A unique project in cottage country will put a small community on the map, while sharing its history at the same time. 

It’s a labour of love for the people behind the barn quilt trail.

Lynn Wilson is one of many people who have logged countless hours over the past year helping to create the trail just outside of Gravenhurst.

“This putting the pattern on is the very last part of a long process,” says artist Jane Braden. “And each colour has to be masked off separately so … to do a three colour quilt might take … about five days.”

After a big push this fall, the trail is ready to go. Historic and significant community buildings were asked to display a single quilt block. The blocks are pieces of wood of all different sizes, each painted with a different pattern. 

“On a piece of paper they don't have very much life, but as soon as they go on the board they are full of life,” Braden says.

Together, each quilt block is a stop along the Barn Quilt Trail. It's a way for people tour the area and learn more about the community's history.  There is also a website that gives more information about each stop along the way 

This whole project is in preparation for Ryde Township's 135th anniversary next summer. Many people are happy with how it's turning out.

“I love this one because the colours are great,” says Housey's Rapids resident Wilf Curtis. “It's bright and fresh and it looks really good on the barn.”

Local stores also see it as a way of attracting business.

 “In the summertime there are a lot of country people and a lot of city people coming up and they will see them, and I think it will draw them in to small businesses like myself,” says The Donkey Shack and Feed Store owner Lynn Wilson. “And we have so much to offer. Horse people, cattle people, even city people, so I think it will be great for my business.”

Others hope because there aren’t many quilt trails in Ontario, this will be a way to put this community on the map.

 “People will come and follow the trail. It will be a tourist destination for Muskoka,” says Barn Quilt committee member Judy Campbell.

Most of the quilt blocks are up, but there might be a few more added before next summer. Some people who live here want to place them near the water so you can also experience the quilt trail by boat.