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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Heron’s Nest Studio Gallery
Steps from downtown Bracebridge, Heron’s Nest Studio Gallery is home to visual artist Wendie Donabie. Working with a…
Steps from downtown Bracebridge, Heron’s Nest Studio Gallery is home to visual artist Wendie Donabie. Working with a variety of mediums, her artistry reflects her love of nature and concern for the…
Muskoka Wild
Muskoka Wild reflects the beauty of the area and the adventurous spirit we hope to share with our…
Muskoka Wild reflects the beauty of the area and the adventurous spirit we hope to share with our clients. This winter, join Muskoka Wild for guided snowmobile tours, snow bike tours and…
Humdinger Bicycle Tours
Humdinger is central Ontario’s first bicycle tour company to offer premium, multi-day, supported bicycle tours in Ontario’s pristine…
Humdinger is central Ontario’s first bicycle tour company to offer premium, multi-day, supported bicycle tours in Ontario’s pristine cottage country, with both guided and self-guided options. Choose one of their tours that…
Tour Muskoka
Get Dirty In Muskoka on a guided tour excursion driving a Side by Side. We travel through the…
Get Dirty In Muskoka on a guided tour excursion driving a Side by Side. We travel through the most stunning scenic landscapes of Muskoka on 100’s of kilometres of undisturbed natural forest…
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…
Delmonte in the Pines
Delmonte in the Pines is nestled on 60 secluded acres with 2000 ft of shoreline on Sparrow Lake…
Delmonte in the Pines is nestled on 60 secluded acres with 2000 ft of shoreline on Sparrow Lake and accessing the Trent-Severn Waterway System. With seven different accommodations, we operate as a…
Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm
A world of maple heritage and history awaits you at Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm.To truly understand present day…
A world of maple heritage and history awaits you at Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm.To truly understand present day maple sugaring one must understand the scope of maple sugaring from the past. What…
O’Mara Studio & Gallery
Catherine O’Mara of O’Mara Studio & Gallery is a self- taught artist who works with the ancient medium of…
Catherine O’Mara of O’Mara Studio & Gallery is a self- taught artist who works with the ancient medium of egg tempera. She has developed a sophisticated style that represents the Muskoka Landscape with…
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…
Red Barn Antiques
The “Red Barn” has multiple vendors and a huge selection of stock – refinished furniture, painted furniture, glass,…
The “Red Barn” has multiple vendors and a huge selection of stock – refinished furniture, painted furniture, glass, silverware, prints and collectibles. You cannot miss it! People come from all over to…
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…
The Antler Steakhouse
Deerhurst’s popular summer dining venue, The Antler Steakhouse, is definitely geared to the carnivore crowd. In addition to…
Deerhurst’s popular summer dining venue, The Antler Steakhouse, is definitely geared to the carnivore crowd. In addition to the exceptional selection of AAA Canadian steaks, the menu brims with other favourites from…
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.…
Baysville Marina
Baysville Marina is a family owned and operated marina on beautiful Lake of Bays. Our full service marina…
Baysville Marina is a family owned and operated marina on beautiful Lake of Bays. Our full service marina sells new and used boats and motors, as well as offers a professional and…
SS Bigwin
Sail across the smooth waters of beautiful Lake of Bays aboard the historic SS Bigwin! Departing from its…
Sail across the smooth waters of beautiful Lake of Bays aboard the historic SS Bigwin! Departing from its dock in Dorset and cruising down majestic Trading Bay with its tall pines and…