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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Hollow Valley Resort
The Hollow Valley, affectionately known as “The Hollow” to the locals, has a rich history in Dorset, dating…
The Hollow Valley, affectionately known as “The Hollow” to the locals, has a rich history in Dorset, dating back to the 1930’s. Because of its rich history, the new owners have kept…
Longhouse Grill
Enjoy breakfast. lunch and dinner at Longhouse Grill – next to First Nation Liquidation.
Enjoy breakfast. lunch and dinner at Longhouse Grill – next to First Nation Liquidation.
Mrs. H’s Fish & Chips
We always enjoy seeing our customers as they travel through our beautiful Muskoka region year round at Mrs.…
We always enjoy seeing our customers as they travel through our beautiful Muskoka region year round at Mrs. H’s Fish & Chips. Open for takeout only or munch outside on our patio…
The Wahta Station
Find Muskoka’s best stocked humidor at The Wahta Station. Don’t miss shopping the assortment of clothing, moccasins and…
Find Muskoka’s best stocked humidor at The Wahta Station. Don’t miss shopping the assortment of clothing, moccasins and groceries available, and stop at Mrs. H’s next door for the areas best voted…
Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame
Canada has a renowned history of boatbuilding and racing on the water. The Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame…
Canada has a renowned history of boatbuilding and racing on the water. The Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame was conceived as a focal point and venue to house, celebrate and preserve the…
Muskoka Riverside Restaurant
Located inside Quality Inn and along the Muskoka River, Muskoka Riverside Restaurant is Muskoka’s premier destination for fresh…
Located inside Quality Inn and along the Muskoka River, Muskoka Riverside Restaurant is Muskoka’s premier destination for fresh seafood, artisanal dishes and exceptional dining.
Bala Bay Inn
Bala’s historic red brick hotel has been revived and is coming at you live summer of 2024. In…
Bala’s historic red brick hotel has been revived and is coming at you live summer of 2024. In partnership with Muskoka BeerSpa and Clear Lake Brewing Company, the new Bala Bay Inn…
JJ’s Bar and Grill
JJ’s Bar and Grill is committed to quality and customer satisfaction has made us a go-to destination for…
JJ’s Bar and Grill is committed to quality and customer satisfaction has made us a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. We take pride in our diverse menu, welcoming ambiance, and…
MAC on Main
Muskoka Arts & Crafts is one of the oldest and most well established arts organizations in Ontario, having…
Muskoka Arts & Crafts is one of the oldest and most well established arts organizations in Ontario, having grown since its inception in 1963 to include a diverse membership of professional full-time…
Muskoka Vacation House
The popular Muskoka Vacation House is a 5-star rated vacation rental focused on the joys of being right…
The popular Muskoka Vacation House is a 5-star rated vacation rental focused on the joys of being right in the heart of Huntsville. It is a charming house in the heart of…
Jimmy Joys Music Room
Jimmy Joys Music Room is the result of two people being passionate for music and wanting to support…
Jimmy Joys Music Room is the result of two people being passionate for music and wanting to support musicians and their craft. We have enjoyed hosting concerts on a small intimate scale…
Sandhill Nursery
Sandhill Nursery is the premier destination for all of your gardening needs in Huntsville. Our family-owned and operated…
Sandhill Nursery is the premier destination for all of your gardening needs in Huntsville. Our family-owned and operated business has been serving the community for over 20 years, providing top-quality plants, trees,…
The Rosewood Room
The Rosewood Room, downtown Huntsville’s newest full-service beauty spa, offering a range of products and services to help…
The Rosewood Room, downtown Huntsville’s newest full-service beauty spa, offering a range of products and services to help you feel like your best, natural self. Our boutique spa will be the perfect…
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.