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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Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint
Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint is bringing really good pizza to really good people! “Pie is the Ferris…
Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint is bringing really good pizza to really good people! “Pie is the Ferris Bueller of Wood Oven Pizza Joints! Our Pies, Promos and in-store ambiance are designed…
Main St. Delicatessen
Main St. Delicatessan is a vintage deli-style restaurant serving up what the owners Paul and Jovan like to…
Main St. Delicatessan is a vintage deli-style restaurant serving up what the owners Paul and Jovan like to call “comfort food with a twist”. Located in downtown Bracebridge on Manitoba Street in the…
The Birches Restaurant
The Birches Restaurant, located on site at Hidden Valley Resort, is Muskoka hospitality and dining at its finest.…
The Birches Restaurant, located on site at Hidden Valley Resort, is Muskoka hospitality and dining at its finest. Overlooking Penninsula Lake, The Birches promotes local suppliers and features menu offerings that highlight local…
Cast Iron Restaurant
Cast Iron Restaurant in Baysville, co-owned by chef Tyler and front of house manager Andrea, was opened with a…
Cast Iron Restaurant in Baysville, co-owned by chef Tyler and front of house manager Andrea, was opened with a love of food and dining out that encourage the pair to open a restaurant…
Compass Grill & Lounge
Centrally located just steps from the lobby, Compass Grill & Lounge is the place to gather for a…
Centrally located just steps from the lobby, Compass Grill & Lounge is the place to gather for a casual bite and an exquisite glass of wine by the fireplace. Cozy up to…
Eclipse Dining Room
Sweeping lake vistas are the ideal accompaniments to generous breakfasts and great dinner experiences with family and friends.…
Sweeping lake vistas are the ideal accompaniments to generous breakfasts and great dinner experiences with family and friends. Eclipse restaurant and outdoor terrace offer stunning views on a beautiful wrap around terrace…
Trading Bay Dining Company
With its rich history, friendly and efficient staff, comfortable casual atmosphere and a menu that offers fresh ingredients…
With its rich history, friendly and efficient staff, comfortable casual atmosphere and a menu that offers fresh ingredients that change with the seasons, the Trading Bay Dining Company emulates a true Canadiana…
Patterson Kaye Resort
Patterson Kaye Resort has been operating as a family vacation destination on the shores of Lake Muskoka since…
Patterson Kaye Resort has been operating as a family vacation destination on the shores of Lake Muskoka since 1936. It has offered the same peaceful, picturesque setting for five generations of people…
Sawdust City Brewing Co.
Located in Gravenhurst, Sawdust City Brewing Company is dedicated to the art and science of creating exceptional craft…
Located in Gravenhurst, Sawdust City Brewing Company is dedicated to the art and science of creating exceptional craft beers. We produce traditional ales in an array of styles, but there is nothing…
Farmers’ Daughter
In support of local farmers and producers, you will find fresh quality produce at Farmer’s Daughter. Farmer’s Daughter’s…
In support of local farmers and producers, you will find fresh quality produce at Farmer’s Daughter. Farmer’s Daughter’s own products are handmade using only the best natural ingredients. Whether you are looking…
Erika’s Bakery
Welcome to Erika’s Bakery, located along Hwy 60 in Dwight. Stop for a coffee, a famous breakfast bagel, muffin…
Welcome to Erika’s Bakery, located along Hwy 60 in Dwight. Stop for a coffee, a famous breakfast bagel, muffin in the morning, sandwich for lunch or a piece of pizza, a fresh smoothie…
Frosty Pint Pub
At Frosty Pint Pub we offer two great dining experiences under one roof! The pub offers casual dining…
At Frosty Pint Pub we offer two great dining experiences under one roof! The pub offers casual dining in a cozy atmosphere showcasing 4 TV’s including an 80” big screen, frosty mugs,…
Well Fed
Enjoy homemade goodness on the go at Well Fed. Transformed from a 100 year old stable to comfort…
Enjoy homemade goodness on the go at Well Fed. Transformed from a 100 year old stable to comfort food on your table, Well Fed is Gravenhurst’s newest offering of authentic old Muskoka…
Humble Pie Butter Tart Factory & Pizzeria
The Humble Pie Butter Tart Factory & Pizzeria is your bakery in the south end of Lake of…
The Humble Pie Butter Tart Factory & Pizzeria is your bakery in the south end of Lake of Bays, located in beautiful downtown Baysville. The bakery is famous for its delicious butter…
Inn at the Falls
Nestled on the banks of the Muskoka River in Bracebridge, Ontario, Inn at the Falls is a Boutique…
Nestled on the banks of the Muskoka River in Bracebridge, Ontario, Inn at the Falls is a Boutique Inn/Resort ideally situated in one of Ontario’s most picturesque towns in the center of…