John McQuarrie

Between Algonquin Park to its east and Georgian Bay to its west, atop the bedrock of the Canadian Shield, lie 6,500 square kilometres of scenic country, pristine waters, and charming towns and villages. This is Muskoka, a place as renowned for its natural attractions as it is for its fascinating history, classic wooden boats, and the spell-binding steamships of Muskoka Wharf. This place draws visitors who want to play all day and others who would like nothing more than to lounge in one of the district's famous Muskoka chairs.

Muskoka will quickly have you under its spell on your very first visit. This book is the proof.

By combining over 450 archival and contemporary images which are interwoven with lively text by a number of well-known Muskoka writers, the book's "Then & Now" approach gives comparisons and contrasts that graphically illustrate the growth of Canada's legendary resort destination. Whether your first visit to Muskoka is still on your "to-do" list, or whether you are a fifth generation cottager, Spirit of Place can give a heightened sense of how Muskoka evolved from virgin forest to one of the most loved vacation destinations.