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MUSKOKA VEGAN

WELCOME TO THE BLOG

All things vegan in Muskoka.  Real dining experience reviews, real awesome product highlights and insights into our favorite places to go and experience. 

Since moving to Muskoka, Ontario from the east coast of Canada, we had to discover where to shop, eat and how to live a plant based lifestyle in this gorgeous location. It was fun to discover a new place, but at times challenging to find just where to shop and what to buy everyday that matched our values.
We wanted to create a community resource where others could find guidance, real honest reviews, education, recipes and info on how to live a kinder, healthier life. 

We hope that through creating these tools for you and sharing our story you will feel INSPIRED to make more conscious choices everyday, improving your own life and creating a better world for the animals we share it with. 

Do you know an amazing business that offers vegan options we should check out? Get in touch, we would love to hear from you! 

 

 




ALCHEMY NORTH All Natural Cosmetics { Muskoka }

 

Beautiful All Natural Cosmetics.

Alchemy North was created in 2017 by two amazing women with an idea to bring natural skincare and beauty products to the Northern Ontario. Melodie and Amy are the perfect pair with a clear vision and dedication to ethical natural products. Not to mention they are both really sweet and fun - the kind of women you would want in your pocket of friends.

I first met Amy at an event in Port Carling earlier this year. She had her products on display and we got to chatting. She sent me off with a skincare collection - Moroccan Rose which fits my skin type, which is generally combination or sensitive at times.  (Moroccan Rose Collection pictured to the right)

Their beauty line is 100% Vegannot tested on animals and environmentally         conscious which makes my heart happy!

The faces and founders of Alchemy North - Melodie and Amy.  Rocking thirty-something like superwomen - moms to toddlers, wives, and business owners

        

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My absolute favorite of the trio I tried was the Moroccan Rose Facial Bar (For all skin types) 87g 

A beautiful, solid bar that smells like a spa and leaves your face feeling clean and refreshed but not dry. I LOVE this soap and to be honest, it's the best facial soap I've ever tried! Not to mention, how pretty does this look? You can tell they take their products seriously, from research and development of ingredients and materials used, to their trendy modern product labels and brand. These two have immense product knowledge and a great understanding of the cosmetics industry and skin care. Creating skin care is a science and responsibility one should take very seriously and they certainly do. 

Product Details

The Moroccan Rose Facial Bar is a great cleanser for every skin-type, however it was formulated to be gentle enough for dry and sensitive skin-types. This bar is very lightly scented.
The star ingredients in this bar are:
Alchemy North Skin Oil, Moroccan​ Clay, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Sandalwood essential oil, Rose essential oil, Frankincense essential oil

This combination will nourish, detoxify, help remove blackheads, minimize pores, even out skin tone, re-balance oil production while gently cleansing and moisturizing. 
Our in-house, handcrafted healing oil is full of hand picked herbs and flowers that sooth, nourish, brighten and heal the skin from inflammation, redness, ageing, acne, eczema and psoriasis. If there were such things as an elixir of life, this would be the elixir of beautiful, radiant skin.

Price: $18

 

 

 

 

 

Exfoliating Mask - Moroccan Rose (for all skin types) 28g

The exfoliating mask comes in a powder form that looks like hot chocolate powder. Mix with water to desired consistency. I found it was just the right amount of grit to exfoliate my face but not strip it dry. A very nice natural feel with a refreshing result. 

Ingredients and instructions are perfectly labelled on every container. 

Product Details: Moroccan Rhassoul clay is well known for it's ability to cleanse, purify and nourish the skin. This clay reduces dry skin, enhances the clarity of the complexion, and extracts debris from pores. With continued use, skin becomes flawless, free of blackheads, acne and dry skin, leaving you with smooth, clear, glowing skin. Best for all skin types; great for removing and preventing blackheads.

Ingredients: Oryza sativa, Hectorite, sodium bicarbonate, rosa mosqueta oil (rosehip), rosa damascena oil (rose absolute)

Price: $18 CAD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil Cleanser Moroccan Rose (for all skin types) 59ml

I just love the scent of rose in this cleanser - just like a spa in a bottle - so lovely! The cleanser is oil based and a toner is recommended for following up with however I was fine with some hot water in the shower.  

