Muskoka
Ontario’s summer ‘cottage country’ capital is also one of the province’s most popular four-season travel destinations, offering something for every visitor in every season.
Just two hours north of Toronto, situated amidst a backdrop of thousands of sparkling freshwater lakes and majestic forests, Muskoka is a world-renowned vacation spot that offers exceptional accommodation, shopping, dining, golf, entertainment, and outdoor adventure – all in an unforgettable wilderness setting.
This is where you’ll find hundreds of Canada’s most popular lakes, including the “big three” (Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph).
And where there’s water, there are boats. Learn about the area’s boating culture at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre and head out for a gorgeous cruise on the RMS Segwun or Wenonah II. You can also view the lakes on the 1940s era Peerless II of Sunset Cruises, and the newly-restored SS Bigwin out of Dorset. And travel the Muskoka River with Muskoka Cruises.
Hundreds of attractions will entertain family and friends off the dock, including Santa’s Village in Bracebridge (a must-do for families with younger kids), the historic Bethune House and Opera House in Gravenhurst, and the Muskoka Lakes Museum in Port Carling. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts runs exceptional programming year-round, and hosts Nuit Blanche North in July.
Known for the iconic Canadian resorting tradition, Muskoka is home to some of the nation’s finest accommodations. Hotels, motels, B&Bs, inns and campgrounds are available to suit every traveler, from those who like a pampered vacation to those who enjoy roughing it in a tent. And beloved Algonquin Park is close by too, as well as its lesser know sister, Arrowhead Provincial Park (home to the mesmerizing Ice Trail – a meandering loop through snow-frosted forests in winter).
Muskoka is also a designated arts community, and artists and studios are everywhere. It’s also home to the oldest fall studio tour in Canada, the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour. Other studio tours abound as well, including that of the Artists of the Limberlost. Not to be missed is the Muskoka Arts & Crafts Annual Summer Show at Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge.
Culinary adventures await as well, with six craft breweries and one winery to be found here: Canvas Brewing Co., Clear Lake Brewing Co., Katalyst Brewing Company, Lake of Bays Brewing Co. (which includes their flagship location in Baysville, as well as the Huntsville Brewhouse and Bracebridge Barrelhouse) Muskoka Brewery, Sawdust City Brewing Co., and the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery. Head to the famous cranberry marsh in Bala all year round, and sample all sort of products made from the ruby red berry.
There’s always something happening in Muskoka – events in every season. From the summer concerts at the iconic Kee to Bala, to Huntsville’s Girlfriends’ Getaway Weekend in November, from numerous sporting events and triathlons to fall and winter carnivals, to cooler fun on Arrowhead Provincial Park’s Ice Trail, you’ll be entertained here all year round.
For more information, visit these helpful sites:
Muskoka Tourism
Around Lake of Bays
Experience Gravenhurst
Huntsville Adventures
Visit The Bridge
Check out the links below to discover more incredible things to see, eat and do, and where to stay in Muskoka.
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Hollow Valley Resort
The Hollow Valley, affectionately known as “The Hollow” to the locals, has a rich history in Dorset, dating…
The Hollow Valley, affectionately known as “The Hollow” to the locals, has a rich history in Dorset, dating back to the 1930’s. Because of its rich history, the new owners have kept…
Bala Bay Inn
Bala’s historic red brick hotel has been revived and is coming at you live summer of 2024. In…
Bala’s historic red brick hotel has been revived and is coming at you live summer of 2024. In partnership with Muskoka BeerSpa and Clear Lake Brewing Company, the new Bala Bay Inn…
Muskoka Vacation House
The popular Muskoka Vacation House is a 5-star rated vacation rental focused on the joys of being right…
The popular Muskoka Vacation House is a 5-star rated vacation rental focused on the joys of being right in the heart of Huntsville. It is a charming house in the heart of…
Lantern Bay Resort
With breathtaking picturesque lake views and easy access to the world-famous Trent Severn Waterway, along with the convenience…
With breathtaking picturesque lake views and easy access to the world-famous Trent Severn Waterway, along with the convenience of our own private marina, Lantern Bay Resort promises the true Muskoka experience. Step out…
Shamrock Bay Resort
Muskoka is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rugged landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Welcome to Shamrock Bay Resort,…
Muskoka is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rugged landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Welcome to Shamrock Bay Resort, your gateway to Muskoka. Only a 90-minute drive away from the Greater Toronto Area, Shamrock…
Muskoka Dome
Enjoy a luxury Muskoka nature experience in all four seasons. Breathtaking natural beauty, seasonal activities, local tours. Muskoka…
Enjoy a luxury Muskoka nature experience in all four seasons. Breathtaking natural beauty, seasonal activities, local tours. Muskoka Dome is the best way to experience everything Muskoka has to offer. With a…
Camping on the Farm
Looking to get away from the noise and crowded urban landscape? Book a night or two in our…
Looking to get away from the noise and crowded urban landscape? Book a night or two in our glamping cabin located under the stars of the Muskoka night sky at Winding Fences…
Home2 Suites by Hilton
Home2 Suites by Hilton offers pet-friendly suites in Huntsville, just off Highway 11 and minutes to local attractions,…
Home2 Suites by Hilton offers pet-friendly suites in Huntsville, just off Highway 11 and minutes to local attractions, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy the in-suite kitchen, indoor saline pool, along with free continental…
Muskoka Waterfront Retreat
Muskoka Waterfront Retreat is a modern, technology-enabled retreat nestled on the shores of the Lake of Bays, a…
Muskoka Waterfront Retreat is a modern, technology-enabled retreat nestled on the shores of the Lake of Bays, a short drive away from Huntsville, and right beside Algonquin and Arrowhead Provincial Parks. It…
Driftwood Cove Marine Resort
Driftwood Cove Resort was founded in June 1987. It is a first class marine resort nestled in a…
Driftwood Cove Resort was founded in June 1987. It is a first class marine resort nestled in a cove off the Trent Severn Waterway one lock above Georgian Bay in the heart…
Villas of Muskoka
The Villas of Muskoka is an exclusive, four season villa resort community located between Port Carling and Bracebridge…
The Villas of Muskoka is an exclusive, four season villa resort community located between Port Carling and Bracebridge on beautiful Lake Muskoka. Two, three and four-bedroom villas in duplex, quad and single…
Rosseau Retreat Historic Bed & Breakfast
Take a pause in time as you enjoy the quiet solitude and spectacular natural surroundings of the Muskoka…
Take a pause in time as you enjoy the quiet solitude and spectacular natural surroundings of the Muskoka Lakes. Relax in the privacy and comfort of this inn style retreat located in…
The Dudley Inn
Surround yourself with the beauty of cottage and lake country in Muskoka with a stay at The Dudley…
Surround yourself with the beauty of cottage and lake country in Muskoka with a stay at The Dudley Inn – known to regulars and locals alike as ‘Dudley’s’. Waiting for you is…
Huntsville Inn
Welcome to the Huntsville Inn, your accommodation in the town of Huntsville offering clean and amazing rooms to…
Welcome to the Huntsville Inn, your accommodation in the town of Huntsville offering clean and amazing rooms to suit your taste. Our location makes it easier to travel to nearby recreational activities…
Beachside Cottages on Lake Muskoka
The Denstedt family welcomes you to Beachside Cottages on Lake Muskoka. We are very proud to carry on…
The Denstedt family welcomes you to Beachside Cottages on Lake Muskoka. We are very proud to carry on the 35 year family tradition of offering accommodations on beautiful Lake Muskoka. We have…