Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce

Save the Date: Muskoka River Watershed at Risk 💧
2026-04-29 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto) | Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame & The Venue, 1512 Muskoka District Road 118 West, Bracebridge, Ontario, P1L 1T4, Canada
Rocks, trees and water – our natural environment is the heart of Muskoka, but it’s facing growing pressure. It’s time to talk about what’s actually happening beneath the surface—and what is being done about it.

The Details

What: A fireside chat and Q&A featuring environmental scientists Peter Sale and Kevin Trimble.
When: Wednesday, April 29 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Where: Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame (1512 Muskoka Road 118 W)
Perks: Complimentary snacks and a cash bar.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a local business owner, this is about the legacy of our landscape. Come for the insights, stay for the community, and leave with a clearer picture of Muskoka’s future.

Registration is free. Secure your spot:

https://linktr.ee/muskokawatershed

Movie & Pizza Night at MLPL
2026-04-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Muskoka Lakes Library Port Carling, 69 Joseph Street, Port Carling, P0B1Jo, Canada
Come to our Port Carling branch once a month on a Thursday evening to enjoy pizza and a movie on us! Come solo, bring a friend, or even the whole family! Arrive by 5:00, bring along your own beverage and any extra snacks you might require. Pizza will be provided. Expect the film to begin at 5:05.
Please register for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca.
Ice Age: Collision Course
2016 – PG – 1hr 40m

Webinar - New Chamber Travel Together Program
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Ontario
We’ve formed a Travel Group with the Barrie, Orillia and Bracebridge Chambers. First trip is in October, which is a touch time for many of us Muskoka Lakers, but if you’re not tied up, you’ll have a great time in Italy!
Learn more at a FREE virtual webinar on April 30th at 6:00 p.m. and tell your friends! Learn about travelling safely with our Chambers, with no obligation. These trips are open to friends, family and service club members.
RSVP to the April 30th Webinar today!

Turtle Jack's Port Carling - Opening Weekend
2026-05-01 11:00 - 17:00 | Turtle Jack’s, 123 Medora St, Port Carling, Ontario, Canada
Turtle Jacks is opening May 1st for another wonderful season in Port Carling, along with their new Spring Menu.
See you there!

The Celebration Closet Event - Free Formal Wear
2026-05-01 12:00 - 17:00 | Bracebridge Library, 34 Salmon Ave, Bracebridge, Ontario, P1L 1C1, Canada
The Celebration Closet, formerly known as Say Yes to Your Dress, is returning to the Bracebridge Library as a free three-day event, offering community members access to formal wear for a variety of special occasions.

The event will run from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 1, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Attendees can browse a wide selection of free formal wear, including dresses, suits, shoes and accessories. The event will also feature refreshments, giveaways and a changing area to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
In the lead-up to the event, the library is accepting donations of new or gently used formal wear, excluding wedding dresses.

Live Music - Shawn Mei at Rawley Resort, Spa & Marina
2026-05-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Rawley Resort, Marina and Spa, 2900 Kellys Rd, Port Severn, Ontario, L0K 1S0, Canada
Live Music with Shawn Mei.

Rosseau Lake College - Open House
2026-05-02 11:00 - 14:00 | Rosseau Lake College, 1967 Bright St, Rosseau, P0C1J0
Raise a child the world wants to meet.

Discover Rosseau Lake College — Muskoka’s only CAIS-accredited independent school — where students in Grades 7–12 experience more than just the Ontario curriculum. Academic excellence is balanced with character development, wellness, leadership, and a deep connection to community and the natural world.

Thinking about a boarding school experience? Come see RLC in action and explore what makes our community such a special place to learn and live.

A Black Tie Gala - Masquerade Madness
2026-05-02 18:00 - 23:00 | Port Carling Community Centre
The Rotary Club of Bracebridge – Muskoka Lakes presents:
Masquerade Madness – A Black Tie Gala
Proceeds will be dispersed among the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation, Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House & the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation.
Tickets are $200 per person which includes Welcome Meet & Greet, Open Bar, Dinner, Live Band with Memphis Mudd, Dancing & Transportation.

