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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The Pearl Muskoka
Located in the heart of Bala, Muskoka, The Pearl is a destination food market where “old country” and…
Located in the heart of Bala, Muskoka, The Pearl is a destination food market where “old country” and contemporary intersect. Led by a team of culinary experts, we are focused on mixing…
Windmill Bakery & Bistro
European Inspired; Windmill continues its long standing tradition of creating authentic, tasty baked goods. Windmill Bakery was started…
European Inspired; Windmill continues its long standing tradition of creating authentic, tasty baked goods. Windmill Bakery was started in 1976 by Ton Struyk, a Dutch immigrant. It was carried on by Tjeerd…
Tristan’s Tasty Eatz
Tristan’s Tasty Eatz Food Truck serves a variety of delicious Canadian foods, gourmet Canadian poutine and tasty sandwiches.
Tristan’s Tasty Eatz Food Truck serves a variety of delicious Canadian foods, gourmet Canadian poutine and tasty sandwiches.
The Thai Hut
Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Nook is an experienced and talented cook who has been living in Canada for…
Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Nook is an experienced and talented cook who has been living in Canada for the last 30 years. Feeling that Thai restaurants just didn’t do the food the…
Smokin’ Hot BBQ
Smokin’ Hot BBQ is an outside smokehouse and grill located in Huntsville on Hwy 60. With great recipes, an…
Smokin’ Hot BBQ is an outside smokehouse and grill located in Huntsville on Hwy 60. With great recipes, an eye for detail and infectious smiles, the owners have won the hearts of many…
The Smokin Birds
Stop by and check out The Smokin Birds, Muskoka’s own live fire BBQ joint! We know that you’ll…
Stop by and check out The Smokin Birds, Muskoka’s own live fire BBQ joint! We know that you’ll love our BBQ, seasonal sides, and hand made juices.
Shelby’s Chipwagon
Shelby’s Chipwagon has been serving Muskoka for over 21 years. From poutine to steak on a bun, we…
Shelby’s Chipwagon has been serving Muskoka for over 21 years. From poutine to steak on a bun, we have something for everyone. You can’t miss them in the big pink truck!
Pete’s Links
The BBQ is fired up at Pete’s Links. Stop by for a sausage or hot dog today!
The BBQ is fired up at Pete’s Links. Stop by for a sausage or hot dog today!
Only Zoey’s
Only Zoey’s in Gravenhurst is home of the layered poutine, homemade onion rings and deep fried dill pickles.
Only Zoey’s in Gravenhurst is home of the layered poutine, homemade onion rings and deep fried dill pickles.
My Neighbour’s Kitchen and Grill
My Neighbour’s Kitchen and Grill is a family run food truck in Bracebridge. The hot grill is a…
My Neighbour’s Kitchen and Grill is a family run food truck in Bracebridge. The hot grill is a one woman show run by Arlina who serves up delectable meals from her Filipino…
Serious Chicken Smokehouse Muskoka
Welcome to Serious Chicken Smokehouse Muskoka, where we’re serious about quality!
Welcome to Serious Chicken Smokehouse Muskoka, where we’re serious about quality!
Halibut House Fish & Chip Truck
Halibut House Fish & Chip Truck is now in Huntsville! We offer a limited menu from our restaurants.
Halibut House Fish & Chip Truck is now in Huntsville! We offer a limited menu from our restaurants.
Fry Days
Fry Days is located on site at Muskoka Highlands Golf Links in Bracebridge serving fresh cut fries, poutine…
Fry Days is located on site at Muskoka Highlands Golf Links in Bracebridge serving fresh cut fries, poutine and hotdogs.
Frenchie’s Crepe Cafe
Frenchie’s Crepe Cafe is a locally owned and operated food truck offering authentic French crepes, catering and made…
Frenchie’s Crepe Cafe is a locally owned and operated food truck offering authentic French crepes, catering and made from scratch baked goods. We pride ourselves in offering a fresh perspective to the…
Fox in the Henhouse
Since 2020, Fox in the Henhouse has been dedicated to serving the best fried chicken sandwiches and doughnuts…
Since 2020, Fox in the Henhouse has been dedicated to serving the best fried chicken sandwiches and doughnuts made from scratch and packed with flavour. Come check us out and see what…