Just 90 miles north of Toronto, the land and lifestyles change, for the better.

South Muskoka is the southern tip of the Canadian Shield, a land of rock, pine and deep clean water. It extends east from Port Severn on Georgian Bay, along the Trent-Severn Waterway, to Swift Rapids. It goes north a bit to take in Six Mile Lake, the other gem in South Muskoka's crown.

The area offers everything you would expect from Muskoka, such as great fishing, boating and abundant wildlife, without the long drive (and higher prices) found farther north. It also offers easier access to a greater number of services and facilities.

South Muskoka is easy to get to. You get on Highway 400 in Toronto and you get off it in South Muskoka. It's as simple as that. The road is four lanes all the way and a pleasant drive, particularly when you get into the rolling farm country north of Barrie.

Once you're off the multi-lane, you're in a different world, which is more tranquil, natural and beautiful - a little friendlier, too - than the one you have left behind. This is a world where your boat or your boots can take the place of your car.

Boating in South Muskoka isn't just good, it's superb, because it's so varied. There are quiet backwaters for canoeing or fishing (bass, pike, muskie and pickerel). There's the Trent-Severn ("The System"), which gives you easy access to Georgian Bay, its villages and towns (Midland and Penetanguishene) and beautiful Georgian Bay Islands National Park, which can only be reached by boat.

Anything you can do in or on the water, you can do here, including shopping and dining. Nonetheless, there are some cottagers who "just sit", which is one of the area's appeals: You can be as busy, or as quiet, as you like.

If you want to do something - a lot or a little - there is no shortage of things to do and see. The following list isn't comprehensive, but we hope it will give you a taste of South Muskoka.

Community Life:

The area has strong cottagers' associations, which sponsor events such as regattas, corn roasts, teen dances and game nights.

Golf:

There are a dozen courses within easy reach from duffer-friendly family places to 27 hole layouts that can challenge the most experienced golfer.

Concerts:

There is live music here and there, but the stars perform at Casino Rama, which has an annual summer concert series. Last year's headliners included Aretha Franklin, Kenny Rogers, Michael Bolton, Tony Bennett, The Beach Boys and Julio Inglesias. The summer concerts are staged in a huge tent, but the casino itself has lesser known bands (and, of course, gambling) year-round.

Theatre:

There is live summer theatre at Coldwater, Orillia, Penetanguishene and Port Carling.

Shopping and Browsing:

There is a lively summer trade in arts, crafts and antiques. It should be noted, too, that all of the basics and most of the luxuries are available from local retailers. As a rule, if you can get it in the city, you can get it here.

Cruises and Boat Shows:

There are day cruises out of both Midland and Gravenhurst, where the Royal Mail Ship Segwun is berthed. Half of the appeal of a Segwun cruise is the vessel itself, which was built in 1887 and is the oldest operating steamship in North America. The region also has in-water shows of antique and classic boats, often owned by local cottagers.

Natural Attractions:

They are simply everywhere, including the hummingbirds, loons and herons that can be found outside a cottage door. However, the Wye Marsh nature preserve at Midland can give you new insights into the natural world of the region.

The Big Chute:

Instead of a lock, "The Chute" has a 100-tonne carriage that lifts boats out of the Severn and runs them up (or down) a steep and scenic hill. It's fun to ride or just watch and it's a great place to take visitors, particularly kids.

Historic and Other Sites:

South Muskoka borders on Huronia, named after the Huron Indians and explored centuries ago by French fur traders and Jesuit missionaries. Those days are recalled at the reconstructed village of Ste. Marie Among the Hurons and at Martyr's Shrine in Midland. Other attractions include the Naval Establishments at Penetanguishene and the old mill at Coldwater.

There are interesting old houses and building throughout the region. Midland, with its' turn-of-the-century homes, snug harbour and Little Lake Park, is particularly pleasant town to explore on foot.

Winter, Spring and Fall:

Many people now use their South Muskoka cottages as year-round retreats and some eventually retire here or become "snowbirds". The area has the distinct advantage of not closing down when summer ends. The stores, restaurants and other services in Orillia, Coldwater and Midland stay open throughout the year for permanent residents, cottagers and visitors.

In fact, some cottagers can get a little smug about what "the summer people" miss. South Muskoka is arguable at its prettiest in late spring and early fall, when the days are warm and the nights are cool.

It's also ideal for the winter sports enthusiast or for those who simply enjoy the quiet beauty of a winter's day in the wilderness.

There is snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing right at the cottage door. There is downhill skiing and snowboarding nearby at Mount St. Louis-Moonstone and Horseshoe, which also has an excellent network of groomed cross-country trails, ranging from easy to expert.

South Muskoka is justly proud of its snowmobile trails, which are extensive, well groomed and well maintained. As with boating, you can go for a short spin or a long trip, since there are links to the cross-Canada trail system.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As we said, this Introduction to South Muskoka isn't comprehensive. We didn't get around to mentioning the fall fairs, the farmer's gate produce stands, the bakeries, summer lodge dinners and other things that contribute to our area's character and charm.

But we hope we have given you some "feel for" South Muskoka which, as we discovered again when compiling this, really is cottage country at its best.