Fall in Love
with Fall
Experience the Magic of Autumn at
Blue Water Acres Resort
Fall in Love with Fall
Experience the Magic of Autumn at Blue Water Acres Resort
For Jennifer O’Neil and her husband, Bill Lucas, fall at Blue Water Acres Resort is more than just a getaway — it’s a cherished tradition. They’ve returned to this serene slice of Muskoka for more than a decade to reconnect with nature, soak in the stunning colours, and unwind at their favourite lakeside retreat on the spectacular Lake of Bays.
“Fall is our favourite time there,” Jennifer says. “I absolutely love the colours and the weather is great in that there’s very few bugs. We like to be active outdoors and the temperatures are perfect for that.”
They’re not alone.
Colt and Lauren Archer first discovered Blue Water Acres in the early ’90s. After renting elsewhere on the lake, they became proud fractional owners of a cottage at Blue Water in 2021.
To this day, they still find themselves enchanted by the serenity of fall.
“It’s beautiful up there,” Colt says. “The kids are back in school, so it’s quiet and the wildlife comes out — there’s tons of deer.”
Nestled on 50 wooded acres along the northwest shore of Lake of Bays, near Dwight, Blue Water Acres offers the ideal combination of comfort, natural beauty and proximity to the best Muskoka has to offer.
The resort is just 15 minutes from the west gate of Algonquin Park and downtown Huntsville, making it a perfect basecamp for an autumn adventure.
Photo: Algonquin Park, Destination Ontario
Photo: Algonquin Park, Destination Ontario
Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a family vacation, or a friends’ getaway, the resort has a wide range of accommodations — from cozy two-bedroom cottages to a spacious six-bedroom unit. Each features a full kitchen, fireplace, propane barbecue, and that classic cottage-country charm.
“They’re really nice cottages and well spaced out so guests get to enjoy a traditional cottage experience,” says Yvonne Stephenson, whose parents Bill and Annette Van Gelder bought Blue Water Acres in 1979. She now owns the property management company that oversees the resort.
In the fall, Muskoka’s lush foliage puts on a sensational show—and Blue Water Acres provides a front-row seat.
Aerial view of Blue Water Acres
Aerial view of Blue Water Acres
Guests can enjoy complimentary access to canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and rowboats to paddle across mirror-like waters surrounded by vibrant red and gold forests.
“It’s lovely to just go out on the lake in a kayak or canoe,” Bill says.
Colt and Lauren agree, wholeheartedly. “It’s nice to get out on the water and get a little exercise,” Colt says.
There are times, however, when the Archers prefer to just relax in their cozy cottage and soak up the scenery. “From our vantage point, we have a beautiful view of the lake,” Colt says. “It’s nice to just wake up and look out at it.”
Of course, Blue Water Acres has plenty to offer beyond a lovely lakefront — you can head over to the resort’s private hiking trail or enjoy a friendly match on the tennis or pickle-ball courts. There’s also an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub to relax in after your adventures.
Read more about the history of the resort and all its amenities in our summer feature Family Matters.
Hiking enthusiasts, like Jennifer and Bill, will love being so close to Algonquin Park, renowned for its dense forests, pristine lakes and abundant wildlife.
“It’s not a trip for us unless we’ve gone into the park a few times to do some hikes,” Jennifer says.
Their favourite trails include Booth’s Rock and Centennial Ridges, known for panoramic cliff-top views. The couple also enjoys biking on the Rail Trail and taking the ride from Lake of Two Rivers Store to Rock Lake, Bill added.
It’s worth noting that Algonquin Park can get packed in fall and a parking permit is required. If you choose to go, try travelling during the week and stay on-resort during the busier weekends.
For those seeking quieter trails, Yvonne recommends Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, a free, privately owned conservation area with more than 70 kilometres of trails.
“It’s a hidden gem,” she says. “People who go there absolutely love it.”
Fall is also a great time to go for a drive and discover the charm of Muskoka’s many quaint towns and villages.
“Sometimes we set the GPS for a destination and go see these spectacular scenes,” Colt says. “There’s quite a few nice drives around there, with beautiful views.”
It’s true, the options are plentiful.
Jennifer and Bill love to wander through downtown Huntsville’s boutiques, bakeries, and cafes. “We have our favourite little places to go and get baking or eat a meal,” Jennifer says. “And you have to do at least one rain day of shopping downtown.”
Another great option is to take the scenic drive to Dorset for a climb up the 30-metre Lookout Tower for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Lake of Bays.
While every season in Muskoka has something wonderful to offer visitors, fall holds a special kind of magic — fewer crowds, incredible colours, crisp air, and cozy nights, Yvonne says.
“It’s the nicest time of the year,” she adds. “You get the beauty, the quiet, and all the best parts of summer—minus the crowds.”
With a variety of rental and fractional ownership cottages available, now is the perfect time to plan an autumn escape to Blue Water Acres and discover why so many guests keep coming back.
Blue Water Acres Resort is located at 1052 Rat Bay Road, Huntsville. The fully detached cottages are available to rent year round and include a host of amenities for an easy vacation with family or friends.
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