Culture, Cranberries and Culinary Excellence

By jake
October 8, 2025

Join us and Parks Canada on October 17 and 18 for a one-of-a-kind curated and cultural Muskoka adventure that takes in rich history, culinary delights and festival fun. Begin with a welcome reception at Bethune Memorial House with a private and exclusive tour, where you’ll explore the legacy of a Canadian icon.

Unwind at Muskoka Bay Resort, savour artisan chocolates in the heart of the Bala Cranberry Festival, and celebrate autumn at the festival itself.

Plus, every guest receives a Welcome Great Canadian Experience package to start the journey off right with a $50 Shop Gravenhurst card to explore the town.

Heritage, food, and festival fun — a Muskoka experience designed for just a select few.

Discover Muskoka in one unforgettable day. Begin with a welcome reception and private guided tour of Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site, where Dr. Norman Bethune’s inspiring legacy comes to life with traditional Chinese tea, exhibits, and storytelling.

Savour an exclusive lunch at Muskoka Bay Club’s Cliffside Restaurant, complete with a $50 dining credit and stunning golf-course views.

Then dive into the energy of the Bala Cranberry Festival, with full access to the grounds and a $15 gift certificate for artisan chocolates from Cacao Boys Muskoka.

Every guest also receives a $50 Shop Gravenhurst card and a Great Canadian Experience welcome package.

Package Highlights

Only 10 packages per person, per day, are available, ensuring an intimate and highly personalized experience.

Itinerary – Friday and Saturday

9:30 am – 9:45 am | 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.

9:45 am – 11:00 am | 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 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 more than a billion people.

This is an intimate experience, capped at just 10 guests per tour, October 17 will include the option of having the tour available in Mandarin.

11:30pm – 1:30pm | Muskoka Bay Resort

Savour an exclusive lunch at Muskoka Bay Resort. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., enjoy refined dining with sweeping views of the award-winning golf course. Each guest receives a $50 dining gift card, yours to indulge in fresh, seasonal dishes crafted at the Cliffside Restaurant,  an intimate culinary experience available only to package participants.

2pm – 6pm | Cacao Boys Muskoka Gift Experience

Located in the heart of Bala, Cacao Boys Muskoka offers handcrafted artisan chocolates. Your package includes a special gift certificate to indulge in bold flavours and locally-inspired creations from this award-winning chocolatier.

2pm – 6pm | Bala Cranberry Festival

Cap off your day at the iconic Bala Cranberry Festival. Wander the bustling festival grounds filled with vendors, artisans, food stalls, and live music. Celebrate fall flavours, cranberry creations, and Muskoka’s vibrant spirit.

Pricing (per person)

  • Base inclusions (admissions, festival ticket, Muskoka gift card, Cacao Boys certificate, welcome reception, welcome gift): $120

Ticket links:

Friday, October 17, 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/culture-cranberries-and-culinary-excellence-tickets-1781727417669
Saturday, October 18, 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/culture-cranberries-and-culinary-excellence-tickets-1781732843899

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

To learn more about The Great Canadian Wilderness, just two hours north of Toronto, and to plan your next memorable getaway, click here.