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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Portuguese House
Portuguese House is an authentic Portuguese restaurant serving quality food packed with flavour and love.
Portuguese House is an authentic Portuguese restaurant serving quality food packed with flavour and love.
Mottbora Sushi
Mottbora is a delicious sushi restaurant in Huntsville featuring a large variety of rolls.
Mottbora is a delicious sushi restaurant in Huntsville featuring a large variety of rolls.
Henrietta’s Pine Bakery
For over 60 years, Henrietta’s has been a family owned and operated business, with locations in both Dwight…
For over 60 years, Henrietta’s has been a family owned and operated business, with locations in both Dwight and Huntsville. Each day we strive to deliver the highest standard in both product…
Downtown Espresso
Find coffee, pastries, and Italian fine foods at Downtown Espresso in Huntsville. We use the finest local coffee…
Find coffee, pastries, and Italian fine foods at Downtown Espresso in Huntsville. We use the finest local coffee and brew it with a state of the art espresso machine!
Blue Moon Bakery
Blue Moon is Huntsville’s only dedicated gluten-free (and dairy-free!) bakery and espresso bar. This small-batch-from-scratch shop offers a…
Blue Moon is Huntsville’s only dedicated gluten-free (and dairy-free!) bakery and espresso bar. This small-batch-from-scratch shop offers a wonderful variety of breads, buns, savory and sweet baked yummies. They offer many egg-free/vegan…
Windmill Bakery & Bistro
European Inspired; Windmill continues its long standing tradition of creating authentic, tasty baked goods. Windmill Bakery was started…
European Inspired; Windmill continues its long standing tradition of creating authentic, tasty baked goods. Windmill Bakery was started in 1976 by Ton Struyk, a Dutch immigrant. It was carried on by Tjeerd…
Din’s Fresh Fries
Din’s Fresh Fries is located at Lake of Bays Garden Centre and serves an amazing menu including Jamie’s…
Din’s Fresh Fries is located at Lake of Bays Garden Centre and serves an amazing menu including Jamie’s delicious smash burger and fresh fries.
The Baysville Pavilion
The Baysville Pavilion is a landmark in town – an iconic roadhouse style pub with a great atmosphere.…
The Baysville Pavilion is a landmark in town – an iconic roadhouse style pub with a great atmosphere. Check out their Facebook page for dining specials, events and live music announcements.
The Oven
The Oven serves up fresh Muskoka sourdough pizza, breads and baked goods, all prepared in a wood fired…
The Oven serves up fresh Muskoka sourdough pizza, breads and baked goods, all prepared in a wood fired oven.
Essence of Spice
Craving some good Indian food? Essence of Spice in Gravenhurst brings the tastes of India right to your…
Craving some good Indian food? Essence of Spice in Gravenhurst brings the tastes of India right to your table with delicate spices and mouth watering food. Everything in the restaurant is made in…
Seng’s Thai Cuisine
Seng’s Thai Cuisine – run by owners chef Mariam Phengphan and chef Seng Soukhaserm- offers a great selection…
Seng’s Thai Cuisine – run by owners chef Mariam Phengphan and chef Seng Soukhaserm- offers a great selection of authentic Thai food at their restaurant in downtown Huntsville. New in 2023, stop…
Music on Main
Think of a funky but chic guitar shop on Queen St. West in Toronto and add an eclectic…
Think of a funky but chic guitar shop on Queen St. West in Toronto and add an eclectic café to it serving fresh, wholesome and homemade food with comfy Muskoka vibe and…
BeaverTails
BeaverTails are famously flat donuts. Deliciously addictive, whole-wheat Canadian pastries served piping hot with your choice of delectable…
BeaverTails are famously flat donuts. Deliciously addictive, whole-wheat Canadian pastries served piping hot with your choice of delectable toppings. Their location in downtown Huntsville also serves ice cream and other iconic Canadian…
Rombo’s Family Restaurant
Rombo’s Family Restaurant has been serving the community with homemade authentic Italian, Greek and Canadian cuisine for over…
Rombo’s Family Restaurant has been serving the community with homemade authentic Italian, Greek and Canadian cuisine for over 30 years. We are a friendly family operated business and take great pride in…
Rickshaw Restaurant
Enjoy classic Chinese-Canadian food for takeout or served in the dining room at Rickshaw Restaurant in historic downtown…
Enjoy classic Chinese-Canadian food for takeout or served in the dining room at Rickshaw Restaurant in historic downtown Gravenhurst.