Looking back over my Lakes Region reviews, I realize most of them are really positive. It's hard…read morenot to love everything about Muskoka, whether you're swimming in one of the bays or browsing a farmers market. Even shopping is supremely pleasant here, and Red Canoe Gallery ranks as one of my favorite stops when it comes to Muskoka shopping. For me, RCG is one of the most accessible and relatable galleries I've found. A lot of the art featured in the shop appeals to my personal aesthetic: stylized landscapes, folk-art carvings, turned wood bowls, simple jewelry. Much of it is unmistakably Canadian in subject, too, from a wonderful oil painting of a Mountie riding a flying loon, to a monochrome block print of a pair of Muskoka chairs. Best of all, most prices on the pieces strike me as really reasonable. Every time I'm in Port Carling, Red Canoe is always a welcome diversion.

Amazing gallery with friendly local artists in action. While there, we saw one artist working on a…read morecommissioned Banf scenery that looked like a vivid 3-D, and another artist was working on a beautiful piece with local flower field. The gallery is centrally located downtown with convenient parking in the front or in the lot behind.

Wow. Just WOW! The…read moreLoft Art Gallery has some of the most stunning Canadian landscape oils and acrylics I have ever seen-and I've seen a lot! Resident artist Debra Lynn Carroll Is known for her large heavily texturized Canadian landscape oil paintings. Debra has simply mastered this art-and creates breathtaking paintings that you could swear you could walk right into! The gallery features an exquisite collection of some of Canada's most talented painters including Brian Buckrell who placed first out of 88 artists in the prestigious McMichael Canadian Collection Art Gallery Plein Air Competition in 2016. The unique stylings of Jennifer Woodburn are not to be missed, along with some of the most elegant pastoral settings created by Janet Leisemer. The pixelated realism of Henry Lobo just has to be seen as well as the colourful stylings of Marie -Claude Boucher. New to the gallery is Heidi Burkart who's Group of Seven-ish style's colourful explosions brings you into the fanciful wonderland of Canadian landscape. This place is an absolute orgy of beautiful art! The gallery owner is Heather Carol, Deborah Lynn sister,-say hi, she's one of the most charming and sweetest curators you'll ever meet!

3.5 stars…read more Iroquois Artisans has been in Bala for 20 years this year. But in the six summers I've had the privilege of accompanying husband to the family place in Muskoka, we've never gone in or even thought to. Despite the fact that it's located smack next door to the crack cocaine of Bala, where we spend a good deal of time obviously: Don's Bakery. This year I popped in, however, intrigued by a beautiful leather and bead necklace husband's mother had scored here for my birthday. I was surprised by the inventory, pleasantly and otherwise. The gallery showcases hand-crafted art from Native Americans across Canada: jewelry, carvings, paintings, photographs, pottery, basketry. Some of it is just my taste (understated, simple, and refined), and some of it is not (animal-themed, brightly colored, exuding that reviled Wolf-t-shirt vibe). But I can appreciate the craftsmanship of all the art here, and it definitely means there's something for everyone. Owner Carol News is really knowledgeable about the artists and their art as well, and is pleased to answer your questions. Prices range from high-end to quite affordable. Picked up a beautiful keyring to replace my old busted one for under C$10. Now I know this place is worth checking out on our yearly pilgrimage.

Husband and I discovered David Dawson at the Gravenhurst Farmers Market (one of the best open-air…read moremarkets in the entire world, but that's a different review) where we were instantly attracted by the paintings and giclées hanging in his tent. Dawson's style is graphic, vivid, and architectural, his subjects nearly always landscapes, urban and rural. If you like, you can commission him to do a "portrait" of your cottage -- the examples he had were exquisitely done, looking nearly like photographs. We were immediately drawn to a cool-hued, icy blue and spring green giclée featuring a collection Muskoka chairs on a hill overlooking a lake. When I mentioned to husband that it looked like the view from Lake Rosseau's famed Windermere House, Dawson chimed in that it was. We bought a small print in a clean, white frame on the spot. At only $24 (we could have gotten two for $40), we kinda felt like we were robbing the guy. You can find Dawson at the Gravenhurst Market every Wednesday morning in-season, or visit his studio on the scenic Muskoka Wharf. It's open year-round "by chance or by appointment."

Great gallery located in the village at Blue Mountain. The owners are on site and very helpful,…read moretheir knowledge of the works they sell is impresive and there no pressure but rather a willingness to educate and help. I would recomment Brights Gallery to anyone who is in the Collingwood area that is looking for some unique art.

From the owner: Located in the heart of Blue Mountain Village, Brights Gallery represents both established and…read moreemerging Canadian artists. Our gallery proudly exhibits contemporary paintings and sculptures. We also offer a full range of fine art services, including in-gallery and in-home art consultations, corporate and private collection management, custom framing, and art appraisals. We welcome seasoned collectors and first-time buyers.

We drive to Bracebridge from our cottage every year since 2005 to check out the Artful Garden…read more Many different artists display their wares outside throughout a the beautiful gardens of Jon & Suzann Partridge: Our favourite artist there is definitely Jean Pierre Schoss: http://www.dogbitesteel.com/ Bracebridge is a wonderful town to visit so it's definitely worth the drive.