Product Details: This cleansing oil was formulated for dry and sensitive skin-types. The oils chosen for this cleanser aid in helping skin health, reducing acne, restoring the balance of oil production and decreasing the skin irritations that can accompany dry and sensitive skin. We added some of our handcrafted oil infusion that was formulated to aid in improving skin health.

Price: $22 CAD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, I love the brand, beautiful products and what they stand for. I cannot wait to see how their company grows and try more products!

Good luck ladies! 

 


Check them out:

VISIT:

ALCHEMY NORTH

Website:  www.alchemynorth.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alchemynorth/

Shop: https://www.facebook.com/pg/alchemynorth/shop/

Phone: (705) 662-9505

Tell them Muskoka Vegan sent you! 

 

 

MUSKOKA NATURAL FOOD MARKET - { BRACEBRIDGE, ON }

If  you haven't been in the new Muskoka Natural Food Market location, you need to get on over there

What a beautiful place, with custom wall art, the many natural elements like the gorgeous wall of live greenery - not to mention the incredible organic offerings, full home and health section, and the amazing food at their Deli Lama - Buddah's Bakery & Cafe which is a deli style which is all vegetarian and vegan. All food is labelled so you can be sure to know if something is vegan or gluten free. no need for guessing - and most are both so you're going to love the ease of selection! 

 

Aside from the great food we get many things here and try to shop here for whatever they offer instead of a larger box store.

Bulk grains and beans, nooch(Nutritional yeast is very cheap!), makeup, hair dye, spices, toppings, fresh produce and so much more. 

 

Did I mention VEGAN Cupcakes? And cookies? And other baked goods? And ... Lattes? 

 

 

They carry a small line of Zorah Bio Cosmetiques line - and the Mascara is TO DYE FOR. Seriously, if you haven't tried it, you must. It goes on perfect, giving you full lashes without a ton of strokes. It comes off nicely too, with no need to scrub. I did speak with Zorah company myself - They are very kind, and the sweet Quebec man accepted questions gracefully. What a pleasure to deal with. *Most of the line is vegan so be sure to check for the bunny logo. 

 

 

Check out their beauty, health and home departments, there is something for every need here.  

The decor and inside is beautiful and the outside dining spot is organic and sweet too. The artwork was done by spray paint in just a few days. Incredible!

 

 

They have a lovely gifts section here too. Just sayin'.

 

 


 

With Jed & Laura

Q: Why did you start this type of business?

A: We bought it from the previous owners and expanded in July 2016 to our new location. Laura & Jed own the MNFM as partners along with their spouses

Curt & Shannon who are all the best of friends.

 

Q: What brought you to Muskoka?

A: Both Jed & Laura are Muskoka Originals!

 

Q: What do you love most about your business?

A: We love the people we work with. Atmosphere, and the food, food is awesome!

 

Q: Why did you choose to add vegan options and what is your favorite vegan menu item?

A: The vegan options were there when we purchased the business and wanted to continue offering variety and have added more options since.

 

Q: What do you love most about Muskoka?

A: Community, Landscape, Pace of life, and It has killer health food store :). "The Griffin Gastro Pub" - also owned by us has vegan options as well!

 

Q: If you had to bring one thing to a deserted island what would that be?

A: Jed: My family.  

Laura: Chips & Netflix!

 

Q: What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?

A: Spare time? "Sleep!" Laura says!  But when they do have spare time, outside having fun, Skiing & Snowboarding.

 

Q: If you could have one superpower what would it be?

A: Jed: The power to heal people    

Laura: Power to shoot rainbows our of my hands

 

Q: Who inspires you most in the world?

A: Jed: My dad.  

Laura: My children (age 2+4)

 

Q: If you could change one thing about the world what would that be?

A: Jed: Change the way people are. The driving force from money to happiness.    

Laura: How farmers get paid - They need More for their hard work!! 

 

 

 


Check them out:

VISIT:

Muskoka Natural Food Market

229 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1S2

705.645.5471

Website: http://www.muskokanaturalfoods.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muskokanaturalfoodmarket/

Tell them MuskokaVegan Sent you! 