The Celebration Closet - Last Day
2026-05-03 12:00 - 16:00 | Bracebridge Library, 34 Salmon Ave, Bracebridge, Ontario, P1L 1C1, Canada

Art Connects, Gallery Opening, MDC
2026-05-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Muskoka Discovery Centre, 275 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst, Ontario, P1P 1Z9, Canada
The Muskoka Discovery Centre has a new gallery show opening at the Muskoka Discovery Centre: “Art Connects”.
The show opens Monday, May 4th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and runs until July 3rd.
Artists Featured:
Cathy Boyd
Deb Menken
Kim Martin
Lisa Perrin
Pat Roser
Debra Wilde
Melanie Robitaille
Velda Warren

Hike the Lakes - Scavenger Hunt - May 2026
2026-05-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Ontario
Get out and explore and it will leave you wanting more!
Hike The Lakes – May 1 – 31, 2026
Explore the trails across Muskoka Lakes this May and you have a chance to win 1 of 10 $100 gift certificates to a local Muskoka business of choice. This self-guided scavenger hunt is happening across TEN trails in the region and you access the scavenger hunt via QR code on your smart phone.
Visit Discover Muskoka to learn more: Hike the Lakes: Explore Muskoka Lakes Trails

Lunch & Learn Series Session 5: 5-Star Customer Experience
2026-05-06 12:00 - 12:45 | Ontario
Keep the human, add the smart

If customers are waiting too long, follow-up is inconsistent, or your team is drowning in messages, this is why. Great service is not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things every time.
This session helps you improve response time, personalization, and consistency while protecting your brand voice. You’ll leave knowing where your customer experience breaks down, what to fix first, and how AI can support your team without making your business feel robotic. No scripts. No spam. Just better service.
What We’ll Cover

Where CX breaks: slow replies, missed follow-ups, unclear next steps
How to keep your brand voice consistent across the team
Using AI for follow-up, summaries, and faster response drafts
Feedback loops: how to learn from reviews and client feedback
Where chatbots help vs where they hurt

What You’ll Get

A customer journey snapshot worksheet (pre-session)
A CX audit worksheet to spot gaps and quick wins
A brand voice prompt builder you can reuse
A simple follow-up system you can implement in 30 days

Who It’s For

Owners who want stronger reviews and repeat business
Teams handling customer emails, DMs, calls, or service requests
Leaders who want better service without adding headcount

About Sara
AI Strategist, Small Business Growth Advisor and former Business Broker.
Sara is a strategic AI partner who listens first, then helps small business owners and leaders to build a clear AI Action plan with tools they can use confidently.
Register Here

2026 Annual Member Dinner
2026-05-07 17:00 - 21:00 | Windemere House, 2508 Windermere Rd, Windemere, Ontario, P0B 1P0, Canada
FORWARD TOGETHER
AT OUR ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER
As of April 19: Only 18 tickets left for the Annual Dinner (includes Welcome Networking Drink, Wine, 3 course dinner and door prizes). Buy Dinner Tickets on Eventbrite here >
If Dinner Tickets sell out, you can attend the Annual Meeting Business Portion of the day at no cost, from 3-4pm at Windermere House and stay and mingle and network (light nibbles, cash bar).

For 65 years, Muskoka Lakes Chamber has supported local businesses through connectivity, education and advocacy, strengthening economic prosperity across Muskoka. As a not-for-profit organization, this signature event plays an important role in supporting programs and initiatives that help our business community learn, grow and thrive.
This members-only evening brings together entrepreneurs, and community champions for a three-course dinner, social networking hour, guest speaker event and engaging Annual Meeting.

Annual Meeting & Dinner – $150 +HST
includes attendance to the business portion of the meeting, networking reception, and 3-course dinner
Member Dinner Only – $150 +HST
includes welcome reception and 3-course dinner
Annual Meeting Only
Free for all Members in good standing
Purchase Your Tickets

BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY
Stand behind the businesses that make Muskoka thrive!
Demonstrate your support by securing your sponsor package today.
For more information or to become a sponsor please contact:
Norah Fountain – Executive Director
norah@muskokalakeschamber.ca
705-762-5663

Please Donate
To The Love Local Auction
We’re inviting businesses and creators to support our Love Local Silent Auction by donating an item or experience! It’s a great way to showcase your brand while helping us raise funds for Chamber Programs. The Love Local auction raises $ to Support Local back by showcasing donors well beyond the auction site.
Donate Today

Thank you to our Sponsors!
Title Sponsor

Cocktail Hour Sponsor

Wine Sponsor

Podium Sponsor

Annual Pancake Breakfast, Community Living South Muskoka
2026-05-08 07:00 - 09:00 | Morrison Meadows Park, 1177 Fraserburg Rd, Bracebridge, Ontario, P1L 0A1, Canada
May is Community Living Month, a province-wide celebration that promotes true inclusion for people who have a developmental disability.

