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 Canoe Gallery
Red Canoe Gallery features the art and craft of over 100 of Canada’s award winning artists and craftspeople…
Red Canoe Gallery features the art and craft of over 100 of Canada’s award winning artists and craftspeople and has been the gallery of choice in Muskoka since 1992. Located on the…
The Rock Golf Club
The Rock Golf Club is a world class facility. Designed by legendary golfer Nick Faldo, this 18 hole…
The Rock Golf Club is a world class facility. Designed by legendary golfer Nick Faldo, this 18 hole course has been artfully sculpted on the shores of one of Muskoka’s premier lakes,…
Muskoka Jewellery Design
Muskoka Jewellery Design is a beautiful boutique style jewellery store specializing in handmade jewellery. We carry one-of-a-kind pieces from our…
Muskoka Jewellery Design is a beautiful boutique style jewellery store specializing in handmade jewellery. We carry one-of-a-kind pieces from our 3 in house jewellery designers, as well as pieces from other metalsmiths in North…
Peter’s Players
Peter’s Players hosts a variety of musical acts at the Gravenhurst Opera House, Muskoka Discovery Centre and on…
Peter’s Players hosts a variety of musical acts at the Gravenhurst Opera House, Muskoka Discovery Centre and on Peter’s Cruises (formerly from their own venue in Gravenhurst). For a complete lineup of…
Windermere Golf & Country Club
Located in the heart of Muskoka and directly adjacent to stunning Lake Rosseau, Windermere Golf & Country Club…
Located in the heart of Muskoka and directly adjacent to stunning Lake Rosseau, Windermere Golf & Country Club is a community landmark and delightful destination for all ages. This warm and inviting…
Rawley Resort, Spa & Marina
Located in Port Severn, Rawley Resort, Spa & Marina defines luxury, relaxation and supreme comfort in an all…
Located in Port Severn, Rawley Resort, Spa & Marina defines luxury, relaxation and supreme comfort in an all suite boutique, Muskoka resort located in a peaceful, beautifully landscaped setting on the waterfront…
Muskoka Steamships
Muskoka Steamships features daily cruises aboard Ontario’s finest selection of classic passenger vessels including the iconic and award winning…
Muskoka Steamships features daily cruises aboard Ontario’s finest selection of classic passenger vessels including the iconic and award winning R.M.S. Segwun, Wenonah II, and Wanda III. The R.M.S.Segwun, North America’s oldest operating steamship…
Algonquin Outfitters Bracebridge
AO Swifty’s Surf & Snow is tucked into the heart of the Muskoka Lakes area. This location features…
AO Swifty’s Surf & Snow is tucked into the heart of the Muskoka Lakes area. This location features a great stock of surfwear, outdoor clothing & footwear, along with the best names…
Algonquin Outfitters Huntsville
Huntsville offers three floors of great gear and clothing for outdoor adventure. Primarily a speciality outdoor store, with the emphasis…
Huntsville offers three floors of great gear and clothing for outdoor adventure. Primarily a speciality outdoor store, with the emphasis on camping equipment, paddle sports, bikes, Nordic skis, snowshoes, and outdoor clothing and footwear.…
Blue Willow Tea Shop
At Blue Willow Tea Shop there is lots to tempt you – take your taste buds on a…
At Blue Willow Tea Shop there is lots to tempt you – take your taste buds on a trip down our menu. It features some traditional British lunches and sandwiches. Our in-house…
Back of Beyond Equine Centre
At Back of Beyond Equine Centre, be introduced to the world of horses and connect with these magnificent creatures…
At Back of Beyond Equine Centre, be introduced to the world of horses and connect with these magnificent creatures as you brush and interact with them. Explore the farm and learn how it…
Winding Fences Farm
If you are looking for horseback trail rides, horseback riding lessons or pasture board for your horse in…
If you are looking for horseback trail rides, horseback riding lessons or pasture board for your horse in Muskoka, you have come to the right place! Winding Fences Farm offers custom horseback…
Sunset Cruises
The “Muskoka Experience” always includes a cruise on the big 3 Muskoka Lakes, with their rugged & beautiful…
The “Muskoka Experience” always includes a cruise on the big 3 Muskoka Lakes, with their rugged & beautiful Canadian Shield vistas & gorgeous cottages. Enjoy live commentary including history & local lore.…
Healey Lake Lodge & Market
Healey Lake Lodge is located at the end of a tranquil tree-lined road in a quiet bay at…
Healey Lake Lodge is located at the end of a tranquil tree-lined road in a quiet bay at the eastern end of Healey Lake. The limited vehicle and boat traffic creates a…
Muskoka Cruises
Muskoka Cruises began cruising with the iconic Lady Muskoka. Starting in 2022, we began cruising with the Lady…
Muskoka Cruises began cruising with the iconic Lady Muskoka. Starting in 2022, we began cruising with the Lady Rosseau and Muskoka Gaga. Lady Rosseau is our newly renovated vessel located at the…