1998: Muskoka Outfitters is Created

In October 1998 I opened my first location across from the post office in downtown Bracebridge. I say "I" because I was single at the time and though the first store at 600 sq. ft. was incredibly small there really wasn't any room or need for any staff.

Bracebridge residents found me though (I guess they were getting their mail) and I was quickly planning to expand. I met Kelly in December and I was a step closer to becoming a "We". Muskokaoutfitters.com was launched as an informative site for our new store.

1999: Our First Expansion

After surviving our first winter in business we were on the move. In March we relocated to 40 Manitoba St. and opened our new doors on April 3rd. The winter was great and for those who only experience Muskoka in the summer you are really missing out. Snowshoes quickly became our favourite pastime.

The new location doubled our size and greatly expanded our offerings. I was finally able to hire staff and take a day off. This year we received the Bracebridge Site enhancement award for our new shop and I received the honor of Young Entrepreneur of the year for Muskoka/Parry Sound.

2002: Move to 60 Manitoba St.

After 3 years we had really grown. We had expanded to include a highway location in Port Sydney to pursue the canoe and kayak division and were manufacturing canoes under the Appleseed brand. In February we relocated to our third shop down the street at 60 Manitoba and expanded our paddling section at the Bracebridge store.

2004: Port Carling Store

Our canoes and kayak sales are now the center of our summer business. Our paddling shop moves to the locks in Port Carling. We now offer paddling instruction and day trips. Our fine tripping canoes are now branded "Muskoka Outfitters". Available in 16' and 17' they continue to be a great model for both the cottager and wilderness tripper.

2006: Riverside Location

Another big expansion! I think we have relocated to the best possible location for anyone looking for the outdoors. The new shop offers 4000 sq. ft. of great outdoor gear on the water! We are now one location with everything you need at one spot. Our largest selection of paddle sports offers on-site test paddling, rentals and instruction. We offer access to the best sections of the Muskoka river from our front door. Plenty of parking means easy access for you to come by and quickly get what you need for your day of adventure or info on what to do in the area.

Present: Online Store

We are in the process of launching Muskokaoutfitters.com, the shopping site. Now you can access all our great gear from anywhere. We guarantee the best pricing on all equipment and can send it to your door. When our staff are not helping you with your order they are outside testing the best equipment so you can enjoy the right advice.

Here at Muskoka Outfitters, we want you to enjoy shopping for gear as much as you enjoy your favorite outdoor activities. We would also like it if you enjoyed your activities more after shopping with us!

For this reason we only select clothing and equipment of the best quality and guarantee you are pleased with any purchase. We believe here in Muskoka we can offer you the best outdoor experience both in our store and in our environment. We call it the "stay where we play" concept. For us we get to enjoy this area all year round and love using the gear we sell.

For you this means great staff who know and test the gear they recommend you. It also means you are helping us encourage a more active Muskoka Lakes with growth in trails, bike paths and other facilities as well as preservation of the natural habitat.

Who are we?

We're outdoor addicts. You may see us paddling around ice on Easter weekend, adventure racing on Labour Day or show-shoeing on New Year's Eve. Our team includes Peter and Kelly deMos, the store owners, and the dedicated staff that make them look good.

Together, we know Muskoka like the back of our canoe. We also know what you need, by taking part in regular product testing to ensure we understand the best use of our products.

In addition to the store squad, we employ many local enthusiasts through our Volunteer for Gear Program to facilitate our events and offer guided tours. Want to get involved? Call the store at 705-646-0492.

Where are we?

Basically, we're in the best place on earth. The great outdoors! More specifically, we're in the heart of Muskoka in downtown Bracebridge. Two hours north of Toronto and only seconds from water, woods and wildlife.

What are we?

While Mother Nature provides the surroundings, we provide the means to enjoy it. We're obsessed with quality and it shows in the products we offer. We believe that no matter what your activity - from climbing mountains to walking the dog - you deserve to be outfitted in quality gear that is going to work better and last longer (and look really good, too). After three store expansions we now offer one of the largest selections of outdoor gear and paddlesports equipment in the Muskoka area.

Why are we?

We're here to get you out there - as often as possible, and no matter where you are. From your very first visit we want to get involved with your enjoyment of this great region. We want you to get the most use and satisfaction out of your gear. In a nut-shell, we want you "to wear out, not rust out".

We love the Muskoka outdoors and want to keep it natural as well as encourage others to minimize impact on our planet. We make an effort to choose only products with packaging made from recycled materials, New clothing made from natural and renewable resources and quality equipment that will not end up in a landfill. We are currently working to cut our waste and energy consumption to a minimum.

Here are some great ways you can help us meet our goals and effect local policy.

Reusable shopping bags

We are encouraging Muskoka to go shopping bag free. Until this happens please bring a shopping bag with you when you shop in Muskoka, refuse a bag when offered, buy a reusable bag from our store and sign our petition for a bag free Muskoka.

Local Produce

Whenever possible please support local produce or buy items only when they are locally in season. Global produce promotes trade and greater freight costs to our environment.

Renewable Products

We are now stocking many items made from renewable resources. Many new backpacks are being constructed with recycled materials and clothing from renewable fibres like bamboo, coconut shell, hemp and organic cotton. These new fibres also have excellent performance and durability. Ask about what’s new!

Cut the power!

Do you really need air conditioning or would lighter clothing on those hot days work better to keep you cool? Performance fabrics can do wonders for keeping you comfortable in varying climates. We could all stand to use less power than we do.

Ride your Bike!

It’s a beautiful day or maybe it isn’t but you will feel better after a good bike commute to work. The more cyclists we have the more impact we can have on making Muskoka more bike friendly. Our goal is to encourage bike lanes and shoulders throughout Muskoka for both commuting and recreational cycling. Add you name to our petition and ask how you can help expand our voice. www.bikemuskoka.ca.