Making the most of the warmer months means spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Whether it’s soaking in the sun, jumping in the lake for a swim, or heading out for a ride on a boat or PWC, the joys of life in Muskoka are spent dock (or deck) side.
However, breaks in the day to get out of the intense sun are needed, as is shelter from the rain on occasion.
Pergolas equipped with retractable, rolling roofs or automated louvred roofs are the perfect solution to finding shade and shelter without having to run indoors, explains Kevin Cardwell, owner of Muskokify.
“A pergola with a rolling or louvred roof will transform your dock or deck into an outstanding outdoor living space,” he says. “It allows you to spend as much time near the water as possible to take full advantage of the summer season.”
The roof is made with heavy duty aluminum extruded louvers that can open 135 degrees, allowing for full sun when open, full shade when closed or anything in between. It can be controlled by remote or tied into your home automation for convenience.


Made in Oakville with Swiss engineering, the pergolas can be sized up to 20 feet long in one unit. The aluminum structure is maintenance free and designed to be in a wet environment; integrated water drains and a high-quality powder-coat finish eliminate rust and rot.
Installing over a boat slip offers protection to your boats, PWCs, and other waterfront items. Kevin also notes that installing integrated LED lighting allows you and your guests to be comfortable well into the evening.
“Add privacy or UV screens to complete the bug-free experience,” recommends Kevin. “In the cooler months, put out a heater for comfort during the shoulder seasons. Using the remote control or home automation abilities lets you adjust for sun or shade at any time of the day with a touch of a button.”
Super Screens
The Muskokify team has spent over a decade installing high-end products – from shutters and screens to pergolas and more – throughout cottage country.
As a lifelong Muskoka cottager and experienced contractor, Kevin finds out what his clients want or need, then makes sure the installation is done right.
Muskoka rooms, patios, gazebos, and outdoor bar areas are wonderful places to gather in the spring, summer, and fall. But they unfortunately can be a draw for all manner of flying pests.

To combat the nuisance and increase enjoyment of being outside, Kevin suggests installing motorized or manual screens.
The Canadian-made screens cover openings up to 42 feet wide and 14 feet high and come in a variety of colours, with several mesh and vinyl options. Privacy screens can also be installed.
“Screens aren’t there to simply block insects,” says Kevin. “There are also UV options to protect boats, flooring, or furniture from fading. They will cut down UV rays by 98 per cent.”

Protection for your valuables can also be found by adding durable all-aluminum security shutters to every window at your home or cottage, as well as to your outdoor living spaces.
Made in Canada and designed in Germany, the shutters provide additional protection for your investment when you’re sleeping or away from the property.
There are many ways to expand and extend your outdoor living spaces; the team at Muskokify can help find the right one for your property.
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI | PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN