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.
View By:
Miss Nelle’s Cafe
Miss Nelle’s is a great place for breakfast, lunch or a hot drink. Many come by bike, boat,…
Miss Nelle’s is a great place for breakfast, lunch or a hot drink. Many come by bike, boat, by foot or drive in for something to eat. We offer full breakfast daily.…
Huntsville Brewhouse
Downtown Huntsville’s first brewhouse is an extension of Lake of Bays Brewing Co. Their extra-small batch brewing facility…
Downtown Huntsville’s first brewhouse is an extension of Lake of Bays Brewing Co. Their extra-small batch brewing facility includes a full kitchen with a seated capacity of 100+ people. Enjoy locally sourced food,…
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…
Allora
Allora provides a fresh, locally sourced menu with unique cocktails and beverages, as well as an array of…
Allora provides a fresh, locally sourced menu with unique cocktails and beverages, as well as an array of polished and delightful desserts served in an unforgettable atmosphere, sophisticated enough to transport each…
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…
Lakeside Bala
Lakeside Bala offers fine dining in the heart of Muskoka with fresh food and a beautiful lakefront view.…
Lakeside Bala offers fine dining in the heart of Muskoka with fresh food and a beautiful lakefront view. Enjoy your meal while listening to relaxing music and overlooking beautiful Lake Muskoka.
Basilico
Just steps away from downtown Bracebridge and tucked inside one of Muskoka’s oldest historical buildings, Basilico brings you…
Just steps away from downtown Bracebridge and tucked inside one of Muskoka’s oldest historical buildings, Basilico brings you Italian-inspired dining in a casual environment. We hope to dine with you soon.
Family Place Restaurant
Family Place Restaurant is Huntsville’s go-to diner for wholesome, made-from-scratch comfort food, best shared among family and friends.…
Family Place Restaurant is Huntsville’s go-to diner for wholesome, made-from-scratch comfort food, best shared among family and friends. Family Place has been family owned and operated in Huntsville for over 35 years.…
Beveragino
Explore Beveragino, the newest marketplace in Muskoka. We offer fresh florals, curated goods, catering, and a gourmet marketplace. Open…
Explore Beveragino, the newest marketplace in Muskoka. We offer fresh florals, curated goods, catering, and a gourmet marketplace. Open all year round, we’re looking forward to seeing you for a beveragino!
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…
Tea on the 45TH
Tea on the 45TH offers a carefully curated assortment of 100 blends. Our assortment includes the Tea Families of…
Tea on the 45TH offers a carefully curated assortment of 100 blends. Our assortment includes the Tea Families of White, Green, Black, Oolong, Pu Erh and Matcha. Organic Herbs and Roots, Rooibos, Fruit…
Boiler Room Tap & Grill
Boiler Room Tap & Grill is more than just a local watering hole. We are a fresh, family…
Boiler Room Tap & Grill is more than just a local watering hole. We are a fresh, family owned restaurant located on Highway 35 in Dwight, which has been a local landmark…
Bracebridge Barrelhouse
Lake of Bays Brewing Co. (LB) has a third location in Bracebridge, ON. The Bracebridge Barrelhouse offers barrel-aged…
Lake of Bays Brewing Co. (LB) has a third location in Bracebridge, ON. The Bracebridge Barrelhouse offers barrel-aged and experimental beers, both brewed on-site, as well as LB’s regular beer lineup and…
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…
Canvas Brewing Co.
Canvas Brewing Co is Huntsville’s newest craft brewery, born out of a love for the local landscape and…
Canvas Brewing Co is Huntsville’s newest craft brewery, born out of a love for the local landscape and a passion for fresh, well-made craft beer. Kolsch, our debut brew is a German-inspired…