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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Red Barn Antiques
The “Red Barn” has multiple vendors and a huge selection of stock – refinished furniture, painted furniture, glass,…
The “Red Barn” has multiple vendors and a huge selection of stock – refinished furniture, painted furniture, glass, silverware, prints and collectibles. You cannot miss it! People come from all over to…
Ecclestone Cycle
All bikes and all riders are always welcome at Muskoka’s Famous Purple Bike Shop! Famous for its landmark-easy…
All bikes and all riders are always welcome at Muskoka’s Famous Purple Bike Shop! Famous for its landmark-easy to find purple exterior, and its friendly and professional staff, Ecclestone Cycle is proud…
The Great Vine
For almost 25 years, The Great Vine has been committed to providing its customers with trusted advice, an…
For almost 25 years, The Great Vine has been committed to providing its customers with trusted advice, an eclectic product line, and compassionate, professional customer-service in the area of complementary healthcare. Enjoy…
Reflections of Muskoka
Reflections of Muskoka is your fashion store in Muskoka. Including an exclusive Roots franchise and the Hatley brand…
Reflections of Muskoka is your fashion store in Muskoka. Including an exclusive Roots franchise and the Hatley brand in store, we also offer mid-range priced clothing for Men, Women and Children as…
Soapstones
Welcome to Soapstones – naturally hand-crafted soaps, lotions and cleansers – made in small batches in a shop…
Welcome to Soapstones – naturally hand-crafted soaps, lotions and cleansers – made in small batches in a shop full of smiles. Each day we reconnect with what is so important to us in…
Main St. Delicatessen
Main St. Delicatessan is a vintage deli-style restaurant serving up what the owners Paul and Jovan like to…
Main St. Delicatessan is a vintage deli-style restaurant serving up what the owners Paul and Jovan like to call “comfort food with a twist”. Located in downtown Bracebridge on Manitoba Street in the…
The Corner Cabinet
Occupying a 19th century building beside the Bracebridge Falls, once the site of the local blacksmith’s shop, The…
Occupying a 19th century building beside the Bracebridge Falls, once the site of the local blacksmith’s shop, The Corner Cabinet is your destination for home and garden decor, pottery, candles, linens, specialty…
Lilibird
Lilibird is a gift and home decor store located in beautiful downtown Bracebridge. Offering an assortment of treasures we’re…
Lilibird is a gift and home decor store located in beautiful downtown Bracebridge. Offering an assortment of treasures we’re sure to have something for everyone including Hatley merchandise, kitchen ware, stationary, home decor…
Worth Repeating
Worth Repeating in downtown Bracebridge offers consignments of quality home furnishings and antiques and has been voted the…
Worth Repeating in downtown Bracebridge offers consignments of quality home furnishings and antiques and has been voted the Readers Choice Award winners for best home furnishing and decorating & antique store for…
The Vintages Dining Room
Since 1939, Sherwood Inn has developed a reputation as Muskoka’s premier dining destination. Boasting an impressive wine list…
Since 1939, Sherwood Inn has developed a reputation as Muskoka’s premier dining destination. Boasting an impressive wine list and a fresh, locally-sourced menu prepared with care, Vintages Dining Room at Sherwood Inn…
Tigg’s for Him & Her
Tigg’s for Him & Her has been serving the Bracebridge community for over 12 years and could not…
Tigg’s for Him & Her has been serving the Bracebridge community for over 12 years and could not be more grateful for the support we continue to receive. We pride ourselves on…
Shine Jewellery & Accessories
Shine Jewellery & Accessories is a boutique with locations in beautiful downtown Bracebridge and beautiful historic downtown Huntsville. Shine…
Shine Jewellery & Accessories is a boutique with locations in beautiful downtown Bracebridge and beautiful historic downtown Huntsville. Shine believes in channeling every woman’s inner ‘shine’. Every woman deserves to shine with stylish…
The Birches Restaurant
The Birches Restaurant, located on site at Hidden Valley Resort, is Muskoka hospitality and dining at its finest.…
The Birches Restaurant, located on site at Hidden Valley Resort, is Muskoka hospitality and dining at its finest. Overlooking Penninsula Lake, The Birches promotes local suppliers and features menu offerings that highlight local…
Belle’s Boutique
Belle’s Boutique is a fashion forward retail culture exclusively for women located in the heart of downtown Bracebridge.…
Belle’s Boutique is a fashion forward retail culture exclusively for women located in the heart of downtown Bracebridge. We take great pleasure in bringing out style and contemporary brands to Muskoka and…
Cast Iron Restaurant
Cast Iron Restaurant in Baysville, co-owned by chef Tyler and front of house manager Andrea, was opened with a…
Cast Iron Restaurant in Baysville, co-owned by chef Tyler and front of house manager Andrea, was opened with a love of food and dining out that encourage the pair to open a restaurant…