Pickleball & Patios: The Perfect Muskoka Pairing

By Guest Blogger
July 23, 2026

Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or already a devoted “pickler,” there’s no better way to spend a summer’s day in Muskoka than with a little movement on the court followed by a relaxing patio stop with friends.

Pickleball has grown in popularity over the years thanks to its social nature, easy to learn rules and accessibility for all ages.

For those curious, pickleball is a paddle-sport hybrid of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. Players hit a lightweight perforated ball over a net using hand paddles similar to table tennis. The sport is fun to play for all fitness levels, so don’t be shy to give it a try. Now that the basics are covered, let’s serve up some pickleball inspired pairings for your next visit!

Finding a Pickleball Court in Muskoka

Pickleball with a wilderness twist is guaranteed, when you play in Muskoka. Enjoy a game overlooking scenic lake views surrounded by granite bluffs and evergreens while you “volley, ace and DINK” your way to a win. During your resort stay, pickleball or multi-use courts are available for play at Muskoka Bay Resort, Windemere House, Taboo Muskoka, Deerhurst Resort and Port Cunnington Lodge. Some resorts may also offer a day pass for those not staying at the resort, so be sure to call the resort directly to inquire.
For more indoor and outdoor options explore local municipalities and area clubs here:

Rock the Pickle

Now in its third year, Rock the Pickle returns to Muskoka on August 22nd for another extraordinary day of celebrity pickleball, philanthropy, and pure Muskoka magic. The celebrity-driven tournament takes place across private cottage properties on Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph, with teams of two or four competing in round-robin matches through the morning and afternoon, before the day culminates in the evening Rock the Pickle Ball — a grand finale of cocktails, dinner, awards, a live auction, and entertainment. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Register your team at rockthepickle.com

Serving Up Looks

Even if it’s your first time, you can still look like a pro with an outfit that receives compliments on and off the court. Pop into nearby shops and boutiques for some fresh Muskoka style:

The Luxe Loft Boutique Huntsville

Whether you forgot your activewear or want a fresh new look, the Luxe Loft team (14 Howland Drive, Huntsville) will curate you a winning outfit 7 days a week, 11am – 6pm.

The Luxe Loft Boutique offers a wide variety of sizing for your pickleball inspired outfits

The Heights Muskoka Port Carling

Score points off the court at your next brunch with the essential “pickler” necklace at The Heights (123 Medora Street, Port Carling).

The Heights 14k gold vermeil cubic zirconia pickleball necklace is sure to have your friends asking, “so cute, where did you get that?

Muskoka Forever Co. Port Carling

Show off your love for the sport with a pickleball-inspired tee from Muskoka Forever Co. (119 Medora Street, Port Carling).

Dress the part with Muskoka Forever Co.’s pickleball shirts and paddles. You may even find yourself rocking one of their popular “Muskoka Forever” hats while you’re at it.

Post Pickleball Patios

As any Pickler will know, the best strategy is to try and “stay out of the kitchen.” Keep the theme going by celebrating your match with food, drinks, and sunshine at these Muskoka patio spots:

The Pearl Muskoka Bala

With extensive patio seating, pop by for a quick breakfast, boozey brunch or hearty lunch in the sun. Weekend features include the Kyoto lobster roll and charred eggplant shakshuka. Playing a later game? The corn & caviar Hasselback potato is a must try for dinner.

A delight to the tastebuds at The Pearl Muskoka. Featured here is the Sparkling Rose, Smoked Old Fashioned and the Virgin Black Pearl cocktails. Paired with beef kalbi Miami rib lettuce wraps, seared tuna tataki and Ontario heirloom tomato & avocado salad. Not pictured but tasted was the beef short rib croquettes, and corn & caviar Hasselback potato (so good!).

Frenchie’s Bakery Creperie Huntsville – Deerhurst Resort

With the patio overlooking sunset bay on Peninsula Lake at Deerhurst Resort, Chef Thibaut Bellenoue, brings the rich traditions of Parisian pastry to life with Frenchie’s crepes and pastries. The signature pucker up, savoury sunrise crepe and croissant aux amandes will wow your taste buds.

Frenchie’s savoury sunrise crepe – bacon, mixed cheese, sunny side up egg topped with hollandaise and green onion. Make sure to grab a fresh croissant aux amandes and pain au chocolate to go!

Tulos Taqueria Muskoka Port Carling

Refuel with fresh ceviche, mouth watering tacos and tuna tostadas at Tulos in Port Carling. Watch the boats come and go through the historic locks from one of Tulo’s scenic patio views. Did we mention margaritas?

Lakeside at Tulos Taqueria with the crowd-pleasing grilled and tempura shrimp tacos, paired with watermelon feta arugula salad with cilantro lime dressing, and a Tulos pink lemonade.

The above patios are just the beginning, for a full list of patios in Cottage Country check out our Outdoor Patio Guide. Please note that patios may be weather dependent, so be sure to make reservations in advance and check their social media pages before you go.

Now grab your friends, pick up a paddle, and plan your perfect day: pickleball and patios await in the great Canadian wilderness just north of Toronto.

Visit GreatCanadianwilderness.com to plan your stay.

Guest Author: Lauren MacDermid
Originally from the GTA, Lauren grew up as an avid cottager in Dorset, Ontario, and made Muskoka her permanent home in 2015. With a background in hospitality and tourism, she’s passionate about discovering local experiences from scenic trails and artisan shops to foodie tours and art installations—all while on a personal quest to find the perfect croissant.