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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Turtle Jack’s Port Carling
Our cottage-inspired menu at Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill has steaks, pasta, burgers, wings, premium salads, gluten-free and vegetarian…
Our cottage-inspired menu at Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill has steaks, pasta, burgers, wings, premium salads, gluten-free and vegetarian options, and more. Like a friendly cottage neighbour, we’re ready to welcome you in…
Thrive Foods Cafe & Marketplace
Thrive Foods Cafe & Marketplace provides the freshest, highest quality offerings. From house baked goods to locally roasted…
Thrive Foods Cafe & Marketplace provides the freshest, highest quality offerings. From house baked goods to locally roasted coffee to made from scratch prepared meals. Enjoy breakfast or lunch on our deck…
Don’s Bakery
Don’s Bakery has been an institution in the heart of Muskoka – a sweet and tasty tradition for…
Don’s Bakery has been an institution in the heart of Muskoka – a sweet and tasty tradition for many local and seasonal residents of the area – since 1947. Located at Portage…
Frankies Surf Club
Frankies Surf Club is the brainchild of Toronto restaurateurs Ian McGrenaghan & Colin Tooke (Grand Electric + Electric…
Frankies Surf Club is the brainchild of Toronto restaurateurs Ian McGrenaghan & Colin Tooke (Grand Electric + Electric Mud BBQ) alongside Micah Cameron (former women’s fashion director for the Hudson’s Bay Company.)…
Trading Post Cabin
At Trading Post Cabin treat your senses with a floor to ceiling range of unique retail and the…
At Trading Post Cabin treat your senses with a floor to ceiling range of unique retail and the smells of coffee, baked goods and tasty food. Start your morning off with a…
Field of Greens
Field of Greens is a fine grocery retailer in the heart of Muskoka. Founded in 2004 and located…
Field of Greens is a fine grocery retailer in the heart of Muskoka. Founded in 2004 and located in beautiful Port Carling, they sell everything fresh from seafood to flowers, meats to…
Muskoka Natural Food Market
At Muskoka Natural Food Market we are proud to offer quality and therapeutic grade supplements, herbs and vitamins, including…
At Muskoka Natural Food Market we are proud to offer quality and therapeutic grade supplements, herbs and vitamins, including a large selection of clean essential oils, beauty and cosmetic products. Muskoka Natural Food…
The Vintages Dining Room
Since 1939, Sherwood Inn has developed a reputation as Muskoka’s premier dining destination. Boasting an impressive wine list…
Since 1939, Sherwood Inn has developed a reputation as Muskoka’s premier dining destination. Boasting an impressive wine list and a fresh, locally-sourced menu prepared with care, Vintages Dining Room at Sherwood Inn…
Maple Pub & Patio
Maple Pub & Patio, a laid-back casual eatery inspired by its relaxed cottage country surroundings, charms Muskokans with…
Maple Pub & Patio, a laid-back casual eatery inspired by its relaxed cottage country surroundings, charms Muskokans with delicious fresh dishes for quick family meals or refreshments after a round of golf.…
PolarDip Ice Cream Shoppe
PolarDip Ice Cream Shoppe is a family run business on the waterfront in Gravenhurst at the Muskoka Wharf. We…
PolarDip Ice Cream Shoppe is a family run business on the waterfront in Gravenhurst at the Muskoka Wharf. We have been proudly scooping since 2011 and thrive on getting to know our customers,…
Port Cunnington Lodge & Resort
Jump into the fun with all Port Cunnington Lodge & Resort has to offer. We have a variety…
Jump into the fun with all Port Cunnington Lodge & Resort has to offer. We have a variety of accommodations options to suit any traveller, from traditional cottages, to multiplexes and custom…
Shamrock Lodge
Shamrock Lodge is an all-inclusive family beach resort where there is no shortage of fun! Located on Lake…
Shamrock Lodge is an all-inclusive family beach resort where there is no shortage of fun! Located on Lake Rosseau in Port Carling, just a two hour drive from Toronto. Owned and operated…
Windermere House
Known as the “The Lady of the Lake”, Windermere House – an iconic Victorian landmark – has proudly…
Known as the “The Lady of the Lake”, Windermere House – an iconic Victorian landmark – has proudly stood over Lake Rosseau since 1870, offering guests spectacular vistas and lasting memories. As…
Moon River Lookout
Moon River Lookout is a casual fine dining restaurant in Bala at the top of the hill overlooking…
Moon River Lookout is a casual fine dining restaurant in Bala at the top of the hill overlooking the breathtaking Moon River. We feature a variety of fresh appetizers, salads, entree options…
Dock of the Bay Steak & Seafood Grille
At Dock of the Bay Steak & Seafood Grille, we have the best food around and an atmosphere…
At Dock of the Bay Steak & Seafood Grille, we have the best food around and an atmosphere to match. Try us and you’ll be convinced! Our recipes are authentic and time-tested.…