From The Ice Tail to Main Street and Beyond: Your Perfect Huntsville Getaway
You’ve heard about Ontario’s hottest winter attraction – the Ice Trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park – and a visit to experience this skating trail in a snow-covered forest should be on everyone’s bucket list. The neighbouring town of Huntsville is a hot spot in winter as well, with plenty to do and great places to dine and warm yourself. This season in Muskoka, it’s all about what comes after the Ice Trail.
Do More And Then Some
In addition to skating at Arrowhead, the park offers some of the best Nordic skiing trails in the province, offering 23 km of groomed classic and skate trails ranging from beginner to expert. The park also has warming stations, and rustic cabins for overnight stays.
Great trails can be found elsewhere near Huntsville, including at the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve and in Algonquin Provincial Park – head to Mew Lake in Algonquin for more skating as well.
World-renowned Algonquin Outfitters offers snowshoe and x-country ski rentals at their Huntsville and Oxtongue Lake location (near Algonquin). They also offer fat bike rentals at their downtown Huntsville store and will give you great tips for experiencing the Great Canadian Wilderness’s latest adventure craze.
Located right in Huntsville is a very family-friendly ski hill. Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is the perfect place to try skiing and snowboarding for the first time and to pass a leisurely day.
Just outside the town is the Forest of Light at Sandhill Nursery. You are invited to step beyond the familiar and into a realm where time and light intertwine. You will journey on a path that winds through the heart of the forest, a path that mirrors the seasons of our own lives. This is a cerebral walk, designed to touch your soul and ignite your imagination. Let your curiosity be your guide as the light illuminates the secrets of the forest and the heart.
If animal adventures suit your fancy, then dog sledding at North Ridge Ranch is a must-do, as are horse-drawn sleigh rides at the Back of Beyond Equine Centre just outside of Huntsville.
After The Adventures: Where to Dine & Warm Up
The biggest town in Muskoka is also home to some of cottage country’s best dining, and the number of great places to relax after all that adventuring are many. Here’s just a partial list to consider:
ALORRA
An incredible pizzeria – and more – in the heart of Huntsville. Allora is driven by truth, integrity, and honesty. Fresh dough, fresh pasta is their backbone. Their goal is to offer an accessible, yet refined menu while aiming to exceed the expectations of those generous enough to come and dine with them.
Get directions here: https://www.alloramuskoka.com
3 GUYS AND A STOVE
Bite into the best Caesar salad around, then move onto the entrees like lamb shank, short ribs, or whitefish straight out of Georgian Bay. With over a dozen outstanding vegetarian and celiac friendly dishes, we have something for everyone. Dessert is not to be skipped… from home-made profiteroles or the famous phyllo wrapped and baked White Chocolate Cheesecake
Get directions here: www.3guysandastove.com
DEERHURST RESORT
A meal by Executive Gustav Gulmar and his team at one of Deerhurst Resort’s four restaurants is sure to please, and his constant innovation is no doubt what makes dining at Deerhurst Resort so enjoyable. At Drift Kitchen + Bar try breakfast or dinner buffet. Enjoy a less formal setting (but equally delicious fare) in the Maple Pub. A kids’ menu is also available.
Get directions here: www.deerhurstresort.com
With every dish made fresh daily, the eclectic menu at Farmer’s Daughter offers fantastic selection. Eat in or take out to enjoy everything from Grilled Vegetables to winter casseroles, salads (cranberry coleslaw anyone?) to gourmet sandwiches.
You won’t be able to resist all the scratch baking goodies either, and be sure to check out the amazing array of gourmet products in their marketplace. Stop here for fresh coffee and great desserts.
Get directions here: www.fresheverything.ca
Enjoy the stunning vista of Peninsula Lake in winter from your vantage point in Birches Restaurant at Hidden Valley Resort – and enjoy amazing food too.
With casual fare like fish & chips, beef brisket sandwich and a dessert menu to give you all the energy you need before heading out for some down hill at the neighbouring ski area. A kids’ menu is also available.
Get directions here: www.hvmuskoka.com
This small batch brewing facility from Lake of Bays Brewing in downtown Huntsville includes a full kitchen and exceptional creations from our head chef with a seated capacity of 100+ people. Enjoy locally sourced food, in-house brews, and take your favourite beers home with you. With street-facing windows that draw up to welcome in the fresh air, this is the spot to be in the downtown core.
Get directions here: www.lakeofbaysbrewing.ca
ON THE DOCKS PUB
This cozy pub located in Downtown Huntsville, overlooking the Muskoka River, is a popular place. Feast on house specials including nachos, big Kahuna burger or pub mac and cheese, and an awesome taco section.
Pair all the delicious food with one of many local beers on tap.
Get directions here: www.onthedockspub.com
THAT LITTLE PLACE BY THE LIGHTS
Every town has spots about which locals-in-the-know will say “you gotta it check out,” and That Little Place By The Lights is one of them. The family-owned Italian restaurant with the cheeky name may be tiny but it’s got some of the best pasta you’ll find anywhere (maybe that’s why The Food Network made a visit). The menu features everything you’d expect to find: antipasti, salads, pastas, pizzas and more. If you’re looking to carbo load before a visit to the Ice Trail, this is the place to go.
Get directions here: www.thatlittleplacebythelights.ca
THE MILL ON MAIN
Head to The Mill on Main for great food and great ambiance (and in the summer to experience the roof top patio with a 360 degree view of downtown).
Featuring hearty food made from scratch, great beer on tap, history and heritage covering the walls, as well as live music regularly scheduled, this downtown eatery is one of the area’s favourites.
Get directions here: www.themillonmain.ca
Located right downtown, Main St Local is unapologetic about serving made to order and made from scratch food
They change their menu to reflect what they can source locally and keep pricing reasonable to reflect the quality they serve.
Get directions here: www.mainstlocal.ca
Bakeries and Coffee Shops
What could be finer after a day of experiencing all that Huntsville, Muskoka has to offer than to head to one of the town’s artisan bakeries for some delicious treats? Check out these local establishments and be sure to inquire about the signature items that make them famous in these parts.
Affogato Café + Gelato
Blue Moon Muskoka Gluten-Free Baking Co.& Espresso Bar
Downtown Espresso
Henrietta’s Pine Bakery
The Little Badger House
Threshold Café & Collective
Windmill Bakery and Bistro
And one amazing confectionery…
If hot chocolate is your fancy – or just irresistible chocolate – a visit to The Nutty Chocolatier in downtown Huntsville is in order. Great fun for kids young and old!