 

 

 

EL PUEBLITO - Fresh Mexican Cuisine { BRACEBRIDGE, ON }

 

In the mood for an amazing fresh Mexican meal to leave you so full you can't even fit in dessert? This is your place. We are lucky to have such great food and service here locally. 

This adorable restaurant has vegan options in almost every category which of course excited us to no end. Owners Mike and Marlenne created an authentic Mexican experience with the freshest food right in Bracebridge with a bright, warm atmosphere. They are also super fun and the cutest couple too! Their love for their guests and each other is very endearing. 

 

 

We absolutely LOVE dining here. One month last year I swear we were addicted and had to go every week. We have literally tried

everything vegan on the menu.  

 

 

 

Extra Hot Please.

We LOVE things spicy, so if you do too, be sure to order the extra habanero hot sauce on the side. And if that's not enough, you can even take a bottle home with you to put on everything you cook! Not that we do that... well, maybe we do. It's just that good!

Their fresh homemade guacamole and chips as a starter is so delicious and a must order. With many vegan options and Chef Mike has plans for more - you need to make yourself a regular too! They also offer Salsa dancing nights too, so be sure to try that out and get your dance on! Oh and... don't forget to order a Black Currant Margarita with that! 

 

 

 


With Mike & Marlenne

Q: Why did you start this type of restaurant?

A: To bring joy to people through food.

 

Q: What brought you to Muskoka?

A: Mike says he had the opportunity to stay in New Zealand, but he wanted to grow roots in Muskoka because of the beauty here and Mike brought Marlenne to Muskoka. 

 

Q: What do you love most about your business?

A: Mike loves working with Marlenne. Marlenne loves watching, listening to people being happy when they eat the food they created for them. She also loves working with her hubby :) (You guys are too cute!)

 

Q: Why did you choose to add vegan options and what is your favorite vegan menu item?

A: It's an important thing to offer - there are other options for protein! Vegan tacos are our fave!

 

Q: What do you love most about Muskoka?

A: The nature, the lakes, the fresh air and the seasons.

 

Q: If you had to bring one thing to a deserted island what would that be?

A: Mike: My wife, and a cruiseship fuelled staff! Marlenne: She would bring Mike :)

 

Q: What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?

A: Spend time with our kids, family and poker with friends.

 

Q: If you could have one superpower what would it be?

A: A superpower that can clean the pollution that is killing nature. 

 

Q: Who inspires you most in the world?

A: Each other and our kids.

 

Q: If you could change one thing about the world what would that be?

A: More respect for nature.

 

Our favourite menu items are:

Veg Guacamole & house chips, Vegan Tacos, & Vegan Empanadas! Oh and the Burrito is great too! I guess we LOVE it all


VEGAN MENU

 SOPAS Y ENSALADAS (Soups and salads) 

Ensalada Maria Vegano 

Romaine lettuce, toasted quinoa, tortilla crisps, toasted pecans, cucumber, chia seeds, tomato, jicama, 

sliced radishes, Tajin lime vinaigrette 

 

 

 ANTOJITOS (appetizers) 

Guacamole con Totopos Vegano 

Avocado, tomato, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime, serrano chili. House chips 

 

TACOS

Vegetariano Vegano

Refried black beans, slow cooked onion & jalapeño, garlic & cilantro fried tomato, toasted sesame 

 

BURRITOS

Los Vegetales Vegano 

Turtle beans, quinoa, Mexican rice, slow cooked onion & jalapeño, cilantro, pico de gallo, tortilla crisps 

 

EMPANADAS

Vegano  

Refried black beans, bell peppers, zucchini and red onions, topped with shredded lettuce, pickled red onion, salsa verde, cilantro, pico de gallo & avocado 

 

As well as a few other sides to choose from!

 


 

 

 

Get your Mexican Fix:

VISIT:

El Pueblito

 155 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge, ON P1L 2B7

705.645.1935

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/El-Pueblito-122687831083222

Tell them MuskokaVegan Sent you! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLOCKTOWER SIPS - Smoothie Shop { BRACEBRIDGE, ON } 

 

In need of a healthy thirst quenching drink? Check out our local Smoothie Diva - Kim at the ClockTower SIPS - Muskoka's Premier Smoothie shop!

