We went to Hardy Lake Provincial Park this past weekend, and this is one hike that I did not enjoy. But, if you do the 3k Short Loop Trail that takes you to the swimming area, we think you'll be a lot happier. But, you won't see the island. Or, wait til the Fall. The food @ My Neighbour's Kitchen, a food truck in Bracebridge, made up for it :)
People are starting to travel again, at least locally. The 400 North was quite busy, even @ 9 am on a Saturday. It was nice to see local favourites, like Canada's Wonderland, Burl's Creek, and Weber's, open again.
We planned our hike to Hardy Lake Provincial Park because of this article in Narcity - the photo, the dream ...
-vs- the Reality (ours anyway) ... lots of mud & mosquitoes
My friend Tanya, who’s an avid hiker, says it’s much nicer in the Fall 🍁
The Cottage - there's an abandoned cottage 1/2 way between the 4 & 5k markers. It was a nice place to take a break, by the lake.
The Island was very pretty, but not sure it was worth the hike there.
Toads, snakes, frogs, mushrooms & flowers ...
It took us 3 hours 41 mins - 9.26k total
If you want to see the island, I strongly suggest you take the trail to the right (there & back), don't do the full 8k loop. The left side trail around the lake is VERY wet/muddy. We thought it was due to the heavy rain this week. But, one of the people we met said it is like this most of the year, except in winter ;) The trail to the right of the lake is still muddy but a lot easier.
It was a difficult hike as most of the trail was water-covered bogs of mud, and due to the dampness, the mosquitoes/horseflies were relentless.
We had left our hiking boots & polls @ home, not thinking they were needed. They are!
There were signs along the route every 1k, but we did find the white markers difficult to locate on portions of the trail and got off track a couple of times.
Good things to know: - Approx 2 hours North of TO
- No fees - not an active Provincial Park
- Portapotty in the parking area (path to the left)
- Hiking boots & walking sticks recommended
- You need heavy-duty bug repellant -> 4 layers of OFF (Deet) & still got bit
- Parking is limited - it's ok to park on the side of the road where the entrance is *No Parking on other side of the road
- Dragonfly Wingman - we were passed by a family that had these clipped on their hats/backpacks. They said it keeps the deer and horse flies away. You can buy online or at local retailers. You can even clip them on your dog's collar.
My Neighbour's Kitchen & Grill
After the hike, we drove to Bracebridge to find a food truck that we discovered 2 summers ago -> 25 min drive, and so worth it!
We had delicious Pulled Pork Adobo on pandesal and Beek Bistek on garlic rice. It was accompanied by achara, a green papaya relish that I am addicted to!
Here's a great article about Arlina -> link Chef Caroline was also there with her amazing desserts from Asukal Desserts - she spends the summers in Muskoka - more about her in this Toronto Star article
We wanted ice cream for dessert and lucked out - their ice cream sandwiches are heavenly! I had the Salted Caramel Ice Cream between Double Chocolate Almond Cookies, and Jeff had the Buko Pandan Ice Cream between Oatmeal Coconut Cookies.
We brought home the Calamansi Tarts ...
Chef Jeff Rating: Pulled Pork Adobo - 9/10
Beek Bistek - 8/10
Salted Caramel Ice Cream between Double Chocolate Almond Cookies - 10/10
Buko Pandan Ice Cream between Oatmeal Coconut Cookies - 10/10
Calamansi Tarts - 9/10
Note: there are no washrooms available.
Future Trip ideas:
Bracebridge is a pretty little town that overlooks the famous Bracebridge Falls.
Pics from 2 summers ago (Aug 2019)
The Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst has a beautiful boardwalk trail along Lake Muskoka, waterfront restaurants, shops, ice cream, and a Farmer's Market from May to Oct.
After the layers of bug repellent, sunscreen and sweat, having a shower with the Cool Steam Shower Bombs is becoming my new fav thing! You can get them from Mood Honey @ Avalon Lavender Farm (check out our blog for more info on our visit). Clean and smelled amazing afterward.
Hope this inspires you to go out and explore.
Until next time, Diana & Jeffy #adventureswithDianaandJeff
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