Photographing A Winter Wonderland. And Beer.
Muskoka Lakes, Ontario
A travel photography assignment in Muskoka Ontario
As we entered a bitterly cold February, with temperatures dipping as low as –29°C, the thought of remaining at home, curled up in a comfy blanket with a book and mug of hot chocolate, was tempting.
I received a DM from Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce out of the blue, asking if I wanted to come up to explore their region for a few days and shoot some winter tourism and lifestyle images for them and a few of their members. I was reading the message, not quite sure if I wanted to take the assignment, and then I got to a word that jumped out at me. BeerSpa. I was to spend two nights in a beer spa on the edge of a lake, owned by a brewery which resided next door. Let me think abou… YES, i’ll do it!
Muskoka Lakes region in Ontario offers countless lake views, a paradise for photography year-round.
Perfect conditions for winter landscape photography
The two hour drive was horrendous, yet exciting. It was snowing hard the entire time, blizzard conditions, and the roads were getting covered with deep snow rather quickly. We had 20cm of snow during the course of the day, but it was actually perfectly timed, because early the very next morning I stepped out of the cabin into deep powdery snow.
When it’s –29°C outside, getting out of a warm bed is a challenge, but the rewards outweigh a few moments of discomfort. Being outside in the crisp cold before the sun rises, not a sound to be heard, surrounded by trees who’s branches and boughs are heavily laden with fresh fluffy snow, is a magical experience.
As I walked a short distance towards Clear Lake, and found myself surrounded by a winter wonderland. There was absolutely no wind, it was calm and peaceful as the sun began to light up the horizon, and a treeline in the distance revealed itself. The lake was a vast expanse of white, with a dark line of trees in the distance. This doesn’t make for an interesting photo, so I found a dock to include in the foreground. Not the greatest image, but there was a story there.
I needed to go back into the woods to find more interesting compositions, and once the sun was up and backlighting the trees with a warm orange-pink light, I was able to grab a couple of rather pleasing winter landscape shots. Like most landscape photography, the weather and lucky timing play a big part in the end results.
Clear Lake, Muskoka, like most lakes in winter, are beautiful yet sparse, making photography a challenge. Looking for foreground interest can often help make your composition more interesting, and tell more of a story.
A classic Muskoka lake view, brought to life with colour from the early morning sun.
Trees covered with light fluffy snow, is there anything more visually appealing?
BeerSpa, what a great idea!
The Muskoka BeerSpa is owned by Clear lake Brewing Company, in Torrance. It’s a large property on the edge of Clear Lake, with a number of cabins scattered amongst the trees. You’ll also find saunas, hot tubs, and firepits. For summer visits, there is a pool, cabanas, loungers, and a beer garden. In February though, they are buried in deep snow. Inside each cabin you’ll find a beer tap, and you can have a keg hooked up if taking a walk across the road to the brewery is too much effort. The BeerSpa is described as "a place to detox, retox and relax.” I wish I could do just that, but I had a full few days of work ahead!
Some of the newer cabins at Muskoka BeerSpa, in Torrance, Muskoka Lakes.
Outdoor fires for toasting hotdogs and marshmallows, a craft brewery, and boats to explore the lakes in the summer. This is Canada at its finest!
A hearty breakfast at the Hook & Ladder in nearby Bala, set’s you up nicely for a day of exploration.
Great Food & Amazing Beer
At the end of my first day driving around Muskoka to visit a number of local businesses and craftspeople, it was time to head back to my cabin. After uploading my images and video footage from the day, putting batteries on charge, I headed over to the brewery for a well-deserved beer or three, and bite to eat.
Clear Lake Brewing Company sits in the heart of cottage country. It’s a great place to stop for a selection of great craft beers, and food. I’d recommend sampling a selection of their offerings with a flight, because you need to try, at the very least; their American IPA, Cream Ale, Session Ale, and Summer IPA. It’s a small and cozy place to hang out, with a bar on one side, and large glass walls the other, allowing you to watch beer being made as you sample it. There’s also a swag store to pick up some great souvenirs, and grab a selection of beer to take home.
Clear Lake Brewery Company, a great place to spend a cold winter’s evening, after an active day in the snow.
With so many great craft beers at Clear Lake Brewery, I recommend starting with a flight to sample a few.
You really must try the American IPA at Clear Lake Brewery in Muskoka. It’s fabulous!
Chicken burger & fries, with a cold brew. The perfect way to end an active day in Muskoka.
Muskoka Lakes – Worth Exploring
This region of Muskoka Lakes is the perfect place to spend a couple of days exploring. The BeerSpa is in Torrance, just 21 kms from Gravenhurst, and just 5 kms from the magnificent trail system in Hardy Lake Provincial Park. If you head northwest on 169 from Torrance for 5kms, you come to the small town of Bala, home of well-loved local established Hook & Ladder, Don’s Bakery (established 1947), and an assortment of small stores.
If you like nature trails and lake views, this region is for you. If you enjoy photography, taking your camera is essential. Winter activities include skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. And if you like great craft beer and good food, you’ll be very happy too!