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With summer around the corner, both residents and visitors in Muskoka are excited to get outside and enjoy nature. However, changing weather patterns and more frequent extreme weather events are increasingly affecting how, when, and where we can enjoy these activities.
More Frequent Flooding Impacts Communities and Businesses
The flooding in Muskoka this spring was very close to the levels seen in the 2019 flood, the worst flood on record in Muskoka. There have now been two intense and dangerous floods just seven years apart. What both floods had in common was a large amount of rainfall in a short period of time, a significant snowpack that melted quickly with a steep rise in temperature, and frozen ground incapable of absorbing this run-off.
Flooding impacted homes and businesses across Muskoka, including the beloved Santa’s Village, located along the shore of the Muskoka River in Bracebridge. The damage from the flooding this spring delayed its opening by a week, resulting in a loss of income for a local business and increased costs due to damage.
Hot, Dry Summers Increase Fire Risk
The summer of 2025 was extremely hot and dry. With temperatures staying above 30°C and little rainfall, conditions were ripe for a forest fire. There were large scale fires happening just east of Muskoka in Haliburton and the Kawarthas resulting in a total fire ban in Muskoka to prevent that from happening here. This means that locals or those visiting the region could not have campfires in their backyard or at their campsites in Algonquin or Arrowhead Park. While evenings spent around a campfire enjoying the company of friends and family are a favourite summer activity, preventing large scale forest fires takes precedent over that when conditions become hot and dry.
Warmer Lakes Can Affect Water Quality
Warmer summer water temperatures can also lead to increased plant and algal growth, and create conditions favourable for blue-green algae blooms, which can make people and pets sick and the lake not swimmable. Lakes with confirmed blue-green algal blooms are listed on the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit website at: www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/SafeWater/bluegreenalgae.aspx
Wildfire Smoke Can Limit Outdoor Activities
Forest fires, even those not in Muskoka, can impact our ability to recreate. The smoke that is created by forest fires is toxic, and when there are many fires burning across Canada, this large amount of smoke can make it dangerous to be outside and participate in activities where one needs to breathe deeply, like running or hiking. When there are air quality warnings, it is best to stay inside to avoid breathing in this smoke. When there are only a few months of warm weather in Muskoka, it’s hard not being outside on every nice day to enjoy the forests and lakes that make Muskoka special.
Ticks Are Becoming More Common
Ticks are also increasing in number and surviving through our milder winters. This means hikers and those that take their pets out on trails with long grass or brush need to be extra vigilant and do a tick check on themselves and their pets, especially ones with long hair. Ticks can pass along diseases like Lyme that can cause long term health issues if not treated quickly. If you do get bit by a tick, remove it properly, keep the tick in a plastic bag and go to the nearest hospital for treatment. Early treatment with antibiotics can lower the likelihood of infection. To prevent ticksbites, wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants, tuck your socks into your pants, and use a DEET based bug spray.
Small Actions Can Make A Difference
While it can be hard to face the impacts climate change is having on our summers, there are ways to minimize the impacts! Lowering your carbon emissions (which come from fossil fuels like oil, natural gas and propane) through simple lifestyle changes, like bundling your errands in one trip instead of making multiple trips throughout the week to reduce your car use, parking in one spot and walking to do your errands around town, or eating less meat and dairy, can all add up to significant reductions.
Become A Climate Hero
For more ways you can be more sustainable in your everyday life, check out our Climate Hero program, and go for Gold!
The District’s Climate Hero program provides practical tips, resources, and challenges to help residents reduce their environmental impact and make sustainable choices in everyday life.
Explore the Climate Hero program, take the challenge, and help protect the Muskoka we love for future generations.
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