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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Veranda
“My fundamental rule has always been to surround yourself with carefully chosen, timeless items that you absolutely love,”…
“My fundamental rule has always been to surround yourself with carefully chosen, timeless items that you absolutely love,” says Elise, the owner and principal designer at Veranda. It is this mentality that…
Muskoka Stay N Play Tours
Muskoka Stay N Play Tours is a business that offers full accommodations in their 2,500 sq ft historical…
Muskoka Stay N Play Tours is a business that offers full accommodations in their 2,500 sq ft historical 5 bedroom, three bath cottage. Our cottage also features a large 20′ stone fire…
The Antler Steakhouse
Deerhurst’s popular summer dining venue, The Antler Steakhouse, is definitely geared to the carnivore crowd. In addition to…
Deerhurst’s popular summer dining venue, The Antler Steakhouse, is definitely geared to the carnivore crowd. In addition to the exceptional selection of AAA Canadian steaks, the menu brims with other favourites from…
Maple Pub & Patio
Maple Pub & Patio, a laid-back casual eatery inspired by its relaxed cottage country surroundings, charms Muskokans with…
Maple Pub & Patio, a laid-back casual eatery inspired by its relaxed cottage country surroundings, charms Muskokans with delicious fresh dishes for quick family meals or refreshments after a round of golf.…
Compass Grill & Lounge
Centrally located just steps from the lobby, Compass Grill & Lounge is the place to gather for a…
Centrally located just steps from the lobby, Compass Grill & Lounge is the place to gather for a casual bite and an exquisite glass of wine by the fireplace. Cozy up to…
Eclipse Dining Room
Sweeping lake vistas are the ideal accompaniments to generous breakfasts and great dinner experiences with family and friends.…
Sweeping lake vistas are the ideal accompaniments to generous breakfasts and great dinner experiences with family and friends. Eclipse restaurant and outdoor terrace offer stunning views on a beautiful wrap around terrace…
Trading Bay Dining Company
With its rich history, friendly and efficient staff, comfortable casual atmosphere and a menu that offers fresh ingredients…
With its rich history, friendly and efficient staff, comfortable casual atmosphere and a menu that offers fresh ingredients that change with the seasons, the Trading Bay Dining Company emulates a true Canadiana…
The Cutter’s Edge
Welcome to The Cutter’s Edge, a second-generation family company specializing in interior design, hand-crafted solid wood furniture and…
Welcome to The Cutter’s Edge, a second-generation family company specializing in interior design, hand-crafted solid wood furniture and custom cabinetry. Initially located in Almaguin, The Cutter’s Edge has expanded to locations in…
Flying Star Antiques
Flying Star Antiques carries a wide variety of antiques and vintage items – all things needed for your…
Flying Star Antiques carries a wide variety of antiques and vintage items – all things needed for your home! We specialize in all things country and relaxed living, brought in from our travels…
Jibe Jewellery
Jibe Jewellery is a collection of fresh and distinctive designs created by Christa Benedict. Each piece is handcrafted,…
Jibe Jewellery is a collection of fresh and distinctive designs created by Christa Benedict. Each piece is handcrafted, unique and has an individual style that boasts quality craftsmanship and design. Housed in…
Baysville Marina
Baysville Marina is a family owned and operated marina on beautiful Lake of Bays. Our full service marina…
Baysville Marina is a family owned and operated marina on beautiful Lake of Bays. Our full service marina sells new and used boats and motors, as well as offers a professional and…
Patterson Kaye Resort
Patterson Kaye Resort has been operating as a family vacation destination on the shores of Lake Muskoka since…
Patterson Kaye Resort has been operating as a family vacation destination on the shores of Lake Muskoka since 1936. It has offered the same peaceful, picturesque setting for five generations of people…
Walker Lake Resort
Welcome to Walker Lake Resort – a unique Muskoka resort experience for families, couples, and businesses to retreat…
Welcome to Walker Lake Resort – a unique Muskoka resort experience for families, couples, and businesses to retreat in seclusion and tranquility. Come and stay in one of our newly renovated cottages, now…
Four Ninety Bed and Breakfast
Four Ninety Bed and Breakfast provides an intimate setting to relax and enjoy the peace of the pines,…
Four Ninety Bed and Breakfast provides an intimate setting to relax and enjoy the peace of the pines, the solitude of the water and the strength of the rocks simply by looking…
SS Bigwin
Sail across the smooth waters of beautiful Lake of Bays aboard the historic SS Bigwin! Departing from its…
Sail across the smooth waters of beautiful Lake of Bays aboard the historic SS Bigwin! Departing from its dock in Dorset and cruising down majestic Trading Bay with its tall pines and…