July 2, 2026

‘IT WAS TOO DARN HOT’ … BUT WE LOVED CELEBRATING EVERY SECOND OF OUR O CANADA DAY!

MUSKOKA — Hot! Hot! Hot!

Who doesn’t want good weather for a birthday?

Everyone was up for celebrating our 159^th birthday. Even weather that hovered around 40 degrees — with the humidity above.

What a day and night for a birthday bash.

From sunrise to sunset Canada Day was a scorcher. No wonder the fire rating is HIGH now.

And while temperatures may have been too much for some, most enjoyed the red-day events aimed at all ages with cakes and fireworks and all kinds of fun on shore and in and on the Muskoka Lakes.

Kids especially savoured the moments that included concerts, crafts, hot dogs, cold drinks — lots and lots of cold drinks to stay hydrated.

All of it mostly free for celebrators of the best country in the world — and maybe among participating World Cup nations.

While there were dangerous storms north and south of Gravenhurst, the Gateway to Muskoka avoided any wet stuff.

Around the Muskoka Lakes and on it was mostly fun, including the Toronto All Star Big Band on the Wenonah II where cruisers hung to the rails their heads into the wind to try and stay cool. Others, though, basked in the sun and soaked up the music, energy and rays.

Brian Clairmont stayed home celebrating with a large group of family and friends.

He had the largest flag in town covering his garage doors and half the front of his house. It once hang at Queen’s Park in Toronoto, where he did some construction work years ago and “they were throwing out a bunch of them.”

Lucky for him, his family and neighbours it’s a great way to show off every Canada Day.