Simpler Times is great for two Simple Reasons:…read more 1) Its inventory is a little bit of everything: quilts and bedding, wall art, chunky bracelets, vintage vases, colorful umbrellas, pin-up girl tweezers, old table lamps, homey sideboards, tea towels, canvas totes, garden tools...a little bit of everything. 2) It's located in the former Bala Presbyterian Church. They definitely get an "A" for atmosphere.

What a great service team at the Gravenhurst store! Especially the Joni at the service counter,…read morehappy, friendly, courteous and on the ball! Thank you Joni! Dave

My experience today in the automotive department was excellent. Not only was the repair booked done…read morein a timely manner but when it was discovered that a wheel bearing needed to be replaced immediately the installation by Cole was accommodated by Joni while the vehicle was still on the hoist. That kind of same-day service is rare but much appreciated. Thank you for the excellent, friendly service.

Great rustic and authentic items but are rather pricyread more

Wow. The best shop in Muskoka, maybe even Canada!read more

3.5 stars…read more Iroquois Artisans has been in Bala for 20 years this year. But in the six summers I've had the privilege of accompanying husband to the family place in Muskoka, we've never gone in or even thought to. Despite the fact that it's located smack next door to the crack cocaine of Bala, where we spend a good deal of time obviously: Don's Bakery. This year I popped in, however, intrigued by a beautiful leather and bead necklace husband's mother had scored here for my birthday. I was surprised by the inventory, pleasantly and otherwise. The gallery showcases hand-crafted art from Native Americans across Canada: jewelry, carvings, paintings, photographs, pottery, basketry. Some of it is just my taste (understated, simple, and refined), and some of it is not (animal-themed, brightly colored, exuding that reviled Wolf-t-shirt vibe). But I can appreciate the craftsmanship of all the art here, and it definitely means there's something for everyone. Owner Carol News is really knowledgeable about the artists and their art as well, and is pleased to answer your questions. Prices range from high-end to quite affordable. Picked up a beautiful keyring to replace my old busted one for under C$10. Now I know this place is worth checking out on our yearly pilgrimage.

I ordered a bouquet to be picked up (not delivered) and I gave a budget of $120 and asked for as…read moremany purple flowers as possible. When it was picked up, there was not one single purple flower and I could have bought the same bouquet at a supermarket for $40... it looked simply like a seasonal bouquet with no roses or any other nicer flowers... It was well put-together, however it was nothing that I asked for and it certainly was not worth $120.

They always make beautiful custom bouquets. Easy to talk too. Good selection of house plants…read more Reasonable prices. My go to place for flowers in Parry Sound.

This place is like the Wal-Mart of Muskoka, without being creepily corporate or offering shoddy…read moremerchandise. But whatever you need on the lakes -- well, cottage-related really, but what isn't cottage-related on the lakes? -- you can find here. Awesome selection of name brand men's and women's swimwear and sandals/flip-flops; huge array of high-quality waterskis, kayaks, boat bumpers, floaties, and life vests; wide variety of outdoor and patio furniture, including recycled plastic Muskoka chairs and patio umbrellas; all kinds of cabin accessories you'd never known you needed, like miniature rowboats, stained glass landscapes, pine cone nightlights, and aloe balm for your sunburns. It's easy to spend a lot of time in here, despite the siren song of a beautiful Muskoka day! Prices are reasonable, staff is helpful and friendly, location is a bit of a walk up Medora Street from the docks (or a bit of a drive past town).

Awesome store. We purchased a load of the recycled plastic furniture for our home located on a…read morehill in a windy location. This stuff looks great, is maintenance free and never moves!! Friendly and helpful staff here, efficient service and good pricing. It's also one of my favorite stores to just browse around for all that fun 'cottagy' stuff. I'll be going back....

Looking back over my Lakes Region reviews, I realize most of them are really positive. It's hard…read morenot to love everything about Muskoka, whether you're swimming in one of the bays or browsing a farmers market. Even shopping is supremely pleasant here, and Red Canoe Gallery ranks as one of my favorite stops when it comes to Muskoka shopping. For me, RCG is one of the most accessible and relatable galleries I've found. A lot of the art featured in the shop appeals to my personal aesthetic: stylized landscapes, folk-art carvings, turned wood bowls, simple jewelry. Much of it is unmistakably Canadian in subject, too, from a wonderful oil painting of a Mountie riding a flying loon, to a monochrome block print of a pair of Muskoka chairs. Best of all, most prices on the pieces strike me as really reasonable. Every time I'm in Port Carling, Red Canoe is always a welcome diversion.

A real great mix of interior items. I picked up some stemless wine glasses etched with dragonflies…read moreas a gift. And for myself French milled soap, Shea butter hand lotion and a really cool metal storage tin for makeup with a Swiss Army cross on it. Everything was reasonably priced to boot. Another reason to stop in Lake Rosseau.