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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Muskoka North Good Food Co-op
Muskoka North Good Food Co-op is a Community Food Co-op – a one-stop-shop that is complete with a…
Muskoka North Good Food Co-op is a Community Food Co-op – a one-stop-shop that is complete with a local foods focused grocery market, fantastic eatery, catering services, good food learning and resource…
Muskoka Extreme
Looking for adventure? The outdoors in Muskoka provide so many opportunities for exploration, team building and personal growth.…
Looking for adventure? The outdoors in Muskoka provide so many opportunities for exploration, team building and personal growth. The Muskoka Extreme Team is ready to guide you on an experience you will…
The Pearl Muskoka
Located in the heart of Bala, Muskoka, The Pearl is a destination food market where “old country” and…
Located in the heart of Bala, Muskoka, The Pearl is a destination food market where “old country” and contemporary intersect. Led by a team of culinary experts, we are focused on mixing…
The Tom Thomson Mystery Experience
Designed by Anne Lindsay (owner of Muskoka’s Incredible Race), The Tom Thomson Mystery Experience by Leplace World is…
Designed by Anne Lindsay (owner of Muskoka’s Incredible Race), The Tom Thomson Mystery Experience by Leplace World is an interactive storyline that connects the life, art, loves and mystery surrounding Tom Thomson…
MSpa
With views overlooking the beautiful ski hill, and the valley of the lake you will be immersed in…
With views overlooking the beautiful ski hill, and the valley of the lake you will be immersed in an oasis of relaxation. The best way to take care of yourself is to…
Muskoka Players
Theatre in its simplest form is story telling. Therefore one could make the case that there has been…
Theatre in its simplest form is story telling. Therefore one could make the case that there has been theatre in Muskoka since the first indigenous peoples shared tales around a campfire. That…
Red Pine Art Supply
Owned and operated by artist, Sam Sullivan, AOCAD, and husband, Chris, Red Pine Art Supply is in the…
Owned and operated by artist, Sam Sullivan, AOCAD, and husband, Chris, Red Pine Art Supply is in the heart of beautiful downtown Huntsville, supporting the local artist community and visitors all year-round.…
Huntsville Theatre Company
The Huntsville Theatre Company fosters a sense of belonging for all performers, regardless of experience. We offer children…
The Huntsville Theatre Company fosters a sense of belonging for all performers, regardless of experience. We offer children and youth programs, workshops, and active audience engagement while continuing to provide quality and…
The Owl Pen
Looking for something to read? The Owl Pen in downtown Bracebridge is family owned and operated and offers…
Looking for something to read? The Owl Pen in downtown Bracebridge is family owned and operated and offers two floors of used books for you to find the perfect one (or two,…
Cedar Canoe Books
Cedar Canoe Books was founded in 2022 to provide the Muskoka community and it’s visitors with a place…
Cedar Canoe Books was founded in 2022 to provide the Muskoka community and it’s visitors with a place to gather, learn and discover new adventures.
Decorated on Main
Decorated on Main curates a stylish selection of furniture, clothing, jewellery, décor, personal care and baby items, consistently…
Decorated on Main curates a stylish selection of furniture, clothing, jewellery, décor, personal care and baby items, consistently updating their inventory for the season and to stay on trend, while maintaining an…
Muskoka Foundry
Muskoka Foundry is a one of a kind venue for food and events in Muskoka comprising of shopping…
Muskoka Foundry is a one of a kind venue for food and events in Muskoka comprising of shopping and local food artisans, community radio station studio, special events venue with music, live…
Sky-Mazing Parasail Adventures
Find Sky-Mazing Parasail Adventures and their larger parasail boat located at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst at the…
Find Sky-Mazing Parasail Adventures and their larger parasail boat located at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst at the end of Dock C from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving. Our new parasailing only…
Jack & Stella
With an eclectic mix of food, shopping and events, Jack & Stella is a modern take on the…
With an eclectic mix of food, shopping and events, Jack & Stella is a modern take on the old General Store that has quickly become a new Bala landmark. We’re that place where…
Wooden Penny
Wooden Penny was established in 2000 and is proud to be serving Muskoka and surrounding area with quality…
Wooden Penny was established in 2000 and is proud to be serving Muskoka and surrounding area with quality handmade furnishings and home décor items. In 2014 Wooden Penny came under new ownership…