To mark the occasion, Community Living South Muskoka invites you to join us for our Annual Pancake Breakfast on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Morrison Meadows, 1177 Fraserburg Road, Bracebridge.
Come celebrate the accomplishments of people living with developmental disabilities in our community while enjoying breakfast and connection together.
Please RSVP by April 24, 2026 to Lisa Longpre at LLongpre@clsm.on.ca with your guest count.
Weather permitting, breakfast will be held outdoors, with the barn available as a backup location.

Spring Mini-Putt - Season is Opening
2026-05-09 10:00 - 20:00 | Northern Escapades Mini Putt, 301 Ecclestone Drive, Bracebridge, Ontario, P1L 1X2, Canada
Mark Your Calendars! Spring mini putt fun is on its way…⛳🦖🌷
May 9th is the opening day, and is also the National Mini Putt Day!
100% of Admission is donated to the Muskoka Women’s Advocacy Group.

Workshop - Where did your Wild Girl Go?
2026-05-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Ontario
You were never too much.
You were just surrounded by people who couldn’t handle all of you. So you made yourself smaller. Quieter. More manageable.
And it worked. Until it didn’t.
She’s still in there — the version of you that didn’t wait for permission, didn’t shrink to fit, and didn’t apologize for taking up space.
Come as you are. She’s ready when you are.

Where Did Your Wild Girl Go? — 90 minutes online,

May 9th at 7:00 p.m. eastern. $47.

To register for the May 9th workshop – https://flash.jigsavvy.com/webinar-registration

Happy Mother's Day - Moms Play Free
2026-05-10 10:00 - 20:00 | Northern Escapades Mini Putt, 301 Ecclestone Drive, Bracebridge, Ontario, P1L 1X2, Canada
Celebrate mom this Mother’s Day, to a free Mini Putt game.
Northern Escapades Mini Putt offers 18 family-friendly holes along the Muskoka River in Bracebridge, ON, with a snack shack, pet-friendly policies, and options for parties and group events.
No reservations required.

Mother’s Day Brunch at The Rosseau
2026-05-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Windemere House, 2508 Windermere Rd, Windemere, Ontario, P0B 1P0, Canada
The Rosseau | May 10 | 11 AM – 3 PM Celebrate Mom with stunning lake views and a gourmet spread featuring the Rosseau Carvery, fresh seafood & raw bar, made-to-order omelettes, and decadent desserts. Adults $79 | Seniors $59 | Kids (12 & under) $29 | 3 & under free
✨ Reservations recommended.

Big Applause Awards 2026
2026-05-13 09:00 - 12:30 | Ontario
The Big Applause Awards honour the tourism professionals who set the standard for excellence across the Explorers’ Edge region – the people whose commitment to hospitality makes Explorers’ Edge a destination worth returning to.

Join the Explorers’ Edge to honour this year’s honourees, followed by a keynote from Destination Ontario’s Chief Marketing Officer, Lauchlan Rogers.

Get your tickets here: Big Applause Awards 2026 Tickets, Wednesday, May 13 • 9 AM – 12:30 PM | Eventbrite

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Grandview Golf Club – 245 Grandview Drive North, Huntsville, ON
Tickets: $10 per person
Continental breakfast provided

The Inside Track: How to get more from your Chamber Membership
2026-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, 3125 Muskoka Rad 169, Unit 3, Bala, Ontario, P0C 1A0, Canada
How to Get the Most From Your Membership
Meet your Chamber team, ask questions and learn how to get the most from your Membership on the first Tuesday of most months of 2026. (Please call us to register at 705 762 5663 even if you sign up on Eventbrite).
This month, enjoy a rare free lunch – on us.
RSVP here

Cottage Succession Planning: A Practical Guide to the Decisions Ahead
2026-05-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame & The Venue, 1512 Muskoka District Road 118 West, Bracebridge, Ontario, P1L 1T4, Canada
What happens to the cottage down the road is one of the biggest decisions many cottage owners and families will face – and one of the easiest to put off.
For some, the goal is keeping the cottage in the family. For others, it means asking harder questions: Can the next generation afford it? Is shared ownership realistic? Would selling be the better choice? And what happens if no plan is made at all?
What You Can Expect to Learn:
This event will explore the practical and financial side of cottage succession planning, including the decisions owners should be thinking about now rather than leaving for later. Catharine Inniss of Cottage in Muskoka (Johnston & Daniel Rushbrooke Realty Brokerage) will speak to the practical side of cottage succession planning, including the real-world questions families face when deciding whether to keep, share, or sell the property, while Alison Gaudet of RBC Wealth Management will help unpack the financial planning considerations that can shape what is actually possible.
Whether your goal is to pass the cottage on, prepare for a future sale, or simply understand your options, this will be a practical conversation designed to help you think ahead with more clarity and fewer surprises.
RSVP: Cottage Succession Planning: A Practical Guide to the Decisions Ahead – Event RSVP
Tasty snacks and light refreshments will be served.
Museum portion of the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame will stay open for viewing from 5:00PM to 5:30PM after this event.

