Bala Plein Air at Hardy Lake Provincial Park
August 20 @ 8:30 am - 11:30 am
8:30 AM to 11:30 AM *** note new time
WHAT TO EXPECT: A very popular spot for hikers and visitors to Muskoka at the same time as a favourite spot for artists. The trails, in part are well groomed while other parts are gnarly with roots and rocks. You can perch on a rock overlooking Hardy Lakes and catch the hues of lily pads near an outstretched granite edge. NOTE: this is an earlier start and finish time to allow ample travel time for an instructor-led plein air workshop in Bala 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
DIRECTIONS: 2346 Muskoka Road 169, Torrance. Between Bala and Gravenhurst. 9 minute drive from Bala, 16 minute drive from Gravenhurst Google Map here. Parking lot fills up but should be ok.
We will meet 500 metres in at the edge of Hardy Lake, many options, forest views, water’s edge, classic Muskoka granite and a wide variety of trees. Trails are wide, flat and well marked. See map below and for spot to meet for Plein Air as a group. For those who don’t want to walk that far in (500m) there are cool plein air swamps and marsh views only 100 steps in from the parking lot. See below for other views along the trail. Also see Trail map here if you want to make a day of it.
AMENITIES: Port-a-Pottee on site near parking lot. No buildings or food service. Bring your own water to keep hydrated.
WHAT TO BRING: Wear comfortable Hiking shoes. Some of the trail is paved, gravel or flat stones. Other parts are soft dirt, clear and and covered in pine needles. Near the water, the ground is uneven with tree roots. Lots of shade from trees. Bring your art supplies, canvas and easel in a pack and easy to carry (or wheels), to get in to the meeting spot a short walk from the parking lot.
PALLETTE SUGGESTIONS: Burnt sienna, green-gold and phalto blue and deep reds. Although mostly still green, a few trees are bursting out in crimson and reds to kick off the fall colours.