Tourists flock north to take in vibrant fall colours
With a favourable forecast and trees at their full fall colours, many tourists are expected to flock to Muskoka festivals and resorts this weekend while enjoying the scenery.
The drive up Highway 400 is a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours for travellers to enjoy on their way to their weekend destinations.
Many of those drivers will veer off at Exit 177 towards Bala between Friday and Sunday.
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With sunshine and t-shirt weather on the menu, the annual Bala Cranberry is expected to be busier than ever.
"We're increasing the number of people in town for the weekend more than tenfold for the festival this year," said David Skoric, chair of the festival's board.
Organizers expected 20,000 to 25,0000 people to attend the three-day event. The Cranberry Festival is a staple for the Bala community and the businesses it supports.
"It's just a beautiful time of year," added Skoric. "It's a celebration of the harvest. It's a celebration of community. And our group does such a great job of picking exciting local artisans to showcase their wares."
The warmer weather will also mean busy resorts across Muskoka.
Christie's Mill Inn and Spa in Port Severn was already 85 per cent booked for the weekend as of Thursday afternoon.
"October has been amazing," said general manager Sharon Hales. "The weather's been great. We're so happy to see people from all over the world coming and travelling up here to Muskoka to see the beautiful fall colours."
The resort will still offer kayak canoe and pedal boat rentals, which is a rarity for this late in the season.
"It's normally much colder, so people want to stay inside and stay warm," added Hales. "But this weekend, it's supposed to be amazing, so they should get out and see everything and enjoy this beautiful weather."
Ontario Parks also sent out a reminder Thursday Morning that many parks are still available for late fall camping.
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