathouse or access creation for the toughest of shorelines, each structure is tailored to the site and client needs.
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Photo Above
Steel Work: RJ Marine Construction Build Finished by: Welsh Custom Homes
A Different Kind of Job Site
Marine Construction doesn't begin with just a foundation in the traditional sense. Instead, every project starts with understanding the environment- water depths, and shoreline composition are all competing factors. Whether your shoreline is sand or bedrock, 2' deep or 20' deep RJ Marine Construction has the experience and equipment to make any project a reality. Executing this kind of work requires more than standard construction tools. Using either a hammer equipped excavator or rock drill a pile is sent through the lakes overburden to, or embedded into bedrock. Multiple piles create a sturdy base for the rest of the steel frame. RJ Marine Construction operates its own fleet of specialized equipment including barging for hard to access areas, allowing for full control over both schedule and quality.
While the structural phase may look minimal- often just a framework rising from the water- it represents the most critical part of the build. Everything that follows from the decking to the finishes depends on the strength and accuracy of this foundation. Behind every successful build is a team that knows terrain both above and below the waterline. RJ Marine Construction is built on a foundation of skilled tradespeople and experienced operators who bring years of hands on knowledge to every job.
www.rjmachine.ca
1601 – 8th Line of Selwyn Township, Lakefield, Ontario 705 652 6731
Your Marine Docking and Lift Solutions Specialists
On The Cover Steel Work: RJ Marine Construction
Build Finished by: Sunrise Building
Welcome to Emberstone Retreat on Stoney Lake - a renovation project by Four Points Construction that moved this cottage from a classic, rustic, lakehouse - to a modern, luxurious, retreat.
The Emberstone is a 2-level space built for entertaining, combining luxury, relaxation and lake-life to create a custom, clean aesthetic that lets the beauty of Stoney Lake shine without overpowering.
Well-planned spaces, ease of use and organization, were well thought out with custom amenities like an indoor sauna, custom wine cellar with walnut racks, a master walk-in closet that will make you week in the knees - and lets not forget the shining star of this location - its custom lakeside pergola.
Entering through a handcrafted walnut front door, Emberstone Retreat cheerfully greets you with an open concept design, large windows and wide-open door systems that maximize views of the lake from both the dining area and living room. A bespoke built-in bar adorned with lit floating shelves is included in the main living space where The Emberstone’s classic vaulted ceiling encourages the space to feel vast and airy. Contrasting details like dark window casings and the natural grain of the wooden ceiling beams pair incredibly with light, airy paint selections - offering a modern, bright approach to letting natural light flow in.
The wood-burning fireplace featured in the main living area was created using custom cast-cement 3D tiles and a custom-cast hearth, together they bring texture and depth into the space with an artistic focal point.
Sleek, clean lines, and minimalist design allows the kitchen at Emberstone to feel modern, while the warm wood-tone of walnut cabinetry offers a coziness - especially against the cool tones of
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the counter-to-ceiling marble backsplash; behind which custom hidden spice racks reside. Built-in stainless steel appliancesincluding coffee maker, a steam oven and integrated wood-grain fridge - means counters stay clear, in keeping with the kitchens minimalist style - one thing that isn’t minimal is storage spacewith both upper and lower cabinetry for optimal organization and real-life storage solutions.
The Emberstone’s large kitchen Island offers a gorgeous marble waterfall breakfast-bar providing seating apart from the more formal dining area, allowing family members and guests to visit with the cook while they move around the kitchen.
The master bedroom, with its expansive windows on 2 walls, feels luxurious and bright the moment you walk in - but the true luxury here is the custom closet and connected laundry room - a sleek space that boasts organization, aesthetic and more. All closets are custom built with aromatic cedar cabinetry, lighting, pull down rods, and floating shelves, and the master bedroom closet connects the bedroom to the laundry room for ease of use.
Lakeside, you say? The true highlight of Emberstone Retreat is its custom lakeside pergola.
The simplicity of this modern pergola, constructed with sleek aluminum and moveable clear glass panels, allows an uninterrupted view of sparkling Stoney Lake. Large enough to contain both a functional kitchen, including pizza oven, barbeque, oven, icemaker, fridges, and beverage maker as well as a bar with seating, and still has room to host a generous table for dining al fresco at the waters edge.
Sheltered by lush gardens and rocky green space behind, the entertaining space of the pergola is separate from docking space, offering a gathering sanctum with a Northern view, blessing viewers with pink and orange skies as the sun rises and sets on Stoney Lake. With a fully glass, auto-louvre shade system across the top, and automatic screens every detail of lake-life has been considered - bugs, wind, shade, even a cozy fireplace for those quiet evenings spent wrapped in a blanket, listening to the water lap at the shore and the loons make their lonely evening call goodnight.
If you are looking for tailor-made, functional spaces that embody both your style - and lifestyle, call Four Points Construction.
Specializing in Luxury Cottage Lifestyle in the Peterborough & Kawartha Lakes Regions. www.fourpointsconstruction.ca
Millwork: Wood By Design
Interior Design: Homewood Designs
CABINETRY BUILT FOR REAL LIFE
Our kitchens are the heart of our homes; the place where families nourish their loved ones, and in many homes - command central for the day-to-day operations of the family. There is something special about the way we are drawn to gather in the kitchen as the hub of the home, and having a space this is both reflective of your style, but also considers the functioning needs of your household makes your kitchen a sanctuary.
Cabinetree is a local manufacturer of high-quality custom cabinets that has been serving the Peterborough area since 1989. Evolving from a 4,000 sq. ft. shop into their now 25,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, Cabinetree installs are not only Peterborough-based, but Canada-wide, in a variety of residential and commercial spaces.
With a manufacturing team of expert cabinetmakers, equipped
with cutting-edge machinery and locally sourced materials, Cabinetree continues to efficiently build high-quality cabinetry that stands the test of time - for real life, in real spaces. Think beyond kitchens! Cabinetree produces cabinets for walkin closets, mudrooms, bathrooms, commercial spaces, and everything in between; we’re talking the storage, counter space and organization you’ve been dreaming about - tailor made to fit your space and its specific needs.
The process is simple; meet with one of their trained designers and bring your vision to life. Bring them your measurements or blueprints and your list of wants and needs for your space - and allow their skillful knowledge help articulate how each item can be thoughtfully incorporated to create a beautiful, functional space.
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Cabinetree offers a large product line that includes selections suitable for every budget. Choose from MDF or wood cabinet doors, available in both standard and custom profiles - move on to pick paint, stain or Thermofoil/Melamine materials. Painted MDF cabinet doors offer a smooth, satin finish and there are a wide variety of colour options - or go natural, wooden cabinet doors boast a timeless charm, and Cabinetree has a large selection of wood/stain combinations to choose from.
“Outstanding quality and customer service. We had a kitchen installed almost 10 years ago and it still looks new. They stand behind their product. I have referred 3 other people to them, each who have also had Cabinetree do their kitchens. They too had the same positive experience.” -S.M.
Cabinetree has been working with contractors, developers, designers and the public for over 37 years to create cabinetry made for real living. With a reputation built on a solid foundation of custom, quality craftsmanship, exceptional service, and long-lasting value, the team at Cabinetree is ready to show you just how simple it can be to upgrade your storage - and style, with quality cabinetry produced right here in Cottage Country.
www.cabinetree.ca
REST EASY AT THE LAKE: WHY THE RIGHT COVERAGE MATTERS
For a lot of cottage owners, the season doesn’t really start until the boat hits the water. It’s early mornings on the dock, long afternoons out on the lake, and evenings spent with friends and family. Whether it’s casting a line, pulling the kids on a tube, or hosting a full house for the weekend, cottage life naturally revolves around the water.
And with all of that comes something worth thinking about: making sure everything that supports those moments is properly protected. Cottages aren’t used the same way as our primary homes. They see more guests, more activity, and more time spent outdoors. Add in shared family use, short term rentals, docks, and watercraft, and it becomes clear pretty quickly that a standard, one size fits all policy might not fully reflect how your property is actually used.
