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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Diamond in the Ruff Golf Club
The grounds are so lovely, the staff so welcoming, it is easy to forget that The Diamond in…
The grounds are so lovely, the staff so welcoming, it is easy to forget that The Diamond in the Ruff also offers superb golf! The course is truly gorgeous and showcases a 9-hole…
Muskoka Chautauqua
Muskoka Chautauqua is a vibrant arts-based community where visitors come for personal growth, enrichment and renewal. It is…
Muskoka Chautauqua is a vibrant arts-based community where visitors come for personal growth, enrichment and renewal. It is an uplifting cultural hub that encompasses the arts, education and reflection; a place removed…
Wood’s End Studio
John de Lang’s lifelong fascination with birds led him to the art of wildfowl carving. His studies with…
John de Lang’s lifelong fascination with birds led him to the art of wildfowl carving. His studies with master carvers taught him the techniques, while his affinity to the world of birds…
Two Horse Gallery
Two Horse Gallery – originally residing in a renovated barn in beautiful Muskoka – has moved to a…
Two Horse Gallery – originally residing in a renovated barn in beautiful Muskoka – has moved to a storefront on Main Street in beautiful downtown Huntsville. The inspiration for the name is…
Stan W. Tait Studio & Gallery
At Stan W. Tait Studio & Gallery visitors are invited to watch Stan create his jewellery by appointment…
At Stan W. Tait Studio & Gallery visitors are invited to watch Stan create his jewellery by appointment and view his latest designs which are beautifully displayed. Stan’s designs are simple, elegant,…
Rob Stimpson Photography
Rob Stimpson Photography is based in Lake of Bays. Rob has photographed for Ontario Tourism and Ontario Parks…
Rob Stimpson Photography is based in Lake of Bays. Rob has photographed for Ontario Tourism and Ontario Parks for the past ten years, and his work has appeared on the covers of…
Muskoka Place Gallery
Welcome to Muskoka Place Gallery, located in Port Carling, Muskoka. Opened in June 2004, Muskoka Place Gallery showcases fine…
Welcome to Muskoka Place Gallery, located in Port Carling, Muskoka. Opened in June 2004, Muskoka Place Gallery showcases fine art by established and emerging artists, and hosts art classes, workshops, lectures and events…
Muskoka Bay Pottery
Muskoka Bay Pottery & Gallery is known as a place to get one-of-a-kind gifts and mementos. If you’re…
Muskoka Bay Pottery & Gallery is known as a place to get one-of-a-kind gifts and mementos. If you’re planning to enjoy cottage country this year, you might find it worthwhile to visit…
Jon Partridge Pottery
Form, function, and spirit. Every piece of pottery made by Jon at Jon Partridge Pottery bears this signature.…
Form, function, and spirit. Every piece of pottery made by Jon at Jon Partridge Pottery bears this signature. The work is created from a love to see it exist. It has an…
The Murden Gallery
The Murden Gallery is the artistic home of John Murden and showcases his work using oils, watercolours and…
The Murden Gallery is the artistic home of John Murden and showcases his work using oils, watercolours and acrylics. His subject matter is varied and he enjoys experimenting with different techniques. His…
The Chancery Lane Co.
The Chancery Lane Co. offers a signature mix of classic to contemporary home decor accents, and those special…
The Chancery Lane Co. offers a signature mix of classic to contemporary home decor accents, and those special gifts for others. Each item is selected with passion, and our aim is to…
Bramblewood Studio
Bramblewood Studio, surrounded by English gardens in beautiful Muskoka, features watercolours and “Art for the Outdoors” by Margo…
Bramblewood Studio, surrounded by English gardens in beautiful Muskoka, features watercolours and “Art for the Outdoors” by Margo Gracey. Greatly influenced by her Muskoka environment and her love of nature, Margo’s award-winning…
Auburn Gallery of Fine Art
Auburn Gallery of Fine Art was established May 1st, 2005. We specialize in eclectic Canadian art work – our…
Auburn Gallery of Fine Art was established May 1st, 2005. We specialize in eclectic Canadian art work – our collections include fine art paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, bronzes, fiber art and hand crafted…
Artisans of Muskoka
At Artisans of Muskoka, we carry the work of up to 200 artists at one time, taking pride…
At Artisans of Muskoka, we carry the work of up to 200 artists at one time, taking pride in offering Canadian handcrafted items; the majority from artists and artisans who live here in…
Westside Fish and Chips Family Restaurant
Westside Fish and Chips is a family restaurant owned and operated by the same family since 1979. We…
Westside Fish and Chips is a family restaurant owned and operated by the same family since 1979. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8am-8pm seven days a week. Originally famous…