AMAZING RACE CHAMPS CROSS FINISH LINE AT CAMP MINI-YO-WE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

PORT SYDNEY — With summer camps season over now, most are looking back on fun learning experiences for young campers.

Muskoka’s many camps, many of which are decades old, boast a history of amazing times filled with swimming an running races.

But few have had one like Camp Mini-Yo-We, on Mary Lake, in Port Sydney.

It was the site of the season seven finale of the Amazing Race Canada recently.

Contestants Anthony and James from Edmonton raced to the finish line in Muskoka to become The Amazing Race Champions.

They beat 10 teams over 11 episodes in the entertaining CTV produced and scripted final that saw the teams racing around in the Muskoka camp.

And the local camp couldn’t be more proud to be picked as the backdrop for the popular TV show seen across the country.

“It was so exciting that our location was selected for this first time that The Amazing Race has been in Muskoka. We think our property is pretty special, but this is a huge validation from the producers of this show,” said camp director Jez Bell in a release.

Two-spirit married couple Anthony and James, from Amiskwaciy-Wâskahikan (Edmonton), Treaty Number Six Territory, won Season 7 finale that finished in Port Sydney at Camp Mini-Yo-We. (CNW Group/CTV photos)

Season seven of The Amazing Race Canada began July 2 and was the most watched entertainment series broadcast this summer with an estimated two million viewers. Choosing locations to film for such a high-profile show is a meticulous process.

Camp Mini-Yo-We was selected to be featured as part of the epic finale because of the gorgeous views and classic Canadian camping experience that it provides, said Bell.

“Camp Mini-Yo-We was the perfect location for a finale on The Amazing Race Canada.

We always seek out locations that are private so that we can keep the results secret until September, and so it’s a bit tough to find for the racers,” said Jon Montgomery, the longtime host of The Amazing Race Canada.

“Camp Mini-Yo-We provided this and more — the wood cabins and main lodge were beautifully contrasted by the sandy beach and lake-front vista provided by the scenic location of the camp. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

During the summer months, Camp Mini-Yo-We provides life-changing adventures for children ages 5-16 while building friendships and trying new activities such as canoeing, mountain biking, sailing and more. It’s an amazing and unique opportunity for today’s busy kids to get away and unplug, while young adults ages 17-25 develop essential leadership skills that extends past their summer experience and well into their adult lives.

Throughout the rest of the year, Camp Mini-Yo-We hosts school groups, business

retreats and other clubs and organizations.

The leadership at Mini-Yo-We provides customized experiences that include team building initiatives and the chance to try more than 16 different activities that aren’t typically available in a business or school setting.

From September to June, Camp Mini-Yo-We accommodates up to 128 guests at one

time with state-of-the-art winterized facilities, meeting space and delicious food all in

the heart of the Canadian Shield. For the year-round staff at Camp Mini-Yo-We, The

Amazing Race Canada Season 7 finale was a highlight and provided a memorable

experience for all.

The Amazing Race Canada Season 7 finale is now streaming anytime on CTV.ca and the CTV app.

Contestants Anthony and James race past a pair of Muskoka chairs on Mary Lake in their championship run, which aired on CTV Sept. 10.

About Camp Mini-Yo-We:

Camp Mini-Yo-We is the ultimate Muskoka getaway. It is a Christian summer camp and year-round retreat centre committed to one big idea – developing tomorrow’s leaders. Our combination of our innovative programs, fantastic facilities and experienced staff have been bringing campers back year after year since 1946.

Camp Mini-Yo-We is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinabek. The treaty signed for this particular parcel of land is referred to as the Williams Treaty of 1923. We celebrate the enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples on the land.

Jez Bell, left, and Camp Mini-Yo-We staff were thrilled to welcome and host the TV production race to their camp for the Sept. 10 season seven CTV finale of The Amazing Race at their year-round facility on Mary Lake in Port Sydney.

Email Mark Clairmont at [email protected]

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