One thing that often gets overlooked is how your cottage insurance and your watercraft coverage work together. Boats, jet skis, and pontoons are part of everyday life at the lake, and making sure they’re properly covered alongside your property helps avoid gaps when it matters most. The same goes for docks and waterfront features that see constant use throughout the season.
That means asking the right questions, understanding how you use your space, and adjusting coverage as things change over time. When everything is set up the right way, you can spend less time worrying about what could go wrong and more time enjoying what cottage season is all about.
At Sentinel, we believe insurance should match real life. Better coverage doesn’t have to mean more stress or complexity. Working with an insurance broker who understands cottage country can help ensure your policy reflects how you actually use your property and your boat. It’s about asking the right questions, reviewing coverage as your lifestyle evolves, and making sure nothing important is left to assumption. When your assets are protected properly, you’re free to focus on what cottage time is meant for: unwinding, reconnecting, and enjoying every minute on the water. Peace of mind is one investment that always pays off.
Sentinel Risk Insurance www.sentinelrisk.ca
THE AESTHETIC ERA IS OVER
(OR RATHER, IT’S NO LONGER ENOUGH)
There was a time when creating a home was exclusively about the picture-perfect outcome.
The finished image. The visual impact. The aesthetic that felt brilliant and beautiful.
For many, this was the primary goal - and understandably so. It shaped wish lists, guided decisions, and influenced where time, energy, and investment were placed.
And while the end result will always hold weight, the conversation has quietly - and meaningfully - shifted.
Today, it’s no longer just about what you get.
It’s about how you get there.
Because the reality is, many spaces can achieve beauty in the end. With today’s consumers being well-informed and savvy with online tools or artificial intelligence, the visual concept of a project can come together. What is rarer - and far more important - is the type of experience that unfolds along the way.
Embarking on a new build or renovation is a significant undertaking. There are countless decisions to be made, moving parts to coordinate, and details (both large and small) that shape the outcome. Without the right structure in place, and the experience and tools to execute it, what should feel exciting can quickly become overwhelming.
As we gear up for a beautiful 2026 cottage season in the Kawartha Lakes, our firm is seeing so many more cottage owners and homeowners in cottage country looking toward their builds or renovations with excitement.
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You’ve gathered inspiration, saved ideas, and developed a strong sense of what you’re drawn to (or not drawn to, which can be equally as important!). In a world saturated with options, the need is no longer a desire for more possibilities – it’s for reality. This is what homeowners are really looking for today: a way to move through a renovation or build with clarity and confidence, without getting lost in the overwhelm of endless options, decisions and moving parts.
A carefully coordinated team doesn’t just deliver a finished space for you - it helps you navigate the process itself. Every choice, from layouts to finishes, is informed by the bigger picture. Each phase flows naturally into the next, so nothing feels uncertain or fragmented. You’re not left juggling trades, tracking timelines, or worrying if something will be overlooked. Instead, the work is guided in a way that anticipates challenges, simplifies decisions, and keeps the experience steady and clear.
If you are considering a renovation or build, it is essential to understand (and be aligned with) what the process will look like, so you feel confident as you move through this exciting time.
Great design, at its core, is about more than appearances. It’s about how a home functions, how it supports your daily routines, and how it feels to live in. It’s about thoughtful decisions made with a clear sense of purpose. From early planning and spatial layouts, through selections and construction, to the final details that bring warmth and personality, each step is connected. When that continuity exists, the finished home or cottage doesn’t just look beautiful - it feels effortless. Considered. Complete.
Investing in fully integrated design at this level is ultimately an investment in the experience: in how your home comes together, how it feels along the way, and how it will support the way you live, share, and make memories for years to come. Not just good aesthetic…although that is a wonderful bonus.
Birchview Design Inc. is an award-winning interior design team serving clientele throughout the Kawartha Lakes, GTA, and beyond. As a full-service studio, the firm offers an all-inclusive, simplified experience with elevated design expertise and Renomark certified project management. www.birchviewdesign.com / @birchviewdesign
Hamptons Retreat Project in partnership with Four Points Construction www.fourpointsconstruction.ca
English Ranch Project in partnership with Discovery Dream Homes www.discoverydreamhomes.com
Georgia Pine Remodel Project in partnership with Glenwood Construction www.glenwoodconstruction.ca
Millwork Manufacturers & Countertop Suppliers: Cabeintree for Georgia Pine Remodel, Wood By Design for Hampton's Retreat & Delray Granite for the countertops
Photo Credit: Ashley Adams @flashadams
WHERE MATERIAL BECOMES THE MOMENT
I’ve been having more and more conversations lately that start the same way: not with layouts or colour schemes, but with materials. Clients are arriving with a specific slab in mind, or a texture they’ve fallen in love with, and everything else builds from there. It’s a different way of approaching design—less about decorating, more about composing a space from the ground up.
Kitchens and bathrooms are where this really shows up. Instead of layering in lots of finishes and details, my clients are open to pulling things back and letting one or two materials take the lead. This approach creates a calmer, more grounded feeling, where nothing is fighting for attention, and the whole space feels more resolved.
Stone is usually where the conversation begins. My clients want something timeless, and we end up landing on a slab with beautiful, natural movement. What’s changed is how we’re
using it. Rather than stopping at the countertop, that same slab is carried up the backsplash or even across an entire wall. The space feels more cohesive, and there’s a quiet kind of drama that comes with it.
Waterfall edges and fully wrapped islands have also gained in popularity in recent years. They make something as practical as a kitchen island feel intentional, like a piece of furniture or sculpture. I always tell clients that if you’re going to invest in a material, you might as well let it shine.
At the same time, not everything needs to be hard and polished. I’ve been leaning into contrast a lot—bringing in softer, more tactile elements to balance things out. Fluted wood panelling is one I come back to often. It adds texture and a bit of movement without feeling busy, and it warms up spaces that might otherwise feel too sleek.
That mix of materials is what makes a room feel layered, but not overdone. If anything, the approach right now is more about editing than adding. I’ve had projects where the biggest improvement came from removing things— extra trims, competing finishes and unnecessary details. Once those are gone, the materials you’ve chosen can actually breathe.
There’s also been a lot of progress on the technical side, which helps bring these ideas to life. Engineered surfaces have come a long way. I’ve been working with products like Laminam, and the flexibility they offer is impressive—especially when you’re trying to achieve a really seamless look. Thinner profiles, cleaner edges, and fewer interruptions all add up to something that feels considered without looking overworked.
Even with all of that innovation, I still find myself coming back to natural materials, time and time again. What’s changed is how we’re using them. Finishes are softer— more honed than polished—and the overall palette tends to stay within a tighter range. It’s less about contrast and more about flow.
This is where that idea of warm minimalism really comes into play. When you layer wood, stone and textiles in similar tones, you get a space that feels calm but not flat. It’s minimal, but it still has warmth to it.
More thought is going into longevity, with people thinking beyond what looks good right now and asking how things will age. I always encourage choosing materials that will wear in, not wear out. A good stone surface or a natural wood finish tends to get better over time, and that’s something you can’t replicate.
Of course, none of this works without a bit of balance. A strong surface needs something quieter around it, can feel like too much. I usually pair bolder materials with softer, more neutral elements just to give the eye a place to rest. And lighting makes a bigger difference than people expect—it can completely change how a surface reads throughout the day.
At the end of the day, this shift toward statement surfaces isn’t about following a trend. It’s about being more thoughtful with the choices we make. When you get the materials right, you don’t need much else—and that’s kind of the point.
Cinnamon is the award-winning Principal Designer and founder of Toronto-based Jessica Cinnamon
Her firm is a multi-disciplinary design studio that has become known for creating stylish and well-curated interiors. They provide complete bespoke design services throughout Ontario, Canada and the United States. @Jessica_cinnamon_design jessicacinnamondesign.com
Jessica
Design Inc.
Photo Credit: Stephani Buchman Images
50 YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
YOUNGS EXCAVATING
’Tis the season - for landscaping! Spring has sprung and you’ve had all winter to dream about ‘warm weather’ projects, whether it be a septic upgrade, armour stone landscaping or a new build, Youngs Excavating is ready for your call.
