Heroes, History, Heritage and a True Taste of Muskoka
Join us and Parks Canada for the Muskoka Stories and Flavours package – an exclusive, fully hosted cultural and culinary journey, designed to immerse participants in the region’s history, heritage, and tastes. With intimate group sizes and guided experiences, this offering blends storytelling, fine dining, Indigenous culture, and local craft beer into one seamless program.
Dates: October 24 & 25, 2025
Availability: Limited to only 10 participants per day
Guests begin their day with a welcome reception and curated tour of the Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site, exploring the life and global impact of Dr. Norman Bethune. Personalized tours -available in English, French, and Chinese – offer rare insights into his legacy and contributions to health care and wartime service.
The experience continues with a culinary highlight at The Oar, one of South Muskoka’s most cherished dining establishments. A menu crafted with fresh, regional ingredients reflects the heart and heritage of Muskoka, complemented by a warm, community-focused atmosphere.
In the afternoon, participants take part in an Indigenous-led cultural experience at Misko-Aki – Confluence of Cultures, where storytelling and curated offerings at The Muskoka Discovery Centre provide a deeper understanding of Muskoka’s living Indigenous traditions and the connection between people and the land.
The day concludes at Sawdust City Brewing Co, where each guest receives a $20 gift card to enjoy tastings, retail beers, or merchandise, ending the experience with a taste of Muskoka’s celebrated craft beer scene.
Package Inclusions feature fully hosted support, guided tours, cultural experiences, exclusive dining, a $50 Shop Gravenhurst gift card, and gift cards for dining and shopping, delivering excellent value at $125 per person.
This exclusive offering is available October 24 & 25, 2025 only, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to discover Muskoka’s stories, flavours, and cultural depth in a single, unforgettable day.
Itinerary
9:30am – 9:45am | Welcome Reception at Bethune Memorial House
Begin your day with a warm welcome reception at the historic Bethune Memorial House. Guests will be greeted with light refreshments and your exclusive Great Canadian Experience welcome package to set the tone for the day.
9:45am – 11am | Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site
Step into the life and legacy of Dr. Norman Bethune, a Canadian physician and innovator celebrated around the world.
Begin your personalized exclusive guided tour of Bethune Memorial House with traditional Chinese tea, a tribute to the valued service he bestowed to China.
Watch a film documenting his achievements, see the unique surgery-assisting device he crafted, and explore his birthplace and family home with its remarkable artefacts and Victorian architecture. Learn about his wartime service, his pioneering mobile blood transfusion unit, his advocacy for universal health care, and his enduring impact in China, where his care for the wounded made him the face of Canada to over a billion people.
11.30am – 1pm | Lunch at The Oar restaurant
Savor Muskoka’s flavours at one of South Muskoka’s most beloved dining spots. Known for its warm atmosphere and chef-crafted menus featuring fresh, regional ingredients, The Oar delivers a culinary experience that celebrates community, heritage, and flavour.
1:30pm – 3pm | Misko-Aki – Confluence of Cultures Indigenous Experience
Immerse yourself in an exclusive, guided Indigenous-led cultural experience at Misko-Aki at the Muskoka Discovery Centre. Your informative host will share powerful stories and traditions, offering insight into Muskoka’s living Indigenous culture. Explore curated, locally inspired creations and gain a deeper understanding of the connections between land, people, and heritage. This intimate guided experience ensures every guest leaves with both knowledge and inspiration.
3pm – 4pm | Sawdust City Brewing Co – Brewery Visit + Gift Certificate
Wrap up your day at Sawdust City Brewing Co in Gravenhurst. Each guest will receive a $20 gift certificate to redeem on-site for tastings, retail beers, or merchandise.
Pricing (per person)
$125 (based on inclusions and hosting).
Ticket links:
Friday, October 24, 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heroes-history-heritage-and-a-true-taste-of-muskoka-tickets-1781697748929
Saturday, October 25, 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heroes-history-heritage-and-a-true-taste-of-muskoka-tickets-1781706264399
Accommodations
Want to spend more time in this amazing region and need a place to stay? Check out these local providers.
Muskoka Bay Resort
Taboo Muskoka Resort
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites
Residence Inn by Marriott Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf
The Inn on Bay
Robbins’ Tuktawayin B&B