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.
View By:
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…
Hinterglas Gallery – Bonnie Bews
At Hinterglas Gallery, Bonnie draws and seeks her inspiration from Muskoka’s natural environment, it’s brought energy to her…
At Hinterglas Gallery, Bonnie draws and seeks her inspiration from Muskoka’s natural environment, it’s brought energy to her paintings, not only with ideas, but also by the way she perceives and applies…
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…
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery (previously known as Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery) is open for…
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery (previously known as Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery) is open for visitors year-round. Our Bog to Bottle Discovery runs every day at 11am, 1pm, and…
Santa’s Village
Santa’s Village is a unique 60-acre attraction nestled in a bend of the Muskoka River in Bracebridge, Santa’s…
Santa’s Village is a unique 60-acre attraction nestled in a bend of the Muskoka River in Bracebridge, Santa’s summer home. Visitors may tour the village by miniature train or cruise the Muskoka River…
Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre
The Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre, located in Bracebridge, plays host to a variety of theatrical performances, musical…
The Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre, located in Bracebridge, plays host to a variety of theatrical performances, musical guests, literary events and specials. For the complete upcoming lineup, as well as ticket…
Northern Escapades Mini Putt
We have 18 holes of spectacular Mini Golf set on the beautiful Muskoka River in Bracebridge, ON! Great…
We have 18 holes of spectacular Mini Golf set on the beautiful Muskoka River in Bracebridge, ON! Great for any age, our course has been a family friendly staple of the community…
Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery
Come visit the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, featuring a stunning collection of over 90 world-class murals celebrating…
Come visit the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, featuring a stunning collection of over 90 world-class murals celebrating the unique artwork of Canada’s Tom Thomson and The Group of Seven. See the…
Gravenhurst Opera House
Since 1901, the stunning Gravenhurst Opera House has been the community’s cultural cornerstone and is situated in the…
Since 1901, the stunning Gravenhurst Opera House has been the community’s cultural cornerstone and is situated in the heart of downtown Gravenhurst; the Gateway to Muskoka. Featuring a variety of arts &…
Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower
The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower, tower kiosk and picnic site are operated and maintained for your enjoyment by…
The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower, tower kiosk and picnic site are operated and maintained for your enjoyment by the Township of Algonquin Highlands. The lookout tower, located off Highway 35 just north…
Chapel Gallery
Located at 15 King Street in Bracebridge, Chapel Gallery is open year-round, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm…
Located at 15 King Street in Bracebridge, Chapel Gallery is open year-round, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. It is closed during the last week of September and…
Algonquin Theatre
The Algonquin Theatre, part of the Huntsville Civic Centre in downtown Huntsville, has been host to a wide…
The Algonquin Theatre, part of the Huntsville Civic Centre in downtown Huntsville, has been host to a wide variety of plays, musical performances, meetings, videos, presentations and school groups. The theatre has…