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 Owl Pen
Looking for something to read? The Owl Pen in downtown Bracebridge is family owned and operated and offers…
Looking for something to read? The Owl Pen in downtown Bracebridge is family owned and operated and offers two floors of used books for you to find the perfect one (or two,…
The Oven
The Oven serves up fresh Muskoka sourdough pizza, breads and baked goods, all prepared in a wood fired…
The Oven serves up fresh Muskoka sourdough pizza, breads and baked goods, all prepared in a wood fired oven.
Home2 Suites by Hilton
Home2 Suites by Hilton offers pet-friendly suites in Huntsville, just off Highway 11 and minutes to local attractions,…
Home2 Suites by Hilton offers pet-friendly suites in Huntsville, just off Highway 11 and minutes to local attractions, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy the in-suite kitchen, indoor saline pool, along with free continental…
Cedar Canoe Books
Cedar Canoe Books was founded in 2022 to provide the Muskoka community and it’s visitors with a place…
Cedar Canoe Books was founded in 2022 to provide the Muskoka community and it’s visitors with a place to gather, learn and discover new adventures.
Decorated on Main
Decorated on Main curates a stylish selection of furniture, clothing, jewellery, décor, personal care and baby items, consistently…
Decorated on Main curates a stylish selection of furniture, clothing, jewellery, décor, personal care and baby items, consistently updating their inventory for the season and to stay on trend, while maintaining an…
Muskoka Foundry
Muskoka Foundry is a one of a kind venue for food and events in Muskoka comprising of shopping…
Muskoka Foundry is a one of a kind venue for food and events in Muskoka comprising of shopping and local food artisans, community radio station studio, special events venue with music, live…
Essence of Spice
Craving some good Indian food? Essence of Spice in Gravenhurst brings the tastes of India right to your…
Craving some good Indian food? Essence of Spice in Gravenhurst brings the tastes of India right to your table with delicate spices and mouth watering food. Everything in the restaurant is made in…
Muskoka Waterfront Retreat
Muskoka Waterfront Retreat is a modern, technology-enabled retreat nestled on the shores of the Lake of Bays, a…
Muskoka Waterfront Retreat is a modern, technology-enabled retreat nestled on the shores of the Lake of Bays, a short drive away from Huntsville, and right beside Algonquin and Arrowhead Provincial Parks. It…
Wooden Penny
Wooden Penny was established in 2000 and is proud to be serving Muskoka and surrounding area with quality…
Wooden Penny was established in 2000 and is proud to be serving Muskoka and surrounding area with quality handmade furnishings and home décor items. In 2014 Wooden Penny came under new ownership…
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.
Seng’s Thai Cuisine
Seng’s Thai Cuisine – run by owners chef Mariam Phengphan and chef Seng Soukhaserm- offers a great selection…
Seng’s Thai Cuisine – run by owners chef Mariam Phengphan and chef Seng Soukhaserm- offers a great selection of authentic Thai food at their restaurant in downtown Huntsville. New in 2023, stop…
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…
BeaverTails
BeaverTails are famously flat donuts. Deliciously addictive, whole-wheat Canadian pastries served piping hot with your choice of delectable…
BeaverTails are famously flat donuts. Deliciously addictive, whole-wheat Canadian pastries served piping hot with your choice of delectable toppings. Their location in downtown Huntsville also serves ice cream and other iconic Canadian…