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.

Always helpful and friendly. Reasonable prices and reliable. No pressure. Lots of beautiful items…read more Both owners are very knowledgeable about all aspects of jewelry! Would highly recommend.

Yes, this store is called Willys. I can hear you laughing down there in North Carolina, Brian B…read more Willys sells clothes, bathing suits, and accessories for men and women. Much of it is overpriced, but the sales (which seem to happen with surprising regularity) are real deals: typically buy-one-get-one-half-off, or buy-one-get-one-free. They do have some really nice merchandise here, and I've picked up a few things over the years that have become staples: a pair of oversize sunglasses, a bathing suit or two, a sweet floral sundress, and a much beloved Muskoka baseball cap I finally had to replace this summer after one too many sweaty hikes and afternoons by the pool. Fortunately, the Muskoka cap seems to be a signature item at Willys, always available in a huge variety of colors. Willys accessories are also really fun, costume jewelry you'd pair with your Halloween getup or a cocktail dress: peacock feather earrings, hot pink Lucite bracelets, rhinestone skull-and-crossbones pendants. Accessories are more reasonably priced, and every time I come in they've been buy-one-get-one-free. As cheesy as Willys is, I always stop by a few times a summer. And I always find *something* I just can't leave without.

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!