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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Rosseau General Store
On the corner of Rice St and Highway 141 stands an iconic legend, the Rosseau General Store, built…
On the corner of Rice St and Highway 141 stands an iconic legend, the Rosseau General Store, built in 1874. This building has been serving cottagers and a local clientele alike since…
Find Your Wild
Escape the pressures of the city and find your wild side in beautiful Muskoka and Algonquin Park. Our…
Escape the pressures of the city and find your wild side in beautiful Muskoka and Algonquin Park. Our WINTERS are truly magical. What better way to enjoy them than on a private…
Algonquin Cafe & Deli
Welcome to Algonquin Café & Deli. With a passion for delicious home-cooked affordable food, our team has over 65…
Welcome to Algonquin Café & Deli. With a passion for delicious home-cooked affordable food, our team has over 65 years of smoking experience and preparing food with a vast array of flavourful cuisine. Our…
The Shipyards Muskoka Marketplace
Pop-Up stores are the new black, putting a splash of colour in your world. The joy of shopping,…
Pop-Up stores are the new black, putting a splash of colour in your world. The joy of shopping, tasting and experiencing has taken on a fresh look with intimate and exclusive micro-shops…
Studio Sail la Vie
At Studio Sail la Vie, artist Daniel Gallant is giving driftwood a second wind. Each sailboat sculpture is…
At Studio Sail la Vie, artist Daniel Gallant is giving driftwood a second wind. Each sailboat sculpture is a Muskoka original made from driftwood with chewed beaver sticks for masts, and each…
Clear Lake Brewing Co.
Clear Lake Brewing Co. is located in Muskoka Lakes and produces the freshest, naturally crafted beer year-round for…
Clear Lake Brewing Co. is located in Muskoka Lakes and produces the freshest, naturally crafted beer year-round for its locals and seasonal visitors alike. Located in the heart of cottage country it…
O’Mara Studio & Gallery
Catherine O’Mara of O’Mara Studio & Gallery is a self- taught artist who works with the ancient medium of…
Catherine O’Mara of O’Mara Studio & Gallery is a self- taught artist who works with the ancient medium of egg tempera. She has developed a sophisticated style that represents the Muskoka Landscape with…
Belly Artisan Ice Cream
Belly Artisan Ice Cream is all natural and completely handcrafted with an obsessive attention to detail and an…
Belly Artisan Ice Cream is all natural and completely handcrafted with an obsessive attention to detail and an emphasis on creative, Chef driven flavours. Each flavour you love, is made from scratch…
Maple Lane Farms
Maple Lane Farms offers a variety of learning opportunities for riders of all ages and abilities. Trail rides…
Maple Lane Farms offers a variety of learning opportunities for riders of all ages and abilities. Trail rides are both safe, relaxing and scenic for all riders. No experience is necessary, just…
Within Life Enhancement Spa
Within Life Enhancement Spa (formerly known as Tranquility Within) is a new, one of a kind wellness center,…
Within Life Enhancement Spa (formerly known as Tranquility Within) is a new, one of a kind wellness center, located in downtown Bracebridge. This unique new spa is focused on a holistic approach…
The Pedicure Room
At The Pedicure Room we welcome our guests to our clean and cozy spa where relaxation, serenity and…
At The Pedicure Room we welcome our guests to our clean and cozy spa where relaxation, serenity and revitalization can be found. Allow yourself to be pampered by our certified, friendly and…
Muskoka Aesthetics
Muskoka Aesthetics was founded in 2015 by Nicole Manion. Located in Bracebridge, we are one of the few…
Muskoka Aesthetics was founded in 2015 by Nicole Manion. Located in Bracebridge, we are one of the few independent spas serving the Muskoka Region. We specialize in skincare and makeup, and provide…
El Pueblito
At El Pueblito we take great pride in what we do. We cook authentic handcrafted Mexican food using…
At El Pueblito we take great pride in what we do. We cook authentic handcrafted Mexican food using the freshest of ingredients. With love, we bring you the recipes, flavours and feelings…
Muskoka Natural Food Market
At Muskoka Natural Food Market we are proud to offer quality and therapeutic grade supplements, herbs and vitamins, including…
At Muskoka Natural Food Market we are proud to offer quality and therapeutic grade supplements, herbs and vitamins, including a large selection of clean essential oils, beauty and cosmetic products. Muskoka Natural Food…
Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint
Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint is bringing really good pizza to really good people! “Pie is the Ferris…
Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint is bringing really good pizza to really good people! “Pie is the Ferris Bueller of Wood Oven Pizza Joints! Our Pies, Promos and in-store ambiance are designed…