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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El Gringo’s Cantina
El Gringo’s Cantina serves authentic Mexican fare from their truck located onsite at Muskoka BeerSpa in Torrance.
El Gringo’s Cantina serves authentic Mexican fare from their truck located onsite at Muskoka BeerSpa in Torrance.
Din’s Fresh Fries
Din’s Fresh Fries is located at Lake of Bays Garden Centre and serves an amazing menu including Jamie’s…
Din’s Fresh Fries is located at Lake of Bays Garden Centre and serves an amazing menu including Jamie’s delicious smash burger and fresh fries.
Cheesus Murphy and the Grateful Bread
Ever since Cheesus crawled out of the bayou she’s been spanking out some of the most innovative and…
Ever since Cheesus crawled out of the bayou she’s been spanking out some of the most innovative and exotic grilled cheese samiches ever eaten outta a Dwight food truck. Cheesus may have…
The Tom Thomson Mystery Experience
Designed by Anne Lindsay (owner of Muskoka’s Incredible Race), The Tom Thomson Mystery Experience by Leplace World is…
Designed by Anne Lindsay (owner of Muskoka’s Incredible Race), The Tom Thomson Mystery Experience by Leplace World is an interactive storyline that connects the life, art, loves and mystery surrounding Tom Thomson…
Burger Boys on Main
Burger Boys is a one-of-a-kind food truck located conveniently on Main Street in beautiful Gravenhurst. Check out their…
Burger Boys is a one-of-a-kind food truck located conveniently on Main Street in beautiful Gravenhurst. Check out their Facebook page for details.
MSpa
With views overlooking the beautiful ski hill, and the valley of the lake you will be immersed in…
With views overlooking the beautiful ski hill, and the valley of the lake you will be immersed in an oasis of relaxation. The best way to take care of yourself is to…
Muskoka Players
Theatre in its simplest form is story telling. Therefore one could make the case that there has been…
Theatre in its simplest form is story telling. Therefore one could make the case that there has been theatre in Muskoka since the first indigenous peoples shared tales around a campfire. That…
Red Pine Art Supply
Owned and operated by artist, Sam Sullivan, AOCAD, and husband, Chris, Red Pine Art Supply is in the…
Owned and operated by artist, Sam Sullivan, AOCAD, and husband, Chris, Red Pine Art Supply is in the heart of beautiful downtown Huntsville, supporting the local artist community and visitors all year-round.…
The Baysville Pavilion
The Baysville Pavilion is a landmark in town – an iconic roadhouse style pub with a great atmosphere.…
The Baysville Pavilion is a landmark in town – an iconic roadhouse style pub with a great atmosphere. Check out their Facebook page for dining specials, events and live music announcements.
Huntsville Theatre Company
The Huntsville Theatre Company fosters a sense of belonging for all performers, regardless of experience. We offer children…
The Huntsville Theatre Company fosters a sense of belonging for all performers, regardless of experience. We offer children and youth programs, workshops, and active audience engagement while continuing to provide quality and…
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 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.