Stop in and try the colourful smoothie options Kim has for you! 

I was so excited when I found out about Kim's shop and met her at a health course earlier this year. 

From fresh smoothies, soups, chilli, vegan sandwiches (her Pesto sauce is also vegan!), locally roasted coffee, teas, seasonal beverages and now she's added a tofu scramble for breakfast! There is so much to try. Her offerings sometimes change daily which keeps things fresh. Don't forget a Chime energy ball on your way out.

Located in her quaint little shop in Bracebridge's Clock Tower on Manitoba Street. Takeaway your food, or dine in the adorable hallway of this artistic community building.

 

 

 

 

SMOOTHIES SMOOTHIES SMOOTHIES! 

Kim's smoothie recipes are as sweet as she is. She cleverly created 4 Staple Smoothies named after clocks to represent the heritage location of her shop - the Bracebridge Clock Tower in true Clock fashion. How clever! 

* Sundial *

* Cuckoo *

* Atomic Clock *

* Hourglass * 

and of course.... she offers Vegan Hot Chocolate too.

 

 


 

WITH KIM

Kim lives in lovely Bracebridge with her husband and 9 yr old son(who is also vegetarian).

 

Q: Why did you start this type of restaurant?

A: I could see the need for a smoothie shop in downtown Bracebridge.

 

Q: What brought you to Muskoka?

A: I moved from Toronto, loved the quiet, pleasant small town feel of Bracebridge.

 

Q: What do you love most about your business?

A: The friendly connections I've made serving nourishing food to like minded people.

 

Q: Why did you choose to add vegan options and what is your favorite vegan menu item?

A: I've been a Vegetarian for 20 years. Ensuring the options were Vegan was only natural. My fav would b the chickpea salad sandwich.

 

Q: What do you love most about Muskoka?

A: I love the Muskoka River running through town. It's beyond quaint. 

 

Q: If you had to bring one thing to a deserted island what would that be?

A: Vegan kale ceasar salad

 

Q: What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?

A: Beach days with my son Jack.

 

Q: If you could have one superpower what would it be?

A: Use my favorite silver daisy ring as a power ring.

 

Q: Who inspires you most in the world?

A: Strong women.

 

Q: If you could change one thing about the world what would that be?

A: I'd eliminate the suffering of both people and animals - with my power ring of course!

 


We just LOVE how Kim set up her shop. So fun and fresh! Her VITAMIX made me a bit jealous but I think Matt and I will just have to break down and buy one soon. #Vegangoals

 


 

What are you waiting for? Go Get your SMOOTHIE ON!

VISIT:

Clocktower SIPS

 49 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge, ON P1L 2B2

705.646.5164

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clocktowersips/

Website: http://www.theclocktowercentre.ca/

Tell Kim MuskokaVegan Sent you! 

 

 

 

 

ALCHEMY NORTH All Natural Cosmetics { Muskoka }

 

Beautiful All Natural Cosmetics.

Alchemy North was created in 2017 by two amazing women with an idea to bring natural skincare and beauty products to the Northern Ontario. Melodie and Amy are the perfect pair with a clear vision and dedication to ethical natural products. Not to mention they …

Read more

MUSKOKA NATURAL FOOD MARKET - { BRACEBRIDGE, ON }

If  you haven't been in the new Muskoka Natural Food Market location, you need to get on over there

What a beautiful place, with custom wall art, the many natural elements like the gorgeous wall of live greenery - not to mention the incredible organic offerings, full home and health secti…

Read more

EL PUEBLITO - Fresh Mexican Cuisine { BRACEBRIDGE, ON }

 

In the mood for an amazing fresh Mexican meal to leave you so full you can't even fit in dessert? This is your place. We are lucky to have such great food and service here locally. 

This adorable restaurant has vegan options in almost every category which of course excited us to no end. O…

Read more

CLOCKTOWER SIPS - Smoothie Shop { BRACEBRIDGE, ON } 

 

In need of a healthy thirst quenching drink? Check out our local Smoothie Diva - Kim at the ClockTower SIPS - Muskoka's Premier Smoothie shop!

Stop in and try the colourful smoothie options Kim has for you! 

I was so excited when I found out about Kim's shop and met her at a hea…

Read more

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