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.
View By:
The Topiary
The Topiary is a metaphysical store in Muskoka. We proudly offer the largest selection of crystals in Muskoka.…
The Topiary is a metaphysical store in Muskoka. We proudly offer the largest selection of crystals in Muskoka. as well as a wide variety of aromatherapy, herbs, jewellery, yoga and meditation supplies,…
Christmas Tyme
Welcome to Christmas Tyme, where it’s the most wonderful time of the year all year round (except in…
Welcome to Christmas Tyme, where it’s the most wonderful time of the year all year round (except in January, when even Santa needs a break!). Located in the heart of beautiful historic…
Wolfe Co. Apparel and Goods
Wolfe Co. Apparel and Goods sells premium Canadian-made clothing with an uncompromising commitment to quality domestic production.
Wolfe Co. Apparel and Goods sells premium Canadian-made clothing with an uncompromising commitment to quality domestic production.
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…
Minds Alive Toy Store
Minds Alive Toy Stores carry the latest educational, fun and inspiring toys available. At Minds Alive! we believe…
Minds Alive Toy Stores carry the latest educational, fun and inspiring toys available. At Minds Alive! we believe learning doesn’t have to be work. So jumping on a Stomp Rocket is learning…
Footprints on Muskoka
Footprints On Muskoka is a unique store featuring family footwear, Muskoka sweatshirts, t-shirts, women’s clothing and accessories suitable…
Footprints On Muskoka is a unique store featuring family footwear, Muskoka sweatshirts, t-shirts, women’s clothing and accessories suitable for the Muskoka lifestyle. You will always find a unique treasure with every visit.…
Currie’s Music & Antiques
Currie’s Music & Antiques in downtown Gravenhurst sells used and vintage guitars/instruments, new and used records, and all…
Currie’s Music & Antiques in downtown Gravenhurst sells used and vintage guitars/instruments, new and used records, and all sorts of other various vintage knickknacks. Did we mention lessons and recording? Or the…
Annex
Annex is a place where you can come to relax, be creative and learn. We are a group…
Annex is a place where you can come to relax, be creative and learn. We are a group of local business owners dedicated to expanding the art world through classes and workshops,…
Unique Muskoka
Muskoka is natural beauty, traditions, treasured memories, adventures and creativity woven together in a lifestyle that is unparalleled. Unique…
Muskoka is natural beauty, traditions, treasured memories, adventures and creativity woven together in a lifestyle that is unparalleled. Unique Muskoka tells the story behind these subjects and more. With outstanding articles and photography,…
Daughters of Indie
Daughters of Indie sells a mixture of handcrafted, small-batch and vintage items for the eco-conscious, indie spirit.
Daughters of Indie sells a mixture of handcrafted, small-batch and vintage items for the eco-conscious, indie spirit.
Britton Gallery
Britton Gallery is owned and operated by father and daughter team, Ted and Miranda Britton. Located in downtown…
Britton Gallery is owned and operated by father and daughter team, Ted and Miranda Britton. Located in downtown Bracebridge, the gallery features a selection of contemporary and historical fine art and is…
The Wild Heart
At The Wild Heart, owner Kristine Wild welcomes you to browse among an eclectic and delightful selection of…
At The Wild Heart, owner Kristine Wild welcomes you to browse among an eclectic and delightful selection of home furnishings, decor and goods ranging from antique to vintage to mid-century to modern.…
Muskoka Olive Oil Co.
Muskoka Olive Oil in Bracebridge offers award winning olive oils sourced from around the world, Moderna Italy based…
Muskoka Olive Oil in Bracebridge offers award winning olive oils sourced from around the world, Moderna Italy based Balsamic Vinegars, premium gourmet foods, and homemade fudge to those with discerning tastes in…
Nielsens Bicycles
Nielsens Bicycles is a full service bicycle shop in downtown Bracebridge. Highly experienced mechanics keep you rolling. Retail includes…
Nielsens Bicycles is a full service bicycle shop in downtown Bracebridge. Highly experienced mechanics keep you rolling. Retail includes apparel, accessories, lifestyle and full range of bicycles for every type of rider.
Maple Bluff Farm
Maple Bluff Farm is Huntsville’s neighbourhood sugarbush. In April 2020, the Mackenzie family purchased Maple Bluff Farm, a…
Maple Bluff Farm is Huntsville’s neighbourhood sugarbush. In April 2020, the Mackenzie family purchased Maple Bluff Farm, a 45 acre maple bush in Muskoka that has been in operation for over 17…