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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Gravenhurst Opera House
Since 1901, the stunning Gravenhurst Opera House has been the community’s cultural cornerstone and is situated in the…
Since 1901, the stunning Gravenhurst Opera House has been the community’s cultural cornerstone and is situated in the heart of downtown Gravenhurst; the Gateway to Muskoka. Featuring a variety of arts &…
Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower
The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower, tower kiosk and picnic site are operated and maintained for your enjoyment by…
The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower, tower kiosk and picnic site are operated and maintained for your enjoyment by the Township of Algonquin Highlands. The lookout tower, located off Highway 35 just north…
Chapel Gallery
Located at 15 King Street in Bracebridge, Chapel Gallery is open year-round, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm…
Located at 15 King Street in Bracebridge, Chapel Gallery is open year-round, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. It is closed during the last week of September and…
Algonquin Theatre
The Algonquin Theatre, part of the Huntsville Civic Centre in downtown Huntsville, has been host to a wide…
The Algonquin Theatre, part of the Huntsville Civic Centre in downtown Huntsville, has been host to a wide variety of plays, musical performances, meetings, videos, presentations and school groups. The theatre has…
Woodchester Villa
The year is 1882. Henry J. Bird and his family have just moved into Woodchester Villa, their new…
The year is 1882. Henry J. Bird and his family have just moved into Woodchester Villa, their new eight-sided hill-topped home in Bracebridge. Three generations and over a hundred years have passed…
Little Norway Memorial
The District Municipality of Muskoka worked closely with Norway, Canada and the Royal Canadian Legion to design and…
The District Municipality of Muskoka worked closely with Norway, Canada and the Royal Canadian Legion to design and construct a memorial at the Muskoka Airport. The purpose of the project was twofold;…
Muskoka Highlands Golf Links
Muskoka Highlands Golf Links maintains the true Scottish links feel on an 18-hole course that now spans more…
Muskoka Highlands Golf Links maintains the true Scottish links feel on an 18-hole course that now spans more than 6,000 yards. Our facility features instructional programs for players of all skill levels,…
Bethune Memorial House
Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site of Canada commemorates the life and achievements of Dr. Henry Norman Bethune.…
Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site of Canada commemorates the life and achievements of Dr. Henry Norman Bethune. A battlefront surgeon, promoter of public health care, inventor, teacher and artist, Dr. Bethune…
Dorset Heritage Museum
Dorset Heritage Museum features museum exhibits of early pioneer life, local settlers, traditional logging practices, and historic information…
Dorset Heritage Museum features museum exhibits of early pioneer life, local settlers, traditional logging practices, and historic information pertaining to pioneer settlement of the Dorset area. Our museum operates around a CARE…
Muskoka Discovery Centre
Welcome to the one-of-a-kind Muskoka Discovery Centre where we preserve the traditions of the steamship, boat building and…
Welcome to the one-of-a-kind Muskoka Discovery Centre where we preserve the traditions of the steamship, boat building and resort era while continually educating the public about these fascinating times. Step into the past…
Muskoka Lakes Museum
The Muskoka Lakes Museum is situated in the centre of the village of Port Carling, located on scenic…
The Muskoka Lakes Museum is situated in the centre of the village of Port Carling, located on scenic James Bartleman Island Park, adjacent to both the large and small locks. Portraying cottage…
Muskoka Heritage Place
Touch the Past in Huntsville at Muskoka Heritage Place, the home of the Muskoka Museum, Muskoka Pioneer Village…
Touch the Past in Huntsville at Muskoka Heritage Place, the home of the Muskoka Museum, Muskoka Pioneer Village and the Portage Flyer Train. Life in the late 1800’s is historically recreated with genuine…
Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area
Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is the place to ski and snowboard in Muskoka! Located in Huntsville and…
Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is the place to ski and snowboard in Muskoka! Located in Huntsville and offering 13 runs ranging from easy to extreme, there is something for everyone from…
Active Turtle
Active Turtle offers Muskoka based Yoga classes, workshops and retreats to take you on an inspiring and creative journey…
Active Turtle offers Muskoka based Yoga classes, workshops and retreats to take you on an inspiring and creative journey of discovery or re-discovery of self through a variety of Yoga styles, Zumba, and…
Trillium Resort and Spa
Nestled among 86 acres of pristine forest and woodlands, a spirited waterfall and a semi-private lake, Trillium Resort…
Nestled among 86 acres of pristine forest and woodlands, a spirited waterfall and a semi-private lake, Trillium Resort & Spa, located in the heart of Muskoka, offers the perfect “adult only” vacation…