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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Camping on the Farm
Looking to get away from the noise and crowded urban landscape? Book a night or two in our…
Looking to get away from the noise and crowded urban landscape? Book a night or two in our glamping cabin located under the stars of the Muskoka night sky at Winding Fences…
The Fishbowl Caribbean Cuisine
The Fishbowl is a seasonal food truck serving up authentic Caribbean cuisine, made from the heart with a…
The Fishbowl is a seasonal food truck serving up authentic Caribbean cuisine, made from the heart with a soul to match. If you haven’t been by to give us a try, may…
Fin City Fish & Chips
Fin City Fish & Chips is the best fish and chip restaurant in Canada. We specialize in serving…
Fin City Fish & Chips is the best fish and chip restaurant in Canada. We specialize in serving fresh Halibut, Haddock, Cod, Pickerel, Rainbow and White Fish, and the occasional lobster dinners.…
Driftwood Cove Marine Resort
Driftwood Cove Resort was founded in June 1987. It is a first class marine resort nestled in a…
Driftwood Cove Resort was founded in June 1987. It is a first class marine resort nestled in a cove off the Trent Severn Waterway one lock above Georgian Bay in the heart…
Sky-Mazing Parasail Adventures
Find Sky-Mazing Parasail Adventures and their larger parasail boat located at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst at the…
Find Sky-Mazing Parasail Adventures and their larger parasail boat located at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst at the end of Dock C from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving. Our new parasailing only…
Jack & Stella
With an eclectic mix of food, shopping and events, Jack & Stella is a modern take on the…
With an eclectic mix of food, shopping and events, Jack & Stella is a modern take on the old General Store that has quickly become a new Bala landmark. We’re that place where…
Pizza on Earth
Pizza on Earth is a family-owned and run wood-fired pizzeria. We make wood-fired, gourmet, thin-crust pizzas prepared with…
Pizza on Earth is a family-owned and run wood-fired pizzeria. We make wood-fired, gourmet, thin-crust pizzas prepared with quality ingredients. At Pizza on Earth, our gourmet pizzas are handmade and cooked in a…
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…
JFeist Fine Art Studio
JFeist studio overlooks a beautiful, rolling field embraced by granite outcroppings and forest. It is the perfect place…
JFeist studio overlooks a beautiful, rolling field embraced by granite outcroppings and forest. It is the perfect place for me to create. My paintings have an impressionistic bent to them, however, I…
Away We Go Trips
Self-guided day trip itineraries with five epic routes around Muskoka. Each route has ten stops that get you…
Self-guided day trip itineraries with five epic routes around Muskoka. Each route has ten stops that get you in on the culture, heritage, fun and flavour of Muskoka, accessed via instant digital…
Matchless Adventures
Matchless Adventures was started in Canada in 2020 with one mission in mind – to provide the best…
Matchless Adventures was started in Canada in 2020 with one mission in mind – to provide the best boating and water sport experience possible. Matchless Adventures is proud to partner with Legend…
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…
CanAm Pro Guide Fishing Charters
Join professional tournament angler and pro fishing guide Brian Gardy and his team at CanAm Pro Guide Fishing…
Join professional tournament angler and pro fishing guide Brian Gardy and his team at CanAm Pro Guide Fishing Charters out on the water this season. CanAm specializes in tours on Lake Muskoka,…
Muskoka Mike’s Fishing Charters
Muskoka Mike’s Fishing Charters has over 25 years experience – specializing in walleye, pike and bass. Fish the Muskoka…
Muskoka Mike’s Fishing Charters has over 25 years experience – specializing in walleye, pike and bass. Fish the Muskoka Lakes; Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, Lake Joseph as well as Georgian Bay and Lake…