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.

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."

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!

The Wild Arts Collective is a unique group of local Muskoka Artists that show inside the Annex. You…read morewill find unique pieces from a variety of mediums including jewellery, paintings, woodworking, fibre and textiles and upcycled sculpture. A must see for a visit to Muskoka.

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.

the studio is small but intimate...her art work is beautiful and well displayed...she is right…read morethere working on her art so you can talk with her as you brouse...so glad we found her studio in the historic clock tower...we will return

From the owner: Experience original Art in a working Studio. Discover exclusive limited-edition pieces &…read moresuper-special finds in Jewellery, Giftware, Home Decor & Fashion featuring select artworks by Col Mitchell. Through her original technique of pen & ink on sculpted paper Canadian Contemporary Paper Artist Col Mitchell fluidly melds texture with intricately layered lines of colour, creating magical impressions of the beauty and mystery of nature and wildlife.

Right beside the park there is a cute gallery that is free to go in and take a look around at her…read moreartwork. They offer free cookies and coffee/water which was really nice since it was so hot outside. On the table there is a book laid out where you can browse more of her previous artwork and also a guest book to sign your name. She teaches art in the back of the building, very friendly, talks to everyone and answers all of your questions. There's two floors filled with her art that you can purchase starting from $200, she asks there not to be any pictures taken but you're more than welcome to just browse around.

I was perusing through the ask Toronto room on Reddit and found out about the Mill Pond Gallery…read morewhen someone inquired about a gallery that showcases local artist. They were wanting to buy work for their new place. I looked the place up and realize that they were doing a exhibition of local artist. So I decided to visit. It was in a ranch style home that was converted into a commercial gallery. I spoke with the curator and an exhibiting artist. I enjoyed the gallery and the works on display. I am looking forward to seeing additional shows this Spring at the gallery.