Owner, Paul Young, took over the family business after years of working side-by-side with his father, Cecil, who founded the
construction business in the early 70’s. With over 50 years of quality workmanship and exceptional customer service, Youngs Excavating has built a solid reputation for honest, hard work.
Paul’s son Riley is the 3rd generation to carry the legacy his grandfather built and together with Paul they enjoy tackling every challenge that clients bring to them.
Staying up-to-date on current rules and regulations, along with innovative thinking, together Paul and Riley can make even the most difficult project, a reality for their customers.
Youngs Excavating also has a gravel pit in Burnt River, Ontario located at 82 County Road 44. The gravel pit is open to the public to pick up small loads of topsoil, triple-mix, mulch or gravel. If larger loads of material are needed, Paul or Riley can be contacted to arrange for delivery.
Customer satisfaction is always the number one priority for Youngs Excavating. www.youngexcavating.ca
705-328-5893 (Paul Young)
705-879-3959 (Riley Young)
LIST OF SERVICES:
• Shorelines Repair and Restoration & Applications to Trent Severn
• Trucking Gravel and Topsoil Delivery
• Armour Stone Rock Walls & Steps
• Excavating Basements, Hydro Trenches, Water Lines & Ponds
• Licenced Septic Systems Installer
• Youngs Excavating - Burnt River Pit (All types of Sand & Gravel, Topsoil and Triple Mix)
WHY NATURAL SHORELINES MATTER: RECONSIDER THE ARTIFICIAL BEACH
There’s something about walking through a sandy beach to dip our toes in the water. But if your shoreline property doesn’t have a naturally sandy beach, it’s better to let it stay just the way it is! Creating an artificial beach isn’t just discouraged; in many areas it may not even be permitted.
Your property’s native vegetation and natural features like logs and stones are actually helping protect your shoreline and lake from erosion, flooding and runoff. They also provide important wildlife habitat. Take away these features, and you also take away the natural protection they provide you and your property.
Not to mention, all that work won’t last! An artificial beach will eventually disappear. Waves, currents, ice and other erosive forces will eventually remove the sand. Even pulling up your boat or constantly walking on sloping sand can push the sand from an artificial beach downhill into the water. By adding more sand to an eroding beach, you risk gradually filling in your lake, covering
fish habitat, and maybe even impacting the quality of drinking water for you and your neighbours. Bringing in sand can also bring in unwanted seeds or insects that can be harmful to your area.
You’d also have to check to see if an artificial beach would even be permitted for your property. To cover your bases, check with your conservation authority, municipal government, provincial or territorial Ministry of Natural Resources, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada (if applicable). If you don’t have the proper permits, you could end up with pretty hefty fines — hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of fines.
Rather than altering your shoreline, enjoy the natural beauty it already offers. It’s a simple way to help keep your shoreline, lake and local wildlife healthy.
For more information on how you can show your lake some love, visit LoveYourLake.ca. Love Your Lake is a shoreline assessment
program developed by the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Watersheds Canada.
Written by Terri-Lee Reid, Freshwater Researcher with
the Canadian Wildlife Federation
OFF-ROAD ENTHUSIASTS
The hum of engines, the scent of pine, and miles of winding trails—welcome to the ATV and dirt biking experience in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. Tucked within a landscape of forests, rolling hills, and sparkling lakes, this region has quietly become one of the province’s most inviting destinations for off-road enthusiasts. But what truly sets it apart isn’t just the terrain—it’s the sense of community and family that rides along with it.
Off-roading in Kawartha Lakes is more than a pastime; it’s
a family sport. On any given weekend, you’ll find multigenerational groups hitting the trails together—whether on ATVs or dirt bikes. Parents teach kids the basics, teenagers build confidence on two wheels, and experienced riders explore more technical terrain. The trail systems are well-maintained and clearly marked, offering routes for beginners as well as more advanced challenges. Safety and accessibility remain a priority, making it easy for newcomers to get started while still delivering excitement for seasoned riders.
Organizations like the Kawartha ATV Association and the Kawartha Off-Road Motorcycle Association play a vital role in maintaining and promoting responsible trail use. Together, they help provide access to hundreds of kilometers of interconnected routes that wind through dense forests and alongside picturesque waterways. Dirt bikers, in particular, benefit from trails designed with agility and technical riding in mind, adding another dimension to the region’s off-road appeal. Seasonal changes only enhance the experience—lush green summers transition into breathtaking fall colours, turning every ride into a scenic adventure.
But a trip to Kawartha Lakes isn’t just about the ride. The region offers a full getaway experience. After a day on the trails, visitors can explore charming small towns like Kinmount, Bobcaygeon, and Fenelon Falls. These communities are rich with local shops,
cozy cafés, and welcoming restaurants where riders can refuel and unwind. The Trent-Severn Waterway, a historic system of locks and canals, provides a perfect backdrop for sightseeing or a peaceful break from the throttle.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty beyond motorsports. Fishing, boating, hiking, and camping opportunities are abundant, making it easy to turn a day trip into a full weekend escape. For families, this means there’s something for everyone—even those who prefer a quieter pace while others ride.
Accommodations range from rustic campsites to comfortable cottages and inns, many of which cater specifically to ATV and dirt bike riders with trail access and space for trailers. It’s this thoughtful infrastructure that makes Kawartha Lakes especially appealing for visitors traveling with family and gear in tow.
In Kawartha Lakes, off-roading isn’t just about where you go— it’s about who you bring along and the memories you create together. Whether on four wheels or two, this region delivers an experience that keeps families coming back year after year.
Kawartha ATV Association www.katva.ca
JIGGING FOR KAWARTHA GOLD
Walleye fishing has always been a popular pastime in cottage country. I remember as a kid the bridges and dams in neighbouring towns were packed on opening weekend with eager anglers looking to cash in on their limit. Many of them jigging with live bait from local tackle shops or casting Rapalas in the current. They would travel to the area from all over Ontario and the U.S. just to chase these tasty critters. Although those golden years are now gone, there is still a bounty of walleye to be caught if you know the right techniques, habitat, and behaviour of these elusive predators.
Jigging is one of the most proven, effective methods for catching walleye, allowing anglers to target them year-round and often producing bites in the toughest conditions.
Understanding Walleye Behaviour
Walleye or “Kawartha Gold” as they are affectionately known in the area, are visual predators and use their keen eyes to ambush their prey in low light conditions. They often feed best at dawn, dusk, and during overcast days. A little bit of wind or a “walleye chop” as it is known in fishing circles, improves these conditions and helps your chances of success even more.
In early season walleye are coming from their spawning areas and looking to feed and replenish their energy reserves that
have been depleted during the rigours of the spawning season. During this time, they can be found in mid depth water (6-8ft) adjacent to spawning areas. Shallow main lake points, dams or in flowing moving water with a rock sand mix is an ideal place to start your search.
As water temperatures rise and weed beds begin to grow walleye move to the emerging weed flats, drop offs and main lake humps surrounded by deeper water. They will tend to hang close to these areas in 12-14ft of water throughout the summer months moving to deeper water (18-20+) during the high sky sunny days and heat waves. They move up to the weed edges and humps to feed when conditions are favourable. Understanding their behaviour and habitat is key to successful jigging.
Essential Gear for Jigging
• Rod and Reel: I recommend using a Medium to Medium/Heavy spinning rods (6–7 feet) depending on the jigging technique and presentation you are using. A quality reel with a decent drag system is necessary. This combination will give you the backbone, sensitivity and control you need to hook and land these finicky fish.
• Line: I typically use 10-15lb test braided main line with a 10lb fluorocarbon leader this combination offers feel, sensitivity, and low stretch for solid hook sets. The fluorocarbons low visibility qualities help entice bites from leery pressured fish.
