With rustic charm and modern flair, Clare Chow establishes Duq’s as Muskoka’s go-to general store

With its postcard-worthy landscapes of pristine lakes, majestic mountains, and verdant parks, Muskoka stands as one of Canada’s leading summer destinations. Each year, Ontario residents escape to this idyllic municipality – affectionately known as “cottage country” for its abundance of holiday homes – seeking either a peaceful escape from city life or adventures in the great outdoors. Whether you need dinner inspiration, entertainment for a rainy day, or forgotten essentials for a lake excursion when in Muskoka, Duq’s Supplies & Lifestyle serves as your comprehensive one-stop shop. “Duq’s functions as an emporium for all these needs,” explains Clare Chow, the Toronto-based designer who crafted the shop’s identity to resonate with both urban visitors and local residents. The identity leads with an all-caps wordmark that spells ‘DUQ,’ contrasting against a lowercase ‘s’ – set in BN Bungie by Brandon Nickerson Studio – giving it “a sense of curiosity and fun.” The full logotype, ‘Duq’s Supplies & Lifestyle (Port Carling, Muskoka),’ features a pairing of Copernicus New Cond by Labor and Wait with ABC Diatype Semi-Mono by Dinamo.