Explore the Edge

If you like to eat, shop or play -- and you want a getaway in our neck of the woods -- then you're going to want to keep reading.

There's a new summer promotion from Explorers' Edge regional tourism organization, the same fine folks who brought us the popular Fuel & Fun program.

Join Explorers’ Edge on Facebook and sign up to receive $100 in cash vouchers to spend at participating attractions, restaurants, shops and outfitters this summer. You get $50 just for coming to the region and another $50 just for staying overnight at participating accommodations such as Fern Glen Inn.

The vouchers come in $10 denominations and you can use them all together at one location or use a few for dinner, a couple for a canoe rental, and a few more for gift items, retail purchases or even theatre tickets. It's like free money to spend in the local economy! What could be better than that?

The vouchers are valid all summer until August 30 but quantities are limited so sign up for yours now.

If you're wondering what your vouchers can buy you, here are some of our suggestions based on what our guests like to see and do around the area:

Adventure Experiences

Spend a day paddling on local lakes, or for the really adventurous, get into the Algonquin Park backcountry. Rent a canoe, ties, and any other gear you might need from Algonquin Basecamp.

Paddle to Ragged Falls, take a guided tour up Hailstorm Creek or just take a tour up the Muskoka River from downtown Huntsville. Rent canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards from Algonquin Outfitters.

Go horseback trail riding or take a riding lesson at Winding Fences Farm.

Swing, clamour and balance your way above the forest floor at Treetop Trekking's Huntsville park.

Get a bird's eye view over Georgian Bay and the 30,000 Islands with a sight-seeing flight in a small plane with Georgian Bay Airways.

Cruise through the 30,000 Islands out of Parry Sound with a half-day cruise aboard the Island Queen.

Arts and Entertainment

Check out the excellent and eclectic mix of musicians, performances, screenings and events happening in and around Huntsville. Use your vouchers to buy tickets through the box office at Algonquin Theatre and as part of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

View the beautiful pottery and experience the lovely and oh-so-quiet off-grid location of Petra's Pottery.

Browse through a variety of artwork and handcrafts at Artisans of Muskoka.

Wander through a gallery celebrating women and their art at Windows to the North Gallery.

Shopping Spree

Shop for hand-crafted gift items and distinctive furniture pieces at the Wooden Roo.

Find gifts for the spirit, walk the labyrinth garden, sit in the teepee or the fairy garden at Circling Hawks Centre.

Not just for gear rentals, both Algonquin Basecamp and Algonquin Outfitters have a great selection of retail items and clothing perfect for the outdoor enthusiast.

Load up on fine quality chocolates and truffles, imported and old fashioned candy, gelato, ice cream and everything for the sweet of tooth at the Nutty Chocolatier.

Dining and Drinking

Treat yourself to lunch or dinner at the ever-popular 3 Guys and a Stove.

Grab a table on the back patio or in the cool interior for lunch or dinner at the Mill on Main.

Pick up a bottle (or two) of craft-brewed beer (Summer Weiss is perfect for a hot sunny afternoon) or shop for some brewery duds at Muskoka Brewery.

Tour the brewery, sample the fare and chill on the patio at Lake of Bays Brewery.

Sample award-winning wines, enjoy a local cheese plate, walk the trails around the marsh, and load up on all things cranberry at Johnston's Cranberry Marsh and Muskoka Lakes Winery.

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There are more participating shops, restaurants, outfitters and attractions. See the full list when you register for your Explore the Edge vouchers.

Vouchers are limited to the first 1,500 takers and are valid until August 30, 2013. Must be booked 3 days in advance.

Register for your $50 in vouchers at www.exploretheedge.ca.  Book your getaway at Fern Glen Inn or other participating accommodations for your confirmation number to make it $100.

Call 1-866-311-8519 or email us for details.