Jig Types & Techniques
Ned Jig Heads: Ned rigs are a new favourite of mine and I love to fish these off the mid-lake humps or rocky depth changes with sparse weed. I cast these jigs out and let them sink on slack line watching my line for any irregularities until they hit the bottom. I start the retrieve by slowly reeling keeping contact with the bottom and shaking my rod tip to entice strikes. Sometimes I vary this retrieve by hopping the bait slightly or varying my pause. Many of the strikes I get are subtle, you will feel the odd tick, but they usually just suck it in, and your rod will just load up or feel weight. Set the hook and you will be surprised with a fish more often than not. You can tip these Ned heads with a small straight worm or my favourite is the www.prowaterbaits.com Deadly Nedley in my signature Wangers Walleye Gold Colour.
Led Ball Head Jigs: Early Spring when there are no weeds I use lead-head jigs in sizes from 1/8 oz to 1/2 oz depending on depth, current, and wind. Popular colours like chartreuse, pink, or white are mainstays. You can tip these jigs with small artificial swim baits, grubs or live bait such as minnows, worms, or leaches. These jigs work well when fishing from a boat over deep structure using a vertical jigging technique. Drop the jig straight down and lift it gently, letting it fall back to the bottom. Walleye often strike as the jig falls and you will usually feel a distinct tick or see your line jump when they strike.
#3
Buck Tail or Hair Jjgs: when the weeds grow thick in the summer months and you must dig the fish out, I reach for a hand tied Buck Tail Jig. I cast this jig into thick milfoil weed beds and snap or rip jig it through the grass. Rip jigging requires sharp lifts or snaps of the rod to make the jig dart upwards, then allow it to fall back down on slack line. This erratic movement mimics injured prey and can trigger aggressive strikes usually on the fall. This is where a heavier rod like a Medium heavy comes in handy not only to snap the jig up but also hook the fish and rip them out of the heavy cover. I normally use natural colours starting with a black base with some red or yellow mixed in. I do not tip these jigs with anything as it usually will rip off from the violent jigging action required to master this technique but if I do, I will use a gulp minnow.
I know adding these jigs and techniques to your arsenal will make you a better angler and drastically improve your chances of a successful trip. Be sure to put them to use next time you are out hunting Walleye gold in the Kawarthas. Remember to always check provincial fishing rules for walleye size and slot limits in the areas you are fishing as well as the correct possession limit for your licence.
Happy fishing always! Catch you on the water!
Mike Williams, Williams Outfitters www.williamsoutfitters.com
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
BUYING TIPS
Summer’s coming and maybe it’s time for a new boat. Although this article focuses on personal watercraft (PWC) shopping, many of my tips also apply to buying any new boat.
Perhaps you’ve never owned a PWC and don’t know much about them. So, imagine the exhilarating sensation of skimming over the water with unmatched handling and turn-on-a-dime maneuverability. These jet-propelled vessels are virtually unsinkable, reliable and as easy to operate as a motorcycle or snowmobile –except that PWC’s are not equipped with navigation lights.
Manufacturers & Models
However, it’s important to get a PWC that’s right for you, whatever
By Craig Nicholson
brand and model that may be. The search can be confusing because the PWC manufacturers – BRP (Sea-Doo), Yamaha (WaveRunner) and Kawasaki (Jet Ski) – each categorize their market segment offerings somewhat differently. But broadly, PWC’s are differentiated by primary usage: recreation, touring, and performance (not highlighted in this article).
How Will It Be Used Most?
Start your search by creating a user profile hierarchy that includes all potential riders. Be sure to factor in individual user characteristics like experience, gender, weight and age. Also prioritize your probable range of uses and how they might change over time as ages, interests and priorities change.
For family-friendly weekend recreation with the kids at the cottage, your priority might be a model that’s user-friendly & safe across various skill levels, suitable for several small passengers, and tow-capable for tubing, wakeboarding or skiing (see Family PWC sidebar).
On the other hand, if your main goal is cruising and exploring, then the priority may be a more ride-oriented model that deliver smoother, hassle-free, day-long comfort (see Touring PWC sidebar). Even if your time on the water may include some of each, don’t lose sight of your priority use purpose.
Where Will It Be Used Most?
Lake or river? Big water or sheltered back channels? Fresh or salt water? Always around your own cottage or trailering elsewhere? Also, are your home waters navigable by PWC to interconnected adjacent waterways? These answers will help determine the size, power and features for your model of choice.
What Can You Afford?
For me, this question breaks down into: “What can I afford now?” & “What can I afford for tomorrow?” If you’ve done your user profile hierarchy homework, affordability should be tied directly to what will best satisfy your primary PWC purpose, present and future. Also, consider investing in the best technology available to enhance what you want to do. Why? Because that model will deliver more enjoyment for longer – and will likely retain better resale value.
What Model Is Right For You?
Typically, each PWC market segment offers several model choices from basic to fully loaded. So, check what specific features each model has thru your priority usage lens. What size do you need? What power level do you need? What features are most beneficial to you? What model can you afford? Don’t get distracted by bells & whistles or fancy colours & graphics, focus first on what affordable model will do the job for you.
Also, note that most personal watercraft manufactured today have 4-stroke engines to meet environmental regulations and improve fuel efficiency. This includes the entry level “Rec-Lite” segment made by BRP (Spark) and Yamaha (JetBlaster). With base models at less than $10,000, these small-sized PWC’s are decent jack-of-alltrades offerings for beginners and casual users. But Rec-Lites don’t deliver the full versatility, comfort, features and performance of more expensive purpose-built models.
What Next?
Go to the manufacture websites and discover what each model’s primary design purpose is. And while you’re there, look for dealers in the Kawarthas, Haliburton Bancroft area who can answer your questions personally and may even have test rides available or suggest where you can rent one to try for a day. Also, joining an online PWC group may be a good source of model & shopping info. Hopefully, answering these “how to buy questions” will make your personal watercraft shopping easier, more cost-effective – and lead to a summer of unbeatable fun on the water!
Craig Nicholson is an International Snowmobile Hall of Fame journalist and a long-time Kawarthas cottager who provides tip & tour info for PWC riding at: intrepidcottager.com & snowmobiling at: intrepidsnowmobiler.com.
Photo Credit Page 42 Botttom: Craig Nicholson
Photo Credit Page 42 Top: BRP
Photo Above Credit: Allan Glanfield
PWC Key Family Features
• Multi-use versatility
• Passenger seating
• Swim platform
• Boarding ladder
• Tow hook
• Large storage
• Learning Key
• Brake & Reverse
PWC Key Touring Features
• Hi-stability hull
• Extra-large fuel tank
• Ergonomic 3-person seating
• Extra leg room
• Large storage capacity
• Brake & Reverse
• Cruise control
• Electronic trim
• Smart connectivity/navigation
• Riding modes
Join A PWC Group
Peterborough & Area Sea Doo Club: www.facebook.com/ groups/1161566817196337
There’s something about The Kawarthas that tends to draw in a few distinct types of travellers. Not by design, but by the experiences this place naturally offers; each one shaping how it’s explored.
The Fox is all about movement, drawn to trails, water, and the thrill of discovering what’s around the next corner.
The Bear prefers a slower pace with quiet mornings, lakeside views, and the comfort of returning to familiar places year after year.
The Otter looks for meaning in their travels, often alongside family and friends. Curious and thoughtful, they’re drawn to experiences that offer a deeper understanding of a place.
And then there’s the Bee
Spring is where the Bee comes alive in The Kawarthas. As the days grow longer and the region begins to hum again, cottage country energy returns - patios fill, conversations flow, and communities reawaken. Drawn to culture, people, and stories, the Bee’s moves are guided by curiosity, seeking out moments that feel authentic and meaningful. For them, travel is about engaging - trying, tasting, learning - and leaving
with something that lasts long after the trip ends.
In Lakefield, the Bee will be drawn to the stories woven into the landscape. Long a source of inspiration for writers like Susanna Moodie, Catharine Parr Traill, and Margaret Laurence, the village still carries that literary influence. Each July, that connection comes into focus during the Lakefield Literary Festival, when readers and writers gather to celebrate generations of storytelling. Beyond the festival, the Bee will continue to enjoy connection in conversations with boutique owners, dishes at local restaurants, volunteers and displays at the Christ Church Museum, or a stay at The Village Inn, where historic charm meets modern comforts.
