100% Canadian Art, Muskoka’s gallery of choice since 1992

News/Events

SUMMER 2025

Hi everyone,

It's been so busy with new artists and ton's of new work arriving weekly. The ice storm set us all back a bit with lot's of extra work but things are returning to normal. The gallery is full with stunning works....it's really worth the drive to Bala.

The front of Red Canoe Gallery. Elegantly light green wood with large windows.

I can't believe this is our 32nd year in business and bringing Canadian art and craft to Muskoka....I just don't know how the time went so fast.
Our new location in Bala is working out so well......tons of onsite parking is a game changer to the parking challenges we faced in 30 years in Port Carling.

As well I am showing two of my own paintings at the gallery ......one is hanging now and the other very shortly....one of my iconic birch tree paintings. Both paintings will have 100% of the sales price donated to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. The first painting is a return of one of my most in demand images....the Musky....done in my whimsical style of many layers of dry-brushings is a technique creates a very unique look. Drop into the gallery for a look and come support the sanctuary's amazing work.......we look forward to seeing you there, cheers,
Carola Grimm (artist/owner)

Painting details (Aspen Wildlife Sanctuary - fundraiser)
'Marvellous Musky' 48h x 30w, acrylic on stretched canvas $2600.

Marvellous Musky painting featuring 5 fish facing opposite ways (left/right) stacked in a column. Blue and white accents.

Welcome to 2025 Everyone

It's hard to believe we are approaching our 32nd year of business in Muskoka this summer. The time certainly has flown by.

A big thanks to all our clients who found our new location in Bala this past year and who continued to support us. The last 2 years was very trying to say the least with the gallery moving twice while waiting for our new location to become available, but like with all things the wait was well worth it. Our new location has turned out to be the perfect fit with a light and airy space perfect with high ceilings and amazing huge front display windows.....it's just impossible to drive by and not glance our way. The huge parking lot and loading area right at the front door are a game changer.....no more driving around for an hour to find a spot as was always the case in Port Carling. We are also able to more easily stay open year round as the property is very easily accessible and well maintained. Always check google for off season hours and of course reach out should you wish to book an appointment.

The gallery will be welcoming several new artists for 2025 and of course continue to show the work of all your favourites that we have shown over the years. Please watch our Instagram Page for upcoming events and new artist announcements as well as new works arriving. New paintings continue to arrive year round so there always something new to see.

And of course we will continue to offer the fabulous handmade Canadian wood turned bowls, wood boards and accessories. Due to popular demand and enquiries from many of you the Susan Robertson hand made pottery mugs are now back in stock at the gallery.

The Ileana Grimm humorous t-shirts, aprons and magnets that you all loved for many years and are still asking for are no longer available at the gallery. My sister Ileana has sold her company and has now returned to her first love of painting....make sure to check out the two pages of work she has on our site...you will see several paintings still offer that humour you love......but her bold new contemporary works are stunning.

Thanks so much for everyone who made 2024 a fantastic year for Red Canoe Gallery and thank you for supporting Canadian artists and Canadian craftspeople.

We look forward to seeing you at the gallery,

Cheers

Carola Grimm
owner/artist

2024

May

Hi everyone......hard to believe we are on the doorstep of another summer season.

We are so thrilled to finally be in our new location in BALA's north end. The gallery is pretty much up to speed with just a few things left to finish off. Some newly built rolling art display panels will arrive this week which will provided much needed room for the dozens of new paintings that have just arrived.....the artists have been very busy this winter. We are also excited to have 4 new artists joining us this year. My favourite things about the new location isn it so light filled with great high ceilings. I also love the very level and accessible parking lot which is only feet from the front door. The plaza has plenty of onsite parking so parking will never be an issue here as it had become in Port Carling, and there is a very easy loading area too.

There is so much happening in Bala....make sure to stop by the gallery and while here drop over to the Cacao Boys for some handmade chocolate goodies that are unlike anything you have ever had......and we are all excited about the big renovation of the Bala Bay Inn and the new restaurant slated to open there this summer.....but in the meantime Lakeside Restaurant is fully open and has a new chef on board and I can say from a recent experience the food is fantastic.

It's well worth the drive to Bala....stop in and say hi.

