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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Muskoka Mike’s Fishing Charters
Muskoka Mike’s Fishing Charters has over 25 years experience – specializing in walleye, pike and bass. Fish the Muskoka…
Muskoka Mike’s Fishing Charters has over 25 years experience – specializing in walleye, pike and bass. Fish the Muskoka Lakes; Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, Lake Joseph as well as Georgian Bay and Lake…
Chef Henrie Bistro & Cafe
Chef Henrie graduated from the Austrian culinary school Landesberufsschule Obertrum in 2014. Awarded the esteemed “Goldener Kochlöffel” (Golden…
Chef Henrie graduated from the Austrian culinary school Landesberufsschule Obertrum in 2014. Awarded the esteemed “Goldener Kochlöffel” (Golden Spoon), in his final year of apprenticeship, a star was placed in the walkway…
Best Golf Trips
As a vacation destination, Muskoka is amazing. As a golf destination, Muskoka is one of the best. With…
As a vacation destination, Muskoka is amazing. As a golf destination, Muskoka is one of the best. With more golf courses recognized in Canada’s top 100 than any other destination in the…
Bracebridge Hall
Situated in an early 20th century carriage house and just steps from the falls, Bracebridge Hall is a…
Situated in an early 20th century carriage house and just steps from the falls, Bracebridge Hall is a true multipurpose event space specializing in visual art, live concerts and special events. With a…
The Acres Driving Range
The Acres Driving Range is a family oriented practice facility for golfers of all skill levels, conveniently located just…
The Acres Driving Range is a family oriented practice facility for golfers of all skill levels, conveniently located just 10 minutes east of downtown Huntsville. The range features an elevated tee deck, both…
The Creative Cook
The Creative Cook is your kitchen store for gourmet gadgets and so much more. We offer high quality…
The Creative Cook is your kitchen store for gourmet gadgets and so much more. We offer high quality brands for your kitchen essentials, run classes & demos and provide in-store knife sharpening…
Frankies Surf Club
Frankies Surf Club is the brainchild of Toronto restaurateurs Ian McGrenaghan & Colin Tooke (Grand Electric + Electric…
Frankies Surf Club is the brainchild of Toronto restaurateurs Ian McGrenaghan & Colin Tooke (Grand Electric + Electric Mud BBQ) alongside Micah Cameron (former women’s fashion director for the Hudson’s Bay Company.)…
Paddlefoot
Paddlefoot is an experiential learning facility that encourages the participants to explore the great outdoors! From summer camps…
Paddlefoot is an experiential learning facility that encourages the participants to explore the great outdoors! From summer camps to achieving one of many certifications we offer, our participants are sure to enjoy…
Huntsville Bowl
Huntsville Bowl offers the most state of the art bowling experience. Our system offers instant 5 to 10…
Huntsville Bowl offers the most state of the art bowling experience. Our system offers instant 5 to 10 pin conversion on all lanes and will also automatically score your games and provide…
Trading Post Cabin
At Trading Post Cabin treat your senses with a floor to ceiling range of unique retail and the…
At Trading Post Cabin treat your senses with a floor to ceiling range of unique retail and the smells of coffee, baked goods and tasty food. Start your morning off with a…
Bear and Butterfly Bed and Breakfast
The Bear and Butterfly Bed and Breakfast is a unique and peaceful Muskoka country home. At the same…
The Bear and Butterfly Bed and Breakfast is a unique and peaceful Muskoka country home. At the same time it is close to museums, theatres, hiking trails, water sports and winter sports…
Affogato Cafe + Gelato
Affogato Café + Gelato is growing to provide Muskoka with more authentic gelato flavours and products, specialty coffees,…
Affogato Café + Gelato is growing to provide Muskoka with more authentic gelato flavours and products, specialty coffees, signature sandwiches, soups, Italian pastries and desserts all with gluten free, vegan, and dairy…
HM Day Spa
HM Day Spa reflects the tranquility and natural beauty of Muskoka in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Located…
HM Day Spa reflects the tranquility and natural beauty of Muskoka in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Located within Huntsville proper, yet secluded, the spa has grown into a popular destination for…
Yoga 44
Yoga 44: Studio Classes and Private Visits in Port Carling, Muskoka Yoga 44 simplifies yoga. We bring effective…
Yoga 44: Studio Classes and Private Visits in Port Carling, Muskoka Yoga 44 simplifies yoga. We bring effective and mindful classes right to your group with fresh mats and props. Imagine yoga…
Heron’s Nest Studio Gallery
Steps from downtown Bracebridge, Heron’s Nest Studio Gallery is home to visual artist Wendie Donabie. Working with a…
Steps from downtown Bracebridge, Heron’s Nest Studio Gallery is home to visual artist Wendie Donabie. Working with a variety of mediums, her artistry reflects her love of nature and concern for the…