Further south in Millbrook, the past is woven into everyday life. With the highest number of historically designated buildings per capita in Ontario, the village’s downtown is not only rich in history but regularly used as a filming location - a testament to its timeless character. The online self-guided walking tour available from the Millbrook and Cavan Historical Society brings those stories forward, offering a deeper look at the people and places that shaped the community.
Minutes from the village, 4th Line Theatre carries local history into
the present. Its outdoor productions, located on a storied farmstead, create an evening that feels intimate and immersive. For those drawn to culture, it’s an experience worth planning your entire trip around.
To truly understand The Kawarthas, a Bee naturally begins with the First Nations who have cared for it since time immemorial. Their stories, knowledge, and traditions are woven into the land itself, shaping this place long before it was known by any other name. At Whetung Ojibwa Centre, handcrafted pieces and artwork reflect generations of tradition, storytelling, and community –and your conversations with the members of Curve Lake First Nation will stay with you long after you leave. That connection continues at Petroglyphs Provincial Park, where the largest known collection of ancient carvings in Canada tells a story that words could never express. It’s an experience that encourages you to slow down, take it all in, and thoughtfully reflect.
For the Bee traveller, some of the best experiences are the ones you can take part in. At Rice Lake Arts, that might mean signing up for a class or workshop and trying something new. It’s a chance to step out of
passive travel mode and create, learn a skill, meet new people, and leave with something made by your own hands.
An unexpected kind of cultural experience in The Kawarthas can be found at Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden. Spanning more than 500 acres, it reflects an ambitious vision to create one of the largest Buddhist cultural complexes of its kind outside China, blending traditional design with the Canadian natural landscape. Walking the grounds, there’s a sense of both scale and stillness, a space designed not just to be seen, but to be felt.
For those who travel like the Bee, it’s never just about getting away. It’s about engaging with a place through its people, its culture, and the experiences that bring it to life. It’s about following curiosity, staying open, and letting each moment unfold naturally. In spring, The Kawarthas offers exactly that. A place to explore without overplanning. To connect effortlessly. To travel like you and leave with stories that feel entirely your own. Because the best kind of travel isn’t passive, it’s something you step into.
Ryley Gutoskie, The Kawarthas Tourism
EARLY SEASON MUSKY MEGABITE!
Esox Masquinongy, Cabbage Dragon, Gator, Water Wolf, Lunge, Ski, Musky, Muskie, Muskellunge. Whatever name you know it by, this legendary fish of "Ten thousand casts" is a highly sought after gamefish renowned for being difficult to catch, but that's about to change for you.
Depending on your fisheries management zone, Musky angling opportunities usually open in early June. The first 3 to 4 weeks after the season opens offers anglers a chance to experience some of the best action of the year. Casting traditional in-line spinners commonly referred to as Bucktails, as well as large Spinnerbaits allow anglers to cover a large amount of water. These baits are highly effective for targeting Musky in shallow water and mimic baitfish with natural hair (usually made from Bucktail) or synthetic fibres often consisting of Tinsel, Marabou, and rubber.
The synthetic material often the most popular for modern day "Bucktails" is Flashabou. It is a non-absorbent material which sinks quickly and has great flash and vibration qualities. Blue Water Baits make an excellent spinnerbait style bucktail that I have had a lot of success with.
Natural Bucktail, which is Deer hair, is the traditional choice still
widely used by manufacturers. It is naturally buoyant which helps the lure to pulse or "breathe" during the retrieve. The Mepps Musky Killer is still a popular choice.
Marabou "Bucktails" are often used in situations where the fish receive a lot of fishing pressure. It is made from the soft feathers of birds like Turkeys. Marabou reacts almost instantly to small movements in the water and will fluff out making it look very realistic. Dadson Blade Baits make one of the best I've seen.
Location is everything
Early in the season, targeting musky in shallow water is highly effective. Large flats with remnants of last year’s weed growth in 3 to 8 feet of water are ideal, as fish use these areas while recovering from the rigors of spawning. These shallow, relatively even-bottomed zones warm quickly, increasing metabolism and signaling the start of more aggressive feeding. The abundance of baitfish and other prey species during this time also provides easy opportunities for these opportunistic predators.
Typically, I like to focus on areas close to spawning grounds, where musky tend to stage before moving out to deeper summer
locations.
Concentrate your efforts in front of shallow bays where the water transitions into that productive depth range. Often, you’ll find expansive stretches of 4 to 8 feet of water just outside these bays holding multiple fish—so it’s worth working these areas thoroughly before moving on.
Presentation
Fan casting while moving along slowly with the trolling motor helps cover the most amount of water. One of the key attributes of utilizing bucktails is the ability to "Burn" them back to the boat. Despite their large size, most bucktails can be retrieved quickly, allowing the lure to run above the old or emergent weed growth. I like to momentarily stop my retrieve and quickly start it again as this forces the skirt material to pulse or breathe and can trigger a fish to strike. Of course, every cast should end boatside with a figure 8 as Musky are notorious for following a lure back to the boat. The figure eight is a critical boat-side technique, commonly used in musky and pike fishing to trigger strikes from following fish. It involves using the rod tip to guide the lure in a smooth, continuous “8” pattern about 3–4 feet below the surface at the end of a retrieve, mimicking the erratic movement of wounded prey and provoking a violent strike.
Tough Equipment
Casting these heavy bucktails all day requires equipment up to the task. Heavy action rods in the 8' to 9' foot range paired with rugged baitcasting reels spooled with 80lb test braided line gets the nod. I like to use fluorocarbon leaders on my bucktails and usually stick with leaders in the 150lb class range. You may think that this is all overkill and that the gear is extreme, however, Musky are surprisingly fragile compared to many other species, built for short bursts of speed rather than prolonged fights. As a result, they tire quickly and can become completely exhausted by the end of a lengthy battle. Extended fights cause a significant buildup of lactic acid in their muscles, making recovery difficult. Even if a fish swims away upon release, this stress can lead to delayed mortality, where it later dies after appearing to recover. A quick and efficient fight with heavy gear is the single most important factor in maximizing its safety and ensuring a healthy recovery after release.
A quality landing net, long-nosed pliers, and side cutters capable of cutting deeply
embedded hooks are essential items to have on your boat.
Handle with Care
Proper handling techniques are essential for the safe release of musky. Always support the fish horizontally with two hands to prevent injury, and keep it in the water— ideally in the net—as much as possible during unhooking and measuring. When lifting the fish, use proper grips such as a gill plate hold, placing your hand along the gill plate with your thumb in the natural groove, while supporting the belly, or opt for a two-
handed hold supporting both the head and tail. Using a cradle, sling, or landing net is strongly recommended to properly support the fish’s body. Finally, limit air exposure by keeping the fish out of the water only briefly for a quick photo before release.
So, tie on a bucktail this spring and get ready for the fight—you're about to experience the musky megabite!
Good Luck and get outside!
Mike Quesnelle, GOAT Angling Adventures www.goatanglingadventures.ca 705-934-1450
GET SUMMER STARTED OFF RIGHT
WITH POWELL POWERSPORTS & RECREATION
With Summer at our doorstep and a little sun in the forecast, it’s time to get excited about summer fun; and here in Cottage Country - Summer fun usually includes boats, ATV’S and days spent exploring the great outdoors!
Powell Powersports in Marmora is ready to hook you up with the best deal, the best service, and the best toys to make this summer the best one yet. Can you feel the breeze in your hair as you cruise the lake on your new pontoon boat? Music playing over the speakers, friends laughing beside you - sun shining down making the water sparkle, a lazy loon-call carries over the landscape; this is the life… and, this could be you - with the help of the team at Powell Powersports.
EXPLORE THEIR BRANDS
Plan for Summer Fun with a MirroCraft Boat
With a diverse lineup of competitive fishing, family skiing and cruising, or just plain entertaining MirroCraft is a well-known watercraft manufacturer that has been serving up long-lasting boats since 1956.
MirroCraft Boats are both stylish and comfortable, but underneath all that are built with quality manufacturing and craftsmanship at the core.
