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Bracebridge

Bracebridge, Canada

Bracebridge Falls

Bracebridge Falls is the last drop on the north branch of the Muskoka River before its joins up with the south branch. The Muskoka is a good sized river and this is a big waterfall, but like all the others in the area it has been partially dammed. A dam extends across most of the river, but some of the water spills over a natural rock face. There is also a smaller drop a few hundred meters upstream, which also has a dam built on it.

The falls are placed in downtown Bracebridge. Ecclestone Drive crosses the Muskoka just above the falls. There is a parking area by the corner of Ecclestone and Entrance Drive from where you can access some walking paths that lead to the falls. You can reach either side of the falls by walking across the dam.

If you continue south on Ecclestone you will find a small roadside overlook that gives you a nice distant view of the falls.

Looking at the shape of the falls, it is not clear what it would have looked without the dam. The "natural" part of the falls looks like it is higher than the dammed part, so it might be the case that the dam actually increased the height of the falls.

 


Kirby's Beach

Kirby's Beach

Kirby's Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bracebridge. Located on Lake Muskoka, Kirby's Beach boasts a sandy beach with plenty of grassy picnic area and a playground. This shallow beach allows swimmers to wade out metres from shore. Bathroom facilities and ample parking can be found on-site.

 


Woodchester Villa

Woodchester Villa, as known as The Bird House, is an historic octagon house placed at 15 King Street overlooking the Muskoka River in Bracebridge, Ontario. It was built in 1882 and was the home of woolen manufacturer Henry J. Bird. Its walls alternate between 4.5 metres and 5 metres in width. In 1977 the Bracebridge Rotary Club took steps to maintain the property by buying it from the descendants of Henry J. Bird. After restoring the building, it was turned over to the Town of Bracebridge on March 13, 1980. On June 22, 1980, it was opened as a local history museum

 


Wilson Falls

A steep hike down to a cool, mossy waterfall. Wilson Creek Falls is considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls in British Columbia, plunging 207 feet. The hike is 2.2 km round trip. Path is fairly flat for first 500 m and then drops down to the base of the falls. Plan on about 3-4 hours return trip from highway turn-off.

 


Rotary Centennial Gardens

The Rotary Centennial Gardens, placed in Bracebridge at the corner of Taylor Road and Pine Street, is a community garden available free to the public. Wheelchair accessible pathways link the individual gardens and the many features. The site offers a variety of physical and sensory elements, both educational and meditative, including an entrance / entertainment pavilion, woodlands, benches, statuary, an event/entertainment pavilion, perennial and annual beds, water features, arbors and pathways. The garden is open for spring, summer and fall visits.

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