A panoramic view is something everyone enjoys, whether it is of a row of mountain peaks, a sweeping seascape or a city skyline at night. Muskoka is a region that lends itself to panoramic views – lakeshores dotted with cottages; quiet bays at dusk; colorful rock cuts; and even pastoral pictures.

  Now these views have been captured in a book by professional photographer Les Palenik. Entitled ‘Muskoka Panoramas’ it has just released this month, the first in a planned panoramic series.

  Compact in format (10 X 7, making it easy for souvenir and gift giving) and compact in price at $19.95, (also making it easy for souvenir and gift giving) it is chock full of wonderful colour photos of the region.  Most locations are identified, but little else in the way of text is added, as the photos speak for themselves.

  Take in the autumn colours as seen from atop the Huckleberry Rock Cut, get a bird’s eye view of Bala, glimpse some of Muskoka’s flora and fauna, and savour the quiet grace of the old mahogany boats on display at the annual Antique and Classic Boat Show in Gravenhurst.

  The two-page, panoramic format of many of the book’s photos make it even more enjoyable. Familiar Muskoka icons are included, such as the skyline of Windermere House, the steamship Segwun ‘locking through’ at Port Carling, the cliffs along Lake Rosseau, and the boat-filled bay at the Muskoka Sands Resort.

  Other images in the book evoke a more reflective mood, such as boats stored for the coming winter, a quiet bay in the fall, a shoreline wedding, and a lake in winter.

  Whether you are a first time visitor to Muskoka and want a regional book as a souvenir, or are a long-time cottager or resident and want to send the book to a friend, Muskoka Panoramas makes an ideal keepsake and gift.

  Muskoka Panoramas is available at local bookstores throughout Muskoka.