Montego Bay Pontoon Boats Put the ‘Party’ in ‘Party Barge’
There isn’t a weekend that goes by at the lake that one hasn’t thought - ‘I wish we could ALL go out on the lake at once…’ Well,
with Montego Bay Pontoon Boats from Powell Powersports the days of taking turns going on the sunset cruise are over. Bring the family, bring your neighbours, ask friends up to the lake for the weekend - and take them out on the lake!
With Montego Bay Pontoon Boats there is no compromising, you can have it all - a boat capable of fishing, cruising, and entertaining with their full line of high-performance twin-toons and tri-toons. Spacious layouts and ample deck space both lounging and fishing make these crossover models capable of both a day on the lake with the kids, and a day on the lake with the fishing rod. Available in three lengths, and come standard with two rear fishing seats.
Power-Up with Tohatsu Motors
Simple, easy to use built with quality technology; Tohatsu Motors is the perfect outboard motor to power your vessel - whether it be, a Montego Bay Pontoon Boat, a MirroCraft Fishing Boat, or your old-faithful, tinny. Built with SIMPLIQ™ Technology - “Technology Designed to deliver the ultimate boating experience.”
Tactical Overland Trailers Connecting Canadians with User-Friendly Off-Grid Camping
Made by a Canadian, built for Canadian terrain - Tactical Overland Trailers, a company based in Alberta, Canada builds trailers designed to be rugged enough for adventure, affordable enough for everyone, while still being functional and comfy - and they deliver!
“We believe that outdoor adventure should be accessible — not just for hardcore off-roaders, but for anyone who loves sleeping under the stars, cooking a meal in the wild, and waking up wherever the road ends.” - Tactical Overland
FOR THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURER
Segway ATV/UTV’s - Brought to you by Demon Powersports
Choose from a powerful lineup of ATV, Sport Side x Side, and Utility Side x Side models and experience the advanced technology, comfort and performance that is Segway Powersports.
Whether you’re looking for something to help get the farm chores, or yard work done - or a more aggressive ride for trail riding the team at Powell Powersports can help match you to the model best suited to you.
www.segwaypowersports.ca www.demonpowersports.ca
Check out this growing Canadian brand yourself in the Powell Powerpsorts showroom; and bring home plans to sleep under the stars in your new off-grid trailer this summer.
www.tacticaloverland.ca
Step into the showroom at Powell Powersports, Marmora and chat with one of their knowledgable staff members and secure your summer fun, now!
www.ppsr.ca 613-472-2633 102317 Hwy 7, Marmora, ON
CRAFTS FOR BOTH MOM & DAD
With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day approaching, the one thing on all of our minds is creative homemade gifts that have never been done before. Here are a couple of fun ideas:
Father's Day: first you're going to have to get yourself some string (about a foot long), some cardboard, a stick from your yard, and your favourite colours of paint.
*Get a parent to help you with this part - trace out a big outline of a fish and cut it out. Get creative and paint the cutout - get wild, or go with traditional green!
Once your paint has dried, poke a hole at the mouth-end of your fish. Loop your string through the hole and tie the other end around your stick. Lastly, take a black marker and write “You’re One Catch of a Dad” and there you have it, a creative and punny Father’s Day gift that will be remembered forever.
Mother’s Day: Use a standard size piece of printer paper and fold it hamburger style. On the front of the card draw a long oval shape like a corn on the cob, then get some yellow and orange paint and two containers. Pour the paint into the containers, dipping your finger tips into the paint and then onto your card, so that they look like corn kernels. Once the paint has dried, cut some green construction paper into the shape of corn husks and use a glue stick to stick them to your card. Finally on the inside of the card write “Aw Shucks, I Love You Mom”
Both of these are simple, fun, and full of love—just the way the best gifts should be.
LOCKING IN ON CANADA STRONG
A summer of free travel on the historic Trent-Severn Waterway
What if your travel plans this summer were about the destination and the journey? On the Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site, where a close-up experience with a centuries-old lock gives
way to a charming waterfront community around every bend, you get the best of both worlds: a rare opportunity to enjoy the process of getting there as much as the places you choose to stay.
With the return of the Canada Strong Pass in 2026, there’s never been a better time to get out there and explore this worldrenowned waterway. From June 19 to September 7 inclusive, Parks Canada is offering free lockage to boaters, paddlers, and PWC at every site from Lock 1 in Trenton to Lock 45 on Georgian Bay. In addition, 25% off camping and roofed accommodations at Parks Canada places, provides a great reason for any visitor to spend the night at a historic site.
386km of adventure is waiting for you, so here are some tips for making the most out of a summer on the locks. Your story starts here.
TIP1 TIP2 TIP3
Plan Ahead
Trying something new can feel intimidating, but a little prep goes a long way towards staying safe and having fun. The Parks Canada website is a great resource loaded with Trip Planning tools and information on: Hours of operation, nautical charts, navigational aids, locking through safely instructions, maps and more. Be sure to check the weather before heading out and share a copy of your travel plans with a loved one.
Plan Your Visit > parks.canada.ca/trentsevern
Build in time off the boat
You only get to know a country by experiencing its culture, and the historic locks are your gateway to some of Canada’s most charming local flavour. Plan time to step ashore and explore local shops, dining, trails, museums, and events along the waterway. Take advantage of those moments of spontaneity, and chat with other boaters—you might just get a hot tip on a hidden gem!
10 must-visit communities > tswtrailtowns.ca
No Boat? No Problem!
You don’t need your own vessel to get in on the action. You’ll find rental companies and licensed operators in every region, so check your local listings and plan to borrow a boat. And if you’re just looking for some peaceful green space to park a lawn chair and have a picnic, you could do no worse than an afternoon along the wall watching the boats go through. Bring your camera!
FOLLOW HIGHWAY 35:
A SCENIC DAY TRIP NORTH
Spring in the Haliburton Highlands is the perfect time to hit the road. As rivers run high and landscapes come back to life, a day trip through the region offers a mix of scenic stops, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm, all within a relaxed drive.
Start: Trails along the Moving Water
Begin your day at the Minden White Water Preserve (MWWP). This natural whitewater park draws paddlers from across Ontario, but it’s just as rewarding for visitors on foot. Trails on both sides of the river offer great vantage points to watch the rushing water. The west side (Harington Park) trails tend to be more rugged and narrow, while the east side (MWWP) offers a wider, more gradual path with some gentle hills, making it accessible for a range of visitors. Plan to spend an hour or two here, taking in the views and the energy from both sides before continuing your day.
Midday: Scenic Stops North Along Highway 35
Heading north on Highway 35, make a stop in Carnarvon at Haliburton Highlands Brewing for a refreshing break. A cold drink and a quick bite on the patio make it an ideal midday stop. Not far up the road, Buttermilk Falls lets you soak in some history. Long a favourite picnic spot, the falls remain one of the region’s most scenic roadside attractions. If time allows, continue on to Hawk Lake Log Chute, where a short riverside trail and interpretive signage tell the story of the area’s logging past.
Finish: Small-Town Charm in Minden Loop back south to the Village of Minden, set along the Gull River. A unique Riverwalk pathway follows the water and connects via a footbridge, creating an easy loop that brings you back into the downtown core. The boardwalk leads toward the Minden Hills Cultural Centre,
home to the largest collection of works by Canadian artist André Lapine.
To wrap up the day, settle in at a local favourite like the Dominion Hotel or Boshkung Brewing Co. for a well-earned meal or drink, and if timing is on your side, you might catch some live music, as both venues are known for their vibrant entertainment schedules.
From rushing rivers to quiet trails and welcoming patios, a day trip through the Haliburton Highlands is an easy way to experience the season, one stop at a time. Learn more at myhaliburtonhighlands.com/waterfalls/
By Eric Casper, Tourism Coordinator, County of Haliburton
www.myhaliburtonhighlands.com
A sauté of thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms and shallots rolled in puff pastry with Parmesan and seasoning…
VEGETARIAN
PUFF PASTRY
APPETIZERS
INGREDIENTS
1 sheet puff pastry, about 200 g
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 shallot, finely diced
1 cup fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon WATC Salad Sprinkles
sprinkle kosher salt
sprinkle black pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Defrost pastry per package directions. Ensure pastry is completely thawed before continuing.
