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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Fine Thymes Bistro and Bakery
At Fine Thymes Bistro and Bakery we aim to be a restaurant that serves real food, not health…
At Fine Thymes Bistro and Bakery we aim to be a restaurant that serves real food, not health food, but delicious homemade dishes using quality ingredients, made from scratch the way our…
Brooklands Farm
Located in the heart of Muskoka, Brooklands Farm has supported six generations of the Riley Family since 1876.…
Located in the heart of Muskoka, Brooklands Farm has supported six generations of the Riley Family since 1876. Our heritage farm hosts fabulous events from weddings, community events and small intimate dinner…
Boston Pizza – Gravenhurst
Boston Pizza restaurants offer a casual dining setting with over 100 menu items including gourmet pizzas made with…
Boston Pizza restaurants offer a casual dining setting with over 100 menu items including gourmet pizzas made with our signature hand pressed dough. We also have mouth-watering pastas and a wide variety…
Bill’s Pizza
Bill’s Pizza in Bracebridge has been acknowledged for its comfortable atmosphere, excellent food and great value. A superb…
Bill’s Pizza in Bracebridge has been acknowledged for its comfortable atmosphere, excellent food and great value. A superb Greek and Mediterranean dining experience that appeals to all ages, we believe that dining…
Bala Falls Pub
The building next to the Kee has been many things; from the original “Eldorado”, the “Bob Inn”, “Latern…
The building next to the Kee has been many things; from the original “Eldorado”, the “Bob Inn”, “Latern Loft” to the “Kee Café”. Established in 2002, the Bala Falls Pub has been welcoming…
South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club
Designed by Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member C.E. “Robbie” Robinson, South Muskoka opened in 1974. It is a classic…
Designed by Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member C.E. “Robbie” Robinson, South Muskoka opened in 1974. It is a classic Muskoka course with rolling tree-lined fairways, elevated tees and greens, swirling winds, lots of…
Muskoka Bay Resort
Pristine lakes. Towering forests. Crystal clean air. And a vitality that sweeps through the trees and makes its…
Pristine lakes. Towering forests. Crystal clean air. And a vitality that sweeps through the trees and makes its way into your soul. Welcome to Muskoka Bay Resort, a four season community with…
Diamond in the Ruff Golf Club
The grounds are so lovely, the staff so welcoming, it is easy to forget that The Diamond in…
The grounds are so lovely, the staff so welcoming, it is easy to forget that The Diamond in the Ruff also offers superb golf! The course is truly gorgeous and showcases a 9-hole…
Muskoka Chautauqua
Muskoka Chautauqua is a vibrant arts-based community where visitors come for personal growth, enrichment and renewal. It is…
Muskoka Chautauqua is a vibrant arts-based community where visitors come for personal growth, enrichment and renewal. It is an uplifting cultural hub that encompasses the arts, education and reflection; a place removed…
Wood’s End Studio
John de Lang’s lifelong fascination with birds led him to the art of wildfowl carving. His studies with…
John de Lang’s lifelong fascination with birds led him to the art of wildfowl carving. His studies with master carvers taught him the techniques, while his affinity to the world of birds…
Two Horse Gallery
Two Horse Gallery – originally residing in a renovated barn in beautiful Muskoka – has moved to a…
Two Horse Gallery – originally residing in a renovated barn in beautiful Muskoka – has moved to a storefront on Main Street in beautiful downtown Huntsville. The inspiration for the name is…
Stan W. Tait Studio & Gallery
At Stan W. Tait Studio & Gallery visitors are invited to watch Stan create his jewellery by appointment…
At Stan W. Tait Studio & Gallery visitors are invited to watch Stan create his jewellery by appointment and view his latest designs which are beautifully displayed. Stan’s designs are simple, elegant,…
Rob Stimpson Photography
Rob Stimpson Photography is based in Lake of Bays. Rob has photographed for Ontario Tourism and Ontario Parks…
Rob Stimpson Photography is based in Lake of Bays. Rob has photographed for Ontario Tourism and Ontario Parks for the past ten years, and his work has appeared on the covers of…
Muskoka Place Gallery
Welcome to Muskoka Place Gallery, located in Port Carling, Muskoka. Opened in June 2004, Muskoka Place Gallery showcases fine…
Welcome to Muskoka Place Gallery, located in Port Carling, Muskoka. Opened in June 2004, Muskoka Place Gallery showcases fine art by established and emerging artists, and hosts art classes, workshops, lectures and events…
Muskoka Bay Pottery
Muskoka Bay Pottery & Gallery is known as a place to get one-of-a-kind gifts and mementos. If you’re…
Muskoka Bay Pottery & Gallery is known as a place to get one-of-a-kind gifts and mementos. If you’re planning to enjoy cottage country this year, you might find it worthwhile to visit…