Cheers
Carola

2023

November

Thanks so much to all of you who visited our temporary location in Port Carling this summer. It was such a beautiful location and it was a joy to operate from this lovely spot on the hill. Some of you said we were a bit hard to find and that is true….once the leaves were in full bloom we were a bit hidden from view. Well the good news is our Bala location renovation is almost completed and we will be moving the gallery there beginning of this month. The Bala location offers a much better and larger space for showcasing original artworks and my favourite feature is tons of parking and a nice ‘level’ load in only steps from the parking lot……so easy for us all. The gallery opens on Nov. 11th and the plan is to be open 2-3 days a week during the winter months (weather permitting of course). So to keep this update short and sweet check the google listing or call our number to hear the current gallery hours…..and of course we are avail by appoint at any time and very happy to bring artwork to your location to view. If you don’t see it on our website please enquire….often work is enroute. Our website will be updated as new work arrives, however we suggest you drop in to see the work in person if you can. New work will start arriving later this month. The gallery will continue to carry beautiful original Canadian paintings from small to very large, as well as unique carvings from wood and stone, and the ever popular Canadian hand turned wood bowls and wood pepper grinders.

We are really looking forward to our new home in Bala and look forward to seeing you all there.

Cheers,
Carola Grimm

August

Hi everyone...its been so busy setting up the new space that I have not had time to post. The new location at 76 Joseph Street (across from Home Hardware) is pretty much up and running. We are now focusing on original fine art paintings and photography from Ontario artists, as well as wood carving and sculpture. Also we will continue to offer an amazing selection of turned wood bowls and wood accessories from our two amazing Ontario wood turners. Many have you asked about out ceramics and although we had not planned to offer that this year we do have a small order on the way to us and should be here by the end of August.

If you have not yet visited our gallery please note that we have our own parking on the property both in the front of the building and up the driveway behind the building...so no need to climb our hill...simply park in the back which has ample room to turn pull in and turn around.

The gallery is absolutely full of amazing works from amazing artists and artisans so please stop by for a look. We offer no obligation trials and can arrange delivery to your location....we also will ship anywhere in North America or with notice we can package an item for you to take on the plane home....ask us and we will make it happen.

Looking forward to seeing you soon,
Carola Grimm

May

Hi everyone, it’s been too long since my last update. As many of you know we had to move out of our location of 26 years due to a new building owner doubling the rent. I am now happy to announce that Red Canoe Gallery will re-open in our 'NEW Port Carling LOCATION'. I listened to all of you and searched for a location that had better parking and much easier loading. Our new location '76 JOSEPH ST' (across from Home Hardware) has some of it’s own parking on the property as well as tons of street parking. We will also have our own loading zone should you wish to take the work with you. The building will require a small renovation which is already underway and we plan is to be 'OPENING JUNE 16th 2023'. Moving forward the gallery will focus on Canadian Fine Art Paintings of all sizes including very large, and as well Canadian Fine Turned Wood. We will have some wood carved wall fish and a few sculptures as well. As this space is quite different than the last it will take a bit of time to figure it all out. We are also happy to announce that 2023 is our '30TH ANNIVERSARY’, and we are planning a celebration on the July long weekend so watch for that. Really looking forward to seeing you all again, until then enjoy this amazing spring weather.
Cheers,
Carola Grimm

2022

August

Well it’s been a beautiful summer and we have seen many of your shinny faces in the gallery. We continue to receive new artwork and paintings weekly so please make sure you stop in. The gallery will stay open full time for most of September (please check google for current hours) and into October part time. Many of you have asked about the for lease signs in front of our building and also in front of the Steamboat Bay stores. Both of these buildings were purchased late last year. The new owners are asking for a huge rent increase of between 100 to 145%, so anyone with leases ending this year will be dealing with this increase. At this time we are not sure what will be happening. Red Canoe Gallery has been a tenant in this building for 26 years, but such a rent increase will be difficult especially in a seasonal area. Please stay in contact with us through our Facebook page, or Instagram, or this new announcement page on our website and we will keep your posted. Red Canoe Gallery has no plans to close as we truly love what we do in bringing Canadian Handmade Art and Craft to Muskoka, and love that we support Canadian Artists and Craftspeople…..and had fully planed to continue. As Muskoka’s oldest gallery we look forward to celebrating our 30th next year. Please drop in and say hi.
Cheers,
Carola Grimm

July

So great to see everyone again this year. The gallery is full of amazing paintings with more arriving weekly…...and we are stocked full of Canadian handmade wood bowls and boards, the ultimate wedding gift. As well we have welcomed 6 new artists and artisans to the gallery this year so the selection is amazing…..and our jewelry is off the charts gorgeous. Pottery is currently in stock and be advised we sold out in August last year so don’t wait to stop in.