2. Sauté mushrooms: Warm a medium skillet on the stovetop over moderate heat. Add butter and oil. When butter has melted, add shallot and cook until soft. Add mushrooms, cooking until slightly browned then season with WATC Salad Sprinkles, salt and pepper. Cook until mushrooms are fully browned, and the pan has gone dry.
3. Lay one square of puff pastry out on a lightly floured surface. Roll out to a rectangular shape.
4. Spread the cooked mushroom mixture across the surface of the dough evenly. Sprinkle with grated cheese followed by chopped parsley.
5. Beginning at one of the long sides, tuck in the edge and roll the pastry until you reach the centre of the sheet. Roll the opposite end toward the centre until the two rolls meet. Dab a few drops of water onto the pastry if the rolls don't stick together. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 days.
6. To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Whisk egg and water together in a small bowl.
7. Unwrap the roll and use a sharp knife to cut into 1/2-inch slices, 16 per roll. Lay slices flat onto parchment-lined baking sheets, 8 per sheet. Lightly brush the tops with egg wash.
8. Transfer to oven baking for 14 minutes or until a rich golden brown.
9. Cool for a few minutes before transferring to an attractive serving plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
LAKEFIELD LITERARY FESTIVAL
The Lakefield Literary Festival is a cherished summer event in the heart of the Kawarthas cottage country, just north of Peterborough. The lakes, stunning landscape, and gentle culture of the area offers itself as the perfect companion for readers and those putting pen to paper.
The Festival began in 1995 as a way of honouring Margaret Lawrence, Catherine Parr Trail, and Susanna Moodie; all literary trailblazers who called Lakefield home. The first 2-day event was an overwhelming success thanks to the support from the community along with CBC radio host, Sheila Rogers and Shelley Ambrose, who was Peter Gzowski’s personal assistant and later the publisher of The Walrus.
Over the years, the Lakefield Literary Festival has flourished into a widely respected Festival that draws award-winning and nationally recognized Canadian authors for moderated discussions and lively interactions with engaged audiences.
This year's festival will feature eight authors on July 17th and 18th.
Authors presented this year at Lakefield College School’s Bryan Jones Theatre include Giller Prize Winner Souvankham Thammavongsa, Stephen Leacock Award Winner Terry Fallis, and noted authors Plum Johnson, Merilyn Simonds, Rod Carley, and more. This year will also observe a special commemorative feature honouring Margaret Lawrence’s 100th birthday.
The festival will also offer our Meet the Author Reception at the school and free children's tent featuring entertaining children’s authors at downtown’s Cenotaph Park. Meanwhile, the region’s secondary school students are engaged in the Festival’s annual Young Writers Contest.
Every year, the Lakefield Literary Festival looks forward to fulfilling its mandate to commemorate Catherine Parr Trail, Susanna Moodie, Margaret Lawrence, and our community’s ongoing literary heritage by showcasing Canadian authors and fostering the joy of reading in people of all ages.
Tickets and more information can be found online at www.lakefieldliteraryfestival.com
THE NEW CHICKS
If you’ve never had the pleasure of bringing a box full of newly hatched chicks’ home, then let me be the guiding voice of elation for you, because there is nothing quite like it. Tiny chirping fluffballs running around, full of innate curiosity that, at times, gets them into all sorts of trouble, yet one can’t help but be enamoured by their cuteness. They are mesmerizing, enthralling, and well, really damn small.
The first time that my wife and I brought chicks home was when we had decided to expand our flock. Until that point, we had more demand for our chicken eggs than we could supply, so the question of “why not invest in a few more egg laying chickens?” arose, and all too soon the call for action was much too loud to avoid.
Still, I remember the day we brought the new chicks home. Twelve peeping hatchlings, puffy and fluffy, pooping and eating anything they could find. Baby chickens do, after all, poop a lot. It’s unavoidable, but the last thing any of us can do is hold it against them.
In a matter of a couple weeks, those chicks began to develop feathers on their tiny, awkward wings, followed by stubby strange tail feathers. By week four, they were beginning a state of transformation that would end up lasting another two months, by which time there was no discernible way to tell which chickens had been which chicks prior.
They grow up so fast, don’t they?
Chicks are just as much of an investment as starting seeds are, but because chicks have a lot more personality than say, oh, tomato seedlings, you tend to invest more effort into the squeaking babies. They’re definitely far more entertaining than watching seedlings, at least as far as I’m concerned.
Here on our tiny little homestead, we have had the insurmountable pleasure of having both chicks and ducklings in our brooder. Some of
them have kept a place in our coop for several years while others have since come and gone, by one means or another. Not all of our chicks are destined to be long term residents, destined to live out their days pecking at insects and laying eggs in our nesting boxes. Some of them have relatively short lives, but no matter how long their stay is, they all garner the same level of love and respect from us.
There are a lot of lessons to be learned while raising chicks. Ours come home long before the weather is anywhere near good enough to have them outside, and so for the first month or so of life, our chicks are confined to a brooder with a heat lamp, fresh bedding, and more meal worms than they can shake a beak at. Make no mistake about it, these birds live good lives.
Every now and again we lose some chicks, and when the discovery of a baby chicken who didn’t make it through the night descends upon the homestead, my wife and I tend to sit quietly at the kitchen table, together enough while still alone with our thoughts. A loss is a loss, no matter how big or small, and someone once said that on a homestead, if you’re going to have livestock, eventually you will have dead stock. Sometimes it’s just hard to have to remind yourself of that when everything was going well, at least up until recently.
And believe me, chicks (and ducklings) grow quickly. They might seem attached to you when they’re featherless and small, but soon they grow into their own independence. Before you know it they’re not chicks anymore, but fully grown chickens destined to their fate, no matter what that may be. In any case, it certainly is a process of which I’m proud to be a part of, and one that I wouldn’t miss for the world, no matter how much or how little I am involved.
Mike Fitzerald is an avid outdoorsman and knowledgeable homesteader who writes for multiple publications about living off the land. You can follow him on his adventures via Instagram as @onmivore.culture
SUMMER THEATRE WITH TWEED AND CO.
At Tweed and Company Theatre, spring is in the air, and it only seems fitting that our 2026 season motto is “Grow with Us!” For the fourth consecutive year Tweed & Company has been named
one of Festival and Events Ontario Top 100 Attractions. There’s something for everyone, from our spring concert series which is already underway, to our exciting summer musical theatre line-up and young company camps.
Our major musical productions kick off in June starting with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, in both Tweed and Bancroft. Following that, our biggest production to date Fiddler On The Roof will be playing in August and September. Due to the scale of the performance it will be playing exclusively in Bancroft. The cast will feature both professional and local talent, along with members
of the Young Company program. During the same time for Tweed audiences, a laugh riot two man show called Murder For Two will be playing at The Marble Arts Centre. The season will wrap up with the ever popular holiday Panto in both Tweed and Bancroft - this year is the telling of Snow White in a way you’ve never seen before!
The Young Company program is ramping up for it’s summer youth camps in Tweed and Bancroft. Two sessions will be running in both locations, we encourage anyone interested to register early as spaces are limited. These rising stars will be showcasing their talent in final performances that you won’t want to miss.
Following the recent renovation of the Marble Arts Centre, the Village Playhouse will be undergoing a major upgrade this fall with the Lift addition. “We’re focused on making theatre available to everyone, and the installation of the lift will make the venue fully accessible to both patrons and performers” says Co-Executive & Artistic Director Tim Porter. Another accessibility effort for Tweed & Company is making theatre affordable for everyone. “Our ticket prices remain some of the lowest in the province” boasts Porter. For more savings 2026 Season Passes are available for purchase for our major musical productions, and group rates apply for parties of 10 or more.
To learn more or to buy tickets visit www.tweedandcompnay.com or call the box office at 613-478-6060. See you at the show!