MBA Speed Networking
2026-05-14 17:30 - 20:00 | Bracebridge Legion, 168 Muskoka Rd, Bracebridge, Ontario, P1L 1H6, Canada
🔥 Ready to Build New Connections?
Get ready, MBA Members — this is your night to mix, mingle, and make some serious connections.
They’re turning up the energy with fast‑paced networking, great food, a cold drink, and a room full of like‑minded people who are ready to connect.
Bring your business cards, polish your elevator pitch, and get ready for a fun-filled evening where you’ll mix, mingle and meet new faces.
Join us for a night of Speed Networking at the Bracebridge Legion

Open House Anniversary Party - The Alexander Muskoka Residence
2026-05-15 14:00 - 16:00 | The Alexander Muskoka Residence, 520 Isaac Street, Gravenhurst, Ontario, P1P 0H9, Canada
Join our Chamber member – The Alexander Muskoka Residence – as they celebrate their special milestone of being (almost) 2 years old. The Alexander Muskoka Residence is hosting an Open House and will be providing tours, refreshments and community.
To RSVP call reception at 705-996-6405 ext. 0.

Live Music - Shawn Mei
2026-05-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Rawley Resort, Marina and Spa, 2900 Kellys Rd, Port Severn, Ontario, L0K 1S0, Canada

MLA Family Seedling Day
2026-05-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Port Carling Community Centre
The Muskoka Lakes Association’s Family Seedling Day is a cherished annual event that encourages environmental stewardship by providing native tree and shrub seedlings to members and the community. Held at the Port Carling Community Center on the Saturday before the May long weekend, this initiative supports reforestation and shoreline restoration efforts across Muskoka. Families can pre-order a selection of seedlings starting in February and take part in preserving the region’s natural beauty for generations to come.
Click here for more information.

Muskoka Lakes Museum - Open House
2026-05-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Muskoka Lakes Museum
You’re Invited to the May Open House

Saturday, May 16, 2026: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Join the museum as they open their doors for the 2026 season with a day full of fun and discovery. Admission is by donation, with all proceeds supporting the Annual Fund and helping bring their exhibits and public programs to life.

What to expect:
• Light refreshments, including delicious elderberry cordial
• Be among the first to explore the new exhibit “Mahogany in Motion: 55 Years of the MLA Antique Boat Show”
• Spring-themed crafts
• Activities for all ages

A special thank you to Wild Muskoka Botanicals for their generous donation of elderberry syrup.

Dwayne Gretzky at The Kee to Bala
2026-05-16 20:00 - 23:00 | The Kee to Bala

Live Music - Marlon Gibbons
2026-05-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Rawley Resort, Marina and Spa, 2900 Kellys Rd, Port Severn, Ontario, L0K 1S0, Canada
Victoria Day Live Music
with Marlon Gibbons

Book Your Complimentary Winonah II Cruise
2026-05-19 14:30 - 17:00 | Muskoka Steamships, 185 Cherokee Lane Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P 1Z9 Canada
Front-Line Tourism Staff
You are invited to join a COMPLIMENTARY WENONAH II cruise and tour of MUSKOKA DISCOVERY CENTRE
This invitation extends to:

Restaurant servers
Hotel front desk staff
Housekeepers
Reception staff
Those that are“front-facing” with visitors

CRUISE DATES:
Sunday, May 24th • 2:30 pm to 4 pm – or
Tuesday, June 2nd • 3:30 pm to 5 pm
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TO BOOK:
Please Call Muskoka Steamships
(705).687.6667
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Pick your cruise date and give us a call them to book!
Your Discovery Centre pass can be used on any day during the season.

Webinar: How to Start a Business
2026-05-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Ontario
How to Start a Business Workshops
Our workshops cover everything you need to start and run a business, including:

Business Structure (Sole Proprietorship vs Corporation)
Business Registration
HST
WSIB
Resources for Small Businesses, and more

Book a Webinar here: How to Start a Business