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT LANG PIONEER VILLAGE
Experience the past come to life this summer with a trip to Lang Pioneer Village Museum. Spend the day exploring over 30 historic homes and businesses from 1800 to 1910. Engage with costumed interpreters as they demonstrate the trades and pastimes of the era. Try your hand at traditional chores and toys, and visit with farm animals on loan from local farms. Make a day of it by bringing a picnic lunch, and spend the day as time travellers visiting the 1800s. The village is open Wednesday to Sunday from Father’s Day to Labour Day weekend.
Here is what else is happening at the Museum this year:
SPECIAL EVENTS
Throughout the summer and fall, Lang Pioneer Village Museum offers a variety of special events. Events feature live music, a wide variety of historic demonstrations, wagon rides, and more. Discover the origins of holiday traditions, celebrate the harvest season, or simply admire changes in technology over the years. There are special events for all ages and interests!
AFTERNOON TEA
Enhance your summer general admission with a traditional Afternoon Tea experience! Throughout the summer season, visitors can enjoy a warm or cold beverage and a variety of delicious, freshly baked treats served at our Keene Hotel. This add-on experience is a perfect way to relax and savour the atmosphere of the 19th century.
YOUTH & ADULT PROGRAMS
The Museum offers immersive programs for both youth and adults that allow you to truly experience life in the 19th century, complete with costumes, hands-on activities, and more.
WORKSHOPS
Try your hand at something new with a workshop. This year, Lang Pioneer Village Museum is offering a variety of workshops that will introduce you to various traditional skills and hand crafts from home decorations to blacksmithing.
To plan your visit and explore all the Museum has to offer, be sure to check out www.langpioneervillage.ca.
NATURE NUGGETS
I am excited to have recently made the leap to self publish a book − a compilation of thirty articles I have submitted to the newspaper County Life out of Haliburton and to Cottage Country Lifestyles magazine. The book is called, Nature Nuggets: Hiking, Paddling & the Ecology of the Haliburton Highlands.
Nature Nuggets includes twenty articles on day hiking and paddling destinations as well as an additional ten articles on ecological topics connected to the unique environs of the Haliburton Highlands.
There is so much to learn when self-publishing including a daunting volume of detail involved in the book design process. To create a certain look and feel to the final product, decisions must be made on font size and format, colour scheme, header and footer information, selection of the appropriate photos including resolution quality, location and alignment on the page, acknowledgements of community support and photographer credits. At this point I will just add “etcetera” so I do not carry on with more book design details.
During the process of writing, I tried to combine noteworthy nature insights with a sprinkling of storytelling and snippets of humour to keep the tone to my articles light but interesting and informative. It will be up to the readers to decide if my good intentions were successful. I have included some amazing locally sourced photography to help balance out any perceived deficiencies in my writing!
From a toe-dipping inquiry into the idea of a book last fall, to the sprint to the finish line this winter, this project has moved quickly. My hope is that the book serves to entertain and motivate, encouraging people to get out and explore and enjoy the amazing trails, waterways and the fascinating ecology of the Haliburton Highlands.
Nature Nuggets is available at Masters Bookstore in Haliburton, Algonquin Outfitters and many other retail outlets in the Haliburton County. For more information, please contact me at rwhitteker9@gmail.com.
THE DAWN CHORUS: LISTENING TO SPRING IN
COTTAGE COUNTRY
Spring is a time when the woods thrum with life. Buds unfurl, shoots push through the soil, and leaves burst open, transforming the landscape almost overnight. This sudden abundance becomes a feast for insects and, right on cue, migratory birds return to take advantage of this rich supply of protein to feed their young. The forest fills with song, alive with the sound of a world waking up.
To fully appreciate the sounds of spring, try this: stand in a nearby field or woodland. Cup your hands behind your ears and gently push them forward. You’ve just created “extenda-ears,” a simple way to gather and amplify the sounds around you.
Head out in the early morning, between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Find a quiet spot, and really listen. You’ll hear a remarkable chorus of birdsong: chattering, whistles, trills, and hoots layered together in a rich tapestry of sound. It’s a fleeting gift, this dawn chorus fades as summer settles in.
Birds sing using a syrinx, a specialized vocal organ located deep in their chest. It allows them to produce sounds that are astonishingly loud and complex for their size, and in some cases, to sing more than one note at once. Listen, for example, to the haunting, downwardspiralling song of the Veery, a bird that seems to harmonize with itself.
Not all birds rely on melody. A Pileated Woodpecker drums its beak against a resonant tree trunk, sending its rhythm echoing through the forest. A Ruffed Grouse beats the air with its wings, creating a deep, percussive thump that carries across the landscape.
There is also a difference between a “call” and a “song.” Calls help birds stay in touch, warn of danger, or beg for food. Songs, most often sung by males, are used to attract mates and defend territory. Take the Black-capped Chickadee: its familiar “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” is a call, while its song, a clear, slurred whistle that sounds like “hey sweetie” or “cheeseburger,” is something entirely different.
It can be tricky to remember which bird makes which sound. Birders often use mnemonics: simple phrases that match the rhythm and cadence of a bird’s voice. Try pairing what you hear with these sayings:
BIRD SPECIES MNEMONIC
Mourning Dove
There’s nothing to do
American Robin Cheerily, cheer up, cheerily Yellow Warbler Sweet, sweet, I’m so sweet Red-eyed Vireo Here I am, up in a tree
Northern Cardinal Cheer Cheer, Party Party!
Great Horned Owl Who’s awake? Me too!
Barred Owl Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?
Try matching the sound you hear to your own expression. Use the Merlin Bird ID App which you can download for free to learn the sounds that birds make where you live. This amazing App uses the microphone of your smart phone and tells you what species of birds are singing.
Also visit, www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-to-learn-bird-songsand-calls to learn more about the different kinds of bird songs and calls.
And then step outside, cup your ears, and listen, really listen. Before long, the forest will begin to speak in a delightful tapestry of voices that you come to recognize, appreciate, and welcome after a long, cold winter.
Submitted by Jacob Rodenburg, Author & Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, an award-winning outdoor education centre and summer camp.
WHAT’S THAT ON YOUR HEAD?
Now that May has arrived, have you packed away your winter headgear? My toques, warm hats, and hooded parkas are all in storage – out of sight, out of mind until (I hope) at least November.
Headgear is not just for cold, winter weather. It has been in use for centuries – some 15,000-year-old cave art in France depicts a human figure with a covered head – in all seasons and for many different purposes: functional/protective, social status indicators, ceremonial, religious; sporting, military, ethnic/national, and decorative. Headwear can be made from various materials: plant and animal fibres, fur, metal, leather, cloth, synthetics, and traditionally have been woven, knitted, felted, sewn, or formed.
Hats in many museum collections tend to be more formal, ceremonial, custom, event-based, etc,.because they are kept for posterity/ nostalgia and donated; headgear that is worn regularly, such as workers’ caps, may become too damaged to be kept or donated.
Fashion also can be a determinant of what hats are worn. Tophats replaced men’s bicornes in the early 1790s (silk replacing felted beaver fur about 1830) as formal and social attire; tophats remained popular until after the First World War when bowlers and fedoras became fashionable; today tophats can be seen at very formal or special outdoor events. Women’s bonnets were popular and practical from medieval times until the late 1800s, when they were morphed into more structured hats. Like tophats, today very extravagant women’s hats can be seen at events such as high-class weddings and important horse races (Royal Ascot, King’s Plate, Kentucky Derby).
Demonstrating the enduring appeal of hats is one of Britain’s oldest businesses: hatmakers Lock & Co. of St James’s Street, London. In 1676, milliner Robert Davis opened a hat shop. In 1747, James Lock apprenticed to Robert’s son Charles; twelve years later he married Charles’ sister Mary and took over the business. The couple moved their home and renamed the shop across the street to No. 6, where Lock & Co. still caters to an international clientele of royalty, nobility, celebrities, and any man or woman who wishes to own a fine hat. Amazingly, after 350 years, the company is still family-owned!
By: Don Willcock,
The Peterborough Museum & Archives, 300 Hunter St E, Peterborough, 705-743-5180 www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca
